Home team in CAPS
RAIDERS (-2.5) over Washington
This looms as a vicious style matchup, which markedly favors the hot Vegas side. It can be argued that the Washington pass defense is as dubious as any other such unit this season. Derek Carr has been racking up wins this season whenever he manages 300-plus passing yards on the day.
Giants (+4) over DOLPHINS
With QB Daniel Jones sidelined with a bum neck, Mike Glennon steps in for spot-relief duty. Big Blue have outperformed the marketplace in this specific inter-conference matchup, which perhaps isn’t too surprising, given their defense-first orientation.
Eagles (-6.5) over Jets
Philadelphia’s birds carry a spotless historical record versus Gang Green, having grounded these Jets 11 times in all, with nary a loss to blemish their perfect matchup record. QB Zach Wilson is looking to make his second start back off knee issues, while Philly’s Jalen Hurts is questionable as he continues to nurse a sprained ankle.
Falcons (+10.5) over BUCCANEERS
Not looking to get too “out there” with this modest dog as Bucs glide along atop NFC South, but market makers are asking Bucs and Brady fans to lay full value, plus. With Tampa Bay three games up in the NFC South, Bucs wideout Antonio Brown is hurt and suspended, backup Jaelon Darden is concussed, CB Jamel Dean and LB Devin White are iffy, Rob Gronkowski and Ndamukong Suh rested during practice this week, and Jason Pierre-Paul is fresh off a shoulder problem, leaning toward dog, with best of Sunday’s price.
LIONS (+7) over Vikings
No question which is the superior team — as Detroit still needs to demonstrate it can work its way into the win column this season. The price on Minnesota is superficially reasonable, but the Vikings have largely been playing to the level of their competition most of this season.
Colts (-8.5) over TEXANS
This looms a reasonable free square for Indianapolis, given they’ve already lost six games this season despite their considerable talents, and would be well advised to strive to put this away early, versus a side looking to recover from flu issues.
Cardinals (-7) over BEARS
We all know which the better team is, but the weather may be the transcendent factor here. Though temps are expected to reach the mid-40s, it’s expected to rain meaningfully throughout, with December winds in the 15-25 mph range … a situation worth watching closely, regarding both the side and the total. With the Cards fresh off their bye, wounded warriors (QB Kyler Murray and WR DeAndre Hopkins) should be ready as they’ll ever be, and we’d be foolish to fault the quality of the visitors’ roster.
Chargers (+2.5) over BENGALS
No torrential downpours likely here, but the field should be slick most of the day, with temps approaching 60 degrees. Cincinnati opened a slim favorite after bopping the Steelers, 41-10 — though it might take the Bengals a while to return to earth after that display against their Evil Empire. The Bolts are legit contenders in the stiff AFC West.
RAMS (-13) over Jaguars
Not looking for a four-TD win — but talented hosts don’t need that as much as a clear early lead en route to a comfortable, safe final margin, with everyone emerging healthy.
SEAHAWKS (+3.5) over 49ers
The NFC West standings have flipped, and this is no longer a battle of titans — but despite the fact that a surface view would suggest the Niners boast the superior roster, the ’Hawks are on a 13-2 victory stretch against this divisional rival — though neither looms as a hardcore postseason threat. Should be competitive.
STEELERS (+4.5) over Ravens
While apparently “over the top” in terms of deep, serious postseason consideration, the Steelers remain in the battle for the AFC North, with the Ravens currently in control of divisional honors at this point. We remain unwilling to fade the Steelers when sent out as home puppies — while turnover-prone Lamar Jackson continues to direct the Ravens’ offense.
CHIEFS (-9.5) over Broncos
Make no mistake, the Broncos travel well and look to be competitive against better foes … but counter that with the Chiefs’ sustained, sparkling long-term mark off a bye week when run by coach Andy Reid.
Monday
Patriots (+3) over BILLS
Coach Bill Belichick’s Pats opened 2-4 through mid-October, but they haven’t lost since, assuming command of the AFC East behind rookie signal-caller Mac Jones. The Bills have largely devolved into a turnover factory (11 in their past four outings), to QB Josh Allen’s chagrin. Given the night setting and the projected temps, snow is a real possibility.
Last week: 6-6
Season: 77-87-2
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