SUNDAY
Jaguars (+16 ½) over 49ers (in London): Unless 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh wants to make this a crusade, there’s no reason Frisco should run it up in this distracting setting, even if rout is there for the taking. Rational path for favorite is to work on depth, try some wrinkles they wouldn’t dare to attempt against a top foe, and maintain a “safe” margin. We’ll see.
Giants (+5 ½) over EAGLES: John Madden called Monday’s Vikings-Giants spectacle “the worst game he’d ever seen.” No argument — but Eli Manning and friends now are a Turnpike ride away from the apprehension and fear that now permeates MetLife’s stands on Giants home dates. Eagles haven’t done their backers a lick of good at the Linc since 2011. If Manning doesn’t turn the ball over, this should work.
BENGALS (-6 ½) over Jets: Gang Green’s enjoyed good fortune against the Bengals in recent years, but host is best Brown-family outfit in two decades. Tight nod, to the chalk. … What do we think will happen, here? Doubt they’ll reach forty!
LIONS (-3) over Cowboys: Tony Romo is an ever-dangerous dog in this type of setting, but Detroits lost to Cincy at Ford Field because (a) the Bengals are better than you think, and (b) they play nails pass defense. Status of DE DeMarcus Ware huge concern for Cowboys.
CHIEFS (-7 ¹/₂) over Browns: Andy Reid’s preferred tempo and Alex Smith’s style can make you sweat when laying a snowman with Kansas City. Though no one’s scored more than 17 on this resurrected defense, much of that is due to their featherbed schedule sequence. Still, tough to envision Browns within reach after three hours, as QB Brandon Weeden gives way to Jason “I’m Holding The Ball As Long As I Can” Campbell, who needs to be quicker and more decisive in the worst way.
SAINTS (-11) over Bills: There exist multiple powerhouse technical angles favoring mighty Buffalo, and QB Thad Lewis has surprised (many — though not us) with his ability to make meaningful plays under fire. But uncalled holds allowed the Pats to escape New Orleans’ clutches at Gillette, and Sean Peyton’s men have had two weeks to get geeked up. With Seattle’s, the Superdome may be the strongest home field going. Appears Bills may choose to do without RB C.J. Spiller.
Dolphins (+6 ¹/₂) over PATROITS: If Ryan Tannehill can keep moving the sticks and play keepaway from Tom Brady, Dolphins are capable of snapping six-game losing streak to Massachusetts tormentors. Brady overthrows last week in OT vs. Jets were beyond ugly, and if Miami pass rushers can keep bringing the heat, could be more trouble at hand for haughty franchise past its peak.
Steelers (-2 ¹/₂) over OAKLAND: This is young Raiders QB Terrelle Pryor against defensive mastermind Dick Lebeau, and given the histories, doesn’t seem prudent to pull the trigger on Oakland, even with the head start — though even when possessing talent superior to today’s, Steelers haven’t managed to win in the Black Hole since ’95.
Redskins (+12 ¹/₂) over BRONCOS: Washington special teams remain revolting, giving up giant chunks of ground at critical times, and health of the secondary cause for worry … but market’s offering plenty of cushion, here. Peyton Manning actually missed a Denver practice this week, and even with Von Miller’s return, Broncos defense hardly is bulletproof.
Falcons (+2 ½) over CARDINALS: Arizona’s beaten up, coming off the ultimate league meatgrinder — successive games against the Niners and Seahawks — and with their bye next week, can envision the Cards looking to take a few deep breaths and regroup. Visitors expect to get RB Steven Jackson back, which should do wonders for their offensive versatility.
Packers (-9) over VIKINGS: Extreme number is ultra-dangerous territory for layers — in a divisional night game, yet — but Josh Freeman’s reported concussion leaves lost-at-sea Vikings back in the hands of Christian Ponder, whose downfield abilities leave much to be desired. Adrian Peterson’s hamstring issues linger, while Eddie Lacy should have a field day on the ground.
MONDAY
Seattle (-11) over RAMS: Yet another nightmare prime-timer in a week replete with them, as ex-Jet Kellen Clemens is forced into QB duty for Rams after the Panthers knocked Sam Bradford out for the year. And though the time is nigh, Seattle hasn’t even needed to work acquisition Percy Harvin into the offensive scheme, to this point.
LAST WEEK: 5-9
SEASON: 41-56-2