SUNDAY
Browns (+5 ½) over BENGALS: Remember, this is Norv Turner offensively coordinating with Cleveland. The man knows offense, and now, he doesn’t have to play a no-win game with Brandon Weeden at the controls. Injuries have weakened the Bengals defense, making Browns QB Jason Campbell a serviceable option.
Jets (+1) over BILLS: Our statistical indicators point toward Buffalo in this spot, and QB EJ Manuel shed some injury-induced rust against the Steelers. Nevertheless, playing Pittsburgh tends to leave teams stiff and sore, and every side that has played these Bills has racked up a minimum of 20 points, which, given the Jets defense, should do the trick.
GIANTS (-5) over Packers: Yes, the visitors’ uniforms are green and cheesy, but the collection of players who wear them isn’t nearly as effective when Aaron Rodgers isn’t active in the quarterback role. Scout-team QB Scott Tolzien assumes the position for Green Bay, off respectable statistical showing against the Eagles. Eli Manning needs to play a clean one.
BUCCANEERS (+1) over Falcons: With considerable pressure lifted after Tampa Bay got off the schneid vs. enigmatic Miami, will look for an encore performance out of Greg Schiano’s team, despite its exceedingly modest record at their pirate-ship digs in recent seasons. Expect Bucs QB Mike Glennon to get the time he needs, as Atlanta endures sustained implosion.
Lions (-2) over STEELERS: Detroit fortunate to escape Soldier Field with a win, but with Matthew Stafford slinging it to Calvin “Megatron” Johnson and friends, Lions’ attack deployment qualifies as an upper-grade offense, and this year’s Steelers have had their difficulties with such. Lions haven’t won in Pittsburgh since ’55, but they hadn’t won in Washington ever until this season.
Redskins (+3 ½) over EAGLES: Washington continues to have late-game concentration (and special teams) issues — but Philadelphia has failed to surpass the number in its past 12 games at Lincoln Financial Field, and that has got to be getting into the Eagles’ heads, despite Nick Foles’ emergence at quarterback. This is divisional underdog revenge for opening-night, fast-tempo, first-half Philly rout.
Ravens (+3) over BEARS: Close call! Ravens have started slowly most ’13 outings, but can be counted upon to rally, while Bears have had recent trouble closing out close games. Josh McCown reliable under center, but reluctant to buck Joe Flacco without Charles “Peanut” Tillman in the defensive backfield.
TEXANS (-7) over Raiders: The Raiders face new challenges as undrafted Matt McGloin (formerly of Penn State) inherits quarterback job, due to Terrelle Pryor’s sprained MCL. McGloin is unlikely to be the answer. The prime question is whether the return of coach Gary Kubiak to sidelines will sufficiently inspire QB Case Keenum and remaining pieces of Texans’ offense.
Chargers (-1) over DOLPHINS: You think Miami’s hit bottom, yet? Us, neither. Throw in that Bolts’ true form has been masked by the severity of their schedule this season — with multiple dire tests to come, given their residence in the muscular AFC West. Would expect many Fish fans to go “incognito” by donning grocery-bag headgear soon.
JAGUARS (+7) over Cardinals: Without Titans QB Jake Locker to deal with, Jags were able to escape Tennessee (long a favorite patsy) with their first seasonal win. Would anticipate follow-up here, as not enamored of Cards or Carson Palmer as pronounced road chalk.
SEAHAWKS (-12) over Vikings: World finally may see return of wideout Percy Harvin — who could make his ’Hawks debut against his old club! Harvin’s presence would boost home side’s offense exponentially. Vikings have shown some spunk against lesser opponents, but defense is wanting, and this is hard row to hoe with short-range weapon Christian Ponder.
49ers (+3) over SAINTS: Some subtle factors working against New Orleans, though public still can’t get enough of Who Dats, especially at home. Schedule dynamics — and some returning wounded (Vernon Davis?) — may aid Niners’ cause.
Chiefs (+8 ½) over BRONCOS: First of two meetings within three weeks for this duo, entering this matchup a combined 17-1 — a rare convergence. This is an acid test for Chiefs coach Andy Reid’s historical legacy — certainly regarding his road touch, as well as his uncanny ability to maximize performances with 14 days to prepare. Peyton Manning’s a shade the worse for wear.
MONDAY
PANTHERS (-2 ½) over Patriots: The $64 question: Can surging Panthers hold off old-class Pats, invading the mid-Atlantic as underdogs … and with the edge of Bill Belichick enjoying two weeks to conjure up the master game plan? With newfound confidence and elan, Carolina may just possess sheer muscle power to pull this off.
LAST WEEK: 10-3
SEASON: 60-74-2