After finishing last in the NFL in total defense in 2015, the Giants spent $193.75 million to bring in linebacker Olivier Vernon, corner Janoris Jenkins and defensive tackle Damon “Snacks” Harrison. If they got even half their money’s worth, it should be enough to combat a tough Cowboys offensive line and get after rookie quarterback Dak Prescott and running back Ezekiel Elliott.
Eli Manning, Odell Beckham Jr. and Co. shouldn’t find much deterrence from a Dallas defense that’s missing three suspended players — defensive ends Randy Gregory and DeMarcus Lawrence and linebacker Rolando McClain.
The pick: Giants +1.
Bengals (-2¹/₂) over JETS: Andy Dalton was 10-2 with 25 touchdowns and seven interceptions when he got hurt early in the Bengals’ Dec. 13 loss to the Steelers. Cincy finished 13-3 and should have beaten the Steelers in the playoffs without Dalton, but gave the game away with stupid penalties. This is simply a team that’s better than the Jets, with a great run/pass mix in Jeremy Hill and A.J. Green and some beasts on the defensive line in Carlos Dunlap and Geno Atkins who will give the Jets trouble.
Buccaneers (+2½) over FALCONS: The Bucs beat the Falcons twice (23-20 and 23-19) in a 2015 that saw them go 4-10 otherwise. Matt Ryan was 42-15 at home before losing four of his last five at the Georgia Dome.
TITANS (+2¹/₂) over Vikings: The Teddy Bridgewater injury was a disaster for the Vikings, even if Sam Bradford was a decent immediate solution. Tennessee looks like an easy game on any schedule but shouldn’t be, as the Titans added running backs Demarco Murray and Derrick Henry and tackle Jack Conklin to help Marcus Mariota in Year 2.
EAGLES (-4) over Browns: Eagles smartly traded Bradford for two picks, including a No. 1, but it was questionable to name Carson Wentz the starter right away. At least Wentz has some familiar names to deliver the ball to — Jordan Matthews, Brent Celek, Zach Ertz, Ryan Mathews. Is Robert Griffin III a savior or more of the same for the Browns?
Raiders (+1) over SAINTS: Drew Brees got his money for next year, but he should be more concerned about this week’s game and sack beast Khalil Mack. Ex-Raiders coach Dennis Allen will try to fix Rob Ryan’s mess of a Saints defense, but that will be a tall order against Oakland’s young stud combo of Derek Carr and Amari Cooper.
Chargers (+6½) over CHIEFS: Last season, the Chiefs won 33-3 in San Diego in late November, a total annihilation. Three weeks later in K.C., the Chiefs won just 10-3. From 2011-14, the teams played five games in a span of seven that were decided by three points. Philip Rivers can bring this back to that kind of result.
Bills (+3) over RAVENS: Rex Ryan is feeling the urgency in Buffalo already. He needs a fast start and usually gets one, as his Jets and Bills teams are 6-1 on opening day. Joe Flacco is back after missing the last six games of 2015, but the Ravens were 3-7 with him last year.
TEXANS (-6) over Bears: The spread is uncomfortably high, but can see Jay Cutler making some costly mistakes in the first game of a new offense, with former OC Adam Gase now the boss in Miami. It’ll be noisy, and J.J. Watt (17.5 sacks) says he’ll be healthy enough to get after Cutler. New Texans quarterback Brock Osweiler will love pitching to DeAndre Hopkins.
JAGUARS (+5) over Packers: This could be a breakthrough year for coach Gus Bradley and a Jags team that added running back Chris Ivory to a dynamic pass offense and totally rebuilt the defense. Dante Fowler Jr., the 2015 top pick who missed the season injured, gets infused with 2016 draft steal Jalen Ramsey and Broncos Super Bowl hero Malik Jackson. The Pack will have fans on hand and Jordy Nelson returns to help Aaron Rodgers, but willing to take a shot with this home ’dog under the 90-degree sun.
Dolphins (+10¹/₂) over SEAHAWKS: Some plugged-in NFL watchers insist coach Adam Gase will help Ryan Tannehill make a huge improvement. Buying into that, along with a double-digit spread, against a Seattle team that moves forward without Marshawn Lynch.
COLTS (-3¹/₂) over Lions: Detroit won six of its final eight games last year, but Calvin “Megatron” Johnson’s out-of-the-blue retirement rocked this franchise. Ancient Anquan Boldin is not enough of a replacement. Andrew Luck’s return fires up the Indy crowd.
CARDINALS (-6) over Patriots: Tom Brady fill-in Jimmy Garoppolo will have to deal with dome noise, the famed Cardinals blitzes and ball-hawking defensive backs, and now ex-Patriot sack-fiend Chandler Jones. Plus, his offense is still built for Brady, not him.
Monday
REDSKINS (+3) over Steelers: Skins won the NFC East with a pedestrian 9-7 record, but within that was a 6-2 mark at home. In those games, Kirk Cousins completed 74.7 percent of his passes with 16 TDs and two INTs. Steelers will miss suspended Le’Veon Bell and Martavis Bryant and injured rookie Bud Dupree.
Rams (-2¹/₂) over 49ERS: Tough call because we won’t know the impact of Chip Kelly on the 49ers until we see it. But going in, the Rams have the most dynamic player on either side of the ball in running back Todd Gurley and defensive tackle Aaron Donald.
Best bets: Giants, Texans, Colts
Lock of the week: Giants
Thursday night: Panthers (L)