Home team in CAPS:
Sunday
BEARS (+3.5) over Lions
Chicago may remain at least another year away from a serious charge toward the top of the NFC North, given how well the Lions continue to perform. Much will depend on to what degree (and just how quickly) young veteran QB Justin Fields can capitalize upon the offensive talent at hand. The Bears squandered a 12-point, fourth-quarter lead in an earlier meeting three weeks ago, and may be more geared up, given that experience.
Texans (-3.5) over JETS
Improved Texans are seeking to display further physical developments and improvements in overall performance. Now led by promising rookie QB C.J. Stroud, who is quickly gaining confidence among his peers, expect Texans to manage and exploit the Jets’ secondary. Full steam ahead for smokin’ Texans, in current form. Unsure that Jets QB Zach Wilson can get this done.
RAVENS (-7.5) over Rams
Despite recently missing his first practice of the season, Lamar Jackson says he’s hopeful he can reach 6,000 yards passing before the conclusion of the regular-season campaign. Given their open date before this visit by the Rams, the opportunity is there for a freshened Baltimore contingent to remain forwardly placed in the AFC. The Ravens strive for sharpness in competitive clashes of this caliber, and home cooking shouldn’t hurt.
Broncos (+3) over CHARGERS
The Broncos are smack in the middle of their lone three-game road trip of the season. They’re recovering from one of their often-frequent second-half rallies up through their division. Chargers are running out of time to make hay as they again seek to avoid disappointing fans at SoFi Stadium.
FALCONS (-1.5) over Buccaneers
Tampa Bay and Atlanta continue to jockey, along with the Saints, for standing in the NFC South. None of the division’s franchises are currently over .500, with Atlanta atop at 6-6, having taken the top spot with a win over the Saints two weeks ago. The Bucs (5-7) stayed in the race with a win over the Panthers last week.
COLTS (-1.5) over Bengals
Give them credit: Indy can stoke fear in foes’ eyes with their ability to strike quickly. Nevertheless, make no mistake, this is not a free pass to advance to Go and collect $200. Young Bengals QB Jake Browning showed to extreme advantage in a sustained recent appearance and boasts striking potential.
Jaguars (+3) over BROWNS
The fact that rapidly developing young quarterback Trevor Lawrence may actually be able to return to active duty by Week 14 is remarkable and worthy of plaudits. Jags continue to hope for the best as game time approaches. Very close call vs. the number at this writing.
SAINTS (-5.5) over Panthers
Gutty New Orleans bunch continues to get off the mat, but have dropped three straight. Now they find themselves up against a tailor-made opponent in Carolina. Panthers have won just once thus far in 2023. Appears Saints RB Alvin Kamara looks to make most of this opportunity.
VIKINGS (-3) over Raiders
Minnesota is tied for second in the NFC North, and Vegas trails the AFC West. Vikings QB Josh Dobbs has displayed most-promising form in recent appearances, but an upset would not surprise.
Seahawks (+10.5) over 49ERS
Seattle continues to acquit itself favorably as they strive to draw closer to the Niners in the NFC West. Proven Geno Smith guiding the pride of the Pacific Northwest, fits well with this crew, and it’s not inconceivable the best may be yet to come if he’s able to overcome a potential groin problem.
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CHIEFS (-1.5) over Bills
Looking to keep the faith with K.C. as a slim home favorite, pitched against the Bills, who have danced many a dance and now appear likely to have passed their performance peak near-term. Not thrilled about Josh Allen’s tendency toward turnovers in ugly spots.
COWBOYS (-3.5) over Eagles
Philly bunch has done virtually everything that could be desired up to this point, but even so lead the Cowboys by a single game in the NFC East. Though the Eagles continue to rule divisional roost, the Cowboys have been making up for lost time and remain capable of leapfrogging in the late stages. Cowboys need this one, and a long journey begins with a single step.
Monday
Packers (-6.5) over GIANTS
Tommy DeVito is scheduled to start for the New Yorkers in this Monday nighter at MetLife Stadium, as the Giants brain trust seeks to gain a better picture of his potential performance ceiling. Expect the Packers and Jordan Love to try to maintain their momentum here, after last week’s defeat of the still-imposing Chiefs.
DOLPHINS (-13) over Titans
Miami gets the best of the weather while maintaining the kind of definitive advantages they should manage to continue to exploit against a Titans team from a weak division. This appears to be a considerable class drop for the hosts, and they should enjoy the best of it, though price is stiff.
Last week: 5-6-1
Season: 76-78-7