Bears a live underdog vs. rival Lions
Bears (+three) more than LIONS: Seems to be like “High Noon” for Bears QB Mitch Trubisky, on the lookout to justify his lofty draft positioning. The visitors’ stout protection retains them in most game titles (although look at LB Khalil Mack’s position). Lions QB Matthew Stafford has his times, but too a lot of of them have produced empty yards just after dropped game titles have been decided.
Jets (+six ½) more than Costs: Buffalo’s acquisition of hotshot wideout Stefon Diggs impresses. Jets protection may perhaps not be really as effective as it was in past season’s 2nd half, but if RB Le’Veon Bell will get along with his Jetmates, and signal-caller Sam Darnold continues to produce, people ought to hang hard.
Dolphins (+six ½) more than PATRIOTS: Gillette Stadium has extended posed challenges for people — but past year the Pats dropped to this ’dog in Foxborough for the first time in ages in a recreation that mattered. Even though people have usually confronted performance difficulties on fake grass, want outfit on upswing versus defensively ravaged foe.
Browns (+seven ½) more than RAVENS: We’re delighted to have resisted Browns’ siren track more than the earlier couple of seasons — but we’re all set to stage up. The time is now for Baker Mayfield, with assist of healthier getting corps led by previous good friend Odell Beckham Jr.
PANTHERS (+three) more than Raiders: The Silver and Black mind belief have been pointing to this year — but we’ll see whether their expertise is up to it, guiding downfield-limited David Carr, dealing with 5 Japanese time game titles. Teddy Bridgewater is a moreover for the Panthers, although household side’s protection compelled to soldier on devoid of retired stud Luke Kuechly.
Seahawks (-two ½) more than FALCONS: Heading East can be hard obligation — although the ’Hawks adjust far better than most. Sustained Falcons accomplishment possible contingent on the precision of ability persons Matt Ryan, Julio Jones and the recently acquired Todd Gurley. Imaginative, physical ’Hawk D can continue to keep mates in the recreation until Russell Wilson and Pete Carroll locate way.
WASHINGTON (+5¹/₂) more than Eagles: Philadelphia’s beefed-up defensive entrance is extra than capable of creating favorable area positions for Carson Wentz, and good friends — but we surmise Eagles know they really do not need to have their quite greatest shot to get this.
JAGUARS (+seven ½) more than Colts: Indianapolis is half-earlier hungry and primed to surge inside of the AFC South. This doesn’t bode effectively for the Jags. We really do not glimpse on new Colts QB Philip Rivers as a assured optimistic, given his age and his danger-using proclivities. The chalk has encountered latest deal with difficulty below.
VIKINGS (-two ½) more than Packers: Inexperienced Bay received 13 common-year game titles past year, like a handful of shut ones guiding Aaron Rodgers — but industry-makers hung up a consensus seasonal get complete of just nine W’s for this year. Hmmm. The Vikings’ protection is unlikely to match former criteria, and previous ace wideout Stefon Diggs is now a Bill.
Chargers (-three) more than BENGALS: Hot-shot rookie QB Joe Burrow faces his first assignment versus Bolts, now led by capable/enhanced Tyrod Taylor. It is hard to dislike Burrow … but even if he wound up John Elway’s equal, he’s ultimately likely to need to have a supporting cast that can sustain a legit ground recreation — and sluggish 1 on protection.
Cardinals (+6 ¹/₂) more than 49ERS: The Cards are nearly anything but helpless, so extended as mighty-mite Kyler Murray finds harmony with wideout DeAndre Hopkins, although assume Niners QB Jimmy Garoppolo to rebound off an uncomfortable occur-from-forward Super Bowl.
Buccaneers (+3½) more than SAINTS: Hosts normally have late-year peak in look at. Tom Brady has Rob Gronkowski on his aspect … an desirable add of RB Leonard Fournette, with his refreshing legs, and vital Bucs receiver Mike Evans’ hammy has been upgraded.
Cowboys (-two ½) more than RAMS: Keep Dallas in bigger regard than in latest years. Rams protection may perhaps be superior sufficient, but QB Jared Goff desires to discover from disappointments and produce increased array. Boys’ enhanced ground protection could tempt Goff to overextend when attempting to maximize air recreation.
Monday
Steelers (-six) more than GIANTS: Major Blue has enhanced defensively, just after past season’s wipeout. Ben Roethlisberger’s return for Mike Tomlin is appreciated by JuJu Smith-Schuster. Jason Garrett’s arrival as latest Giants offensive coordinator is unlikely to scare the muscular Steelers protection.
BRONCOS (+two) more than Titans: Von Miller’s injuries has produced worth with historically stellar household puppy. Derrick Henry will have his times for the people — but the AFC South tends to take care of defensive depth as an afterthought. Broncos QB Drew Lock nevertheless has a good deal to prove despite John Elway’s bullishness — but any surprises are possible optimistic.
Very last year: 108-122-four
Playoffs: 13-8-1
