1. Oakland Raiders (-7.5) vs. Denver Broncos – It’s really tough to lose to Tim Tebow. What the Dolphins managed to do over the final five minutes of their loss two weeks ago was very impressive.
Nothing like that will happen this week. Look for the Raiders D to smother Tebow and keep the Broncos offense under wraps until midway through the 4th quarter when the game is out of reach.
Offensively, with two weeks to learn the system, expect Carson Palmer to lead the Raiders to an easy victory in Week 9.
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2. Chicago Bears (+8) vs. Philadelphia Eagles – The Eagles were very impressive on Sunday Night, but let’s not forget that it was the Cowboys (a team they thoroughly know) and the Eagles had two weeks to prepare. Andy Reid is nearly unbeatable after the bye.
The Bears offense will approach this game very differently than Dallas, ie they’ll run the ball, and their D won’t get abused as badly as the Cowboys did.
3. Dallas Cowboys (-11.5) vs. Seattle Seahawks – The Cowboys were embarrassed a week ago and are glad to be home. Expect them to regroup and blow Tavaris Jackson and the Seahawks out on Sunday.
4. Cincinnati Bengals (+3) vs. Tennessee Titans – See money line bet.
The Rest
New York Giants (+9) vs. New England Patriots – While the Patriots haven’t lost at home during the regular season since 2008, covering the point spread is all that matters to a bettor here. The Giants, even without WR Hakeem Nicks and / or RB Ahmad Bradshaw, will be able to move the ball and score points on the Pats D. And New York’s D should bring more pressure on Brady keeping this one close to the end.
San Francisco 49ers (-3.5) vs. Washington Redskins – The early start time seems to be the only thing keeping the point spread so low. The Skins are banged up on offense and coming off an atrocious performance against Buffalo. The Niners are playing sound football and will leave the east coast with a convincing win.
St. Louis Rams (+2.5) vs. Arizona Cardinals – Both teams could be without their starting QBs but we like the Rams to carry over momentum from last week’s upset of the Saints to extend their winning streak to two.
Money Line Bet
Cincinnati Bengals (+130) vs. Tennessee Titans – The Bengals don’t beat themselves. Rookie QB Andy Dalton is limiting his mistakes and the D plays sound football. The same cannot be said for the Titans who are having all sorts of trouble adjusting to the new coach / system in 2011.
Chris Johnson is one player who is missing Jeff Fisher’s style of offense.
Look for the surprising Bengals to move to 6-2 with a 17-10 win in Tennessee this weekend.
