Top Pick
1. Denver Broncos (-7.5) vs. Arz – Both teams are coming off a bye but it looks like the Cardinals will have to go with QB Drew Stanton again. That’ll be tough facing an improved Broncos D. Look for Peyton and Co. to fire on all cylinders and cover the point spread.
Next
2. Pittsburgh Steelers (-6) vs. Jax – The Jaguars will face an embarrassed team on Sunday. Look for Pittsburgh to add to the Jags’ woes and throttle them by double digits.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+11) vs NO – The Saints will likely win, but something is missing from this year’s team. They’re not nearly as good on defense, and the offense isn’t scoring at will like it has in the past. The Bucs will keep this one close.
4. Kansas City Chiefs (+5.5) vs. SF – See money line bet.
Rounding Things Out
New York Giants (-4) vs. Atl – The Falcons are banged up along the OL and have a poor defense. The Giants are much improved in recent weeks and will win this by a TD.
Baltimore Ravens (+3.5) vs. Ind – The Colts D is the biggest worry for this team. The Ravens are a slightly more well rounded team and will cover the point spread. They may win.
Cincinnati Bengals (EVEN) vs. NE – Bill Belichick is masterful at putting bad losses behind him but he’s not a magician who can wave a magic wand and cure his team’s OL woes. They’re real and the entire offense will continue to suffer as a result. It’ll keep the D on the field longer than it wants to be as well. Look for the Bengals, who are the more complete team, to win in New England.
Money Line Bet
Kansas City Chiefs (+205) vs. SF – There is something not right about these 49ers on offense and rumors persist of locker room discontent. While the latter is just a rumor, the poor play on offense is not. The Chiefs match up well and look for Alex Smith and Co. to get the better of his old team on Sunday.
