Top pick
1. Arizona Cardinals (+6.5) vs. Car – The Panthers should win and enter the game in pretty good shape health-wise. The Cardinals are forced to play QB Ryan Lindley which is a depressing thought. However, Arizona’s D will be ready to play and will force Cam Newton into mistakes. Expect a close game which Arizona may pull out in the end. Either way, Carolina won’t be covering the point spread.
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2. Detroit Lions (+7) vs. Dal – The Cowboys come in strong, finishing 8-0 on the road. They haven’t fared as well at home. The Lions D will challenge Romo and this running game all afternoon. Matt Stafford is good for a few mistakes but this will be close throughout and could go either way. If Stafford shows some maturity then the Lions may steal one on the road.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers (-3) vs. Bal – The loss of RB Le’veon Bell is big, but Pittsburgh still has enough firepower to beat the Ravens at home. Baltimore does not enter this game playing their best ball and will go out in round 1.
4. Indianapolis Colts (-3) vs. Cin – The Bengals will likely be without WR AJ Green who has a concussion. That is a huge loss. They’ll pound the rock with RB Jeremy Hill but will face another aggressive defensive plan like they faced earlier when shutout 27-0 to the Colts. Expect QB Andrew Luck and Co. to get the job done again.
