TODAY
GIANTS (-101/2) over 49ers: Big Blue largely has avoided early-season Super Bowl hangover so many defending champs have endured over the years, but that visit to Cleveland demonstrated they’re not immune. Given Antonio Pierce’s iffy condition, this line isn’t cheap, but it’s a tough spot for Niners.
Jets (-3) over RAIDERS: Facing a decimated secondary and having little to fear from Cincy’s offense, Fast Eddie Favre got away with multiple turnovers in last week’s home romp. JaMarcus Russell’s progression to status of representative NFL QB is questionable within Al Davis’ lifetime.
CHIEFS (+8) over Titans: QB Brodie Croyle is back, looking to notch first career win as a starter. Despite the deactivation of RB Larry Johnson for this, it’s intriguing that reserve Chief QB Ingle Martin used to be a Titan, and figures to be a counterintelligence source.
BILLS (-1) over Chargers: Taking it as an article of faith that Bills QB Trent Edwards will be sufficiently recovered from recent concussion to play to his capabilities. Given that, tough to embrace visitor getting one point, three time zones from home, while coming off huge win over despised Pats, though sustained absence of CB Terrence McGee a concern.
Steelers (-91/2) over BENGALS: Pittsburgh has beaten Cincy into submission when Carson Palmer was healthy. Ryan Fitzpatrick has to show he can keep inferior talent within striking distance of a representative power team. Until then, anticipate Steeler dominance, though line adjustment’s daunting with Willie Parker still out.
DOLPHINS (-3) over Ravens: Laying points with Sea Mammals off a loss is scary business, so a strong endorsement would be imprudent, but Baltimore rookie QB Joe Flacco has demonstrated an inability to stretch defenses. Watch Miami secondary creep closer . . . closer . . . closer.
Cowboys (-7) over RAMS: Dallas was an 11-point favorite, presuming Tony Romo’s participation . . . 7 points, otherwise. That’s respect! Given the absurd competitiveness of the NFC East, Romo may see action with his taped-up pinky. But even with Brad Johnson, Rams lom as tasty chuckwagon fare for visitor with superior conventional weapons.
BEARS (-3) over Vikings: A trio of last-moment near-misses separate Chicago from ’08 perfection. Vikes coming off a pair of narrow Ws, and we find it difficult to engender confidence in Minny offense up against Bear D.
Saints (+3) over PANTHERS: Drew Brees is in a zone, and New Orleans is currently looking up at three 4-2 records in the NFC South. It would be well served to maintain its sterling recent form at Bank of America Stadium, in order to stay within striking distance of the postseason berth this team deserves to enjoy.
Lions (+91/2) over TEXANS: Tough call, with Detroiters in a non-divisional on the road, with ace wideout Roy Williams now in Dallas, and with Jon Kitna on injured reserve. But even behind Dan Orlovsky, Lions may hang if Matt Schaub and friends don’t find a way to shake their turnover-prone ways.
Browns (+71/2) over REDSKINS: Cleveland caught the Giants fat and happy. This isn’t as favorable a situation, with ‘Skins looking to make amends off terrible home loss to Rams. But Jason Campbell has to throw an interception or two eventually, and if Browns can corral an ouchy Clinton Portis, it’s a close call. Kellen Winslow’s return would help.
PACKERS (+1) over Colts: If Indy strong safety Bob Sanders were back this week, this’d be clear-cut. But without his presence, this becomes skull-busting, near-pick-’em handicapping challenge. Colts offense finally clicked against decent Ravens defense, but that was in Indy. Let’s see Peyton stage Lambeau encore.
BUCS (-101/2) over Seahawks: Off Charlie Frye’s misfires, Mike Holmgren must hope Seneca Wallace is healthy enough to take control, while Matt Hasselbeck’s back heals. This is a sizeable lay for Tampa to transcend, but with clean game, Jeff Garcia can overcome.
TOMORROW NIGHT
Broncos (+3) over PATRIOTS: Two traditional powers clash, off listless losses. Some good historical numbers on Pats’ side, especially given that Broncs have tortured New England two of the past three seasons (and twice in ’05). But you want to trust revenge execution to Matt Cassel?