LOCK: New England (-14.5) over Tampa Bay:
After the Patriots unnecessarily piled on the points in the second half against the Titans when the game was clearly already over, we’ve seen what they can do to a winless football team. Tampa Bay has to get a win eventually, but there’s no way it comes against the Patriots. The game is in London, so it’s a long-distance trip, but not even the worst jet lag could save the Bucs in this one.
Philadelphia (-7.0) over WASHINGTON:
Last week, I was so sure of Philly over Oakland. So what the hell am I doing here? These are Washington’s past five games: beat St. Louis by 2, lost to Detroit, beat Tampa Bay by 3, lost to Carolina and lost to Kansas City. That’s a who’s who of shitty teams, and the Redskins have been absolutely terrible. The only positive for them is that Jim Zorn isn’t calling plays anymore, and maybe that will finally make the offense function.
Green Bay (-9.0) over CLEVELAND:
Every time I call a game a no-brainer, I’m wrong. But how does Cleveland win this game? With no offense to speak of, I don’t care how many kicks Joshua Cribbs can take to the house. Cleveland is dead lats in yards allowed on defense, so Ryan Grant can shine, Aaron Rodgers should have a field day, and Greg Jennings should finally have another good week.
Indianapolis (-13.0) over ST. LOUIS:
Undefeated and coming off a bye week, Peyton Manning and the Colts have the league’s No. 1 passing attack, but how many of us noticed that they’ve allowed the second-fewest points per game in the NFL? Indy has far too many weapons for the reeling Rams to compete.