#Drew Lock, Broncos the pick against Falcons

Broncos (+4) over FALCONS: Atlanta has perked up a bit after an extended, sluggish start — but the Falcons have yet to win a game at home this season. There is modest pressure on young QB Drew Lock as the Broncos seek to get back to .500 against a side fielding an eminently beatable defense.

Giants (+2.5) over WASHINGTON: Sure, it’s less of an accomplishment these days, but Washington is off a bye following a severe stifling (25-3) of the hated Cowboys in their team’s last encounter. Big Blue is off their decent near-miss, at home against the powerhouse Buccaneers on Monday. The hosts can’t afford to be the least bit smug.

Seahawks (-3) over BILLS: This represents Seattle’s third jaunt to the Eastern time zone — after winning the previous two. Pete Carroll’s merry men have a well-earned reputation as sound travelers. The homestanding Bills are heading into a stiff third quarter of the season (including games at Arizona and San Francisco), and we trust the Seahawks’ sustained savvy will carry them through.

TITANS (-6.5) over Bears: Chicago hasn’t lost to any comic acts (just to the Colts, Rams and Saints), and now draw the AFC South leaders. Expect this favorite to be eager to make amends after a broad no-show against the perky Bengals (which we anticipated).

Lions (+4) over VIKINGS: Not sure we suddenly want to jump all over Minnesota, off one improved defensive effort against the Packers at Lambeau. Caution: Ace Lions receiver Kenny Golladay, at this writing, is expected to miss the game because of his nagging hip.

Ravens (-1) over COLTS: Not looking to go gonzo here, with Baltimore fresh off a grueling physical battle with the hated Steelers — not to mention the visitors’ lengthy domination of this series — but it has taken exceptional physical teams to take out this favorite this year, and we’ll have to be shown that the Colts, behind Philip Rivers, are up to it.

Panthers (+10.5) over CHIEFS: Carolina coach Matt Ruhle is lighting candles, hoping and planning to activate prime RB Christian McCaffrey, out since Week 2 with an ankle injury, to assume yeoman duty in this clash. This is something less than an explosive schedule slot for the favored Chiefs, who have scored 78 points while allowing just 25 in their past two games.

Texans (-7) over JAGUARS: With Gardner Minshew (thumb) MIA from under center for the home ’dogs, anticipate rookie QB (school) Jake Luton to earn some stripes. Jacksonville is the lone foe the to-date overscheduled Texans have managed to beat this season, and they should find sweet class relief here.

CHARGERS (-1) over Raiders: Bolts coach Anthony Lynn has endured more gross come-from-ahead losses to bear at a percentage rate which few team managements would bear in grim silence. Last out, Denver came from three touchdowns down in the second half to prevail over the Chargers at Mile High. Perhaps the hosts will have better luck against the Raiders’ run-happy play mix.

Steelers (-13.5) over COWBOYS: Dallas’ next-man-up quarterback will be either Garrett Gilbert or Cooper Rush. Exactly. This is a grotesque spread, of course, but what in earth are the Cowboys going to do for points? Pittsburgh/Under (41) looms likely landing neighborhood.

Dolphins (+4.5) over CARDINALS: We refuse to rule out that an alert Miami outfit, which made its defense and special teams the hallmark of a stout upset over the Rams, can’t do it again. The Cards are performing smoothly and steadily of late, though not sold Miami can’t spring another surprise.

Saints (+5) over BUCCANEERS: Narrow read, weighing these two upper-crust sides, but it would be foolish to not take a long look at prime-time New Orleans offering rising value as we get closer to kickoff. RB Alvin Kamara is a one-man wrecking crew for the visitors. Tom Brady and friends would be pleased to escape with a win by any margin, under current circumstances.

Monday Night Football

Patriots (-7.5) over JETS: It would certainly pleasure New England coach Bill Belichick no end to snap the Pats’ uncharacteristic four-game losing streak by sustaining the Jets’ winless woes of 2020 — and would anticipate as much, though attaining the market margin is by no means a certainty.

Last Week: 6-7.
Season: 56-51-5