Broncos' defense will take care of Tom Brady.
Pats QB won't go up against his old rival Peyton Manning, but he'll have enough of a struggle against Broncs' defense.
BRONCOS (+3) over Patriots
Everyone was expecting another Peyton Manning vs. Tom Brady tussle - probably the best QB rivalry in the past 20 years - but no. It's gonna be Tom Terrific against Brock Osweiler. Who? Osweiler sounds more like a power tool than a QB, but check this out: He was a second-round pick out of Arizona State, and looked fabulous last week against the Bears, hitting on 20 of 27 for 250 yards, with two touchdowns and (most importantly) no turnovers. A huge improvement on the great Manning, who was suffering through his worst season as a pro, with an NFL-high 17 interceptions. Not saying that Osweiler is gonna outplay Brady, but it's Denver's defense that needs to go all monster mash. Last week, Buffalo's "D" got Tommy all discombobulated, and he hit on only 20 of 39 (51.3 percent). And the Broncs' "D" is even better, leading the league with 34 sacks. Start popping the champagne, all you old Dolphins, 'cause the Patriots are going down, making this my Best Bet.
Steelers (+4) over SEAHAWKS
Looks as if that Super Bowl hangover took two years to catch up with Seattle. After winning the big one in the 2013 season, and going back last seaseason, the Seahawks now look like mere mortals. A team that was 26-2 at home from 2012-14 in front of the 12th Man, has already lost twice this season. They also have lost Marshawn "Beast Mode" Lynch to a sports hernia, and if you think backup Thomas Rawls is gonna rumble for 209 yards, as he did last week against a porous 49ers defense, take a deep breath, because it ain't gonna happen. Big Ben Roethlisberger, boot and all, came off the bench two weeks ago after Landry Jones got hurt, and completed 22 of 33 for 379 yards. Of course, Pitt misses Le'Veon Bell, but veteran RB DeAngelo Williams has been solid, and WRs Antonio Brown and Martavis Bryant are as good as any pair in the league. Seattle had been a go-to team against the spread, but after covering only three of the last 12, the 'Hawks are a go-against!
TEXANS (-3) over Saints
Don't look now, well . . . OK, if you must, go ahead. Houston is tied with the Colts at 5-5 atop the AFC South. The Texans are on a sweet 3-0 run, straight up and against the spread. They get to roll against the New Orleans defense that has more holes than Swiss cheese. The Saints have allowed the most points (31.5) and yards (424.3) per game in the league. Give this one to J.J. Watts' club.
CHIEFS (-6) over Bills
This story is the tale of two seemingly different teams in the same town. Kansas City came out flatter than a piece of matzo, losing five of the first six. Then Andy Reid worked some magic, and the Chiefs have won and covered four in a row. And since the bye week, KC has outscored the last two opponents, 62-16. The Chiefs can join the 1970 Bengals as the only team to make the playoffs after starting 1-5. None of their final six opponents has a winning record, so rock on, Andy.
BROWNS (-3) over Ravens
Cleveland knows Johnny Football ain't gonna be playing football anytime soon, so it's time to get behind Josh McCown. These two AFC North rivals met in Week 5 - and McCown went nuts. It took a field goal in overtime to squeeze out a 33-30 "W," but McCown's performance (36-for-51 for 457 yards, two touchdowns and and no interceptions), was the story. Neither team is going anywhere, but without Joe Flacco for the first time in eight years (137 games), Baltimore is going home with a big, fat "L."
JETS (-3.5) over Dolphins
In the first matchup (in London), the New Yorkers beat Miami, 27-14. The Fish have covered only two of the last 10 inside the AFC East, while the Jets have covered six of the last nine. Gimme NY by at least a touchdown.
Chargers (+4) over JAGUARS
Not much to go on except past performance. Last season, Jax met San Diego and Philip Rivers went wild, hitting on 29 of 39 for 377 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. Need to flow with this River as an underdog.
Vikings (+1.5) over FALCONS
Even with a loss Sunday, Minny has covered 13 of the last 16, while Atlanta is riding an 0-6 spread streak.
Rams (+9) over BENGALS
Cincy has come back down to earth after an 8-0 start, losing two in a row. Look for a win, but not by more than nine.
COLTS (-3) over Buccaneers
Matt Hasselbeck is no Andrew Luck, but the Horseshoes are 3-0 this season with Hasselbeck under center.
Giants (-2.5) over REDSKINS
New York has won the last two in D.C. by a combined score of 69-31, so laying only two and a hook should be a breeze.
TITANS (+2) over Raiders
Oakland as a favorite? Don't think so. The Silver & Black are 0-3 this season when laying points.
49ERS (+10.5) over Cardinals
Against an Arizona team coming off an emotional win vs. Cincy on Sunday night, we take a light shot with the Niners.