1. Denver Broncos (-7) vs. SF – The 49ers will be down LB Patrick Willis which takes out all but one element (Ahmad Brooks) of their Pro Bowl Linebacking Corps. San Francisco will keep this competitive but won’t have enough firepower to keep it close late. Look for Peyton Manning and Co. to cover the point spread and win by at least 10.
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2. Baltimore Ravens (-7) vs. Atl – Baltimore is coming off a big romp in Tampa and will continue that trend against the NFC South at home. Atlanta’s diminished OL impacts everything they do on offense, and they’re going to struggle in Baltimore.
3. Miami Dolphins (+3) vs. Chi – See money line bet.
4. Detroit Lions (-2.5) vs. NO – The Lions will likely be without Megatron but they’ll have enough juice on offense to get the job done. Their D is playing tremendously and whereas in year’s past the Saints would have posed a significant threat, something is missing this year.
Rounding Things Out
Kansas City Chiefs (+4) vs. SD – San Diego’s defense has been hit by injuries and is being felt in the pass rush. The Chiefs are getting healthier and may steal a game on the road.
Arizona Cardinals (-3.5) vs. Oak – The Raiders are improving but still not enough to beat the Cards. The game will be close throughout, however.
New York Giants (+7) vs. Dal – New York is determined to show that last week’s flop was a fluke and Dallas could have a letdown after their impressive win in Seattle.
Money Line Bet
Miami Dolphins (+155) vs. Chi – Both teams are very up and down this year. While the Fins blew a very winnable game last week against the Packers, they are ascending as a whole. Expect a close game which the Dolphins pull out late.
