Don't love a ton of these this week, but I'd start with the Giants +3.5. I'm feeling confident in the Patriots +4 as well because Sanchez already got his "surprise" game against these guys in last year's playoffs. Those are my two most confident straight up winners.
I'm looking to fill the last two spots with two of these five - Raiders +18.5, Panthers +19.5, Titans +16, Bengals +15, Bucs +16. I think each of these have a shot of an outright win, especially Tennessee.
Without Andre Johnson and with Jacoby Jones gimpy, I expect the Texans to run the ball a ton. If needed, I think Jason Campbell has a better chance to backdoor Houston than he did New England.
I do like the Saints to beat Carolina, but Cam's a backdoor king. They're not going to stop throwing the ball, so even as good as the Saints are, I like Carolina's chances of staying within 3 TDs.
I don't think the Titans are as good defensively as their ranking says, but Pittsburgh is struggling. Ben's banged up, his line sucks, and Mendenhall and Harrison are out. I don't see the Titans having a letdown here, and that's what it would take to not cover the 16 points. The Steelers aren't going to be throwing it all over the place if they're up two scores. Will probably play Tennessee ML small if I ever get a line.
Both the Jags and Bengals suck IMO, but the Bengals have the more competent rookie passer and receiving targets. Cincinnati's pass defense is clearly better than Jacksonville's as well. Knowing that I feel comfortable with two TDs in my pocket.
Bucs fan here. Sloppy performance on MNF followed by a cross country trip out west isn't enticing, but the Bucs did win out there 21-0 last year. Freeman is the difference for this team and should have his successes against a struggling pass defense. I think the Bucs will have a better chance if they come out establishing the pass instead of pounding Blount early. Spread out the Niners and work Williams, Winslow, and Parker in the intermediate zones. Then start featuring Blount. Mix in some boot action and really capitalize on Freeman's ability to make big (key) plays with his legs. Gore's gimpy, and our front seven (especially the DL) is starting to get a lot of confidence. I look for them to keep SF's ground game in check and get after Alex Smith who's already been sacked 14 times this year. If this one is close in the 4th, I'd much rather have my money on Freeman than Smith.
Gun to head right now -
NE +4...NYG +3.5...TEN +16...TB +16