Browns in Hunt to deal Cards 1st

BROWNS (-3) over Cardinals: Cleveland became the first chalk in modern league history to score at least 40 points, rack up more than 400 yards avoid turnovers and lose, last week versus the Chargers. Keep tabs on Arizona QB Kyler Murray’s achy shoulder. Undefeated underdog has to be feeling a tangible measure of pressure now. Windy weather should hinder the Cards more than the Browns, even with RBs Nick Chubb out and Kareem Hunt questionable

Rams (-9.5) over GIANTS: Cluster injuries have driven the sporting public into a feeding frenzy, chasing this visitor. Big Blue has typically shown up versus this foe in modern times, however, which mandates a measure of caution. It appears Saquon Barkley and Kenny Golladay are unlikely to make the party, but expect Giant QB Daniel Jones to see action.

Jaguars (+3) over Dolphins (in London): The defense, which has carried Miami during recent seasons of diminished offensive output has worn down, which should allow the Jags to produce something resembling an offense. Lean to Jags given that hosts have dropped 20 straight games straight-up, though Tua Tagovailoa is expected to return under center for Miami.

Texans (+10) over COLTS: Given Indianapolis’ consistent inability to finish off foes, taking the “lay” side to your heart is troubling. Texans QB Davis Mills enjoyed a pleasant day last week, throwing for 312 yards against the Patriots’ defensive backs, managing a respectable three hoursplus of work, if not a win. It seems reasonable to reach for a head start in points, given the circumstances.

BEARS (+5) over Packers: Packers QB Aaron Rodgers has long enjoyed the tactical and psychological advantage when competing with the Chicagoans (as did Brett Favre before him). With talented first-year QB Justin Fields out of Ohio State, the Bears have a foundation for hope. Alas, Fields is a rookie, which complicates matters.

WASHINGTON (+7) over Chiefs: Would rather catch bonus points with the Football Team at Arrowhead, but will settle for this scenario. The Chiefs’ defense wasn’t stalwart when K.C. was scoring at will. Would feel foolish losing ATS with either side.

Vikings (-1) over PANTHERS: Tales fresh off the injury wire regarding two key running backs involved in this matchup — key Minnesota RB sparkplug Dalvin Cook is back at practice for the first time since Week Two. But Panthers workhorse RB Christian McCaffrey will sit out again, which points us in the direction of this NFC Central entry.

Chargers (+2.5) over RAVENS: Respect the Ravens’ running game. The home side enjoys the logistical advantage afforded by their Eastern base, and Lamar Jackson is coming off a huge passing day against the Colts. First-year mentor Brandon Staley, however, is making most sophisticated use of special Bolts quarterback Justin Herbert and his fine brace of receivers. Expect QB Lamar Jackson to be good to go for Baltimore.

Bengals (-3.5) over LIONS: Though Cincinnati may be a step ahead of the Detroit on the development scale, you’re left laying a field-goal-plus with a side that has yet to consistently demonstrate the ability to put foes away. Still, Cincy no doubt learned vital lessons entertaining the Packers.

Broncos (-3.5) over RAIDERS: The near-term circumstances which clearly prompted the quick-and-dirty resignation of abbreviated Silver and Black coach Jon Gruden for the home side left the door open for Vic Fangio and the Broncos — who have gotten off to a more alert start than they’re used to enjoying in this series.

PATRIOTS (+3.5) over Cowboys: High-flying visitors are likely to be more feisty than they were in their last outing, when four stalwarts of Dallas’ offensive line were hindered by COVID-19 issues. Young Pats QB Mac Jones is developing neatly for Bill Belichick, and this figures close.

Seahawks (+5) over STEELERS: Not on tilt over injury-nicked visitors (without star QB Russell Wilson), given this difficult challenge ... and while these Steelers have come up short as faves all season, and are without key operative JuJu Smith-Shuster ... we’re still not convinced veteran QB Geno Smith competitive abilities should be dismissed, especially off last week’s showing under fire.

MONDAY

TITANS (+5.5) over Bills: Off recent practices, encouraged about prospect of long-time star wideout Julio Jones seeing significant time in action against Buffalo. We’ve long been fans of Tennessee coach Mike Vrabel — and good luck finding a league running back displaying greater consistency than Derrick Henry. LAST WEEK: 4-10-1. SEASON: 36-38-1. @rich_witt1