Bears and Lions eye road victories
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Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills vs. Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams.
Sounds like a potential Super Bowl preview.
The Bills (3-1) visit the Rams (2-2) on Monday night fresh off a home loss to Drake Maye and the Patriots.
The Rams were a play or two away from a 1-3 start, but overcame a 10-point deficit at Philadelphia in the fourth quarter.
Buffalo must fix its turnover issues after seven giveaways in the past two games. It’ll be a challenge for the Bills facing a tough Rams defense that’s still missing Myles Garrett. Aaron Donald and cornerback Jaylen Watson could return for this one.
Puka Nacua was back last week and had a big day catching passes from Stafford.
The Rams are 2 ½-point favorites. They’re just 4-6 against the spread in their past 10 games, but Pro Picks likes the home team in a close one.
RAMS: 27-24
PHILADELPHIA (2-2) vs. JACKSONVILLE (3-1), in London
Line: Jaguars minus 7 ½
Lane Johnson’s abrupt retirement is a crushing blow for an offense dealing with injuries to Saquon Barkley, DeVonta Smith and other key players.
JAGUARS: 23-18
CLEVELAND (3-1) at NEW YORK JETS (1-3)
Line: Jets minus 1 ½
Deshaun Watson has led a game-winning drive in the fourth quarter in three straight games and the Browns are surprise division leaders under first-year coach Todd Monken.
JETS: 20-17
LAS VEGAS (3-1) at NEW ENGLAND (2-2)
Line: Patriots minus 3 ½
The Raiders beat the Patriots to kick off the 2025 season and then everything went in opposite directions for both teams.
PATRIOTS: 24-20
CINCINNATI (2-2) at MIAMI (0-4)
Line: Bengals minus 6 1/2
The Bengals have lost two in a row while the Dolphins have yet to score 13 points in a game. Joe Burrow may not have both Ja’Marr Chase (concussion) and Tee Higgins (adductor) so they’ll need the run game to get going.
BENGALS: 24-16
HOUSTON (0-4) at TENNESSEE (0-4)
Line: Texans minus 7 ½
The Texans begin their quest to become the second team to make the playoffs after an 0-4 start.
TEXANS: 23-17
INDIANAPOLIS (2-2) at PITTSBURGH (2-2)
Line: Steelers minus 2 ½
The Colts have won two in a row to even their record, but they’ve lost six in a row in Pittsburgh since their most recent win there in 2008. Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh offense still aren’t in sync.
STEELERS: 22-20
MINNESOTA (4-0) at NEW ORLEANS (1-3)
Line: Vikings minus 2 ½
The Vikings are winning behind a stifling defense and excellent special teams. Kyler Murray needs to get the offense going and can build off a strong finish last week. The Saints were humiliated by the Falcons in primetime on the 20th anniversary of the Superdome’s reopening after Hurricane Katrina. They’re trying to avoid losing three straight at home. The Tyler Shough-Chris Olave connection has been a bright spot and the Saints are 8-2 ATS in their past 10 games.
UPSET SPECIAL: SAINTS: 17-16
NEW YORK GIANTS (3-1) at WASHINGTON (1-3)
Line: Commanders minus 3
Jameis Winston has led the Giants to a pair of wins that were secured by the defense making picks inside the 5 two weeks in a row.
BEST BET: COMMANDERS: 26-20
CHICAGO (3-1) at GREEN BAY (2-2)
Line: Bears minus 2 1/2
Case Keenum and Tyson Bagent are 2-0 filling in for Caleb Williams and the Bears are rolling. The defense has improved since allowing 37 points in Week 1. The Packers were not satisfied with a narrow win over Tampa Bay. They lost LB Edgerrin Cooper and still don’t have Micah Parsons. Chicago won two of three meetings last season, including a playoff game.
BEARS: 24-23
DENVER (2-2) at LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (0-4)
Line: Broncos minus 3 ½
Denver needs to find a way to start games better. The Chargers are in a crisis mode.
CHARGERS: 23-20
DETROIT (2-2) at ARIZONA (1-3)
Line: Lions minus 5 ½
The Lions have a potent offense. Problem is the defense is terrible, allowing the most yards and points in the league. Jared Goff and Co. should put up points against Arizona. Jacoby Brissett shouldn’t have any trouble doing the same for the Cardinals. That’s why the over/under is 54 ½.
LIONS: 31-27
SAN FRANCISCO (4-0) at SEATTLE (3-1)
Line: Seahawks minus 3
The No. 1 seed in the NFC last season came down to these two teams meeting in Week 18. The Seahawks won and ended up Super Bowl champs.
SEAHAWKS: 26-22
BALTIMORE (3-1) at ATLANTA (2-2)
Line: Falcons minus 3 ½
Lamar Jackson is dealing with an ankle injury, making it difficult to expect the Ravens to win. The Falcons, especially Bijan Robinson, have shined in the national spotlight and aim for three straight primetime wins.
FALCONS: 23-20
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Last week: Straight up: 11-5. Against spread: 11-4-1.
Overall: Straight up: 40-24. Against spread: 31-31-2.
Best Bet: Straight up: 3-1. Against spread: 2-2.
Upset Special: Straight up: 2-2. Against spread: 2-2.
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Editor’s note: Rob Maaddi predicted a 26-19 Dallas victory over Tampa Bay in Thursday’s game.