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BEST BETS Panthers (3-1) at Lions (3-1) LINE: DETROIT by 2½ These two might share identical records but while doubts remain with the Lions, it is the Panthers could be the imposter among these two felines. Carolina grabbed everyone’s attention this past week when they went into New England and as a nine-point underdog, knocked off the host Patriots. QB Cam Newton appeared to have awaken from a Van Winkle-like slumber in leading his team past the champs. But let’s not fool ourselves. The Patriots have major issues on their pass defence. The Panthers were able to exploit the leaky secondary without TE Greg Olsen and with top C Ryan Kalil on the shelf. Prior to the 33-point outburst a week ago, Carolina was averaging just 15 points per game. They won’t have an easy time of it against unheralded Detroit. The Lions have been underdogs in all four of their games and have three straight up victories to go along with near miss in controversial ending against Atlanta. Leos have covered 11 of past 15 here as home faves. Home cats get the nod. TAKING: LIONS –2½ Packers (3-1) at Cowboys (2-2) LINE: DALLAS by 2½ The Packers travel for only the second time this season with the first trip resulting in a 34-23 pounding at Atlanta. Green Bay has been able to hide its cluster of injury problem against teams like the Bengals and Bears but it’s very likely that the truth gets revealed in this one. First area of concern is the offensive line that has not faced a pass rush like the Cowboys will deploy upon Aaron Rodgers. The Packers don’t have tackles playing their natural position, forcing them to go with a line full of guards. That has had Rodgers on his back 15 times already, good for fourth most overall. Green Bay is also thin at cornerback and at running back. Dallas QB Dak Prescott should be able to take advantage of his opponent’s woes as he has the playmakers in the passing game and is afforded the luxury of having Ezekiel Elliott in his backfield. The ’Boys are revenge minded from last year’s playoff loss and they have next week off, allowing for full focus here. TAKING: COWBOYS -2½ Chiefs (4-0) at Texans (2-2) LINE: KANSAS CITY by 1 In dire need of a quarterback, the Texans grabbed Deshaun Watson 12th overall in the 2017 entry draft. That selection currently has them happier than someone that saved money on car insurance. Just 22 years old, Watson has grown up quickly in this fast paced NFL. Two games after supplanting useless Tom Savage, the former Clemson star exploded for four touchdown passes while running for another in a 57-14 lambasting of the Titans. We don’t expect anything close to that against undefeated Chiefs but with Houston’s solid defence now having some faith in its offence, this could be a turning point for the formerly quarterback starved Texans. A mismatch could be in the making here as well with J.J. Watt possibly lining up against subpar backup lineman Jordan Devey after Alex Smith protector Laurent Duvernay-Tardif hurt his knee last week. The Chiefs are travelling on a short week after physical battle with Redskins and they will be asked to spot their host some points. Texans 10-4-1 vs. spread past 15 regular-season games here. TAKING: TEXANS +1
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