Baltimore Ravens -11 at Carolina Panthers: OK, so (1) Carolina has only finished a game within single digits of its opponent twice this year, (2) Carolina is down to its third quarterback, (3) that quarterback is a rookie, (4) Baltimore is one of the NFL’s best teams, (5) Baltimore had the weekend off to rest up and watch Carolina lose to the Bucs, (6) Baltimore is good and mad after losing a controversial game to the Atlanta Falcons, and … do I need to go on? The Ravens covering shouldn’t be a surprise. PICK: Baltimore.
Seattle Seahawks at New Orleans Saints -13.5: Including Reggie Bush in the Saints’ offense has always seemed more like an obligation than a natural thing, especially in the running game. Saints win, but working Bush back in takes a few series. And that’s a huge line for a team that’s lost to the Cleveland Browns and Arizona Cardinals, who the Seahawks just beat last week. PICK: Seattle.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at San Francisco 49ers -3: Being an underdog to a 3-6 team will get the Bucs fired back up after a long flight, but the Niners are starting to realize they actually have a chance to contend for the NFC West. PICK: San Francisco.