Ernesto the Prediction Iguana continued his impressive opening to the NFL prognostication season with a 4-2 week, 1-2 in teasers. His only miscues were those pesky Bears -- this time they upended the Ravens in Baltimore -- and the Giants. The Bears may play in the NFC North, but they may want to petition for a change since they could end up metaphoric champions of the AFC North with wins against that division’s two powerhouses, the Ravens and Steelers. The Giants were reeling, but they went into Denver and turned the tables on the poorly prepared Broncos.
That puts the season totals at 10-2 overall, 4-2 in teasers. Here’s this week’s winners before they happen. As always, we do teasers here, so you get to move the line six points in either direction, using lines from Vegas Insider, HOME TEAM IN CAPS.
GREEN LIGHT
Chiefs (+3.5) at RAIDERS
RAMS-Cardinals OVER 41
I think the reason why we’re seeing low over/under totals for the Rams is because people are slow to recognize their suddenly resurgent offense. People just see “Rams” and think they’re still the putrid team from St. Louis. The Chiefs will bounce back against a punchless Raiders offense that badly needs Derek Carr to return to last season’s form.
AMBER ALERT
RAIDERS-Chiefs UNDER 53.5
Panthers (+3) at BEARS
I know the Chiefs are explosive, but 53.5 is a lot of points, and the Raiders need to score touchdowns too to get anywhere near the number. At least six touchdowns between the two teams? That’s a tall order. The Panthers are on the rise, and despite beating Pitt and Balty, I still don’t believe in the Bears.
RED WARNING
Jaguars (+3) at COLTS
Broncos (+3.5) at CHARGERS
Road teams won eight of 14 outright last week, ad are batting over .500 for the season. The Jags are the AFC’s proper rejoinder to the Rams, a formerly hapless loser that righted the ship so far this season. Without a marquis QB at the helm, the Colts aren’t just leaderless, but lost.
