Carolina Panthers -3.5 vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Panthers enter this game on a high after a convincing road win over the Eagles, showing they can compete against high-quality opponents. On top of the momentum they’ll have heading into this game, they also get Baker Mayfield back from injury which should help keep things sharp on the offensive end. Back the Panthers to cover.
San Francisco 49ers -2.5 vs Atlanta Falcons
Defensive efficiency is what has kept the 49ers unbeaten over the first 6 weeks of the season. They allow just 18.3 points per game and 300 yards per game, which ranks them 4th and 5th in those areas of play. Atlanta enters the game rankings 31st in turnover differential, that could prove to be costly in what is expected to be a tight game.
Baltimore Ravens +1.5 vs Cincinnati Bengals
Recent meetings between the two sides indicate the Ravens have the Bengals number, they’ve won 6 of the last 8 such games. Lamar Jackson is also 11-2 SU as a starter in games vs the Bengals, his status could be the deciding factor in this game. Cincinnati's rushing struggles are well noted – they average just 3.63 yards per carry, ranking 27th. The 1.5 points gives us a bit of a cushion here, I’m siding with the home team.
Detroit Lions -3.5 vs Green Bay Packers
This game will come down to how well the Lions executive on offense. They average 32.8 points per game which is the league’s leading scoring pace. After a 45-point burst vs Arizona in Week 5, they are coming off a bye week which gives them extra time to prepare here. Detroit also leads the NFL with 20 sacks. If the Lions protect the ball and control the trenches, they have the firepower to cover -3.5.
Los Angeles Rams -3.5 vs Las Vegas Raiders
Although they’re just 2-4 SU, the Rams have showed solid play on offense this season. They rank 3rd for yards per game, Matthew Stafford leads the NFL with 1,794 passing yards, 164 completions and 249 attempts. With the Raiders allowing 371.1 yards per game (28th), the gap in quality on defense is just too big here. I’ll be taking LA to snap out of their early season struggles.
Kansas City Chiefs +2.5 vs Seattle Seahawks
No team in the NFL scores as much as the Chiefs do – after 5 games played they average 414 yards per game, while scoring 28 points per contest. It’s not only the offense that has kept the Chiefs unbeaten on the young season, they’re doing a fabulous job at protecting the ball, ranking 3rd in turnover differential at +5. There’s great value in backing the Chiefs as road underdogs in this one.