Most questioned how the lowly Raiders could have possibly defeated these Eagles two weeks ago. Some of the answers were revealed on Monday night when, despite winning, we observed a Philadelphia squad that is noticeably underwhelming. Wins have come against the Bucs, Panthers, Chiefs and Redskins, a quartet that is currently 5-22 on the year. Giants are stumbling at the moment but there isn’t a better underdog, especially when attempting to avenge a 23-11 playoff loss to this familiar rival. TAKING: NY Giants -1
Texans @ Bills
Line: Houston by 3½
The Bills are more trick than treat. Outyarded significantly in consecutive victories, Buffalo relied mainly upon miscues by opposing quarterbacks Mark Sanchez and Jake Delhomme to provide Bills’ scores. That won’t happen here. Matt Schaub and the Houston offence are in a groove and mistakes are rare. The Texans' 6’5” pivot has tossed 16 touchdowns against only four interceptions in his past six games. Making matters worse will be Buffalo ’s 27th ranked pedestrian offence trying to penetrate this visitor’s improved defensive play. TAKING: Houston –3½
Vikings @ Packers
Line: Green Bay by 3
Let’s see. The Packers have spent the past three weeks with a bye and a pair of effortless wins over the Lions and Browns, by a combined 57-3. Minnesota arrives here after a physical and emotional win over the Ravens only to be followed by a losing battle with punishing Steelers. Teams coming off Pittsburgh are an uninspiring 1-5 against the spread thus far. Oh, there’s another aspect to this one. The quarterback for the Vikes used to play here and if ever the Packers were geared towards a regular-season win, this one stands alone. TAKING: Green Bay –3
THE REST
Browns @ Bears
Line: Chicago by 13½
Dorothy had it right. After being away for nearly a month and suffering consecutive road losses, there will be no place like home for these Bears. Cleveland ranks near the bottom on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. TAKING: Chicago –13½
Broncos @ Ravens
Line: Baltimore by 3½
Win or lose, it would be foolish to deny points being offered here. Denver is undefeated, has not allowed a 2nd half touchdown in its past five games while the usually stout defence of the Ravens appears vulnerable. TAKING: Denver +3½
49ers @ Colts
Line: Indianapolis by 11½
Tough to fade the Colts these days as they continue to dominate all on comers. However, price is slightly inflated due to a combination of Indy’s success and domination by big faves lately. Niners should be better defensively after being embarrassed prior to their bye. TAKING: San Francisco +11½
Dolphins @ Jets
Line: NY Jets by 3½
Not sure of Dolphins’ mental makeup after head-spinning loss to Saints last week. If Tony Sparano can get his squad to move past that one, this one figures to mirror first meeting’s seesaw battle. TAKING: Miami +3½
Rams @ Lions
Line: Detroit by 4
This one will feature 90 guys dressed up as football players. Combined, these two are 1-39 over past 40. How scary is that? In good conscience, we cannot spot points with a Lions team that has enough trouble winning, let alone covering. TAKING: St. Louis +4
Seahawks @ Cowboys
Line: Dallas by 9½
We’ve seen this movie before whereas everything looks like it is rectified in Dallas , only to see it all unfold in subsequent game against some ordinary squad. Seattle needed its bye to nurse back some bodies and it has enough offence to keep this one honest. TAKING: Seattle +9 ½
Raiders @ Chargers
Line: San Diego by 16½
Chargers won’t take this game lightly as they find themselves at .500 and chasing the Broncos in addition to scare in season opener against Raiders. San Diego won 34-7 on this field last year and we expect more of the same. TAKING: San Diego -16½
Jaguars @ Titans
Line: Tennessee by 3
Tennessee fans have been spooked all year. Still winless, the Titans have surrendered 101 points in their last three games. We see no reason to be giving away points to any opponent, let alone one that clobbered you by 20 points in earlier meeting. TAKING: Jacksonville +3
Panthers @ Cardinals
Line: Arizona by 10
Whatever wakeup call the Cardinals heard after third week of the season, appears to be working. Arizona ’s recent play on both sides of the ball has been sound. Don’t expect that to change against error-prone and erratic Panthers. TAKING: Arizona –10
Falcons @ Saints
Line: New Orleans by 10
Divisional games have dominated the Monday Night sched this season. Network folk rely on them to be close and after defeating Saints and losing by just four in split last season, the Falcons are more than capable of meeting that requirement. TAKING: Atlanta +10
Randall the handle 11/1/09
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