Vikings @ Chargers (-3)
It's telling that the Chargers have no real hot read option on big blitzes - Herbert nearly threw a pick as a result of McConkey not being ready for the jailhouse blitz.
Minnesota was not ready to handle the Los Angeles rushing attack, given they let up a century's worth of yardage to Vidal by the third quarter.
Oronde Gadsden may be a gamer for this Chargers receiving corps.
Giants @ Eagles (-7)
An injured Brian Burns isn't a good thing. Giants might need to be noted for their poor injury management.
Bills @ Panthers (+7)
James Cook may still be the best tailback in the league. His burst and shiftiness has been nothing short of impressive.
Joey Bosa has had a bit of a resurgence in Buffalo. A good case can be made that he's the team's best pass rusher.
Dave Canales worries me, not having told Andy Dalton to not take a sack to close out the first half. The Panthers were in prime field goal position, but Dalton taking the sack ruined that opportunity as time ran out before the field goal unit can assemble.
I don't think Canales can adequately prepare a quarterback in one week. The fact that Bryce Young started very slow the past two seasons might be testament to that. Add Andy Dalton's questionable performance today.
49ers @ Texans (-2.5)
Note - whenever a team is starting nothing but second-stringers on defense, it might be an automatic bet against them, especially when complacency isn't in their favor.
Jets @ Bengals (-7)
I really need to look at the Bengals run blocking on film. It seems Cincinnati is having ridiculous success running the ball. From what little I saw, the Jets are getting gashed on all types of runs.
Bears @ Ravens (-6.5/-1.5)
How is it that the Ravens are not running out the clock in the fourth quarter? Their play calls and their willingness to run out of bounds seem questionable. They're extending the game for no reason and risking further injury to their personnel.
I need to examine if the Ravens were able to mount any pressure with their defensive front or did they have to manufacture pressure on blitzes.
Buccaneers @ Saints (+4)
Buccaneers are struggling to generate consistent production in the passing game. Baker only has 50 yards of passing in the first half.
I don't see Tampa's linebackers stationing themselves out wide in the flat. I thought Todd Bowles would have picked up on that cheat from the tape of the New Orleans/Chicago game, but I guess not. I think complacency has hit the Buccaneers a little too much here. Let's see how things open up in the second half.
Not being able to run the ball in 6 times from the 1-yard line is pretty damning.
Cowboys @ Broncos (+3.5)
These bootlegs seem to be paying off tremendously for the Broncos.
The Broncos love their man coverage schemes, don't they? They also mix things up with the half-man, half-zone look that made the Patriots defense so famous under Bill Belichick. Without Pat Surtain out there though, it changes things - no other cornerback can shut down receivers as adequately as Surtain.
Denver's cornerbacks are a little too aggressive in their man coverage - they're racking up way too many penalties. Then again, it's not easy covering Dallas' two top receivers.
Talanoa Hufanga is impressive, especially in run support.
The Cowboys coverage units are horrendous in terms of their spacing. They're affording way too much space/runway to opposing receivers. Too many times has Romo mentioned that they're lining up more yards deep than necessary on basic coverage assignments.
