Big Blue D will slow Texans

by Richard Witt
Giants (+3) over TEXANS: After their slick sacking of the Bears brought them back from the dark side, Big Blue engage another respected outfit -- but one with a different severe weakness. It's unwise to lay more than a trey with any pass defense so iffy as Houston's. Giants enjoy enviable history against foes with high-powered passing offenses. Give coach Tom Coughlin the benefit of the doubt.
RAVENS (-7) over Broncos: Given difficult travel logistics for Denver, it's hard to anticipate anything but a Baltimore straight-up win. Knowshon Moreno's hamstring injury likely means the Broncos will remain in pass-drunk mode, which should result in tough sledding, given Ravens' stellar ability to defend air space.

AP
IN A RUSH: The Panthers and DeAngelo Williams will run past the Bears, Richard Witt predicts.

BILLS (pick) over Jaguars: Not going here because of any "Buffalo is due" theory -- not yet! But can envision Bills getting home by catching Jaguars in hangover spot off upset of namebrand Colts. Jaguars' recent pickup of ex-Bills quarterback Trent Edwards is a concern, because new teammates will talk, but Buffalo should be competitive, given optimum focus.
Chiefs (+8) over COLTS: Given the Chiefs three consecutive underdog wins to start season, compelled to fancy outfit featuring running backs Thomas Jones and Jamaal Charles against horrendous Colts rushing defense. Peyton Manning has never covered any number against any Romeo Crennel defense.
Rams (+3) over LIONS: Star-to-be rookie QB Sam Bradford and a defense which hasn't allowed more than 17 points in any game this year seems more likely to succeed than any outfit featuring a wretched secondary and an addiction to silly penalties -- especially given RB Steven Jackson's projected return to action for visitor.
BROWNS (+3) over Falcons: We avoided the Falcons last week, off second straight win. We're not going to embrace them, now that they barely survived against the slowly developing Niners. Atlanta might be compelled to sustain their superior ball-stripping ways, to have any sustained chance to crack Cleveland's challenging 3-4 defense.
BENGALS (-6½) over Bucs: Have long been reluctant to lay more than a touchdown with Cincinnati -- or to Tampa Bay! But given broad circumstances, will lay here, as Bengals quarterback-seeking defense shouldn't give Josh Freeman a moment's peace. Off five consecutive against-the-spread losses as home favorite in '09, Bengals shouldn't bungle this chance.
PANTHERS (-1) over Bears: Jay Cutler's concussion-provoked absence has propelled Panthers into favoritism -- even with WR Steve Smith sidelined. Bears promise to be the NFL-appropriate 2010 version of Sybil -- with 16 separate personalities! This works, if DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart can rush against the Bears front.
REDSKINS (+2½) over Packers: Tricky read, factoring in just how much last week's successful invasion into Philadelphia meant to Donovan McNabb. Green Bay teams tend to develop as seasons progress -- but it remains early October, and neither of these sides has been closing games out in definitive fashion, lending value to 'dog.
Saints (-7) over CARDINALS: Fundamentalist handiccappers raring to go -- against! Former BYU quarterback Max Hall, 25, is making first league start against Gregg Williams' aggressive defense, which figures to put Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt's bullishness regarding Hall to the acid test. Champions' offense figures to explode vs. 2008 NFC champs.
Chargers (-6) over RAIDERS: Another tricky read, given Raiders RB Darren McFadden's aching hammy -- and ex-Raiders coach Norv Turner's history of hammering former employer. Price isn't cheap, but Chargers' skill people can outscore Raiders from memory.
Titans (+7) over COWBOYS: This isn't only ex-Texas superstar Vince Young making his initial professional visit to Dallas. This is Titans owner Bud Adams, who was in on AFL's birth with the Oil ers a half-a- century ago and remains without a Lombardi Trophy em brace. Chippy play and at least one obscene gesture didn't do Tennessee a lick of good against Broncos. A more focused effort seems virtual certainty.
49ERS -3 over Eagles: Michael Vick's rib issues incurred against the Redskins leave Andy Reid with this season's original Plan A, Kevin Kolb. Eagles are the established class, but very-possible absence of stud running back LeSean McCoy (ribs) leaves visitors' skill-people cupboard skimpy. How tight is this? Would take Eagles plus 3½.
TOMORROW
Vikings (+4) over JETS: Gang Green's opening 10-9 loss to the Ravens resulted in sharpened focus for trio of divisional foes. Now, Mark Sanchez gets previously suspended WR Santonio Holmes added to arsenal. Win over Bills might have been too easy, leaving door open for Vikings with recycled tool Randy Moss and Brett Favre, cocked and ready to generate career TD pass No. 500.
LAST WEEK: 11-3. SEASON: 36-22-3.