Just not this week. The Bengals (3-2) will likely be without running back Samaje Perine after he tested positive for coronavirus this week, putting more of the load on Joe Mixon, who already ranks third in attempts and is battling an ankle injury. Even with an improved offensive line protecting Joe Burrow and receiver Ja’Marr Chase’s emergence as a front-runner for offensive rookie of the year, Cincinnati could struggle to cover against a Lions defense that’s playing for pride. Pick: Lions +3
Los Angeles Rams at Giants,
Line: Rams -10.5 | Total: 47.5
With quarterback Daniel Jones (concussion) out and a long list of injuries hindering the entire receiver corps and running back Saquon Barkley, the Giants (1-4) will try to hurry back anyone who can catch a ball from backup Mike Glennon. The Rams (4-1) might look a little shellshocked because of the early East Coast start, but this one should be decided quickly. Pick: Rams -10.5
Kansas City at Washington Footballers,
Line: Kansas City -6.5 | Total: 55.5
Kansas City’s offense has had to be mind-bogglingly efficient to even contend so far this season, and its three losses have followed a common script: Opponents that can limit Tyreek Hill to under 100 receiving yards and convert aggressive play calls against Kansas City’s defense can come out with a win.
The Ravens, Chargers and Bills wrote the blueprint, but Washington (2-3) is unlikely to execute it well. Its defense has allowed the league’s fifth-most passing yards (1,467) and has only nine sacks in six games, despite the Chase Young-Montez Sweat defensive line pairing. Mahomes, whose six interceptions are tied for third in the N.F.L., has shown he can quickly find receivers with his shovel pass and Hill give him a deep target against a less-talented secondary. Kansas City (2-3) should get a confidence boost. Pick: Kansas City -6.5
Houston Texans at Indianapolis Colts,
Line: Colts -9.5 | Total: 43
How does a team recover from blowing a 19-point lead? Playing the Texans (1-4) is a start.
Before the Colts (1-4) allowed Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson to rally from behind on “Monday Night Football,” they looked shockingly efficient on both sides of the ball. In surrendering second-half lead last week to the Patriots, the Texans squandered rookie Davis Mills’s best game (312 yards and three touchdowns). Carson Wentz is more experienced and is working with a better all-around roster. The Colts should cover at home. Pick: Colts -9.5
Las Vegas Raiders at Denver Broncos,
Line: Broncos -3.5 | Total: 44
After Jon Gruden’s resignation Monday night, the Raiders (3-2) have to prepare to face a hellish Broncos defense under the interim coach, Rich Bisaccia. The Broncos (3-2), losers of two straight, will pounce on a Las Vegas team that’s facing organizational turmoil and shuffling offensive linemen, including shifting the first-round draft pick Alex Leatherwood from tackle to guard, because of injuries. Pick: Broncos -3.5