Picks against the spread for every game

IT HAS been a hell of a last two weeks for the Giants, emphasis on the word “hell.”

First, they gave up 33 points in the fourth quarter to lose 33-32 to the Broncos in Denver — a game replete with colossal mistakes (two missed PATs; Jaxson Dart’s right-to-the-defender interception) and questionable strategy.

Next, they got trampled, at least on the scoreboard and stat sheet, in a 38-20 loss to the Eagles at the Linc. The Giants defense gave up 276 yards rushing, 150 of those to Saquon Barkley, who largely had turned into a ghost in his second season in Philadelphia.

Even worse, the Giants lost their heartbeat when rookie running back Cam Skattebo suffered a gruesome ankle injury. “Dislocated” doesn’t quite describe what it looked like.

So now the Giants come home with a 2-6 record to face the 49ers on Sunday at MetLife Stadium. Two of their three most important offensive players (Skattebo and Malik Nabers) are gone for the season. Coach Brian Daboll and GM Joe Schoen already had been put on notice by co-owner John Mara at the end of last season, and now the franchise appears headed for a 14th consecutive season without a playoff win.

So we can all admit it: It’s over. On to the next regime. Hope the new coach can make something out of Dart and whatever will be left of Schoen’s collection of players.

Well, maybe not so fast on that. There still seems to be some real life in this team. In Denver, tight ends Daniel Bellinger and Theo Johnson each caught touchdown passes of 40-plus yards and Tyrone Tracy Jr. ran for a 31-yard score.

And it would have been interesting to see how the game in Philadelphia would have turned out if the Giants rightly had been awarded a fumble on a Jalen Hurts Tush Push at 7-7 early in the second quarter. There was also the questionable offensive pass interference penalty called on Darius Slayton that negated a 68-yard Giants touchdown.

The 49ers come to town a shell of their former selves on defense, missing DE Nick Bosa and LB Fred Warner. Last week, they allowed 475 total yards and 30-of-39 passing to C.J. Stroud with only three non-blitz pressures and zero sacks. 

Yes, the Giants defense will have its hands full with Christian McCaffrey, but Dart should have enough success to keep the crowd involved and his teammates motivated to at least get inside the small number, if not come away with their third win of the season. 

The pick: Giants +2.5. 

DETROIT LIONS (-8.5) over Minnesota Vikings

J.J. McCarthy returns after Kevin O’Connell used up the last bits of Carson Wentz. The line went down a point on the McCarthy news, and we’re happy to have it. The Vikings went 1-1 in McCarthy’s first two starts, but 21 of their 32 points came in the fourth quarter vs. the Bears. Happy to ride with the Lions at home off a bye. They’re getting healthier and are 5-1 in their last six games with the one loss coming at Kansas City. 

Chicago Bears (-3) over CINCINNATI BENGALS

The Bengals defense ranks last in the NFL in yardage and last in points per game allowed. Their offense has perked up in Joe Flacco’s three starts, but they were still just 1-2 in those, and at midweek, Flacco was questionable to start vs. the Bears. Wouldn’t be interested in backing Jake Browning against the functional-if-frustrating Bears. 

GREEN BAY PACKERS (-13.5) over Carolina Panthers

The Packers have had just one result all season that would cover this spread, their 27-13 rout of the Lions in Week 1. They have averaged 29.6 ppg over their last three games, all wins, and Jordan Love pumped out 360 yards in a 10-point victory at Pittsburgh. The Panthers have played only two teams that currently have winning records and lost by a combined 82-22 to the Patriots and Bills. 

Los Angeles Chargers (-9.5) over TENNESSEE TITANS

As a bettor who prefers to take points, I’m certainly giving a ton of them this week. Wasn’t able to find an entry point on the Titans with Calvin Ridley and top defensive end Jeffrey Simmons likely out. Seems like a good setup for Justin Herbert with extra time off a Thursday night 37-10 destruction of the Vikings. 

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (-5.5) over Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons got crushed 34-10 at home by the lowly Dolphins last week and also have a 30-0 loss in Carolina on their register. Michael Penix Jr. and Drake London could return this week, but were limited in mid-week practices. The Patriots are on a five-game heater, but the last three have been against terrible teams, so the price point here is a bit worrisome. 

Indianapolis Colts (-3) over PITTSBURGH STEELERS

Hard to find any flaws with the Colts, who rank No. 1 in yards and points scored per game, second in turnover differential, and sixth in points per game allowed. Jonathan Taylor is on pace for more than 1,800 yards rushing and 2,200 yards from scrimmage. Aaron Rodgers has been game and the Steelers defense severely lacking. 

Denver Broncos (+1.5) over HOUSTON TEXANS

Oddsmakers likely were looking at the Texans’ one-game winning streak and No. 1 rankings in yards and points per game allowed, but I have a feeling the wrong team is favored in this game. The Broncos bring a top-10 offense/top-five defense to H-Town. The major worry — as it is with the Patriots and Colts — is that they’re on a long winning streak and you wonder when the next hiccup will come.

Jacksonville Jaguars (-3) over LAS VEGAS RAIDERS

The Jaguars smartly placed their bye week after their London game, which gives them time to recover from a 35-7 beating by the Rams. At one point, they were 4-1 with a win over the Chiefs, so we should be getting the better team at a reasonable price. TE Brock Bowers’ return is good news for Raiders backers. 

LOS ANGELES RAMS (-14) over New Orleans Saints

Another uncomfortable point spread to be laying. The Saints covered a big number earlier in the season at Buffalo, but now we have Tyler Shough in his first NFL start with injury concerns to his top weapons, Alvin Kamara and Rashid Shaheed. Puka Nacua is expected to return for the Rams. 

Kansas City Chiefs (-2) over BUFFALO BILLS

While the Bills have had regular-season success against the Chiefs, those wins did not come in seasons in which Kansas City started 0-2 and was as on point as it has been the past month. Josh Allen and James Cook will put up points, but I don’t believe the Bills defense will get enough stops against Patrick Mahomes’ nuclear offense. 

Seattle Seahawks (-3) over WASHINGTON COMMANDERS

Jayden Daniels is back for the Commanders. He might be limited a bit by his hamstring issue and will be without Terry McLaurin, who was amazing last week, and possibly top offensive lineman Laremy Tunsil. At 3-5, it’s likely a last stand for the Commanders, but there are reasons they’re in this predicament, while the Seahawks are all kinds of solid. 

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Betting on the NFL?

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Monday

Arizona Cardinals (+2.5) over DALLAS COWBOYS

After a bye, Kyler Murray returns for the Cardinals, and he’ll be in his happy place. My friend and Dallas sports aficionado John Porter points out Murray is 9-0 at AT&T Stadium, playing for Allen High School, Oklahoma, and the Cardinals. He’ll have some opportunities against Dallas’ 31st-ranked defense.

BEST BETS: Colts, Broncos, Chiefs

LOCK OF THE WEEK: Colts (Locks 3-5 in 2025).

LAST WEEK: 6-7 overall, 1-2 Best Bets.

THURSDAY: Ravens.