Not loving the Bengals straight-up here, but the Ravens may struggle to cover 13 points. Lamar Jackson is nursing a tender knee, Joe Burrow can play and Cincinnati has weapons. Look for a cover even if Baltimore wins comfortably.
Pick: Baltimore 31, Cincinnati 22
Neither team can cover or generate a consistent pass rush. The coaching isn’t exactly Landry vs. Lombardi. The quarterbacks are good — especially Deshaun Watson — but the weapons are not. Know what that means? A complete circus.
Pick: Houston 34, Jacksonville 31
The Rams were awful offensively last week but held on and beat the Giants. This week, a slightly tougher test. Kyle Allen is coming off the bench to replace Dwayne Haskins, which at least creates the element of the unknown for Los Angeles to contend with. Still, the Rams find a way as the vastly superior team.
Pick: Los Angeles 25, Washington 20
This feels like a massacre. Kansas City is perfectly suited to hammer the Raiders, who rank 30th against the pass and allow 30 points per game. Patrick Mahomes will spread them out and unload to his bevy of weapons. Derek Carr, meanwhile, will check down on 3rd and 10.
Pick: Kansas City 41, Las Vegas 17
The Steelers always play down to inferior competition. Sometimes they win, but it’s never pretty. Expect that again on Sunday when Carson Wentz and Co. come to town. Pittsburgh should find a way behind its elite defense and future Hall of Fame quarterback, but it might come down to the final few minutes.
Pick: Pittsburgh 24, Philadelphia 20