Home team in CAPS:
We continue to be more bullish than the bulk of the general public regarding the immediate prospects of Seattle quarterback Geno Smith.
Even with Rams QB Matthew Stafford likely to return to full action here, we’ll continue to be among Smith’s stouter supporters.
By this point in time, the Giants are no doubt aware of the broad difficulty of their near-term prospects, especially at the skill positions.
The 4-6 Commanders are hardly world-beaters, but no disgrace. It will be difficult to compete favorably against the bulk of the schedule. Lean Washington, though home side’s no coverage cinch.
As Buffalo continues to marginally underperform, the Jets — despite their immediate shortcomings — may find themselves viably making something resembling a game of this.
After Bills narrowly missed against visiting Broncos, this could prove competitive.
This surely appears to be the caliber of mismatch the Niners should be able to capitalize upon, to ring up a smart three-hour-plus margin, to put themselves in an optimal frame of mind heading into their Seattle clash Thursday.
In terms of this being an apparent mismatch on paper, the favorites hold the hammer.
The NFC North-leading Lions maintain a clear advantage over their divisional rivals, with no serious threats on the horizon and Thanksgiving vs. the Packers, next.
The little things appear to be accumulating on the Pack’s side in this pre-holiday get-together, though the Bolts are more than capable of making the best of this unless the visitors wind up facing enduring weather/travel difficulties.
So long as Dallas is not sidetracked by the usual Turkey Time hoopla and/or distracting weather issues, this task should not provide undue hardship on the star-bearing visitors.
And so it goes, as the ’Boys roll on …
The Silver and Black are among those foes who are unlikely to put up too much of a sustained resistance, against the proficient, professional Dolphins.
Despite the price, it’s tough to buck Miami off their bye week, off a loss.
So long as Tennessee’s Derrick Henry continues to leap tall buildings with a single bound, it’s tough to go against that snappy underdog running back. Likewise, it can be risky to go to the bank on that Jags defense. Plus-points loom as a generous gift.
Redoubtable Houston quarterback C.J. Stroud appears ready to stage another air show with the rejuvenated Texans, up against forlorn Cards, who continue to do business as one of the league’s underachievers.
Pittsburgh faces the gauntlet with road efforts at Brownieland and Zinzinnati, in successive weekends. You have to respect Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin and his ability to repeatedly coax top efforts from his shock troops.
The Mile High denizens hope to continue to make hay against a Vikings contingent which has largely been taking advantage of a vulnerable, iffy NFC North boasting dubious depth, top to bottom, following a tough September.
Must respect some of these teams, freshened off bye weeks.
Both of these worthy contingents have been repeatedly tested by top-drawer foes.
What’s not to like?
Eagles are in the midst of their multi-year NFC Marauding Tour. The Chiefs run Patrick Mahomes out there, and have diversified talent to burn. A take — in a close call.
Last week: 5-7-1
2023 season: 58-61-5