Houston at Indianapolis (-6.5)
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Houston, we have a problem. The problem isn’t the Texans themselves, they are playing good football behind their MVP candidate J.J. Watt, but the Houston Texans have NEVER won in Indianapolis. As an expansion team in the early 2000’s, Houston has always been a punching bag for Peyton Manning and now Andrew Luck when it comes to playing in Indianapolis. Even if that doesn’t change on Sunday, Watt and the Texans defense will keep this game close as they fight to stay in the AFC South race.
THE PICK: Texans (+6.5)
Cincinnati at Cleveland (-1)
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This line varies across a lot of sports books as the injection of Johnny Manziel in to the Browns starting lineup has changed Vegas’ outlook on the game. Cincinnati won three road games in a row before returning to home and being blown out against the Steelers. Now they go in to the Dawg Pound facing a desperate team in need of a win. A quarterback change can always jolt an offense, especially when that offense has scored one touchdown in its previous 29 possessions. Manziel makes unscripted plays in this one and Joe Haden locks down A.J. Green.
THE PICK: Browns (-1)
Miami at New England (-7.5)
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This game has blowout potential written all over it. Miami beat New England in Week 1, but both teams are so different since then, specifically New England who is red hot. Miami’s offensive line is beat up and playing poorly. Most importantly, there seems to be some tension between the Dolphins players and the coaching staff as Jared Odrick was seen screaming at head coach Joe Philbin during the team’s lackluster blowout loss to Baltimore in Week 14. Oh, add in the fact that Miami’s linebackers have yet to practice this week and Rob Gronkowski is in for a big day.
THE PICK: Patriots (-7.5)
Tampa Bay at Carolina (-3)
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This line went down a bit since the news of Panthers quarterback Cam Newton getting injured in a two car accident on Tuesday, rendering him inactive for the Sunday contest. Tampa Bay is sticking with Josh McCown as they continue to lose football games. Carolina on the other hand needs the game as their blowout win last week in New Orleans has them just a half game out of first place in the putrid NFC South. Derek Anderson will start at quarterback for Carolina and ironically he started and beat the Bucs in Week 1 to start the season. He’ll do it again.