Picks against the spread for every game

Thanks to the Giants being scheduled for Thursday night, we don’t have to deal with them in this week’s selections.

There will soon come a time when we won’t have to think about the Giants or Jets. 

It’s called playoff time.

Ba-dum-bum!  

But for this edition we do have to address the Jets, who on Sunday will play the Broncos in London. Not only is it a stand-alone national telecast, it’ll be an international spectacle … or maybe debacle?

Though the game will be played at a neutral site, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, this will be a Jets home game, and not just nominally. They will “green up the stadium,” Jets VP of fan experience Chris Pierce told The Post’s Brian Costello. This includes announcers, music, scoreboard signage, pyrotechnics, “J-E-T-S” chants, little green flags for all fans and more. 

Their idea is to bring the MetLife Stadium experience to London, which is great … until you remember the Jets are 0-3 at MetLife Stadium this season, losing the past two games by 20 and 15 points, respectively. 

The major problem for the Jets has been the defense. In five games, it has recorded zero takeaways, just seven sacks and the team is 31st in points per game allowed (31.4). 

There will be no shade here for Justin Fields, Breece Hall and Garrett Wilson. They’ve largely been excellent, save for one key fumble by Hall and the fact that a lot of their stats have been generated at the tail end of blowouts. 

Denver is ranked second in points per game allowed (16.8) and fifth in yards (283.3). The Jets would need to have some short fields to score much against this opponent, and without takeaways it’s hard to get those.

Bo Nix has thrown four interceptions this season, so maybe the Jets can get a big one against him that can change the game and the season. But more likely, Nix will be able to pitch and catch with Courtland Sutton, Tony Franklin and Evan Engram amid the green fireworks and “J-E-T-S” chants.

The pick: Broncos -7.5. 

Cleveland Browns (+5.5) over PITTSBURGH STEELERS

It’s the first game for each team after meeting the Vikings in Europe. The Steelers beat them in Ireland. The Browns put up a good fight but lost late in London. The difference is that Pittsburgh got a bye week to reset, while Cleveland had to hustle back and now is actually playing a third consecutive road game. Taking a shot with the Browns’ No. 2 yardage defense with a number that feels a bit large.

Arizona Cardinals (+7) over INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

Arizona ruined our Lock of the Week with two inexplicable boneheaded plays in a loss to the Titans. Now the Cardinals visit the Colts, who are 3-0 at home with an average margin of victory of 20 points. Tough task, particularly with Kyler Murray (foot) questionable, but I’m thinking the Cardinals will focus in and be a tough out this week at this number.

MIAMI DOLPHINS (+4.5) over Los Angeles Chargers

The Chargers are missing both top running backs, Omarion Hampton and Najee Harris, and have to make the cross-country trip for an early start. Remember, the Dolphins have one of the best home-field advantages in the NFL in early season 1 p.m. games. They are in the shade and the visitors are baked in sunshine, with a forecast high of 85 degrees. 

New England Patriots (-3.5) over NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

Except for a few personal foul penalties, Mike Vrabel’s Patriots looked to be very well coached and on point in their upset victory against the Bills.

Stefon Diggs is stepping up for Drake Maye in a big way, but these throws are beautiful. The Saints earned their first win last week, enjoying a 5-0 turnover edge against the Giants. That stat’s not likely repeatable here.

Dallas Cowboys (-3) over CAROLINA PANTHERS

The Cowboys offense is coming in hot after scoring 40 points in a tie with the Packers and 37 in a rout of the Jets. Javonte Williams’ uptick (135 rushing yards vs. the Jets) is opening lanes for Dak Prescott to find George Pickens and his other receivers, even behind a banged-up offensive line. The Panthers are 2-0 at home, which is why the spread’s so light. 

Seattle Seahawks (+1) over JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

We’re looking at a long trip, early start for the Seahawks vs. a short week and potential letdown for the Jaguars after their Monday night win over the Chiefs. Sam Darnold was fantastic against the Bucs last week, throwing for 341 yards and four touchdowns before a killer interception gave Baker Mayfield the last say. Trevor Lawrence fell down twice before scoring his winning touchdown. Just figure the Seahawks have the more reliable offense, particularly with four Jaguars offensive linemen on the injury list.

Los Angeles Rams (-7.5) over BALTIMORE RAVENS

Never thought we’d see a Ravens spread like this, but what are oddsmakers to do after their 44-10 home loss to the Texans and with many key injuries on both sides of the ball? Baltimore has given up 37 points or more in all four of its losses.

The Rams have a few extra days to work with after a 26-23 OT loss to the 49ers last Thursday. If Matthew Stafford matches his 389 yards passing, it will amount to a lot more points in this game. 

Tennessee Titans (+4.5) over LAS VEGAS RAIDERS

This line dipped two points from the look-ahead line after the Raiders’ 40-6 loss in Indianapolis and the Titans’ fluke comeback in Arizona. Cam Ward is playing better than Geno Smith right now, making the Titans a worthy underdog try. 

Cincinnati Bengals (+14) over GREEN BAY PACKERS

In Week 3, Joe Flacco mounted a fourth-quarter comeback to lead the Browns over the Packers, 13-10 in Cleveland. Now he’s a Bengal, playing behind a terrible offensive line and with a much worse defense, and the venue is Lambeau Field. But the Packers defense shouldn’t be a mystery, and I’m thinking Flacco will get more footballs into the hands of Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins than Jake Browning did.

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (-3) over San Francisco 49ers

Mayfield (10 touchdowns, one interception, unlimited moxie) is playing at an MVP level. My concern is the Bucs’ four wins have been by three, one, two and three points. None of those would cover this number, but I’d rather have Mayfield playing for me than against me. 

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (-2.5) over Detroit Lions

The Chiefs lost in Jacksonville on a pick six by Patrick Mahomes and a bunch of penalties that don’t usually get called against them at Arrowhead. The offense is rounding into form, and the Lions are missing some key players (Terrion Arnold, D.J. Reed) in the secondary. 

MONDAY  

ATLANTA FALCONS (+4.5) over Buffalo Bills

Seeing some value in this underdog line on a Falcons team that is rested off a bye and is No. 1 in the NFL in yards allowed per game. Hoping Raheem Morris learned a few things from Mike Vrabel about pressuring and frustrating Josh Allen. 

WASHINGTON COMMANDERS (-4.5) over Chicago Bears

Rematch of the famous Hail Mary game last season. Noah Brown, who caught that prayer from Jayden Daniels, should be back after missing last week’s 27-10 win at the Chargers. Keep an eye out for Terry McLaurin’s status. Not terribly worried about the spread, as the Commanders’ three wins have been by 15, 17 and 17 points. 

BEST BETS: Patriots, Dolphins, Cowboys.

LOCK OF THE WEEK: Patriots (Locks 1-4 in 2025).

LAST WEEK: 6-8 overall, 1-2 Best Bets.

THURSDAY: Eagles.

Why Trust New York Post Betting

Dave Blezow’s one of the longest tenured NFL handicappers at the Post with picks dating back to 1994. He won the Post’s NFL betting standings in 2021 and the Playoffs most recently in 2023.