QB Kirk Cousins could give Eagles more than they could handle

Redskins (+6.5) over EAGLES

OK, the numbers are staggering! The Birds are 9-1 the last 10 outings, and are averaging an NFL-best 33 points and 437 yards over that span. They are working on a 5-0 run at the Linc, but I'm really nervous about laying basically a touchdown with this Green Machine that does not show up until the second half. You know what else gets me nervous? Kirk Cousins. Everyone is talking about what a devastating blow the loss of Robert Griffin III is, but we actually would have had a stronger feeling for the Eagles if RGIII were playing. After all, the Birds beat him twice last season. Cousins stepped in last week and was money, completing 22 of 33 for 250 yards and two touchdowns, and he appears to be a better fit in first-year head coach Jay Gruden's offense. So, which way to turn? Slight lean to Washington to cover with the points, but would not have a problem if you dropped the Birds into a teaser.

SAINTS (-10) over Vikings

You saw what happened when Minnesota had to rely on Matt Asiata (36 yards on 13 attempts for a glorious 2.77 yards per carry) at RB against the Patriots after Adrian Peterson was put on the shelf. A 30-7 blowout. Now the Purple People, still without Peterson, have to step inside the Superdome, where New Orleans is basically perfect, at least with Sean Payton coaching. The Saints have put together a gorgeous 17-0 run in the dome (with Payton), and after starting 0-2, you can bet that Drew Brees and Co. will come out with a little extra juice in the home opener. And if you're wondering how that 17-0 straight-up run at home stacks up against the spread, it ain't bad, as in 16-1. And if you wanna little window into Brees at home last season, it was an average of 354.4 yards per game, 9.12 yards per attempt, 73.6 percent completion rate and 126.3 QB rating. All that makes this my Best Bet!

Colts (-6.5) over JAGUARS

Let's just say right at the top that Indianapolis ain't gonna drop to 0-3. No way! Last season, the Horseshoes busted up Jacksonville twice - 30-10 at Indy, and even more impressive, 37-3, down in J'ville. The Jags have no running game (Toby Gerhart had 8 yards on seven carries vs. Washington), and if you're thinking, what about the home-field advantage, don't. Jax has won only two of the last 15 at home, while the Colts are riding a 6-0 spread perfecto against the AFC South.

PATRIOTS (-14) over Raiders

Never like to lay double digits in the NFL, but if there was ever a case, this is it. Running game? What running game! QB Derek Carr is Oakland's leading rusher with 57 yards, just ahead of Darren McFadden (52) and Maurice Jones-Drew (11). And 41 of Carr's yards came on one play. So, when you don't have to worry about the rushing attack - such as in Minnesota when Adrian Peterson was out - you can load up on the passing game, and win by, like, two dozen.

49ers (-3) over CARDINALS

Three reasons for backing San Francisco: Road work, Colin Kaepernick and problems at RB for Arizona. The Niners have been magnificent on the road against the spread, covering eight of the last nine. Kaepernick has been all that against Arizona, with a 3-0 record, six TDs and 838 yards through the air. And the Cards' RB troubles? Andre Ellington has a torn tendon in his left foot, Jonathan Dwyer was arrested and is gone, while the two backups have rushed for a grand total of 4 yards.

RAMS (+1) over Cowboys

According to reports, Tony Romo's back has been acting up, and he's just one hard sack away from leaving the field. Dallas has not won two in a row on the road since Wade Phillips was putting the X's and O's on the chalkboard.

JETS (-3) over Bears

Did you know that the New Yorkers have the No. 1 rushing attack in the NFL? With Chris squared (Ivory and Johnson) the Jets average 179 per game. Chicago is allows 5.0 per rush. It's about matchups, and this is a perfect one for the J-E-T-S.

Chargers (+2.5) over BILLS

No way the Buffs can recover from the emotion of Ralph Wilson Day, and no way the Bills go to 3-0.

Texans (-2.5) over GIANTS

These New Yorkers are broken, and not even all the King's men could fix 'em at this point.

Titans (+7) over BENGALS

Can see Cincy walking off the field with the W, but Tennessee can keep the final score under a touchdown.

Ravens (-1.5) over BROWNS

Not sold on Cleveland yet, so we'll tickle Baltimore . . . but it's a light, light tickle.

LIONS (-2) over Packers

Not looking for Detroit to stomp Green Bay by 30 points at home, as it did last season, but a TD will do just fine.

SEAHAWKS (-5) over Broncos

We're not expecting a 43-8 final as in the Super Bowl, but Seattle is on a monster run at home (18-1) and will get the cover.

DOLPHINS (-4) over Chiefs

After a 9-0 start last season, KC has won only two of its last 10, including the wild-card game, and will wilt in the Miami sweatbox.

Steelers (+3.5) over PANTHERS

Just when you are ready to throw him on the scrap heap, Big Ben Roethlisberger comes up with a gem.