Coming off a bye, improving defense should lift Eagles

Eagles (+2.5) over CARDINALS

You can go home again. Or at least back to the state where you played college ball. Nick Foles spent a few years in Tucson at the University of Arizona, and, while this game is in Glendale, he does know the lay of the land. That fact alone won't get the Birds to the winner's circle, but a week off, a defense that is improving, getting a few players back and a strong road record under Chip Kelly will. The Green Machine roared into the bye week after throwing a 27-0 doughnut at the Giants. They gave up only 253 yards (their best of the season), after allowing over 461 ypg the prior three. And now it looks as if Mychal Kendricks could be ready to go. LeSean McCoy is coming off a fabulous 149-yard effort against New York, and my only worry is Darren Sproles and his sprained MCL. However, no worries about playing on the road, where the Birds have won seven of the last 10. Gotta go all Green here.

Bears (+6) over PATRIOTS

Nothing better than a delicious controversy, some in-house sniping and criticism from an ex-player. Chicago WR Brandon Marshall exploded in the locker room after the game. Then retired Bears LB Brian Urlacher told a radio station, talking about QB Jay Cutler, "Financially, he is one of the elite guys in the NFL . . . He just hasn't produced like an elite quarterback." Ouch! If all this does not light a fire under Cutler, then we are done with Da Bears. Looking over at New England, there are a couple of crucial injuries that will have a huge impact on the game. The Pats had already lost LB Jarod Mayo, and now, their sack leader, DE Chandler Jones, will miss a few games with a bum hip. On to some important stats: Chicago has covered three of the last four as road underdogs, while the Patriots are 1-5 against the spread in their last six home games vs. the NFC North. That rolls this one into the Best Bet column.

Texans (-3) over TITANS

OK, raise your hand if you have ever heard of Zach Mettenberger. Unless you're an LSU fan, you probably had no idea. Well, looks as if Z-Mett will get his first NFL start, and when he sees J.J. Watt across the line, he might just start to cry. We know Houston has dropped three in a row, but to Tony Romo, Andrew Luck and Big Ben Roethlisberger. Just because Zach has a "berger" at the end of his name, that doesn't mean he has the tools to find a "W."

Colts (-3) over STEELERS

If you were starting a franchise, and could have any player in the NFL, whom would you pick? Simple answer is Andrew Luck. Since coming into the league, Luck is 28-14 overall, including two trips to the playoffs. And he is still only 25. The Horseshoes have covered five in a row, six of the last seven, seven of the last nine on the road and are working on a gorgeous 7-0 run as an away favorite. After reading that, how can you possibly back Pittsburgh? You cannot.

BROWNS (-7) over Raiders

Cleveland let one winless team off the hook last week, falling to Jacksonville (24-6), but it will not happen again Sunday. We cut the Brownies a little slack, because they were coming off a huge win over AFC North rival Pittsburgh. No slack this week, not against an Oakland team that is 0-6 this season, riding an 0-12 overall streak, and has covered only three of the last 10. Color this one Brown, and when they win, color your bank account a little greener.

PANTHERS (+5) over Seahawks

Apparently, the dreaded "Super Bowl hangover" is crushing Seattle. And it could get a little uglier against this Carolina team that has won 11 of the last 14 at home, and is looking to bounce back from a disturbing loss to the Packers.

BENGALS (Pick) over Ravens

Cincinnati was blown out by the Patriots, tied by the Panthers, and bageled by the Colts. Should be a different result at home, where the Marvin Lewis Cats have been outstanding, winning 11 of the last 12, with one tie.

Lions (-4) over Falcons (London)

Since favorites have covered five of the last six in London, we'll bank on a loud roar from the Lions.

BUCCANEERS (-2.5) over Vikings

Tampa has covered six of the last eight coming off a bye, while Minny is 0-6 the last half dozen times out against the Bucs.

Rams (+7) over CHIEFS

Big. Fat. Ouch. KC has covered only two of the last 12 as a home favorite.

JETS (-3) over Bills

Percy Harvin will help New York, and so will Buffalo's 1-14 record before the bye week.

Dolphins (-6) over JAGUARS

If you're thinking Jax as a home 'dog, don't. The Jags have covered only two of the last 10 getting points.

SAINTS (-1) over Packers

Gotta revert back to New Orleans ridonkulous 19-0 run at home with Sean Payton on the headset.

COWBOYS (-9) over Washington

Huge spread, but since Washington has covered only one of the last eight as a road 'dog, gotta buy the 'Boys.