By Ryan McSheffrey, For The Miami Student
Bills (3-3) v. Jaguars (1-5) (London)...BUF -7
You may have seen some of the articles about the time zone change - apparently the Jaguars are going about the process in all the wrong ways, which doesn't bode well for a team that's not too impressive to begin with. My guess is Tyrod Taylor plays in this one, so the Bills will probably just be playing keep away. >>Bills 27, Jaguars 20
Colts (3-3) at Saints (2-4)...IND -4.5
This is an interesting matchup of teams with great quarterbacks who are failing to meet expectations. The Saints no longer have a great swagger boost at home, so don't count on it being a factor. Neither of these defenses is above average, so expect this one to feature a good deal of scoring. >>Colts 27, Saints 23
Texans (2-4) at Dolphins (2-3)...MIA -4
If you're a believer in the power of first impressions, then new head coach Dan Campbell's convincing win over the Titans last week finally led the Dolphins out of the wet paper bag they had been suffocating in during the beginning of the season. The Texans defense hasn't been as good as expected, and the Dolphins D is ready to tee off again. >>Dolphins 27, Texans 20
Jets (4-1) at Patriots (5-0)...NE -10
This is the Pats' first look at their traditional rival under head coach Todd Bowles. The Jets have been less about talk and more about performance under the new reign, which is refreshing. The team is going in the right direction. I don't see this being anything other than a one-score game. And at the end of the day, there's a reason why people say the quarterback is the most important position. >>Patriots 24, Jets 20
Chargers (2-4) at Raiders (2-3)...SD -4
With the way the Chargers and Raiders have been playing, you'd think there would be very little chance for the Raiders to have a record that is technically better. San Diego's Philip Rivers-led offense should rip through Oakland's defense. >>Chargers 31, Raiders 23
Cowboys (2-3) at Giants (3-3)...NYG -3
The Cowboys continue to struggle without Dez Bryant and Tony Romo, so they purged an offense mired in sludge and installed quarterback Matt Cassel and (purportedly) running back Christine Michael as starters during their bye week. Change is better than sticking with a losing formula, but it still doesn't mean they're likely to win. And although Dez is nearing his return, he's doubtful for Sunday. >>Giants 23, Cowboys 16
Eagles (3-3) at Panthers (5-0)...CAR -3
The Panthers return to Carolina off a statement victory over two-time defending NFC champion Seattle. I don't think I'm buying them as an elite team, but with the return of All-Pro middle linebacker Luke Kuechly, they have the defense firepower to lock down Sam Bradford, who's consistently inaccurate. >>Panthers 24, Eagles 20
Ravens (1-5) at Cardinals (4-2)…AZ -10
The Ravens' D has had all their halfway-holepunched defensive lapses blown wide open with the season-ending injury to Pro Bowl quarterback-harasser Terrell Suggs. Their defensive backfield is not playing well at all. Cardinals QB Carson Palmer is scorching actual pass defenses this year, let alone old-fashioned units made out of paper metaphors. >>Cardinals 31, Ravens 27