The Weekend’s Best Bets

BRIAN BLESSING THE LINEMAKERS SPORTINGNEWS.COM (8-4)

San Diego Chargers-BALTIMORE RAVENS (Under 46)

When the Chargers last played an early game on the East Coast, they slept through a 37-0 loss in Miami. Ryan Mathews gave the running attack a charge last week with 105 yards against the Rams. But the question remains, can San Diego’s offense produce on the road? Baltimore has yielded only 53 points in five home games this season, going 4-1 under the total. The Ravens will count heavily on their defense in a game that could have a playoff feel to it.

STEVE COFIELD ESPN1100.COM (6-5-1)

New York Giants (-3) over JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

This is a potential flat spot for the Giants, but they do have motivation to stop a six-game losing streak. Eli Manning and rookie wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. are developing a connection in the passing game. The Giants scored 28 against Dallas on Sunday and should have won the game. The Jaguars, 2-8-1 against the spread, continue to burn the ugly underdog bettors.

ED GRANEY LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL (5-7)

Houston (-21) over SOUTHERN METHODIST

I’m going with the theory that awful teams nearing the end of an awful season often put in an awful effort. Southern Methodist is 0-10, lost its coach (June Jones) just two games into the schedule and has been outscored 44-9 on average. Houston (6-4) is bowl eligible and can improve its postseason options. That, and you have to believe SMU will get caught looking ahead to 2-8 Connecticut and the battle for last place in the American Athletic Conference.

MATT YOUMANS LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL (7-5)

Florida (+7½) over FLORIDA STATE

The key for the Gators will be their ground attack, just as it was early this month when they rolled up 418 rushing yards in an upset of Georgia. Florida smells another upset and will play hard for coach Will Muschamp in his farewell. Florida State is the luckiest team on the planet. The Seminoles (11-0) are 3-8 ATS, and all three covers were Houdini acts. This should be a tight game in the fourth quarter, so we’ll see if quarterback Jameis Winston can bail out the Seminoles again.