The Weekend’s Best Bets
BRIAN BLESSING THE LINEMAKERS SPORTINGNEWS.COM (1-1)
Kansas City Chiefs (+4) over MIAMI DOLPHINS
The Dolphins got boat-raced and beat up last week in Buffalo, and running could be tough with Knowshon Moreno out. Miami’s win over the Patriots in the heat and humidity might be phony. The Chiefs played well at altitude in Denver, and Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill is not Peyton Manning. Kansas City is desperate and getting points, and coach Andy Reid has a solid career road record.
STEVE COFIELD ESPN1100.COM (0-1-1)
Oakland Raiders (+14) over NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
Rookie quarterback Derek Carr is showing a few positive signs for the Raiders, who went to the East Coast and hung with the Jets in Week 1. A week ago, the Patriots were widely perceived to be a team on the decline, and now they are getting too much respect with this two-touchdown line.
ED GRANEY LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL (1-1)
CAROLINA PANTHERS (-3) over Pittsburgh Steelers
I get it. Defense isn’t sexy, unless you play in the shadow of Pike Place Market and your coach looks like the president of the Old Man’s San Onofre Surfing Club. But as good as Seattle is at stopping people, Carolina is also dominant defensively at home. That, coupled with the fact that Pittsburgh’s rush defense leaks faster than naked celebrity photos on the Internet, and the Panthers should comfortably move to 3-0.
MATT YOUMANS LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL (1-1)
COLORADO (-8) over Hawaii
This line opened at 7, and it should be 11. The Buffaloes are no powerhouse, but they are making steady improvement for a good coach, Mike MacIntyre. Colorado’s rushing attack piled up 232 yards against Arizona State. The Warriors, playing away from the islands for the first time, are without their best player, injured running back Joey Iosefa. Hawaii’s offense produced only 20 points against Northern Iowa.
