Martin: Seattle Seahawks (+2.5) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

They wrote off Geno Smith, but as Geno said it best: “I ain’t write back though.” On a more serious note, Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith has continued to outperform expectations on his new team, despite being labeled as a “bust” earlier in his career. It is time to stop underrating Smith. Under Geno, the Seahawks’ offense has been firing on all cylinders to a 6-3 record and 1st place in the NFC West. 

On the other hand, the Buccaneers have started the year flat with a 4-5 record, and quarterback Tom Brady may finally be declining at age 45. While the Buccaneers are technically the home team, do not forget that the game is being hosted on a neutral site in Munich, Germany. Even after a 16-13 victory against the Los Angeles Rams last week, I am not convinced the Buccaneers will do enough to beat the Seahawks.

Stuzin: Minnesota Vikings (+5.5) at Buffalo Bills

It’s shocking to me that the 7-1 Vikings were given a +5.5 spread, regardless of the opposing team. Quarterback Kirk Cousins is far from elite, but he plays his role well enough – he has 1,999 yards passing through eight games (which ranks 13th among all QBs) and 13 passing TDs (which ranks ninth). Running back Dalvin Cook has also looked great so far (as always), posting 608 rushing yards (ranks ninth) and five rushing TDs (ranks tenth). 

The Bills, on the other hand, seem to have slowed down. It’s hard to deny that quarterback Josh Allen is one of the best in the league, as he has 2,403 passing yards (ranks fourth) and 19 passing TDs (ranked second). However, Allen threw two interceptions last week – a rare sight from such a consistent passer. Plus, his elbow injury is destined to be a major setback for Buffalo.

Fischer: Denver Broncos (+3) at Tennessee Titans

If there was ever a time for Russell Wilson to live up to his offseason hype, it is now. After a bye week of doing high knees on the plane and making TikToks, Wilson will rise to the challenge and lead the Broncos to victory. Even after dealing Bradley Chubb, a key defensive stud, to the Miami Dolphins, the addition of Chase Edmonds may revitalize the Broncos backfield and push the squad closer to .500. 

Although the Titans pushed the Chiefs to overtime during Sunday Night Football, the Broncos need a victory to have any hope for a playoff push and will get the job done. With rookie quarterback Malik Willis projected to be under center again, the Titans’ pass game has struggled to efficiently operate and will continue to do so in this Music City showdown. 

Notis: Arizona Cardinals at Los Angeles Rams (-3)

There’s a method to my madness. This method: picking against the Arizona Cardinals.

The Cardinals have been a trainwreck this season. Quarterback Kyler Murray is doing everything in his power to keep this team marginally respectable. At every turn, it seems as though the Cardinals don’t know how to fly. Head coach Kliff Kingsbury has not been the offensive mastermind he was hired to be. Without edge threat Chandler Jones, the defense doesn’t put pressure on the quarterback and has no way of stopping the opposing offense. Without any offensive or defensive attack, the Cardinals are easy to defeat, even with their dynamic quarterback.

The Rams have too many stars to keep losing. The defense, headlined by Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey, should be able to bulldoze through the Cardinals’ line and keep Murray in the pocket. Without any pressure, quarterback Matt Stafford should have enough time to make electrifying passes on offense. Expect the Rams to slaughter the Cardinals at SoFi Stadium. 

Silverstein: Los Angeles Chargers (+7) at San Francisco 49ers

Do teams’ records matter anymore, Vegas? I am genuinely curious, considering the 5-3 Chargers are touchdown underdogs to the 4-4 Niners. Yes, the blockbuster trade for Christian Mccaffery a few weeks back is generating a ton of hype for a San Francisco team that has a ton of talent on its roster and is coming off a trademark win over its rival Los Angeles Rams. But seven points? Say what you will about the Chargers and their close wins over some mediocre opponents; the bottom line is that they have been finding ways to win, and their star-studded offense ranks in the league’s top ten in yards per game. Heading to Levi’s Stadium and leaving with a win is always a tall task, and I’m not saying the Chargers will be victorious. But the combination of Justin Herbert, Austin Ekeler, and a finally healthy Keenan Allen will be able to keep any game close. Give me the Chargers to cover the spread in an enticing California showdown.