Each week during the NFL season, theScore's NFL staff will put on their prognosticator hats and offer up selections against the spread for all of the week’s games, highlighting several marquee matchups.
| Game | Thomson | Holroyd | Wilkins |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dolphins at Patriots | NE -8 | NE -8 | MIA +8 |
| Lions at Chiefs | DET +5.5 | KC -5.5 | DET +5.5 |
| Bucs at Falcons | TB +7.5 | ATL -7.5 | ATL -7.5 |
| Cardinals at Browns | ARI -4.5 | ARI -4.5 | ARI -4.5 |
| 49ers at Rams | SF +8 | SF +8 | STL -8 |
| Giants at Saints | NO -3.5 | NO -3.5 | NO -3.5 |
| Vikings at Bears | MIN | MIN | MIN |
| Chargers at Ravens | SD +3 | BAL -3 | SD +3 |
| Bengals at Steelers | PIT | CIN | CIN |
| Titans at Texans | HOU | TEN | HOU |
| Jets at Raiders | NYJ -2 | NYJ -2 | NYJ -2 |
| Seahawks at Cowboys | SEA -6 | SEA -6 | SEA -6 |
| Packers at Broncos | DEN +3 | GB -3 | GB -3 |
| Colts at Panthers | IND +7 | CAR -7 | CAR -7 |
| Season Record | 49-38 | 51-37 | 50-36 |
Marquee Matchups
Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots
Caitlyn Holroyd: The Dolphins have been playing like a much better team under new head coach Dan Campbell, but they're going to have a tough time bringing down the undefeated Patriots. New England hasn't lost at home against Miami since 2008, and has won eight of the last 10 games between the two teams. Tom Brady is also undefeated on Thursday nights. Patriots -8
Dan Wilkins: The Dolphins have looked like a completely new team in the two games since Dan Campbell took over as head coach. Knocking off the Patriots may prove to be too difficult a task, but they'll keep it close. Dolphins +8
Joe Thomson: The Patriots' success can largely be attributed to their preparation. On a short week, that advantage should grow as the Dolphins are still in a state of flux despite two straight wins. Patriots blow this one open early. Patriots -8
Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers
Wilkins: The Bengals look like one of the most complete teams in the league this year, and Roethlisberger's return won't be enough for the Steelers to keep up. Bengals Pk
Thomson: With or without Ben Roethlisberger, the Bengals are due for a slip up. With Big Ben likely to play, this game tips drastically in favor of the Steelers, a team still figuring things out defensively. As the season progresses, look for their defense to tighten and the offense to be even more explosive. Steelers Pk
Holroyd: The expected return of Big Ben should provide a much-needed spark for the Steelers' offense, but he figures to be a little rusty after sitting out for four weeks. Look for the Bengals to take advantage of that rust and improve to 7-0 for the first time in franchise history. Bengals Pk
Green Bay Packers at Denver Broncos
Thomson: The Broncos' defense is extremely well equipped to rattle Aaron Rodgers. Featuring multiple corners that can cover and a dangerous pass rush, look for Denver's D to seize momentum early and Peyton Manning to manage the game in the second half. Broncos +3
Wilkins: This is the week Denver's lack of offensive productivity finally results in a loss. As good as the defense may be, the unit will have some trouble slowing down Aaron Rodgers and the Packers' passing attack. Packers -3
Holroyd: Both teams are playing really well this season, hence their 6-0 records. That said, the Broncos can't continue relying on the defense to win games. The Packers will expose Denver's sputtering offense, while Aaron Rodgers proves why he's an early favorite in the MVP race. Packers -3
Wild-Card Selections
San Francisco 49ers at St. Louis Rams
Holroyd: Colin Kaepernick could be in for a long night against Aaron Donald and Robert Quinn, who have combined for 8.5 sacks this season. The Rams have struggled against the 49ers in recent years, though, winning just three of their last 10 meetings, two of which were decided by only three points. 49ers +8
San Diego Chargers at Baltimore Ravens
Wilkins: The Chargers will put it all together now that the offense is finally starting to get healthy, taking full advantage of a Ravens defense that's arguably the NFL's most disappointing group thus far. Chargers +3
Seattle Seahawks at Dallas Cowboys
Thomson: The Cowboys seem to be in complete disarray, as a void in leadership has begun to undermine their season. The Seahawks are a team built on exploiting weaknesses, which they will do to whoever is playing quarterback for the Cowboys on Sunday. Seahawks -6
(Lines courtesy: Pinnaclesports.com)
