Bengals @ Ravens – Raiders @ Vikings – Jaguars @ Browns

Cincinnati Bengals (+7) @ Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens might very well come out on top in this one. They might win by a couple touchdowns, double digits, ousting me from my high horse – but I don’t know how you can look at the Ravens, see their production and consistency, and bet them as a touchdown favorite over a very tough Cincinnati Bengals team. How do you do it? I know that A.J. Green is out, and that is a super-dynamic pass catching, attention grabbing wide receiver and key cog in this offense – but the Bengals are more than just A.J. Green. Has he made huge plays all year? You bet – but Dalton has been awesome, and the Bengals defense have been even better. Judging the Ravens offense based on how inept they were last week isn’t fair – but doing it based on their year to date seems realistic. A touchdown against a good team? No thanks, take Cinci.

Oakland Raiders @ Minnesota Vikings (+1)
The Oakland Raiders are getting a little bit too much love. Sure, Carson Palmer came out and looked pretty good last week, and the Vikings are coming off a butt-kicking at the hands of the Green Bay Packers on Monday Night Football – so this game comes on short rest. But Oakland is not as dynamic without Run DMC getting the ball. The Vikings won’t shut Michael Bush down, because the powerful back is quite the player in his own right, but those big plays just won’t be there against the Vikings. I like ‘Sota to sneak one out here.

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Cleveland Browns (pk)
Don’t sign me up to watch this game. I’ll take the Browns getting an even slate at home. I feel like their short passing game will work out pretty well and at least produce a handful of field goals against the Jags. That should be enough….