The (Under) Dogs Are Barking: Week 7 

Two straight winning weeks, maybe we’ve finally turned the corner. I’m riding three road dogs this week, all facing teams with winning records. What could possibly go wrong?

Raiders +12 ½ at Kansas City

Sure, the Chiefs appear to be hitting their stride, and now they get Rashee Rice back to add a dynamic playmaker for Patrick Mahomes to play with. By no means do I think the Raiders are any good. OC Chip Kelly hasn’t figured out how to unlock Geno Smith, and the defense has one superstar and a bunch of guys who wouldn’t start in too many places.

But Las Vegas typically hangs around against the Chiefs: The last three at Arrowhead were a 19-17 loss, a 20-14 win, and a 30-29 loss. That's a crazy amount of points in a divisional game, especially with Kansas City coming off an emotional prime-time win. Plus, the Raiders may get Brock Bowers back. He practiced on Friday.

Giants +7 ½ at Denver

I’m not drinking the Kool-Aid with the G-men, even after their blowout of the Eagles (I’m convinced Philly is a mediocre team right now). This is more about the spot. New York comes in on extra rest after that Thursday night win, while the Broncos are freshly back from their trip overseas, choosing not to take their bye week.

This is too many points to lay for a Denver team that doesn’t score a lot of points to begin with, and will have its hands full with the Giants’ talented pass rush. So far, Bo Nix has not been a covering machine, and I see the Giants hanging around and Jaxson Dart showing that his game travels.

Saints +4½ at Chicago

The Saints were the one team that bit me last week, but I’m going back to the well once again. I don’t feel great backing Spencer Rattler on the road, but he’s getting better and better, and I think he can be productive against the Bears’ mediocre defense.

This play is more about my lack of faith in the Bears handling success, and they’re riding high after winning two straight road games, by identical 25-24 scores. Of course, they needed a late Commanders fumble to flip the script on Monday night. Now, on a short week, with running back D'Andre Swift banged up, I see them playing down to the competition. They’ll be lucky to win by a field goal.

Last Week: 2-1

Season: 7-11