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Dave Tuley, senior reporter at VSiN.com, is in his fourth season with The Post’s Bettor’s Guide. His handicapping pieces appear in VSiN’s online magazine, Point Spread Weekly.
Dallas Cowboys (+2.5) over KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
This number is a little short, but I’m still willing to take it on the Cowboys (or, more accurately, against the Chiefs). Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs have gotten back over .500 and into the playoff chase, but at this point I still have the Cowboys as the better team and believe they should be favored. Even though the Chiefs’ offense now looks capable of keeping up with Dak Prescott and the Cowboys, I trust the K.C. defense — still allowing 24.1 ppg even after giving up just 14 to the Raiders and seven to the Aaron Rodgers-less Packers — a whole lot less, and it should pave the way for the outright upset.
Washington Football Team (+3) over CAROLINA PANTHERS
The advance line was Panthers -2 last week. In the meantime, Cam Newton returned to Carolina then combined with P.J. Walker to upset the Cardinals, 34-10 (albeit against Colt McCoy). Washington was arguably more impressive in a 29-19 upset of the Buccaneers, as its defense looked more like it did last season despite losing Chase Young. Yet, after all that (and the announcement that Newton would start this Sunday), the line is now Panthers -3. I’m not buying it. In fact, I’m buying the other side on the Football Team. Taylor Heinicke has been serviceable and now doesn’t have to look over his shoulder, as Ryan Fitzpatrick has been declared out for the season. And if Ron Rivera could coach up the defense to shut down Tom Brady and Co., I’m assuming he’ll know how to contain Newton, his former protégé.
Last week: 1-1, Lions (W), Jets (L)
Season: 14-6
Source: NYPOST
