COWBOYS at COMMANDERS
1 p.m., Cowboys favored by 6 ½, Over/Under 49 ½
HANK’S HONEYS: The chances of Marcus Mariota taking the field are slim, given his recent hand and quad injuries. As we witnessed, Josh Johnson is not the quarterback you want facing off with Dak Prescott in a high-scoring match. Prescott is poised to exploit the sluggish Washington defense with ease, thanks to his agile receivers. While Dallas is no stranger to defensive lapses, Washington’s offensive line is also plagued by injuries. The Cowboys boast a respectable pass rush that could unsettle Johnson. Although Cowboys games typically trend over, it’s doubtful the Commanders will contribute much to the scoreboard. Prescott’s performance can dip in outdoor settings, and there’s potential for Dallas to ease up in the latter stages of the game.
IF I WERE A BETTING MAN: Cowboys and the under.
LIONS at VIKINGS
4:30 p.m., Lions favored by 6, Over/Under 45 ½
HANK’S HONEYS: The Lions suffered a heartbreaker with that last-second loss to the Steelers, extending their challenging season. Their faint playoff hopes hinge on other weekend outcomes. Nonetheless, they must focus on securing a win in their Thursday matchup. Dan Campbell’s squads are known for their relentless effort, and they have a favorable matchup with Max Brosmer stepping in as quarterback. This situation may push Kevin O’Connell to adopt a conservative strategy, relying on the run game as the Steelers did. Yet, injuries to running back Jordan Mason and center Ryan Kelly further complicate Minnesota’s offense, which already struggled against the Giants. Although Jared Goff has a shaky reputation against direct pressure, he excels against blitz-heavy defenses like the Vikings. The indoor venue plays to their advantage.
IF I WERE A BETTING MAN: Lions and the under.
BRONCOS at CHIEFS
8:15 p.m., Broncos by 13, 37 ½
HANK’S HONEYS: The Broncos haven’t covered any big numbers and yet they continue to be overvalued. The Chiefs had their post-Mahomes letdown last week but it wasn’t easy getting up for a road game in Nashville. After being embarrassed, they figure to show some pride here against a divisional rival in a prime-time home game, where their defense has allowed an average of 15 ppg. Denver, too, will be in bounce-back mode, but the odds of an offensive blowout are limited by the mediocre quarterback play of Bo Nix. Chris Oladokun did some things well in relief of Gardner Minshew and Andy Reid will be able to scheme a game plan that allows him to play within himself. The Chiefs will play to keep this one close. No way these veterans let the Broncos get up by two TDs.
IF I WERE A BETTING MAN: Chiefs and the over.
