The Weekend’s Best Bets

BRIAN BLESSING THE LINEMAKERS SPORTINGNEWS.COM (5-2)

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (-7) over St. Louis Rams

The Rams have their moments, but their main problem is they never play 60 minutes. St. Louis is off back-to-back home division games, including a huge win over Seattle, so a letdown is a possibility. The Chiefs pulled out a 23-20 win at San Diego last week, but they should have won by substantially more. Veteran quarterback Alex Smith is playing well for Kansas City, which returns home focused and ready to run over the inconsistent Rams.

STEVE COFIELD ESPN1100.COM (2-4-1)

Ohio State (-14) over PENN STATE

Reality is hitting hard for Penn State coach James Franklin. He complained this week of a roster short with depth. The only way to limit the Buckeyes’ new star quarterback, J.T. Barrett, is to keep him off the field. The Nittany Lions can’t maintain possession with one of the worst running attacks in the history of the program. The always classy Urban Meyer won’t hesitate to maul Penn State with a few extra scores.

ED GRANEY LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL (3-4)

Alabama (-17) over TENNESSEE

The best place to cry is on a mother’s arm. Lane Kiffin might just try and hide behind his mommy this week. She’s afraid for his safety as the Alabama offensive coordinator returns to Tennessee, whose fans would like to take one of those Civil War sabers to his … gameplan. But while Little Lane calls plays with eyes in the back of his head, the Crimson Tide will look to earn style points from the playoff selection committee by Rolling the (Damn) Volunteers.

MATT YOUMANS LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL (5-2)

Houston Texans (-3) over TENNESSEE TITANS

This line was 2½ until Thursday afternoon, but it’s still a good bet. The Texans were dominating at Pittsburgh on Monday before unraveling in a string of mistakes, and Bill O’Brien is a ticked-off coach this week. Running back Arian Foster and wideout Andre Johnson make Houston’s offense far more reliable. The Titans are starting rookie quarterback Zach Mettenberger, and J.J. Watt will be in his face all day. It should be a long day for Mettenberger.