Jaguars (+3½) over PANTHERS: Gardner Minshew is harboring an ouchy knee, and Josh Dobbs remains last resort for Jags. Carolina and backup QB Kyle Allen loom as vulnerable favorites in this spot. Minshew should relish operating against Panthers’ insufficient ability to force foes’ turnovers.

GIANTS (+5) over Vikings: Big Blue won’t get Saquon Barkley back for this. Useful receiver Golden Tate will make his debut, his suspension served. Vikings have turned in two stiff outings in their seasonal road games — and Kirk Cousins has been driven to apologize to Minnesota receiver Adam Thielen for underperformance.

EAGLES (-13½) over Jets: With Gang Green QB Sam Darnold not yet sufficiently recovered from his bout with mono, roadbound Jets left to give Luke Falk another look. As a result, this final-margin appears largely in the hands of the intensity of the Philadelphia defense. Next Eagles loss to the local AFC reps will be their first.

Ravens (-3) over STEELERS: Give Steelers credit for doing everything but beat the 49ers out west in Week 3, despite launching five picks. They recovered to beat Cincinnati on Monday night, but when doesn’t Pittsburgh win at Heinz on Monday? Close call, given Ravens defense.

Bears (-5¹/₂) over Raiders (in London): Interesting litmus test for Bears QB Chase Daniel, serviceable in tight Chicago win vs. visiting Vikings. Mitch Trubisky is expected back in the saddle after next week’s bye. This is reunion week for monstrous Bear (and ex-Raider) LB Khalil Mack. If Daniel doesn’t flop, expect him to exploit dubious Raiders defense.

Cardinals (+3) over BENGALS: You thought Cincy fans were suffering without A.J. Green? Now they’re stuck without No. 2 receiver John Ross (left knee) for a month or so. Both sides are stout contenders for desirable top draft choices. With neither side having a win this season, steered to ’dog.

Patriots (-15½) over REDSKINS: Washington coach Jay Gruden has tapped veteran QB Colt McCoy to start, at the direct expense of first-round draft pick Dwayne Haskins. Could this be a brushback pitch at team brass which designated Haskins? We read this as Gruden possibly being more than willing to fall on his sword at this juncture.

Buccaneers (+3) over SAINTS: Bucs first-year coach Bruce Arians, who’s performed Pygmalion-like feats with quarterbacks multiple times at faraway places, appears to have straightened out Jameis Winston, who’s grasped a more accurate lease on the position. Wiseguys reluctant to lay meaningful points with Saints QB Teddy Bridgewater against legitimate divisional opposition.

TEXANS (-5) Falcons: Relatively sounder Texans are built to win now. Atlanta isn’t, given its yielding defense. Don’t fully trust Texans in this role, but Falcons have constantly failed on road vs. representative AFC types.

Bills (+3) over TITANS: Bills QB Josh Allen was finally cleared from concussion protocol midday Saturday and is slated to start. Matt Barkley could serve well in relief, if need be. Despite turnover vulnerabilities, Allen is our preference. Bills defense has traveled well. Can’t get aboard Marcus Mariota in favorite role.

CHARGERS (-6½) over Broncos: Denver desperation hasn’t jump-started winless Broncs, evidenced in brutal collapse vs. the Jags — at Mile High, yet. Their schedule discourages optimism. Bolts don’t roll up many big wins, but this is there for the taking with Melvin Gordon back.

COWBOYS (-3½) over Packers: Green Bay’s decade of series domination is interesting, but Aaron Rodgers has seen better days. Packers’ rushing defense is deeply flawed, and ’Boys chewing glass after frustrating loss at New Orleans. Don’t expect WR Davante Adams or RB Jamaal Williams to see action for Pack.

Colts (+10½) over CHIEFS: Kansas City justifiably believes it can outscore more than 90 percent of the league on any given Sunday, so defense gets short shrift, and carelessness leaks in. Door is ajar for Indianapolis to stay within single digits, with balanced offense guided by underrated QB Jacoby Brissett. Key Colts WR T.Y. Hilton (quad) emerged favorably from Friday practice, and though no certainty, expect Hilton will play.

Monday

49ERS (-3½) over Browns: Another tight fit in a difficult week, especially if Cleveland offensive explosion vs. Baltimore was wakeup call … but still-underrated Niners doing everything right, should manage to play keepaway game successfully on the ground, and there’s no place like home.

Last week: 6-8.

Season: 29-30.

Follow Richard Witt on Twitter: @rich_witt1