Lions (-3) over CARDINALS: One thing Detroit QB Matthew Stafford can do is swat down mediocre foes, and Arizona, led by rookie quarterback Kyler Murray, fits the profile — even in the desert, in September. Doubt home side can keep up.

Giants (+7) over COWBOYS: Big Blue weakened at skill positions, with ace Odell Beckham Jr. sorely missed. Menacing talent gaps remain … but Eli Manning aims for graceful conclusion to his local multiple-championship adventures, so envision this close, despite Jerry Jones-Ezekiel Elliott happy ending.

VIKINGS (-4) over Falcons: Minnesota model of NFC North soundness, led by coach Mike Zimmer — though quarterback Kirk Cousins is generously rewarded, given his sordid history when pitted against squads with winning records. The Falcons go as veteran QB Matt Ryan performs when under maximum pressure. Falcons WR Julio Jones awaiting contract finalization.

EAGLES (-10) over Redskins: Philadelphia’s upper-management team performs. Super win over the Patriots two years ago was no fluke, though Carson Wentz’s broad lack of availability in ’18 proved insurmountable. With Wentz back, they’ll be the devil to beat. Skins’ decrepit offensive line proves devastating obstacle for beleaguered coach Jay Gruden — and ex-Giant Ereck Flowers is a scant upgrade.

Bills (+3) over JETS: Gang Green coach Adam Gase won the Jets’ power struggle … but what’s equally apparent is that such winners are responsible for immediate performance. Enter the improving Bills, who can count on quality defensive efficiency, and expect further improvement from ex-Wyoming QB Josh Allen and his newest preferred playmate, ex-Cowboy Cole Beasley.

Ravens (-6 ½) over DOLPHINS: Miami tribe stripped down, willing to weather hurricane-force buffetings for chance at draft-jackpot rewards — including possible prizes such as Alabama QB Tua Tagovailoa. Lamar Jackson should frolic vs. hosts’ defense.

JAGUARS (+3¹/₂) over Chiefs: Encouraging technical factors favor Jags — though you’d have to be broadly oblivious to ignore hints suggesting all isn’t Kumbaya City in Jagsland. As we’ve seen, the Kansas City offense, monstrous on its best days, must be respected.

Titans (+5 ½) over BROWNS: Compelled to harbor skepticism about Browns, given inflated expectations. The AFC South continues to have much to prove, but taking appreciable points with a healthy Marcus Mariota seems prudent, against market’s darlings.

PANTHERS (+2) over Rams: Cam Newton’s capable of wondrous athletic feats — and the Rams figure to still be shaken after being stirred by the Patriots, despite best efforts of QB Jared Goff, RB Todd Gurley, and that defense. Chalk’s offensive line dubious, and early starts for Left Coast teams don’t inspire.

49ers (+1) over BUCCANEERS: Best Niners talent in years heads East — but at least visitors are spared a 1 p.m. start. San Francisco QB Jimmy Garropolo and key associates are healthier than year ago — and don’t expect the home side prevails if shoddy defense allows 40 points in this opener.

Bengals (+9½) over SEAHAWKS: Fresh Andy Dalton returns under center, and visitors’ fan base doesn’t have coach Marvin Lewis to deride anymore. Cincinnati is typically effective early on, though out-of-division foes frequently face issues vs. hosts. A.J. Green is out, but at least TE Tyler Eifert is active.

CHARGERS (-6 ½) over Colts: Long-time Bolts stalwart tight end Antonio Gates is unsigned, and wouldn’t hold my breath waiting for Melvin Gordon to settle for what L.A. might offer. Even with no (Andrew) Luck, Colts could stalk behind QB Jacoby Brissett, since hosts don’t blow many foes out.

Steelers (+5¹/₂) over PATRIOTS: Pats have revenge wound to address after last December’s loss at Pittsburgh, but Sunday nights aren’t Bill Belichick’s optimal time slot. No Le’Veon Bell (not to mention Antonio Brown) this time around for visitors, but coach Mike Tomlin and Big Ben Roehlisberger find ways to contend.

Monday

SAINTS (-7) over Texans: Staring at “win now,” Texans coach Bill O’Brien must fish or cut bait after Jadeveon Clowney’s departure for Seattle. O’Brien is aware fragile QB Deshaun Watson needs gilt-edged protection, so LT Laremy Tunsil was acquired from Dolphins, in addition to key TE Darren Fells. Saints (and 40-year-old Drew Brees) need to avoid typical sluggish seasonal start.

Broncos (-1¹/₂) over RAIDERS: Brouhaha City, on heels of superstar wideout Antonio Brown’s midweek contretemps with Raiders GM Mike Mayock. Following Saturday’s release and ensuing signing with the Patriots, reports peg Brown departing Oakland with no termination pay, a six-figure “conduct detrimental” fine, and $29 million-plus in voided guaranteed money. Advantage, Broncos.

Super Bowl: 1-0 (Patriots -3), O/U: 1-0 (56¹/₂)