Mayfield’s status is day-to-day as he nurses that injury and an ailing shoulder, but Coach Kevin Stefanski said he expects Mayfield to play against the Lions (0-8-1), who recently played the season’s first tie. Detroit took Pittsburgh to overtime last week and looked gassed trying to finally get a win. If Mayfield is even somewhat effective, and if running back Nick Chubb clears Covid-19 protocols, Cleveland should cover at home. Pick: Browns -10
Houston Texans at Tennessee Titans, 1 p.m., CBS
Line: Titans -10.5 | Total: 44.5
The Titans (8-2) have won both their games without their star running back Derrick Henry, but they’re still without Julio Jones (hamstring), who must miss at least two more games while on injured reserve. Ryan Tannehill, A.J. Brown and the Titans’ cast of replacement backs should face little resistance from the Texans (1-8), who are rested from a bye week but whose defense has given up the second-most rushing yards (1,232) in the league. Pick: Titans -10.5
Miami Dolphins at Jets, 1 p.m., CBS
Line: Dolphins -3 | Total: 45.5
The Dolphins (3-7) returned their 2020 methodology of aggressively blitzing to beat Lamar Jackson last week, and it can definitely give Joe Flacco problems. Mike White threw four interceptions against the Bills, clearing up any quarterback controversy for the Jets (2-7). With Zach Wilson still recovering from a knee injury, Coach Robert Saleh elected to start Flacco, a 14-season veteran, over White. Pick: Dolphins -3
New Orleans Saints at Philadelphia Eagles, 1 p.m., Fox
Line: Eagles -1.5 | Total: 45
After ignoring the run earlier in the season, the Eagles (4-6) have rushed for over 130 yards in each of their last four games, including two performances over 200 yards. That strategy may not work against the Saints (5-4), whose defense has given up more than 100 rushing yards only once. The Saints have been unbearably hard to predict, but even with running back Alvin Kamara’s (knee) status unclear, the defense should carry New Orleans, forcing the Eagles to revert to leaning on Jalen Hurts. Pick: Saints +1.5
San Francisco 49ers at Jacksonville Jaguars, 1 p.m., Fox
Line: 49ers -7 | Total: 46
Jacksonville (2-7) has played better in recent weeks, but a matchup with the 49ers (4-5) could test the Jaguars’ biggest strength: its rushing defense, which allows a mere 106 yards per game. The 49ers’ offense is predicated on misdirection and playing through contact, a challenge for a defense that’s still finding itself.
Trevor Lawrence has seesawed through his rookie season so far and is tied for third in interceptions with nine. His mistakes could give San Francisco’s offense extra possessions, a less-than-sound strategy against Coach Kyle Shanahan. Pick: 49ers -7
Cincinnati Bengals at Las Vegas Raiders, 4:05 p.m., CBS
Line: Bengals -1 | Total: 49
What a difference a month makes. After Jon Gruden resigned as coach in October, the Raiders’ (5-4) efforts to remain poised and efficient have faltered in November amid more personnel shake-ups — including the release of 2020 first-round draft picks Henry Ruggs III and Damon Arnette. Las Vegas has lost its last two games, and looked sloppy and disorganized in doing so. Kansas City last week exploited deficiencies in the Raiders’ passing defense and pointed out miscommunications in coverages, beating them with 422 passing yards.
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