AP pro picks: Look for Los Angeles Rams to edge Buffalo Bills in potential Super Bowl preview

AP pro picks

Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills vs. Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams.

Sounds like a potential Super Bowl preview.

The Bills visit the Rams (-2.5) on Monday night fresh off a home loss to Drake Maye and the Patriots.

The Rams were a play or two away from a 1-3 start, but overcame a 10-point deficit at Philadelphia in the fourth quarter.

Pro Picks likes the home team in a close one. Rams, 27-24

Elsewhere:

PHILADELPHIA vs. JACKSONVILLE (-7.5), in London: Lane Johnson's abrupt retirement is a crushing blow for an offense dealing with injuries to Saquon Barkley, DeVonta Smith and other key players. The Eagles are 18-30 without their long-time, All-Pro right tackle. The Jaguars are scoring 26 points a game and have allowed the second-fewest points in the league. Jaguars, 23-18

CLEVELAND at NEW YORK JETS (-1.5): Deshaun Watson has led a game-winning drive in the fourth quarter in three straight games and the Browns are surprise division leaders under first-year coach Todd Monken. Jets coach Aaron Glenn is 4-17 and feeling the heat. The team is struggling yet is favored to win this one. Geno Smith leads the NFL in completion percentage. Jets, 20-17

LAS VEGAS at NEW ENGLAND (-3.5): The Raiders beat the Patriots to kick off the 2025 season and then everything went in opposite directions for both teams. Las Vegas ended up 3-14 and fired Pete Carroll. New England went to the Super Bowl. Klint Kubiak and Kirk Cousins have turned things around for the Raiders. Patriots, 24-20

CINCINNATI (-6.5) at MIAMI: The Bengals have lost two in a row while the Dolphins have yet to score more than 13 points in a game. Joe Burrow may not have both Ja'Marr Chase (concussion) and Tee Higgins (adductor) so they'll need the run game to get going. Miami's defense has allowed just one TD in the past 16 possessions. Bengals, 24-16

HOUSTON (-7.5) at TENNESSEE: The Texans begin their quest to become the second team to make the playoffs after an 0-4 start. C.J. Stroud and the offense haven't been the problem. One of the league's best defenses has underachieved. The Titans are playing better. They need to learn how to win. Houston has won three straight in the series, including a sweep last season. Texans, 23-17

INDIANAPOLIS at PITTSBURGH (-2.5): The Colts have won two in a row to even their record, but they've lost six in a row in Pittsburgh since their most recent win there in 2008. Daniel Jones has to protect the ball better. Jonathan Taylor has been consistent. The Steelers had a mini-bye following a Thursday night loss to the Browns. Aaron Rodgers and the offense still aren't in sync. The secondary isn't getting Joey Porter Jr. back since he was traded to Dallas. Steelers, 22-20

MINNESOTA (-2.5) at NEW ORLEANS: The Vikings are winning behind a stifling defense and excellent special teams. Kyler Murray needs to get the offense going and can build off a strong finish last week. The Saints were humiliated by the Falcons in primetime on the 20th anniversary of the Superdome's reopening after Hurricane Katrina. They're trying to avoid losing three straight at home. UPSET SPECIAL: Saints, 17-16

NEW YORK GIANTS at WASHINGTON (-3): Jameis Winston has led the Giants to a pair of wins that were secured by the defense making picks inside the 5 two weeks in a row. Winston makes it entertaining and keeps it interesting. The Commanders could have Jayden Daniels back and he'll be wearing a brace to protect his left elbow. BEST BET: Commanders, 26-20

CHICAGO (-2.5) at GREEN BAY: Case Keenum and Tyson Bagent are 2-0 filling in for Caleb Williams and the Bears are rolling. The defense has improved since allowing 37 points in Week 1. The Packers were not satisfied with a narrow win over Tampa Bay. They lost LB Edgerrin Cooper and still don't have Micah Parsons. Chicago won two of three meetings last season, including a playoff game. Bears, 24-23

DENVER (-3.5) at LOS ANGELES CHARGERS: Denver needs to find a way to start games better. Bo Nix seems to have to try to lead a comeback every week. The Broncos have some key injuries to CBs Pat Surtain II and Riley Moss and WR Pat Bryant. The Chargers are in a crisis mode. Justin Herbert hasn't figured out Mike McDaniel's offense but maybe they can carry momentum from a strong fourth quarter. Chargers, 23-20

DETROIT (-5.5) at ARIZONA: The Lions have a potent offense. Problem is the defense is terrible, allowing the most yards and points in the league. Jared Goff and Co. should put up points against Arizona. Jacoby Brissett shouldn't have any trouble doing the same for the Cardinals. That's why the over/under 54½. Lions, 31-27

SAN FRANCISCO at SEATTLE (-3): The No. 1 seed in the NFC last season came down to these two teams meeting in Week 18. The Seahawks won and ended up Super Bowl champs. The 49ers are clicking despite numerous injuries. Brock Purdy hasn't been sacked is playing at an MVP level through the first quarter of the season. The Seahawks are finding ways to win. Seahawks, 26-22

BALTIMORE at ATLANTA (-3.5): Lamar Jackson is dealing with an ankle injury, making it difficult to expect the Ravens to win. The Falcons, especially Bijan Robinson, have shined in the national spotlight and aim for three straight primetime wins. It would be a lot easier for Atlanta if Jackson is on the sideline. Falcons, 23-20

Last week: Straight up: 11-5. Against spread: 11-4-1.

Overall: Straight up: 40-24. Against spread: 31-31-2.

Best Bet: Straight up: 3-1. Against spread: 2-2.

Upset Special: Straight up: 2-2. Against spread: 2-2.