BARRY WILNER
BARRY WILNER
Associated Press
The coach Philadelphians couldn’t get rid of fast enough in January probably will get a big ovation from those same fans today.
He’ll be subjected to a torrent of boos once more if he walks out of the Linc a winner.
Andy Reid returns to the city where he spent 14 years as head coach, leading the Eagles to five NFC championship games and one Super Bowl. Days after the Eagles fired him in January, he landed in Kansas City. Months later, he has the Chiefs (2-0) looking pretty good.
Reid claims that’s all he’s concentrating on this week: the football.
“In this business you’re focused in on getting ready to play,” he said, “and so that’s where my energy is going. I haven’t really thought about the other part at all.”
Also back at the Linc will be Donovan McNabb, who quarterbacked most of Reid’s teams and will have his No. 5 jersey retired at halftime.
Kansas City (No. 10 in the AP Pro32), a 3-point underdog to No. 17 Philadelphia (1-1), went 2-14 a year ago, earning the top overall draft pick. So you could say Reid’s tenure already is a success.
His successor with the Eagles, Chip Kelly, brought his quick tempo offense from Oregon, and it has been dynamic so far. The issue has been on defense, where Philly can’t seem to cover or tackle in the open field.
Let those boos rain down around midnight.
CHIEFS, 33-30
No. 29 Oakland (plus 14½) at No. 1 Denver, Monday night
More prime-time excellence from Peyton and Broncos.
BEST BET, BRONCOS, 37-13
No. 23 New York Giants (plus 1½) at No. 28 Carolina
Just can’t see the Giants being 0-3. Can see Panthers there.
UPSET SPECIAL, GIANTS, 30-24
No. 8 Chicago (minus 2) at No. 27 Pittsburgh
Also can see Steelers remaining winless.
BEARS, 22-10
No. 19 Detroit (plus 1½) at No. 25 Washington
But not Redskins.
REDSKINS, 29-28
No. 32 Jacksonville (plus 19½) at No. 2 Seattle
Some say worst vs. best. Such an obvious candidate for Best Bet. Too obvious.
SEAHAWKS, 31-10
No. 5 Green Bay (minus 1) at No. 13 Cincinnati
Pack’s pass protection will be tested in this one.
PACKERS, 24-21
No. 16 San Diego (plus 3) at No. 20 Tennessee
Both teams have shown a lot more than expected.
TITANS, 24-23
No. 29 (tie) Tampa Bay (plus 7½) at No. 6 (tie) New England
Even in their weakened state, Patriots can handle dysfunctional Bucs.
PATRIOTS, 19-17
No. 9 Atlanta (plus 1½) at No. 11 Miami
Banged-up Falcons can’t relish this matchup.
DOLPHINS, 23-20
No. 4 Houston (minus 2) at No. 12 Baltimore
Surprising line considering Texans’ early difficulties.
RAVENS, 20-16
No. 18 St. Louis (plus 4) at No. 14 Dallas
Not surprising line considering Rams’ early difficulties. But St. Louis will cure them.
RAMS, 24-23
No. 21 Arizona (plus 8) at No. 6 (tie) New Orleans
Might need extra power for the scoreboard in this one.
SAINTS, 40-30
No. 15 Indianapolis (plus 10½) at No. 3 San Francisco
Big spread, but 49ers are angry bunch.
49ERS, 27-14
No. 31 Cleveland (plus 5) at No. 24 Minnesota
If Vikings don’t get it going this week, they might never.
VIKINGS, 20-9
No. 22 Buffalo (plus 2) at No. 26 New York Jets
Rookie QBs make this watchable.
JETS, 17-16
2013 record
Against spread: 10-5-1 (15-15-2). Straight up: 13-3 (23-9).
Best Bet: 1-1 against spread, 2-0 straight up.
Upset special: 1-1 against spread, 1-1 straight up.