Forget about Jamie Collins and freelancing, and forget about Tom Brady’s preference in the presidential election. Only one Patriots story line matters, and that’s their 7-1 record against the point spread.

In fact, when New England has scored any points in a game, it has covered the number. Its only non-cover was a 16-0 shutout by Buffalo, when Brady was suspended and third-stringer Jacoby Brissett played with an injury. Otherwise, the Patriots have blown away the spread, outpacing it by an average of 10.5 points per game.

What happens next with these Patriots spreads? New England is currently on its bye, and will return in Week 10 for the Sunday night tilt, in Foxborough against Seattle. You would think the Patriots would be favored by single digits, but if the line were Patriots minus-10, I’d still expect plenty of action on New England.

After falling on my face early in the season by going against the Patriots in Weeks 1 and 2, I’ve smartened up and ridden them during the last three weeks. Now, with New England idle, the board has some ugly games on it, but we still have our periscope trained on winners.

This week’s picks (home team in caps):

Carolina (-3) over LOS ANGELES: The Panthers emerged from their bye week and manhandled Arizona; Carolina is simply a better squad than the Rams. The Panthers are 2-5 overall and that is likely to even out. Risking $110 to win $100.

CLEVELAND (+7) over Dallas: Before the season, I wrote of the Browns, “they . . . have a terrible roster . . . But there is hope, and the Browns could be the kind of team that covers some large spreads as an underdog later in the season because they . . . didn’t quit on the season.’’ I think we’ve reached that point. Risking $110 to win $100.

NEW YORK GIANTS (-2½) over Philadelphia: The Eagles have the makings of a team that won’t be participating in the postseason. Risking $110 to win $100.

SAN FRANCISCO (+4½) over New Orleans: I took the Browns as a home underdog, so why not the Niners? The Saints allow almost 31 points per game; someone needs to tell me how they are a road favorite. Risking $110 to win $100.

Last week: 3-1, plus $190. Season: 19-19, minus $250.

Ed Ryan can be reached at edward.ryaniii@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @EdzoRyan.