Football season is back! These are my week 1 predictions against the spread. I went 100-89-3 last year and look to get off to a hot start. I’m not here to tell you what to do, just a simple guide. Lets go…
Carolina Panthers (-3) over Denver Broncos – A Super Bowl re-match and obviously the best game of the week. Peyton Manning didn’t do a whole lot against the Panthers to get a W in the championship game so I’m not sure if Trevor Siemian being the Broncos QB is that big of a deal. However, Panthers want revenge and they have their number 1 wide receiver back in Kelvin Benjamin. 23-16 Panthers.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+3) over Atlanta Falcons – I’m very bullish on Quarterback Jameis Winston and the Bucs this year. I kind of hope Tampa is losing at halftime so Winston can give the team a motivation speech. For what it’s worth: the Falcons are 0-5 SU in their last five games as a favorite.
Minnesota Vikings (-2) over Tennessee Titans – Vikings QB Teddy Bridgewater suffered a non-contact ACL tear in practice and will be out the remainder of the season. The Vikes went out and traded for Sam Bradford whom I think is competent enough to beat the Titans. Right?
Philadelphia Eagles (-4) over Cleveland Browns – As much as I hate betting on rookie quarterbacks I can’t bet on the Browns. Cleveland is 0-5 SU in their last 5 road games and 2-9 ATS in week 1 games. 17-6 Eagles.
New York Jets (+3) over Cincinnati Bengals – The Jets might have the hardest first seven games in the NFL. I’m sure they know that and they’ll be playing with an extra sense of urgency. Jets by a field goal in a low scoring game.
New Orleans Saints (-1.5) over Oakland Raiders – This game has the potential to be a shootout because of the weak pass coverage by both teams. I think this comes down to whoever has the ball last. Quarterback Drew Brees is in a contract year, which means he’ll be on his A game in the home opener. I also like over 50.5 points.
San Diego Chargers (+7) over Kansas City Chiefs – Out of the 12 losses last year for the Chargers, nine were decided by one possession. I don’t think the Chargers win, but will do enough to cover the spread. Chargers are 5-0 ATS in their last five road games. Chiefs 31-27.
Buffalo Bills (+3.5) over Baltimore Ravens – Tyrod Taylor + LeSean McCoy + Sammy Watkins = Enough to beat the Baltimore Ravens.
Houston Texans (-6.5) over Chicago Bears – The Texans won the AFC South with playing Brian Hoyer, Ryan Mallet, T.J. Yates, and Brandon Weeden. With the addition of Brock Osweiler you’d have to think they’ll be two or three wins better. Texans defense will be too much for Jay Cutler. Bears are 0-4 SU in their last 4 games in September. 23-10 Texans.
Green Bay Packers (-4) over Jacksonville Jaguars – This is the scariest line of the week. 85% of the public is betting heavy on the Packers and is the number one bet in Vegas. I think it could be close in the 3rd quarter, but Rodgers will find a way. 27-20 Packers.
New York Giants (PK) over Dallas Cowboys – There’s no way the Giants can lose to Dak Prescott. Just no wayyyy…
Seattle Seahawks (-10) over Miami Dolphins – Russell Wilson had the best season of his career in 2015, throwing for 4,024 yards and 34 touchdowns. I think Russ has an MVP type season and gets off on the right foot against a Dolphins team that still needs work defensively.
Indianapolis Colts (-3.5) over Detroit Lions – The line started off at 5 and dropped to 3.5. I don’t know what that means, but I think Andrew Luck is in for a great year. He will be able to connect with TY Hilton for multiple scores against a shaky Lions secondary. Colts by a touchdown.
Arizona Cardinals (-6) over New England Patriots – No Brady, No Ninkovich, No Vollmer, No Dion Lewis. No win for the Patriots. 30-21 Cards.
Pittsburgh Steelers (-2.5) over Washington Redskins – If the Redskins didn’t win the NFC East this line would be at 6.5. I think they’re overrated even with the Josh Norman signing. No Bell, no problem for a tough Steelers team.
Los Angeles Rams (-2.5) over San Francisco 49ers – I’m taking a stand by not betting on the 49ers.
Last week: 0-0
Overall ATS: 0-0
Teaser Pick of the Week Overall: 0-0
Teaser Pick of the Week (10 points): New York Giants +10
Seattle Seahawks PK
Pittsburgh Steelers +7
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