The lines are from Covers.com and the home teams are in CAPs.
PHILADELPHIA -8 over Dallas
We had a superstar ejected for spitting before the first actual play, we had another star not get a single target until the end of the fourth quarter and a long lightning delay. With all that in mind, I don’t feel too bad about losing my first pick of the year.
L.A. Chargers +3 over Kansas City in Brazil
Both of these coaches have solid Week 1 records but the big neutralizer here is playing Brazil on a field that could be quite sketchy. We’ll take the extra field goal in what should be a close one.
ATLANTA +2.5 over Tampa Bay
Both of these rivals have some holes on their O-line, but we’re most interested in how the Bucs’ offence fares without Liam Coen calling plays.
Pittsburgh -2.5 over NEW YORK JETS
It’s often dicey taking the Steelers as a favourite on the road, but they will be well-prepared for former QB Justin Fields and the Jets in the season opener. Plus, Aaron Rodgers will want a bit of revenge, too.
Miami +1 over INDIANAPOLIS
The Colts couldn’t have messed up their QB situation worse after drafting Anthony Richardson two years ago. Bow he’s a backup to the woeful Daniel Jones, who will have a hard time keeping up with the high-powered Dolphins.
Carolina +3.5 over JACKSONVILLE
Should the Jags be favoured by more than a field goal in this one? There are many questions for both teams heading into the season – at least enough to think this one is likely to be within three points, either way.
New York Giants +6 over WASHINGTON
The Commanders are clearly the better team, but are a big regression candidate. The Giants played them incredibly hard last season and lost one game only because their kicker was injured. Washington also has an incredibly hard game against the Packers on Thursday night right after this one to look ahead to.
NEW ORLEANS +6.5 over Arizona
Sometimes, picks seem a bit too obvious and this might be one of those. The Cards are the most popular survivor pick that could cause chaos if they lose, the Saints are at home and started incredibly strong last season, plus you can never discount the disadvantage of a West Coast team playing in the early slot.
CLEVELAND +5.5 over Cincinnati
Two things to remember here: Despite Cleveland’s 2024 season to forget and a tumultuous off-seasion, this team’s defence is outstanding at home and remains a good unit. The Bengals may have the top-line stars, but always seem to struggle out of the gate.
NEW ENGLAND -3 over Las Vegas
Both of these teams have gotten some sleeper hype heading into this season, but the Patriots seem better positioned to take a step forward and have home-field advantage.
San Francisco -2.5 over SEATTLE
This will be a big test for Sam Darnold in his first game with the Seahawks and it might not end well considering the pressure the Niners, under returning DC Robert Saleh, can put opposing QBs under.
DENVER -8 over Tennessee
First-overall pick Cam Ward couldn’t have gotten a worse matchup for his debut. The Broncos defence is among the league’s best and playing early season games at Mile High has been a big advantage for the hosts.
Detroit +2.5 over GREEN BAY
The Packers made their big splash last week with the Micah Parsons trade, but how much will he actually be playing in Week 1? We’ll take the points and hope the brain drain didn’t diminish Detroit too much.
Houston +3 over L.A. RAMS
How can you not be worried about Matthew Stafford’s back at this point? The Rams ailing veteran QB was reportedly on the verge of retirement this off-season and now he’s facing an excellent defence without getting many practice reps in over the past few months.
Baltimore +1 over BUFFALO
The Bills beat the Ravens by two points back in the playoffs in January, but Baltimore was missing top WR Zay Flowers. With both teams healthy and champing at the bit for this prime-time season kickoff, Lamar Jackson and Co. should get their revenge.
Minnesota -2 over CHICAGO
Will Ben Johnson have a little something up his sleeve for a tough division rival in his head coaching debut? While it’s certainly possible, his opposite number, Kevin O’Connell certainly will too – and has the better defence to keep things in check.
Last season: 138-131-3
Last playoffs: 6-6-1