Atlanta +4.5 over GREEN BAY
Bijan Robinson looked like an absolute superstar, but the real takeaway should be about how much the Packers struggled against the mediocre Falcons defence. Green Bay is far too banged up to make any sort of noise in the NFC North.
MIAMI +11.5 over Kansas City
The Chiefs escaped overtime with a win over the Colts and now head down to hot and humid Miami, where their conditioning will be put to the test. The Chiefs may simply just run over the home team, but how bad will the Fish flop in their home opener?
Carolina -2.5 over CLEVELAND
Here it is: A REAL chance to bet against Deshaun Watson after the Bucs blew it last week. Browns faithful aren’t likely to be forgiving of any little mistake the controversial QB makes in the opener, especially with a surprising Panthers team looking spry on offence.
NEW YORK GIANTS -2.5 over Tennessee
Big Blue got wrecked by injuries on Monday night, but we’re looking on the bright side: This might help rally the team through a rough stretch. It’s not like the Titans are a team to be feared, even if they put up a good fight against the Eagles.
JACKSONVILLE -2.5 over New England
The Jags should have a decent home-field advantage in swampy Jacksonville while the jury is still out on the Pats. Jacksonville’s receiving depth will make it hard for the reigning AFC champs to keep up.
BUFFALO -7.5 over L.A. Chargers
Let’s put it this way: If the Chargers couldn’t show some fight against the Raiders last week, how can you trust them to do so against a well-rested Bills team that just can’t stop scoring points?
New York Jets +6.5 over DETROIT
The Lions might have some extra rest time, but the Jets aren’t exactly the pushovers that they have been in recent years. Geno Smith has looked capable and Detroit’s defensive secondary will be one to target until they get some key players.
Houston -2.5 over INDIANAPOLIS
The Colts are coming off an OT game in prime time, which doesn’t usually bode well for the following week. Indy’s defence might be just what the doctor ordered for CJ Stroud and Co., too.
Seattle -7.5 over WASHINGTON
With a week to prepare, Marcus Mariota might be a serviceable QB against some teams, but not against the reigning champions. Also we can’t overlook how bad Washington’s defence has looked, either.
Cincinnati -3.5 over PITTSBURGH*
Giving more than a field goal to the home team in this rivalry may be a bit strong, but the Bengals have earned the hype to start this season. The offence is still top notch while the defence has looked much-improved from previous disasters. Meanwhile, Aaron Rodgers already is making snide remarks about the coaching staff.
SAN FRANCISCO -8.5 over Arizona
This almost feels like a trap picking the Niners here. Despite suffering a few more injuries against Miami, is there a reason to believe that they can’t beat up on the Cards like Seattle just did?
Minnesota -1.5 over TAMPA BAY
As much as we want to believe that the Bucs will end their skid and triumph as home underdog, Baker Mayfield just isn’t at the level that he was early last season. He has been far too sloppy with the ball and a defence like Minnesota’s can take full advantage.
Baltimore -3.5 over Dallas in Brazil
There are a lot of concerns about the field in Rio and you have to think that will affect passing more than the ground game, giving Baltimore an advantage. The Ravens defence also has a sizable edge over Dallas mediocre group.
Las Vegas +3.5 over NEW ORLEANS
The Saints might’ve found a legit quarterback in Tyler Shough, but the Raiders have looked revitalized this season – especially Kirk Cousins, who has thrown six TDs to a group of unknown receivers. Getting more than a field goal might be worth the risk of taking the Raiders on the roads.
DENVER +2.5 over L.A. Rams
The Rams will be at a rest disadvantage after playing on Monday night and at an altitude disadvantage in Mile High. While they showed well against the Giants, there were still some warts to their game against an injury-decimated squad.
Philadelphia -4.5 over CHICAGO
It’s hard to handicap this one on a Friday with the Bears QB situation in flux, but with it looking like Case Keenum is starting, we’re forced to go with the Eagles. If it is Caleb Williams or even Tyson Bagent, the Bears are the pick here as the market has moved too far.
Last week: 8-8
Best bets: 1-1
This season: 14-18