NFL Week 1: Odds and picks
The NFL regular season is underway, with the first victory of the campaign going to the Kansas City Chiefs, who defeated the defending world-champion New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Kansas City was a nine-point underdog in some places, but covered with ease.
Here are the other 14 lines going into Saturday night, and a thought or two on each game. The lines are via OddsShark.
Pittsburgh Steelers (-8.5) at Cleveland Browns
This line is about right, especially with Myles Garrett out. The Steelers are going to win, but the Browns could get that backdoor cover.
New York Jets at Buffalo Bills (-8)
This game is rancid, but Buffalo laying eight is crazy. Have you seen the roster the Bills are trotting out there? Yikes.
Jacksonville Jaguars at Houston Texans (-5)
If Blake Bortles doesn’t decide to turn the ball over a half-dozen times, Jacksonville has a shot in this game. However, the Jaguars can’t protect, and Houston will take advantage.
Philadelphia Eagles (-1) at Washington Redskins
Vegas believes in Philadelphia, but color me unimpressed. Carson Went got worse as his rookie season went on, and the secondary is bad. If Washington can block, the Redskins could get a win.
Arizona Cardinals (-2.5) at Detroit Lions
Detroit went to the playoffs last year, Arizona didn’t, and the Lions are getting points at home. So what does that mean? The Cardinals are more talented, and should win, but this is a stay away.
Baltimore Ravens at Cincinnati Bengals (-3)
Two teams that are somewhat of a mystery. If I had to bet, I’d say the Bengals are at home, are the better team and should win. Still, Baltimore is always a tough out.
Oakland Raiders at Tennessee Titans (-3)
Very interesting game here. Oakland should score near 30 points, but can it stop anybody. I like the Titans to win and barely cover, mostly because they should run or 250 yards.
Atlanta Falcons (-6) at Chicago Bears
The Bears aren’t a good team, and the Falcons are a very good team. I don’t care that the game is in Chicago, this shouldn’t be close.
Indianapolis Colts at Los Angeles Rams (-4.5)
This game is terrible, just take the Rams and move on. Scott Tolzien. Enough said.
Seattle Seahawks at Green Bay Packers (-3)
Best game of the weekend. The Seahawks are the better team but the Packers are terrific and almost unbeatable at home. Factor in that Seattle isn’t as good on the road, and I swallow the points.
Carolina Panthers (-4.5) at San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco isn’t a good team, but the defense is legit in the front seven. The Panthers should win, but I don’t like them to cover.
New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys (-4)
Take the Giants to win outright. Dallas struggled mightily with New York last year, losing both games. This is a bad matchup for a Cowboys team that won’t score much against this defense.
New Orleans Saints at Minnesota Vikings (-3.5)
Minnesota has a terrific defense, and Sam Bradford will execute his Death by 1,000 Paper Cuts offense. I like the Vikings to win, but the Saints to get a backdoor cover.
Los Angeles Chargers at Denver Broncos (-3.5)
Very tough game to analyze, but I like Denver to cover. The Broncos can get pressure and create turnovers. The Chargers have the better roster, but they have no offensive line and Philip Rivers throws picks.
