Teddy Covers
Dolphins vs. Seahawks
Play: Dolphins +10½
Teddy enters the weekend RED HOT RIGHT NOW, hitting 90% across all sports over the past week. Teddy dominated the NFL last year, hitting 67% for the FULL season. including a 3-0 sweep on Opening Sunday. His complete Week 1 Report is locked & loaded. Don't miss a single cash from this proven winner!
The Seahawks have been an elite team for the last five years of the Pete Carroll era. But Carroll’s teams tend to pick up momentum as the season goes along, not right from the get-go on opening day. The Seahawks have lost in SU fashion on opening day three times in the last five years; twice as favorites. Only once – their Thursday Night opener against Green Bay following their Super Bowl title – have they won on opening day by more than a touchdown. The Seahawks are not a team to lay double digits with coming out of the gate in 2016.
The betting markets continue to look at Seattle as a team without weaknesses. But one weakness has been very apparent if you’ve been paying attention to the Seahawks throughout the preseason – their offensive line. Offensive line coach Tom Cable has been trying to cobble together a unit that won’t have a single starter playing the same position as they did last year. First round pick and expected OL centerpiece Germain Ifedi was the latest projected starter to go down with an injury in practice this past week. Throw in the Seahawks issues at running back in the post Marshawn Lynch era and it’s difficult to see how the Seahawks offense is going to click right here in Week 1, especially given the first string offenses’ repeated struggles in August.
A weak, rebuilt offensive line is bad news against most teams. Against the Dolphins, it has the potential to be a disaster. Miami has spent a small fortune upgrading their front seven on defense over the past few offseasons. With Ndamukong Suh and Mario Williams anchoring the defensive front and Kiko Alonzo moving into the middle linebacker spot, don’t sleep on the Dolphins defensive talent. Expect Seattle’s running game to be very limited here, and Russell Wilson to be running for his life behind poor protection.
Can the Dolphins score enough to keep this one close? All reports out of Miami indicate that they can! New head coach Adam Gase developed a ‘quarterback whisperer’ reputation in previous stops at Denver and Chicago. Miami has been taking offensive linemen at the top of the draft in recent seasons; a unit loaded with elite level talent. Meanwhile, like most elite teams trying to stay elite, the Seahawks have had to pay their stars in recent seasons, leading to ongoing depth problems. The deepest defense in the league two or three years ago isn’t the deepest defense in the league any more…. ..Be sure to take at least a taste of the Dolphins on the moneyline at +425 or higher, in a game they’re live to win.
Michael Alexander
Bengals vs. Jets
Play: Jets +2½
The Jets have been flying under the radar even though they finished in a mathematical tie for a Wild Card spot last season. Last season they had the 10th best offense ranked 4th on devense. Last year they had 5-1, 0-4, and 4-1-1 ATS runs, but had a 94-48 point edge in their last three home gams. The last time Cincinnati played a meaningful game they got crushed in the 4th quarter versus Pittsburgh in the playoffs.
Brad Diamond
Bears vs. Texans
Play: Texans -5
Last year the Texans finished 9-8 SU and ATS losing in the playoffs. The Bears backers have not had a winning season since 2012 achieving a 10-6 SU record with a corresponding 7-9 ATS. Prior to that you would look back to 2010 when Chicago carved out a 10-7-1 ATS record with 12 SU wins. Consequently, we have the mindset to go against this type participant. The Bears are just 19-29 SU since 2013 and 19-28-1 ATS as an underdog last 5 seasons. And, they are 2-4-1 ATS their first game of the season. The Texans let their fan base down at the end of the season losing (KC) in the playoffs by a horrid margin of 30-0. Houston, however, is 18-14-1 ATS L2 years, and 11-4-2 ATS as a favorite. The whole psychology of the team has changed under coach O’Brien who is in his third year at the helm. J. J. Watt the supreme defender in the NFL is scheduled to start and play for the Texans. These two last faced each other in 2012 with Houston (+1) winning and covering 13-6.
Last year Chicago finished the schedule on a 1-4 SU and ATS streak. They lost 5 games by four points or less. Houston finished much better in 2015 with a 3-1 SU & ATS run, including the playoff downer to KC. Also, the Texans come into the starter’s gate with a 4-2 ATS record in game #1 sets and 7-3 ATS L10 times out on the playing field. Chicago does have a 5-2 L7 SU record on the road with a corresponding 6-1 ATS legend. From the fundamental side the Bears are in a difficult situation, however, with 10 new starters in the opening 22. So, look for some miscues to evolve, especially in the first-half. We expect J. J. Watt and the Houston defense to pressure QB Cutler keeping the veteran from getting too comfortable behind center.
Chip Chirimbes
Raiders vs. Saints
Play: Saints -1½
The Saints enter this game 0-4 both straight-up and ATS during the pre-season as Drew Brees barely saw the field while the Raiders come in off a loss to Seattle where they failed to cross the goal line. At home New Orleans puts one together and wins Big-easy.
Scott Rickenbach
Dolphins vs. Seahawks
Play: Dolphins +10½
As I wrote in my preview work in August, the Dolphins should improve at least a little after a disappointing 6-10 record last season. I pointed out that Miami certainly could be a bit undervalued early on as many bettors likely felt the burn of the Dolphins last season as they compiled an ugly 5-11 ATS record. I feel that is exactly the case here as this line was a low as a 7 but is now all the way up to a 10.5 as Miami is getting no respect here. Keep in mind that opponents, not just the betting markets, are often guilty of overlooking the Dolphins early in the season too. Miami has won three straight season openers (and also covered all three of them) in the past three years. The Dolphins are currently on a 19-7 ATS run in the road dog role when they are playing outside of their division. Miami is rejuvenated with Adam Gase taking over at head coach and he is a former offensive coordinator who should find enough holes in the Seahawks defense to keep this game closer than many are expecting. Keep in mind, Seattle actually lost 3 home games outright last season and have gotten off to slow starts each of the past two seasons with a combined 5-11 ATS mark in the first 8 games. The biggest dog of Week 1 is absolutely worth a look.
Mike Anthony
Green Bay vs. Jacksonville
Play: Green Bay -4.5
Jordy Nelson is a big receiver that gets open, with his skills and his big return awaiting. He is really tough versus single coverage, and he will get his chances here to remind everyone why he is one of the best in the NFL. Jordy isn't afraid to reach and extend to grab the ball from the air. His strength to go up and come down with the pass is going to be too much for Jacksonville's DBs, whoever is stuck dealing with him consistently. Blake Bortles is looking to have a great season, but still needs to improve his accuracy - he has only completed 58% in his career so far. He can look down his receivers at times - and will be stuck forcing some balls that don't need to be thrown. Especially when he starts feeling some of that shadow pressure, and starts getting happy feet. 36 year old Julius Peppers is still going to have him looking over his shoulder all game long. Packers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 road games Green Bay wins giving the points
Will Rogers
Green Bay vs. Jacksonville
Play: Green Bay -4.5
Thursday on ESPN.com’s home page was an article entitled, “Betting public likes Packers to win Super Bowl.” In part the article said, while the New England Patriots will kick off the season as consensus Super Bowl favorites at Las Vegas sportsbooks, the betting public is siding with the Green Bay Packers. The Patriots are 6-1 to win the Super Bowl but significantly more bets have been placed on the Packers, who are among the second tier of Super Bowl favorites at 8-1. William Hill's Nevada book has taken nearly twice as many Super Bowl bets on Green Bay as New England, and the Westgate SuperBook in Las Vegas has taken 50 percent more bets on the Packers than the Patriots.
The Green Bay Packers open another season with sights set on reaching the top of the NFL mountain, while the Jacksonville Jaguars are searching to find their way back to NFL respectability. However, there is optimism surrounding the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2016, as the Jags offense took a major step forward last season. Second-year QB Blake Bortles improved from 11 TD passes as a rookie to 35 last season and has a pair of emerging stars in WRs in Allen Robinson (80 receptions, 1,400 yards, 14 TDs) and Allen Hurns (64, 1,031, 10). Running back T.J. Yeldon had a decent rookie season but his struggles in short-yard situations led to Jacksonville signing Chris Ivory. The Jaguars defense ranked 31st in defense but added key FA acquisitions in DL Malik Jackson, free safety Tashaun Gipson and CB Prince Amukamara. They also drafted cornerback Jalen Ramsey and linebacker Myles Jack to go with 2014 No. 3 overall pick Dante Fowler, who missed his first season with a knee injury.
Green Bay's passing game took a major dip due to the absence of WR Jordy Nelson, who missed the entire 2015 season with a torn ACL after amassing 98 receptions for 1,519 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2014. Although he didn’t play at all in the preseason, he’s expected to be fine for Week 1. QB aaron Rodgers had his lowest completion percentage (60.7) and passing yards per game (238.8 ) since taking over as the team's starter but who knows for certain if the return of Nelson will solve all of those woes. Yes, the Packers are a quality team but the line is inflated and the home dog (a better than expected Jacksonville team) is the play.
Brandon Shively
Tampa Bay vs. Atlanta
Pick: Atlanta
This line opened up Atlanta -3 and got bet down to -2.5. It will be interesting to see where this one closes, but regardless, I like the Falcons to cruise here. Week 1 of the NFL and Matt Ryan and the Falcons are playing with double revenge from last season as rookie Jameis WInston knocked them off both times. That is unacceptable, but at the same time the Falcons offense and defense was not running at 100%. This year they are going to be much better on both sides of the ball. This is a much faster and physical team in 2016 Julio Jones and Sanu on the other side of him that gives Matt Ryan another option. Freeman and Coleman in the backfield is a great 1-2 combo that OC Shanahan will rotate and keep both guys fresh. A key angle here is Matt Ryan and is 8-0 SU and ATS mark in home openers. HC Quinn is a defensive minded coach and the Dirty Birds are going to focus and ball security and creating turnovers Sunday. One reason is that Atlanta’s 23-20 loss at home last year to the Bucs was very misleading. The Falcons outgained the Bucs by 206 yards but had 4 turnovers. Tampa will have first year coach Dirk Koetter making his debut. Koetter was the OC for the Bucs and now the new OC is Todd Monken who comes from the college ranks. I expect the Tampa offense to be a bit sluggish. Last year, the Falcons were a 8 point home favorite in this same game. This brings immediate value to the table and one I am buying in. With Atlanta being a PERFECT 6-0 ATS when playing with double revenge at home, look for the Dirty Birds to do their thing and pull-away with a double digit win.
Bruce Marshall
Bucs / Falcons Under 48
When last seen, the Falcons seemed to be channeling the hometown MLB Braves, dropping 10 of their last 12 vs. the line in 2015 and falling from the playoff race. It didn't help that o.c. Kyle Shanahan kept force-feeding his offense down the throat of QB Matt Ryan and not taking advantage of the no-huddle, which Ryan had run effectively in past. Has Shanahan learned from LY? There are better vibes with the Bucs, as Jameis Winston appears ready to take the next steps after more than 4000 YP and keeping T.B. in playoff hunt until December in his rookie year, not to mention beating Atlanta twice. Bucs attack (still under the watch of new HC Dirk Koetter, promoted from o.c.) looked sharp in preseason dress rehearsals. Must note Atlanta's 24-9 "under" mark since late 2013.
Don Anthony
Steelers vs. Redskins
Play: Steelers -143
Most of my long-term guys know this but I am a Washington Redskins fan. I will actually be going to this game at the “Most expensive place in the NFL to watch a Football game” Fed Ex Field. This team has zero home field advantage. Almost the entire upper deck is gone now and it just looks like a building that hasn’t finished construction. To make matters worse is that there are always a ton of visiting team fans that go to these games. We already know the Steelers have the best traveling fans in the NFL but they really flock to DC. There are a TON of folks from Pennsylvania that come to the District for work. They go to every Penguins, Steelers, and Pirates game they can. I went to the last MNF game these two teams played at Fed Ex and I thought the game was at Heinz Field with all the terrible towels flying. The Steelers won that game 23-6. I expect a similar result Monday.
The Redskins didn’t win a game against a team with a winning record all season last year. They went just 1-8 if they trailed by more than 4 during any game last season and went 1-8 when they had a lead of less than 6, were tied, or trailing at the half. Washington has also covered just 1 time in their last 5 Monday Night Football games. Big Ben should have a field day against the Redskins, picking apart the zone coverage the Skins love to play. He led the NFL in passing yards per game last season and he should easily throw for 300+ here. I also think the OVER is a great play and personally will be teasing it down to 43.
Chase Diamond
Bengals vs. Jets
Play: Jets +1½
Pretty good game as we have the Cincinnati Bengals taking on the New York Jets. Not to many people giving the Jets a chance in this game especially the betting public as I write this 67% are backing the road Bengals and this line has pretty much held tight at where it is now. Jets come into this game knowing they have to win at home and the Bengals have never been much of a road team. Jets come in off a 10-6 mark last year and the 4th ranked Defense I think Vegas is setting up the public for the slaughter in this one. Bengals are down Tyler Eifert a big weapon for Andy Dalton and Burfict who is serving a suspension.
Larry Ness
San Diego vs. Kansas City
Pick: San Diego
The KC Chiefs won 27-20 at Houston in Week 1 last season but followed with a five-game losing streak. However, the Chiefs then ended the regular season on a 10-game winning streak (it began in lucky Week 7), to finish 11-5 (tied with Denver for the AFC West’s best record but lost the tie-breaker). The Chiefs made it 11 straight wins by winning 30-0 at Houston in the wild card round but saw its winning streak and season end in New England in the divisional round, losing 27-20. Philip Rivers put up huge passing numbers last season (66.1% / 4792 yards / 29-13 ratio) but it was mostly out of necessity, as the Chargers ranked 31st in the league in rushing (84.9 YPG on 3.5 YPC) and typically found themselves playing from behind in most games. SD finished just 4-12. Many thought the Chargers were headed out of San Diego but they open the 2016 still in that beautiful city.
The two division rivals open the 2016 season in Kansas City and the winner gets to jump start its season. The Chiefs beat the Chargers in San Diego 33-3 in Week 11 and then in Kansas City (Week 14) 10-3, a game played in a downpour. KC’s Pro-Bowl running back Jamaal Charles suffered a torn ACL in his right knee in Week 5 and many figured he’d be ready here but head coach Andy Reid said Friday, "He's probably not going to play." The Chiefs kept four running backs on the 53-man active roster with Charles still ailing. The tandem of Charcandrick West and Spencer Ware held up their end of the bargain in 2015, combining for 1,037 yards and 10 TDs. San Diego's No. 1 pick last year, RB Melvin Gordon was a flop (641 yards on 3.5 YPC with zero TDs) and this year’s No. 1 pick, Ohio State defensive end Joey Bosa just recently agreed to terms and has been slowed by a hamstring injury that likely will keep him off the field Sunday.
QB Alex Smith can’t match Rivers’ passing numbers but he’s led winning teams in both San Francisco and now KC. Off of last year, KC seems like the better team but let’s not forget that the Chargers won nine games in both 2013 and 2014. The Chargers have been at their best in this pointspread range, going 13-3 ATS when getting 4 1/2-points or more the last three years (including the 2013 postseason).
Randall The Handle
Browns (0-0) at Eagles (0-0)
The Browns are dreadful. Who doesn’t know that? Most teams have hope at this time of year. Not the Browns. They’ve had one winning season in the previous 15. Backing this team is never quite an endorsement of what they offer, but more of a condemnation of its opponent. Such is the case today. Typically reserved for the Browns, Philadelphia has had a complete off-season overhaul. A new coaching staff takes over, led by uninspiring HC Doug Pederson. Rookie quarterback Carson Wentz will get his first start in the bigs. That’s after having a grand total of 38 snaps, all coming in the Eagles’ first pre-season game before breaking a rib and missing the rest of the exhibition sked. Good luck with that. Philly’s offence is subpar while a newly formed defence still has to prove it can stop people when it counts. Robert Griffin III will look to rejuvenate his career in Cleveland and we’d rather have him taking points than giving away some with an Eagles team that may not be favoured again until December. TAKING: BROWNS +3½
Chargers (0-0) at Chiefs (0-0)
The AFC West figures to be quite the horse race and while the Chargers might be the long shot in the division, you may not want to tell them that. QB Philip Rivers put up some impressive numbers last year, especially when considering his offensive line was riddled with injuries for most of the season and his best receiver, Keenan Allen, missed half the year with a kidney issue. With the O-line healthy and improved, Allen back and Ken Whisenhunt returning as Rivers’ offensive coordinator after the duo had much success in 2013, the Bolts are not to be ignored at this early date. On the hosts’ side, the Chiefs have injury issues of their own entering the season as RB Jamaal Charles is likely to miss this one and top LB Justin Houston is out indefinitely. San Diego shines when taking back a bunch of points with 11 covers in 13 tries when receiving four or more points. Big opening, divisional game figures to be tight. TAKING: CHARGERS +6½
Vikings (0-0) at Titans (0-0)
The Titans were awarded top pick in this year’s NFL draft as a result of having the worst record in the league a year ago. Unenthused over who that choice might be, they traded it to the Rams in order to stockpile a bunch of top picks over the next couple of seasons. In Tennessee, the future is not now. This is a team under construction. They’ll hope to do battle against some of the league’s other doormats, but will have a hard time competing against quality clubs. Prior to losing QB Teddy Bridgewater, many had the Vikings contending for the NFC title. Forced to do something with a potent roster, sans a QB, the Vikes managed to acquire Sam Bradford from the Eagles. While Teddy B. has shown promise and Bradford has been moderate, who’s to say that Bradford isn’t the better QB? That remains to be seen, but what we do know is that Minny’s roster lays over a dreadful Tennessee roster and giving away minimal points is the way to go here. TAKING: VIKINGS -2½
Buccaneers (0-0) at Falcons (0-0)
Atlanta had a 5-0 start a year ago, but faded when it counted, going 3-8 the rest of the way. That’s where we pick it up. Perhaps some things were fixed on this Falcons roster, but changes on a porous defence were minimal. Now the Falcs will face a Tampa team that defeated the Birds twice last year, contributing to Atlanta’s dismal 1-5 record against NFC South foes. Meanwhile, the Bucs could be an unheralded sleeper. There is talent on both sides of the ball and second-year QB Jameis Winston appears poised and confident after a solid rookie campaign. Tampa’s new coaching staff finds several coming over from Atlanta and that can’t hurt in this divisional tussle. TAKING: BUCCANEERS +3
Bengals (0-0) at Jets (0-0)
Say what you like about Cincinnati quarterback Andy Dalton, but what cannot be denied is his fine play during the regular season. Wouldn’t you know it, that season starts on this day. Back healthy, the Bengals have failed to cover just one in past 12 when Dalton starts and completes a game. They face a Jets team that has some issues in its secondary, including injuries and suspensions. Not to mention an erratic QB. Cincy was 12-4 last year before an epic loss in the playoffs (without Dalton) ended its season. Marvin Lewis’ team is anxious to erase that memory and with a talented squad and Lewis’ 7-2-1 vs. spread mark as road chalk, we’ll trust the visitor. TAKING: BENGALS –2½
Raiders (0-0) at Saints (0-0)
Despite all the fanfare and high hopes surrounding the Raiders this season, we’re not quite ready to anoint them as the next AFC powerhouse. We expect better things after some shrewd off-season moves, but those things don’t take hold overnight. Folks are quick to point out the inefficiencies of the Saints defence — and they wouldn’t be wrong. However, Oakland was 26th versus the pass a year ago and they get to face the league’s top passer from 2015, when Drew Brees threw for nearly 4,900 yards. On the offensive side, the Raiders showed promise, but still finished 24th overall. Raiders might be legit, but they’ll have to prove it before we can back them at this short price against a top offence and while on the road. TAKING: SAINTS -1
Bills (0-0) at Ravens (0-0)
Turnabout is fair play and after the Ravens endured a 2015 season that had an onslaught of maladies to key players, we find the Bills embarking on this season with a busy infirmary and a bunch of suspensions. Baltimore is happy to push reset and have the skillful arm of Joe Flacco back on the field, along with such stars as pass rushing Terrell Suggs. This feels like a cheap price, but could be predicated on the Ravens’ poor showings as home faves with zero covers in past eight times they’ve been favoured here. Still, Baltimore’s pedigree and John Harbaugh’s impressive coaching record is the preferred route to take against shaky Rex Ryan and his band of unknowns. TAKING: RAVENS –3
Bears (0-0) at Texans (0-0)
These Bears are not the bad news that many claim them to be. Despite his detractors, QB Jay Cutler can toss the rock and fave receiver Alshon Jeffery is ready and rarin’ to go after missing about half of the 2015 season. Chicago is a dangerous dog. After three failed covers to start 2015, in which there was no shame losing to the Packers, Cardinals and Seahawks, these Bears reeled off seven covers in next eight games when taking points. The Texans are a solid squad, but team leader J.J. Watt is on the limp and may not be playing at full speed, if at all. Slew of points offered here are too attractive to pass up. TAKING: BEARS +6
Packers (0-0) at Jaguars (0-0)
Packers are typically good. Jaguars not so much. As a result, we understand one’s reluctance to get behind the weaker club. But the Jags could be on the rise and this game will be a good barometer for them. QB Blake Bortles received inordinate playing time in pre-season games to continually develop his chemistry and talents with a capable receiving corps. Jacksonville has also done an admirable job of beefing up its defence through free agency and smart drafting. The Packers found their way to playoffs last year after a 6-0 start was able to carry them past a troubled 4-6 finish. The Jaguars may not be ready to overtake the top clubs, but a home opener, with ascending club taking a bunch of points, seems to be the prudent play. TAKING: JAGUARS +5
Dolphins (0-0) at Seahawks (0-0)
A betting public’s favourite, especially at home, the Seahawks are beings asked to spot double-digits to an inferior Miami squad. With what we’ve seen from both clubs the past few seasons, including 2015, it’s completely understandable to lean chalk here. However, that’s a perilous path to take no matter the matchup. In the past 10 seasons, dogs of 10½ or more own a 176-145 mark. That number jumps to 158-116 when the game total is below 48 points as it is in this one (44). History aside, the Seahawks are still working through some major issues on their offensive line and Miami employs the personnel to exploit this weakness. Fish feeling good about new head coach after enduring problematic Joe Philbin era. TAKING: DOLPHINS +10½
Giants (0-0) at Cowboys (0-0)
While rookie QB Dak Prescott had sick pre-season numbers, the regular season is a completely different animal. Alongside the rookie quarterback, the Cowboys will also start a rookie running back. Such youth in key positions would commonly be red flags, but we’ll overlook them here. New York’s defence is one of the softer units in the league, while Dallas’ isn’t much better, but the Cowboys’ front line should be able to push the G-Men around all afternoon, allowing Prescott and RB Ezekiel Elliott strong starts. Prescott won’t be going it alone with his strong offensive weapons and great protection. Eli & Co. may put up some points, but at pick ’em, all we need are the ’Boys to get more. We think they will. TAKING: COWBOYS -1
Lions (0-0) at Colts (0-0)
The line sometimes screams out — and that appears to be the case here. Colts are perceived as an AFC contender, while the Lions are NFC middle of the pack at best. Yet the line has continually dropped in this one and there could be good reason. Most notably, the Colts did next to nothing to improve their 26th-ranked defence from a year ago. Making matters worse, star cornerback Vontae Davis is out indefinitely with an ankle injury. Indy’s secondary struggled enormously last season and it can hardly afford to lose its best player. Adding insult to injury, Detroit QB Matthew Stafford found a groove when the Lions changed OCs and the capable thrower could be licking his chops for this one. TAKING: LIONS +3½
Patriots (0-0) at Cardinals (0-0)
We could provide trends and stats out the wazoo here supporting the Patriots as underdogs, especially in this price range. However, those numbers mainly apply when Tom Brady is at quarterback. Because he allegedly made a football softer in a 45-7 thumping of the Colts two seasons ago, Brady will miss the first month of this season. That puts backup Jimmy Garoppolo in the spotlight. While the youngster may have a good enough skill set to succeed, this is not the place to risk your money to find out. Especially when the Patriots have question marks on their offensive line and are thin at running back. The Cardinals are 19-5 here since Bruce Arians’ arrival in 2013. They should control the tempo here. TAKING: CARDINALS –6
Steelers (0-0) at Redskins (0-0)
Defence usually trumps offence and, while you can’t simply apply that theory to every game, it fits well here. Firstly, we have a home underdog under the lights of Monday prime-time game. Secondly, the Steelers are without star running back Le’Veon Bell and receiver Martavis Bryant, both suspended. That allows for Washington’s off-season acquisition Josh Norman to blanket WR Antonio Brown all night. Lastly, Pittsburgh’s secondary is young, inexperienced and lacks playmakers. This unit is a work in progress as Steelers allowed the third-most passing yards in the league last season. That should suit Washington QB Kirk Cousins just fine with his arsenal of fine ball catchers. Cousins has won five straight as a home underdog. TAKING: REDSKINS +3
Rams (0-0) at 49ers (0-0)
People on the east coast will be glad they are asleep when this one finally ends. Blaine Gabbert beat out Colin Kaepernick for the starting quarterback job in San Fran. Gabbert has won eight of 35 starts. The Rams, with their own abysmal quarterback situation, have been favoured three times in five years when travelling and managed one cover during those trips. Points will be at a premium with two teams whose offences averaged under 18 points per game. That makes it very difficult to give away points, no matter how few. Niners were horrible last year, but you may remember a similar opener when a decent Minnesota squad was same 2½ points in here before leaving at tail end of 20-3 loss. TAKING: 49ERS +2½
David Banks
New England @ Arizona
Pick: Arizona -7
The last time that it was not Tom Brady under center for the New England Patriots, the year was 2008. On Sunday night, Jimmy Garoppolo will start in place of the suspended Brady. Garoppolo will become just the fifth quarterback in the past 30 years to make his first NFL start in a season opener. The former Eastern Illinois QB will have to manage the game well if the Patriots are to win at University of Phoenix Stadium. New England has won two Super Bowls in the stadium, but it’s the first time they will meet the Cardinals there.
Garoppolo will go up against one of the best defenses in the NFL and possibly the best combination of corners in the league. Arizona finished fifth in the NFL in total defense last season and a big reason is having corners like Patrick Peterson. Rookie Brandon Williams, a converted college running back, will start opposite Peterson with Justin Bethel providing depth. Free safety Tyrann Mathieu is back at full strength after an ACL injury in Week 15 of last season.
The New England defense will also have to deal with the NFL’s best offense from 2015. Much of that offense returns intact, led by quarterback Carson Palmer who enjoyed his best NFL season last year. Palmer threw for 4,671 yards and 35 touchdowns last season. The Cardinals have three elite wide receivers in Larry Fitzgerald, John Brown, and Michael Floyd and a backfield full of Johnsons. Second-year pro David Johnson will start and is backed up by veteran Chris Johnson.
Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians will attempt to stretch the Patriots defense with vertical downfield throws. This will allow Arizona to soften the heart of the New England defense, the front seven, and allow the running game to operate.
Brad Wilton
Going to grab the few points they are offering with Tampa Bay as they open against division-rival Atlanta in the soon to be defunct Georgia Dome.
The Bucs nipped the Falcons not once, but twice last season, including a 23-20 overtime win at Atlanta in the underdog role.
The Falcons got out of the gate at 5-0 last season, then the wheels fell off in Dan Quinn's rookie season as head coach, as Atlanta wound up 1-5 against the spread as the home favorite last season, and have now failed 8 of their last 10 overall when listed as the home chalk.
Word out of Atlanta is that the issues that are starting to plague Matt Ryan are both big and real, as Matty Ice's arc is now on the downside, whereas Jameis Winston showed flashes in his rookie season, and word out of Tampa is that Famous Jameis has his act together and the fact the Bucs finished the year both in the Top 10 in offense and defense, and have Dirk Koetter (former Falcons offensive coordinator) and Mike Smith (former Falcons head coach) now running the show in Tampa.
Talk about a "homecoming"! This one qualifies.
Take the Bucs to get the bucks.
4* TAMPA BAY