I fully expect the Texans to give the Patriots fits again today in Foxboro.
It is week one of the NFL and we are ready to spend some money. Here are my picks against the Spread for this week.
BROWNS (+3.5) vs. Steelers: The Browns have traditionally played the Steelers tough at home. I expect them to do the same today. That’s why I’m taking them as a home dog. Pittsburgh wins by a field goal.
VIKINGS (-6.5) vs. 49ers: The Niners will struggle to score points on the road against a talented Vikings defense. I like Minnesota by a touchdown in this one.
COLTS vs. Bengals (+3): The Colts will be better this season but I still think they have a lot of issues on defense. I like the Bengals by a touchdown plus in Indy today.
RAVENS vs. Bills (+7.5): Give me the Bills as a road dog in this one. Baltimore’s offense has trouble scoring consistently and the Bills defense will give Joe Flacco some problems. Baltimore wins but the Bills cover.
GIANTS vs. Jaguars (-3): The Giants are better but I think the Jaguars defense will be the difference in this game. Expect a 20-17 type game with the Jaguars pulling it out.
SAINTS (-9.5) vs. Buccaneers: Something tells me Tampa will play the Saints tough despite not having Jameis Winston in the line up. I’m taking the Saints however because even if Tampa plays well, I still see New Orleans winning by 10 plus.
PATRIOTS vs. Texans (+6.5): The Texans should have beaten the Patriots in Foxboro last season. They gagged. I think they’ll play them tough again today. Give me the Texans as a dog with the Patriots winning a tight one.
DOLPHINS vs. Titans (-1.5): i am hedging my bets on the Titans ability to run the football and play good defense. I like Tennessee in what should be a tight game.
CHARGERS vs. Chiefs (+3.5): The Chiefs always play well against the Chargers on the road. Without Joey Bosa, the Chargers defense is nowhere near as good. Give me the Chiefs on the road. +3.5 is a number I can live with.
BRONCOS (-3) vs. Seahawks: The Seahawks are rebuilding. Apparently they are the only ones who don’t know it. Give me Denver at home as a fav. Case Keenum and the offense will score just enough for the Broncos to squeak out a win.
PANTHERS (-3) vs. Cowboys: I have a hard time buying into the Panthers this season but I do think they’ll open the season with a win at home against the Cowboys in what should be a close game.
CARDINALS (-1) vs. Washington: Sticking with the home favorite here. This should be a tight game but I think Arizona is the better team and they are at home. I’m putting my money on the Red Birds.
PACKERS vs. Bears (+7.5): I like the Bears as a road dog in this game. They have played the Packers tough at Lambeau in recent years and tonight should be no different. Green Bay wins but Chicago covers.
Monday Night Games
LIONS vs. Jets (+6.5): The Jets are much improved and they will go toe to toe with the Lions on the road. I expect rookie quarterback Sam Darnold to play well for New York. Detroit wins but the Jets cover.
RAIDERS vs. Rams (-4): Give me the Rams all day. They should cover with ease against a Raiders team that will struggle to score points and can’t rush the passer or stop the pass. Rams win by 10 plus. I’m bullish on them.