Can Ryan Fitzpatrick and the Bucs upset the Eagles today? It will make for a great story if they do.
It’s week two folks and here are my picks against the spread for this week. Remember. This is just for recreational purposes.
Panthers (+6) at Falcons: The Falcons defense lost arguably it’s two best defensive players for the season when Deion Jones and Keanu Neal got hurt last week. That makes Atlanta weak in the back seven and easily exploitable. I like Carolina as a dog to take advantage of them.
Browns (+9.5) at Saints: The Saints defense had all kinds of problems against the Bucs last week and while the Browns are no offensive juggernaut, they will still score points and keep this game close. Cleveland covers, New Orleans wins.
Texans (-3) at Titans: The Texans deserved a better fate last week against the Patriots. Despite that, they have a favorable match up this week against the Titans. Tennessee has been tough on the Texans in the past but not today. I think this will be a close game but I like Houston by a field goal.
Colts at Redskins (-5.5): The Redskins looked good last week in their win against the Cardinals. I expect Alex Smith and company to keep the good time rolling offensively against arguably the worst defense in the NFL. Skins win by double digits.
Chiefs (+5.5) at Steelers: Vegas likes the Steelers in this game and rightfully so. Pittsburgh has dominated Kansas City at home in their last three meetings. I expect that to change this week. The Chiefs are sneaky good and I think they will put up some points against the Steelers defense and keep this game close. Steelers win, Chiefs cover.
Chargers at Bills (-7.5): I am probably going to regret this pick like I have my Notre Dane pick each of the past two weeks but I’m taking Buffalo as a home dog. I know they played awful last week but something tells me they’ll hang around in this one and keep it close. Chargers win by a field goal.
Dolphins at Jets (-3): Until further notice. I am a believer in Sam Darnold and the Jets. I think this is a no brainer. I know Miami won last week but the Jets looked better and they are at home. Plus -3 is an easy number to cover as a home favorite. I’ve got the Jets in this one.
Vikings (+2.5) at Packers: I don’t like the Packers chances with a banged up Aaron Rodgers at home against the Vikings. I know Green Bay had a nice come from behind win over the Bears last week but the Vikings defense will not implode like that. I think putting the money on Minnesota in this one is a no brainer.
Eagles (-3) at Buccaneers: If Ryan Fitzpatrick beat the Eagles it would make for a great story but I don’t see it happening. I think Tampa plays tough and inspired at home but the Eagles are the better team and they should cover such a small number as a road favorite today.
Cardinals at Rams (-13): The Cardinals looked awful last week and the Rams looked great. I look for that trend to continue in this one. Arizona has a lot of problems offensively and the last defense they want to face is the Rams. I think L.A’s front seven feasts on Sam Bradford and the Rams cover at home. I see a 27-14 type game.
Lions at 49ers (+6): The Lions just might be as bad as they looked last Monday night against the Jets. Jimmy G and the Niners held their own against Minnesota but ran out of gas. They’ll cruise today however against Detroit.
Patriots at Jaguars (PK): No Leonard Fournette and I don’t like to pick against Tom Brady. I think this will be a low scoring affair and I am betting on the home team to win by a field goal. I think the Jaguars win a low scoring affair 20-17.
Raiders at Broncos (-6.5): The Raiders looked awful in the second half last week against the Rams and I think that performance will carry over to Denver this week. The Broncos are back. They can score points and they are playing good defense. Plus, they are tough at home. Denver covers no problem.
Giants (+3) at Cowboys: The Cowboys are putrid on offense. There is no way I’m putting my money on them right now. They cannot score. Give me the Giants as a road dog.
Seahawks at Bears (-3): The Seahawks are banged up and will be playing without Doug Baldwin, Bobby Wagner and K.J Wright in this game. The Bears should have beaten Green Bay last week. They won’t let the Seahawks off the hook. Give me the Bears in this one as a solid home favorite.