The moment you have all been waiting for, NFL week 1. Nothing gets the whole country riled up together more than football, and week 1 is a nation wide party. I placed 8 bets for this weekend, can you tell I am excited? I will share my 6 favorites, these are my NFL picks week 1.
The Red Beard: NFL Picks Week 1
Buffalo Bills v Los Angeles Rams Over 52
This game is the official kick off of the season, and it just would not feel right with out some action on it. Instead of trying to pick a side out of these two Super Bowl favorites, I am going to bet on a high scoring affair.
Not only do I expect these two high powered offenses to come out rolling on all cylinders, I want to root for points in the first game of the season. Honestly can not begin to pick a side, however give me the Over 52; whoever wins will do it 41-38.
Pittsburgh Steelers +6.5 v Cincinnati Bengals
Yes, I know the average fan would never make this bet. However here are my reasons. This is a division game, which are always played tight. Players and coaches bring more pride onto the gridiron for these match-ups.
The Steelers have not had a quarterback the last two seasons who could run, jump, pass, skip, or hop. Yet their defense and running game carried them to the playoffs. This year add in Mitch Trubisky who is young, athletic and ready to prove himself. Trubisky will give this team the spark and offense they need to make a real run this season. I also have Steelers winning the division.
Bengals are coming off of a Super Bowl loss. I do not usually like takes like this, yet I am expecting a let down this season. Because besides Joe Burrow and Trey Hendrickson I can not point to one reason they had the run they did last season. I mean this is Cincinnati, right? Give me a tight game that could go either way, 27-24.
Arizona Cardinals v Kansas City Chiefs Over 53.5
The Arizona Cardinals have been the most disrespected team this week as far as line movement goes. This game moved from 2.5 to a 6 point spread almost over night. I understand the allure around the Chiefs as well as the Cardinals missing key pieces from last year.
The pieces Arizona is missing is mostly on the defensive side, besides the Hopkins suspension. Both of these teams have one thing in common, they put points on the board.
With both of these defenses coming in as an unknown with new faces. I see these offenses scoring in bunches, and in a hurry. I would not be surprised if one of these teams alone put up 50 points. Give me the Chiefs in a madden-like game 54-38.
Las Vegas Raiders +3 v Los Angeles Chargers
It is still weird to mention either one of these teams cities, however this is the same division and the same rivalry. Both of these teams have above average quarterbacks and defenses. Chargers have a slight edge on the outside with receivers however the Raiders have the edge in the tight end and running back position.
This game will be intense as both of these franchises feel the pressure of winning. The change of cities has both of these fanbases hoping for more, as well as the “superstar” quarterbacks to build around.
This is another division game which is why I feel obligated to take the Raiders plus the points. This game can go either way, I see it coming down to last second field goal to win it as time expires. Raiders 27-26.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers v Dallas Cowboys Over 51
This is Sunday’s primetime game, Sunday Night Football. Every single jinx that is possible has been thrown out there for this game, which is why I will stay away from the sides and take the over. Both of these teams can put up 28 points with one arm tied behind their back.
That is exactly what I expect to watch. A game that is played loose until the 4th quarter. I see this over hitting by the 5 minute mark of the 3rd quarter before things get slowed down and under control.
Two quarterbacks who can flat out sling it. Give me the Cowboys winning this 38-28. This will be the year Dak takes a leap forward and Brady finally looks his age.
Denver Broncos -6.5 v Seattle Seahawks Over 44.5
I am taking both the Broncos -6.5 and the over 44.5 on this game. Both as singles and as a parlay, I know it is not the smartest thing to do. I only parlay about 3-5 times a season, never anymore than 3 legs.
We are going to witness Russell Wilson taunt that Seattle sideline all game long, Reggie Miller to Spike Lee style. Alright, alright, I won’t go that far. Yet I do see Wilson carving up this defense that he spent his entire career watching. I do not see anything the Seahawks can do about it either.
This game will get ugly and get ugly quick, Seattle does not have the offense to score with the Broncos nor do they have the defense to stop them. Broncos win this one is an ugly fashion, better put the kids to bed early Monday night. 52-0.
The Red Beard: NFL Picks Week 1:
- Buffalo Bills v Los Angeles Rams Over 52
- Pittsburgh Steelers +6.5 v Cincinnati Bengals
- Arizona Cardinals v Kansas City Chiefs Over 53.5
- Las Vegas Raiders +3 v Los Angeles Chargers
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers v Dallas Cowboys Over 51
- Denver Broncos -6.5 v Seattle Seahawks Over 44.5 (Both Spread and Over)
(No Bet Is Guaranteed. Take All Bets At Your Own Risk)
(Odds Provided by Caesars Sports Book)
Rowan Donaghey is a NFL, NCAAF, and Betting insider for Gridiron Heroics. Follow him on twitter for daily bets and content via @RowanDonaghey