I have four picks for Sunday and Monday night in the NFL. I will provide my contest picks with a short analysis for the rest of the games. “My line” means what I think the line should be.
Saints (-3) at Falcons
My line: Saints -1
Analysis: I was very close to picking Atlanta but don’t trust taking them here. Saints offense can dominate in opener.
Pick: Pass (Contest: Falcons)
Vikings at Rams (-3.5)
My Line: Rams -3.5
Analysis: Shaun Hill against Matt Cassel isn’t what we imagined. Can see either team winning this game so take the points if you have to.
Pick: Pass (Vikings)
Browns at Steelers (-7)
My Line: Steelers -7.5
Analysis: Don’t trust either team right now. Steelers started off slowly last year and I could see that same thing happening again.
Pick: Pass (Browns)
Jaguars at Eagles (-10.5)
My Line: Eagles -10
Analysis: Jacksonville has greatly improved and I think are the right team here. Could see Eagles offense exploding and covering late so staying away.
Pick: Pass (Jaguars)
Raiders at Jets (-5.5)
My Line: Jets -5.5
Analysis: The Raiders are horrible so I would lean towards the Jets. But confidently picking a Geno Smith team giving this many points? No thank you.
Pick: Pass (Jets)
Bengals at Ravens (-1)
My Line: Ravens -3
Pick: Ravens
Bills at Bears (-7)
My Line: Bears -7.5
Analysis: Bears have done very well in these opening games but too many question marks on defense.
Pick: Pass (Bears)
Redskins at Texans (-3)
My Line: Texas -2.5
Analysis: I think the Redskins will win straight up as the Texans figure out their quarterback issues. Washington has issues of their own though.
Pick: Pass (Redskins)
Titans at Chiefs (-3)
My Line: Chiefs -4
Analysis: Would’ve taken the Titans here if the line was at the opening number. Think they can will straight up against a Chiefs team that will regress.
Pick: Pass (Titans)
Patriots (-5) at Dolphins
My Line: Patriots -3
Pick: Dolphins
Panthers at Buccaneers (-2)
My Line: Buccaneers -2.5
Pick: Buccaneers
49ers (-4.5) at Cowboys
My Line: 49ers -3.5
Analysis: Dallas is the right side here but don’t trust the Cowboys. Can see Dallas losing a late heartbreaker where Romo and Bryant put up big numbers.
Pick: Pass (Cowboys)
Colts at Broncos (-7.5)
My Line: Broncos -8
Analysis: Very tempted to take the Broncos but could see the Colts’ offense counter most of Denver’s scores.
Pick: Pass (Broncos)
Giants at Lions (-6)
My Line: Lions -3.5
Analysis: My line shows that I should take the Giants. However, they have no running game and a porous offensive line, which could spell turnovers for Eli Manning.
Pick: Pass (Giants)
Chargers at Cardinals (-3)
My Line: Cardinals -1.5
Pick: Chargers
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