I started the week 0-1 after picking the Steelers in the Thursday night game. I’m now 2-3 on the season and 6-11 overall in contest picks. I’m picking four more game this weekend including an over/under. Hyperlinks for analysis are provided below. For the other games I’ll provide a brief sentence or two on the side I would take in a contest.
Lions at Panthers (-3)
My line: Panthers -1.5
Analysis: It looks like Newton will play but he hasn’t spent much time with his receivers in the preseason. Lions are coming off a Monday night game playing at home so I wouldn’t pick them with confidence.
Pick: Pass (Contest: Lions)
Dolphins (-1) at Bills
My line: Bills -1.5
Pick: Bills
Jaguars at Redskins (-6)
My line: Redskins -6
Analysis: Jaguars were unlucky not to cover against the Eagles. Can’t trust the Redskins until Robert Griffin III plays better.
Pick: Pass (Jaguars)
Cowboys at Titans (-3.5)
My line: Titans -3.5
Analysis: Cowboys can stay in this game if they limit their turnovers. Titans beat a Chiefs team that I think will struggle mightily this season.
Pick: Pass (Cowboys)
Cardinals (-3) at Giants
My line: Cardinals -1
Analysis: Line has too big to pick but can’t trust this Giants team after what I saw on Monday in Detroit. I do have an opinion on the over/under in this game.
Pick: Pass (Cardinals)
Patriots (-3) at Vikings
My line: Patriots -5
Pick: Patriots
Saints (-7) at Browns
My line: Saints -6.5
Analysis: Tempted to pick the Browns here but the Saints will play mad knowing they don’t want to start 0-2.
Pick: Pass (Browns)
Falcons at Bengals (-5)
My line: Bengals -5
Analysis: Atlanta is coming off a big division win and play on Thursday in Week 3. Cincinnati was 8-0 against the spread at him home last season.
Pick: Pass (Bengals)
Rams at Buccaneers (-5.5)
My line: Buccaneers -2.5
Analysis: Buccaneers are giving too many points but don’t trust whoever the Rams put at quarterback. Fisher will make sure his team is ready after an embarrassing home loss.
Pick: Pass (Rams)
Seahawks (-6) at Chargers
My line: Seahawks -3
Pick: Chargers
Texans (-3) at Raiders
My line: Texans -3
Analysis: I don’t think either team is good so I’ll lean towards the home underdog.
Pick: Pass (Raiders)
Jets at Packers (-8)
My line: Packers -10.5
Analysis: Packers are poised to bounce back but the Jets defense will contain the Packers offense if they generate a pass rush.
Pick: Pass (Packers)
Chiefs at Broncos (-13)
My line: Broncos -12.5
Analysis: Just too many points here. It’s a six-point adjustment from where this line opened in the summer.
Pick: Pass (Chiefs)
Bears at 49ers (-7)
My line: 49ers -8
Analysis: Bears offense could get going against a 49ers defense missing several key players. Bears need to find an answer for the Kaepernick/Gore/Hyde rushing attack.
Pick: Pass (Bears)
Eagles at Colts (-3)
My line: Eagles -1.5
Analysis: Really like the Eagles here and for Chip Kelly to impress in front of the ESPN cameras. Don’t want to confidently pick against Andrew Luck at home.
Pick: Pass (Eagles)
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