Picked four games this week. The rest of my contest picks are also included below.
Chargers at Bills (-1)
My line: Chargers -1
Pick: Bills
Cowboys (-1.5) at Rams
My line: Rams -1
Analysis: I strongly lean towards the Rams because I don’t know if the Cowboys can win two straight games on the road. With Austin Davis as the Rams quarterback, I don’t trust St. Louis again.
Pick: Pass (Rams)
Redskins at Eagles (-6)
My line: Eagles -6
Pick: Redskins
Texans (-1) at Giants
My line: Pick
Analysis: This is a must-win game for the Giants. I think their offense will play slightly better against a strong Texans defense that hasn’t been tested.
Pick: Pass (Giants)
Vikings at Saints (-10.5)
My line: Saints -12.5
Analysis: Like the Saints a lot here in their home opener against a Vikings team that might be distracted by the Adrian Peterson story. I think the line could be a little higher but there is always worry about the backdoor cover.
Pick: Pass (Saints)
Titans at Bengals (-7)
My line: Bengals -8.5
Analysis: Not sure what to make of this game with some injury concerns on both teams. I know the Bengals are hard to beat at home so small lean towards them.
Pick: Pass (Bengals)
Ravens (-2) at Browns
My line: Pick
Analysis: Another game where it’s just the slightest of leans towards the favorite. Not sure if Hoyer and the Browns can have a repeat their performance from last week at home.
Pick: Pass (Ravens)
Packers at Lions (-1)
My line: Packers -1.5
Pick: Packers
Colts (-7) at Jaguars
My line: Colts -4.5
Analysis: This line is high but I don’t trust the Jaguars. At the same time I wouldn’t be shocked if the Jaguars won this game.
Pick: Pass (Jaguars)
Raiders at Patriots (-14)
My line: Patriots -15
Analysis: This game can get ugly quickly but I don’t know if the Patriots have the quick strike offense like they did in the past. Don’t feel comfortable picking either team.
Pick: Pass (Patriots)
49ers (-3) at Cardinals
My line: Cardinals -0.5 (With Palmer healthy)
Analysis: Doesn’t look like Palmer will play. Still would lean towards the Cardinals at home in a lower-scoring game.
Pick: Pass (Cardinals)
Broncos at Seahawks (-5)
My line: Seahawks -4
Pick: Seahawks
Chiefs at Dolphins (-3.5)
My line: Dolphins -2
Analysis: The line has dropped and the status of Jamaal Charles will determine the closing line. Still like the Chiefs but liked them a lot more before the line moved.
Pick: Pass (Chiefs)
Steelers at Panthers (-3)
My line: Panthers -4
Analysis: A Steelers bounce back seems possible but I don’t think Pittsburgh is a good team this year. Panthers might be overachieving early but they have played well at home recently.
Pick: Pass (Panthers)
Bears at Jets (-3)
My line: Pick
Analysis: Not a great scheduling situation for the Bears but I think they are the better team. Their depth impressed me last week in the win over San Francisco
Pick: Pass (Bears)
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