CAROLINA (42.0) @ DENVER (+3)
The public is betting heavily on the Panthers. Regardless if Peyton Manning , is no longer the Broncos signal caller, I beg to differ. Last year’s Super Bowl, showed why Denver beat Carolina. Denver’s defensive unit is outstanding. Their secondary is one of the best. This is almost the same unit, which shut down Cam Newton passing game, and expect the same results on opening night. Carolina has a good defense, but not as dominant as Denver’s. This looks like a defensive battle, with both offenses struggling to score. PREDICTION: DENVER 20 CAROLINA 18. TAKE DENVER +3, PLAY UNDER 42.0
TAMPA BAY (47.5) ATLANTA (-3)
Don’t let the Atlanta hype fool you in this game. I like Tampa Bay, as the dog play, in this spot. Atlanta’s offense has had trouble scoring touchdowns inside the 20. In the off season, Atlanta did little to address this issue. The Falcons offensive line is terrible, and are awful in pass protection. The mismatch in the trenches, will enable the Bucs , to hurry , and rush QB Matt Ryan the entire game. There is no one else with talent on offense besides Julio Jones, to threaten the TB secondary. Atlanta will look to establish the run. They have an excellent center, that can open holes up the middle for their running game. However, defensively, their overall defense has not improved in the past two seasons, and will remain the same. The Falcons lack depth at cornerback, and they lack a pass rush. So Tampa’s QB Winston, should have all the time he needs to locate his receivers. If Atlanta does get into his backfield, Winston, has the foot speed to break containment. On top of that RB Martin, should be able to keep the Falcon defense honest, running the football against a mediocre defensive front 7.PREDICTION: TAMPA BAY 24 ATLANTA 23. TAKE TAMPA BAY +3, PLAY UNDER 47.5.
BUFFALO (44.5) @ BALTIMORE (-3)
I am leaning towards Baltimore in this game, for these reasons. Buffalo’s front 7, lost key players to suspension and injury, and will not play in this game. The other, Baltimore plays better at home. Picking sides in this game is difficult. Baltimore, doesn’t even look overly impressive. The Bills have an outstanding secondary, but lack a pass rush. On the other hand, the Raven secondary has played poorly, and QB Tyrod Taylor, could have a good game. The only question there is, that Buffalo’s offensive line is weak, and they are suspect stopping a Raven pass rush. Baltimore, will look to run the football by committee. I would have taken the Bills in this match up, if it weren’t for those suspensions. BALTIMORE 24 BUFFALO 20. TAKE BALTIMORE -3, PLAY UNDER 44.5
CHICAGO (44.0) @ HOUSTON (-6 ½)
This will be my sleeper pick game. The hated Jay Cutler and company, have a chance to keep this game close. May be not win, but cover the spread. Chicago’s strength starts with their defensive front seven. They have excellent pass rush, and run defenders, that can battle any team in the trenches. Chicago’s problem, is finding a way to generate offense in 2016. The offensive line is questionable, they hired a new Offensive Coordinator, and lack depth at Wide Receiver. Houston, has their own problems. Key injuries, to four key players. Their Center is out, and that means that Chicago, and pass rush and hurry QB Osweiler in the pocket. Also, this will take away their running lane up the middle. Bottom line, Osweiler will have trouble against the Bears front seven, and could make some costly mistakes. Houston’s defense remains intact for this game. So expect a low scorer. PREDICTION: HOUSTON 21 CHICAGO 17. TAKE CHICAGO +6 1/2, PLAY UNDER 44.0.
GREEN BAY (48.0) @ JACKSONVILLE (+4.5)
The Pack is back! That’s what they say. A possible Super Bowl favorite. Last season, Green Bay was sidelined by key injuries. In 2016, Jody Nelson returns to the line up with a clean bill of health. The receivers are good to go, and Aaron Rodgers’s throwing shoulder is healed. Jacksonville, has a nonexistent pass rush, and an awful secondary to go with it. Rodgers should put up some good numbers. As for Green Bay’s defense. GB has a strong, young, and secondary. Their weakness maybe stopping their opponents running game. However, the Packers can pressure Bortles into mistakes, due to the ineffectiveness of Jacksonville’s weak pass blocking. In my opinion, Bortles isn’t a good NFL QB, due to the bad decisions that he makes. PREDICTION: GREEN BAY 32 JACKSONVILLE 20. TAKE GB -4 ½ ,PLAY OVER 48.0.
SAN DIEGO (44.5) @ KANSAS CITY (-7)
Recall, in 2015, San Diego was known as the walking wounded in the NFL. The injuries piled on during last season, and the Chargers never recovered. In 2016, I am glad to report, the Chargers are all 100% healthy, and their offense play should resume under Phillip Rivers. Their offensive line is good, and their running game, will open their passing game, instead of facing third and long situations. Kansas City on the other hand, will be without key defensive players in their front 7, and secondary, due to Holdouts, and injuries. KC offense is questionable, especially without the services of Jamal Charles this game. So don’t expect the Chiefs to light up the scoreboard anytime soon. So with this in mind, San Diego being +7 point underdogs, could be a gift. Mainly because Phillips will be able to challenge KC’s holdout secondary. PREDICTION: SAN DIEGO 23 KANSAS CITY 20. TAKE SAN DIEGO +7. PLAY UNDER 44.5.
OAKLAND (51.0) @ NEW ORLEANS (-1)
Is this game a preview, of two teams headed in opposite directions? For several seasons, the Raiders were awful. The New Orleans Saints, sank to new lows in 2015, and it looks like that trend will continue. In 2016, many are predicting that the Raiders will have an improved, and competitive team. Usually when high expectations are placed on losing teams, they fail to reach their goal, and disappoint. The Raiders are a team currently in that position. The Raiders have one of the tops Offensive lines in the NFL. The front seven is stout against the run on defense. Offensively, Oakland’s QB Carr, will face a Saint defense that can’t stop opponents from scoring upon them. The Saint secondary is missing in action, as well as their pass rush. Carr should have all day in the pocket, to pick them apart. With all this said, can the Raiders start the season in the win column? I am jumping on their bandwagon this game. PREDICTION: OAKLAND 30 NEW ORLEANS 28. TAKE OAKLAND +1, PLAY THE OVER 51.0.
CINCINNATI (41.5) @ NY JETS (+1)
Cincinnati’s QB Dalton, showed progress as an NFL QB last season. He will face a NY Jet front seven, that is depleted, especially with Harrison gone, and Richardson on suspension. The Bengal Offensive line is outstanding, The Jets do not have the personnel to pass rush, or pass block. Cincinnati, wins the battle in the trenches. On the other hand, although the Bengal front 7 is intact, their weak at one corner in coverage. The Jets strength is their passing attack, with Decker , and Marshall. However, the .affected by the Bengal pass rush. I look back at last season’s playoff game, and Fitzpatrick didn’t ring the bell under pressure. Cincinnati has the talent to force him into mistakes. The Jets running game, and Forte, will not be a factor in this game. PREDICTION: CINCINNATI 21 NY JETS 17. TAKE CINCINNATI -1, PLAY UNDER 41.5.
CLEVELAND (41.0) @ PHILADELPHIA (-4)
Before all you Cleveland faithful, look forward for the Browns to have a breakout season, think again. At least in week one’s matchup against the Eagles. Here’s my argument as to why? Cleveland, has no pass rush, no front seven, and no secondary. This helps the Eagle QB Wentz , time in the pocket, to better read the defense, and find an open receiver. The other mismatch. Cleveland has a weak offensive line, and Philadelphia on defense has a pass rush. On top of that RG3, will not have his two top receivers Gordon, and Coleman for this game. Too bad, because the Eagle secondary is susceptible to the pass. The jury is still out on RG3. The coaching staff built their system around RG3’s strengths, and time will tell if this QB project will be successful during the regular season. Although Wentz is a rookie, and didn’t’’t get enough reps before the Bradford trade, in the preseason. The playing board kind of evens out with the Browns ineptitude, on both sides of the ball. PREDICTION: PHILADELPHIA 24 CLEVELAND 14. TAKE PHILADELPHIA -4, AND PLAY THE UNDER 41.0
MINNESOTA (41.0) @ TENNESSEE (+2)
The question is, will Minnesota contend without QB Bridgewater out for the season. The answer is yes. Bridgewater, is not in the elite category of quarterbacks, and Bradford in time, should do as good as job, or better. Bridgewater’s numbers declined last season, and the Vikings bread and butter, is their running game. Luckily, they start the season against a suspect Tennessee team. The Titan defense is horrible. The best thing I could say, is they have a decent pass rush, but can’t stop the run. So expect Peterson to have a huge day, and possibly be the best fantasy football running back in week #1. Minnesota’s defense is much improved, and are run stoppers. The Vikings talent on defense, is good enough to carry this team. In the trenches, Tennessee’s offensive line will trouble versus the Vikings front 7. QB Mariota, can expect to be hurried, and pressured the entire game. PREDICTION: MINNESOTA 17 TENNESSEE 13. TAKE MINNESOTA -2, AND PLAY UNDER 41.0.
MIAMI (44.0) @ SEATTLE (-10.5)
Before we automatically call this game a blow out, this game can be closer than many may think. My personal feeling, is that Seattle should cover the double digit spread. Yet, Seattle’s offense hasn’t impressed me, and has struggled. Seattle, is all about their defense. They are run stoppers, and have an outstanding secondary. Their front seven should have an effective pass rush, with Center Pouncy out for this game. Miami , without strength up the middle, could collapse their pass protection. So Seattle will win the war in the trenches. Tannehill , has been a big disappointment in Miami. So in the off season, their front office brought more talent, to improve their offensive line, brought in an Offensive Coordinator that has a history of success developing high octane offenses. This game, will test these moves that Miami has made, against an elite defense. Miami’s secondary is ineffective. However, on the bright side, they have big names on their defensive front seven, and they have the ability to be effective enough, to keep this game close. I will side mainly with Seattle, since Pouncy is out. SEATTLE 23 MIAMI 10. TAKE SEATTLE -10 ½ , PLAY UNDER 44.0.
NY GIANTS (46.0) @ DALLAS (-3)
This game can swing either way. Both teams are terrible, but I will try my best to evaluate this game. I laugh every time, when I see a football expert on a major sport’s station, say that Dallas has the best offensive line in football. Because of Dallas’s offensive line, Tony Romo suffered a broken back twice, before the regular 2016 season begins. Okay, moving on. Dallas lost 3 defensive starters to suspension. They have no depth at these key positions. However, the Giants offensive line was terrible in the preseason, and one has to wonder if the Giants can take advantage of Dallas’s depleted front 7? The Giants in the off season, spent big money, to improve their defense. Dallas, is a predominate running football team without Romo, and the Giants front seven will stuff the run. This will put a lot of pressure on QB Prescott, and could force him into many third down and long predicaments. Dallas has a decent secondary, but no pass rush. You can’t expect to win, if you don’t pressure Eli Manning. As you can see, there are too many questions surrounding this contest. I will rely on the Giant defense. PREDICTION: NY GIANTS 23 DALLAS 20. TAKE THE GIANTS +3, PLAY UNDER 46.0.
DETROIT (51.0) @ INDIANAPOLIS (-3 ½ )
I really like Detroit in this spot, and getting points. Indianapolis’s, secondary has issues, injuries, and are inexperienced. RB Frank Gore is 33, and this old man is the entire Colts running game. What about QB Luck? He fell from the class of elite quarterbacks, with his struggles, and injuries. You don’t know what to expect of him on opening day. Will Luck return told form? While Luck is attempting his comeback, his offensive line, is one of the worst in pass protection. The Colt’s line, won’t be able to stop the lions pass rush, and their front seven is stout versus the run. Detroit’s QB Stafford, has been inconsistent during his entire NFL career, and he doesn’t have Calvin Johnson anymore to bail him out. In addition, the Lions offensive line is bad in pass protection, however, they are good run blockers. Regardless. Stafford should have a productive game. The Colts have no pass rush, and their secondary is inept. This should help Matthew find the end zone. PREDICTION: DETROIT 28 INDIANAPOLIS 27. TAKE DETROIT +3 ½ , PLAY OVER 51.0
NEW ENGLAND ( 47 ½ ) @ ARIZONA (-6)
Okay, we know already that Tom Brady is suspended, and won’t play. But did you know, that Arizona’s starting veteran QB Palmer, had a terrible pre season? So between Garoppolo and Palmer, who do you trust? It’s tough for a young QB, to get his first start on the road. However, enters Head Coach Bill Bellichick. Bill, , for months, worked on his game plan, and Garoppolo worked on his reps. It’s not like they lost Brady to injury, and had to scurry without any notice, to come up with a game plan. This game should become a defensive battle. Both teams have good defenses, and both team’s offensive lines are questionable in pass protection. Even without Chandler Jones, Bellichick has a bunch of athletes that can pass rush at that position. So instead of just having a one down pass rusher, they now can pass rush on all three downs, and pressure the opposing QB. I can see the Patriots losing this game, however, getting 6 points, is a plus. PREDICTION: ARIZONA 23 NE 20. TAKE NEW ENGLAND +6, PLAY UNDER 47 ½ .
PITTSBURGH (50 ½ ) @ WASHINGTON (+3)
I am leaning on the Redskins to win this game outright. The Pittsburgh running back depth chart shows Bell out on suspension, Bryant injured out for the season, and their only runner left is Williams. Pittsburgh lost their pass rusher, and they have they have an inept secondary. Washington, has an elite corps of wide receivers, and there is a clear mismatch favoring the Skins. On the other hand, Pittsburgh, has an elite QB, and talented receivers. The difference, Washington in the off season improved their defense, especially their secondary. Due to the fact, that the Steelers will not be at full strength, I will give the edge to Washington. PREDICTION: WASHINGTON 24 PITTSBURGH 23. TAKE WASHINGTON +3, PLAY UNDER 50 ½ .
LOS ANGELES (44.0) @ SAN FRANCISCO (-2 1/2 )
Besides the Kaepernick distraction, what are we looking out for in this game? Chip Kelly, now has less talented team, than he had in Philadelphia, with the same system. Kelly’s system sure didn’t work in Philly, so it won’t work in San Francisco. It is a fact by now, that you can’t go through an entire NFL season, without huddles at a fast pace. Kelly, ran his offense into the ground last season. Lesson to be learned? On offense, SF features running back Carlos Hyde. Other than Hyde, they have a QB that can’t throw the vertical long ball, nor receivers to catch them. The jury is out regarding the 49 ers offensive line. Los Angeles, has a solid front seven on defense, and can dominate the trenches, and stop Hyde. Running Back Gurley is their franchise player that is moving up into that elite class. The Ram running game, should open up their passing game, especially since the Niners don’t have a pass rush. I don’t like this game at all. However, I pick every game on the schedule. So here it goes. PREDICTION: LOS ANGELES 19 SAN FRANCISCO 16. TAKE LOS ANGELES (+2 ½ ). PLAY UNDER 44.0.
The public is betting heavily on the Panthers. Regardless if Peyton Manning , is no longer the Broncos signal caller, I beg to differ. Last year’s Super Bowl, showed why Denver beat Carolina. Denver’s defensive unit is outstanding. Their secondary is one of the best. This is almost the same unit, which shut down Cam Newton passing game, and expect the same results on opening night. Carolina has a good defense, but not as dominant as Denver’s. This looks like a defensive battle, with both offenses struggling to score. PREDICTION: DENVER 20 CAROLINA 18. TAKE DENVER +3, PLAY UNDER 42.0
TAMPA BAY (47.5) ATLANTA (-3)
Don’t let the Atlanta hype fool you in this game. I like Tampa Bay, as the dog play, in this spot. Atlanta’s offense has had trouble scoring touchdowns inside the 20. In the off season, Atlanta did little to address this issue. The Falcons offensive line is terrible, and are awful in pass protection. The mismatch in the trenches, will enable the Bucs , to hurry , and rush QB Matt Ryan the entire game. There is no one else with talent on offense besides Julio Jones, to threaten the TB secondary. Atlanta will look to establish the run. They have an excellent center, that can open holes up the middle for their running game. However, defensively, their overall defense has not improved in the past two seasons, and will remain the same. The Falcons lack depth at cornerback, and they lack a pass rush. So Tampa’s QB Winston, should have all the time he needs to locate his receivers. If Atlanta does get into his backfield, Winston, has the foot speed to break containment. On top of that RB Martin, should be able to keep the Falcon defense honest, running the football against a mediocre defensive front 7.PREDICTION: TAMPA BAY 24 ATLANTA 23. TAKE TAMPA BAY +3, PLAY UNDER 47.5.
BUFFALO (44.5) @ BALTIMORE (-3)
I am leaning towards Baltimore in this game, for these reasons. Buffalo’s front 7, lost key players to suspension and injury, and will not play in this game. The other, Baltimore plays better at home. Picking sides in this game is difficult. Baltimore, doesn’t even look overly impressive. The Bills have an outstanding secondary, but lack a pass rush. On the other hand, the Raven secondary has played poorly, and QB Tyrod Taylor, could have a good game. The only question there is, that Buffalo’s offensive line is weak, and they are suspect stopping a Raven pass rush. Baltimore, will look to run the football by committee. I would have taken the Bills in this match up, if it weren’t for those suspensions. BALTIMORE 24 BUFFALO 20. TAKE BALTIMORE -3, PLAY UNDER 44.5
CHICAGO (44.0) @ HOUSTON (-6 ½)
This will be my sleeper pick game. The hated Jay Cutler and company, have a chance to keep this game close. May be not win, but cover the spread. Chicago’s strength starts with their defensive front seven. They have excellent pass rush, and run defenders, that can battle any team in the trenches. Chicago’s problem, is finding a way to generate offense in 2016. The offensive line is questionable, they hired a new Offensive Coordinator, and lack depth at Wide Receiver. Houston, has their own problems. Key injuries, to four key players. Their Center is out, and that means that Chicago, and pass rush and hurry QB Osweiler in the pocket. Also, this will take away their running lane up the middle. Bottom line, Osweiler will have trouble against the Bears front seven, and could make some costly mistakes. Houston’s defense remains intact for this game. So expect a low scorer. PREDICTION: HOUSTON 21 CHICAGO 17. TAKE CHICAGO +6 1/2, PLAY UNDER 44.0.
GREEN BAY (48.0) @ JACKSONVILLE (+4.5)
The Pack is back! That’s what they say. A possible Super Bowl favorite. Last season, Green Bay was sidelined by key injuries. In 2016, Jody Nelson returns to the line up with a clean bill of health. The receivers are good to go, and Aaron Rodgers’s throwing shoulder is healed. Jacksonville, has a nonexistent pass rush, and an awful secondary to go with it. Rodgers should put up some good numbers. As for Green Bay’s defense. GB has a strong, young, and secondary. Their weakness maybe stopping their opponents running game. However, the Packers can pressure Bortles into mistakes, due to the ineffectiveness of Jacksonville’s weak pass blocking. In my opinion, Bortles isn’t a good NFL QB, due to the bad decisions that he makes. PREDICTION: GREEN BAY 32 JACKSONVILLE 20. TAKE GB -4 ½ ,PLAY OVER 48.0.
SAN DIEGO (44.5) @ KANSAS CITY (-7)
Recall, in 2015, San Diego was known as the walking wounded in the NFL. The injuries piled on during last season, and the Chargers never recovered. In 2016, I am glad to report, the Chargers are all 100% healthy, and their offense play should resume under Phillip Rivers. Their offensive line is good, and their running game, will open their passing game, instead of facing third and long situations. Kansas City on the other hand, will be without key defensive players in their front 7, and secondary, due to Holdouts, and injuries. KC offense is questionable, especially without the services of Jamal Charles this game. So don’t expect the Chiefs to light up the scoreboard anytime soon. So with this in mind, San Diego being +7 point underdogs, could be a gift. Mainly because Phillips will be able to challenge KC’s holdout secondary. PREDICTION: SAN DIEGO 23 KANSAS CITY 20. TAKE SAN DIEGO +7. PLAY UNDER 44.5.
OAKLAND (51.0) @ NEW ORLEANS (-1)
Is this game a preview, of two teams headed in opposite directions? For several seasons, the Raiders were awful. The New Orleans Saints, sank to new lows in 2015, and it looks like that trend will continue. In 2016, many are predicting that the Raiders will have an improved, and competitive team. Usually when high expectations are placed on losing teams, they fail to reach their goal, and disappoint. The Raiders are a team currently in that position. The Raiders have one of the tops Offensive lines in the NFL. The front seven is stout against the run on defense. Offensively, Oakland’s QB Carr, will face a Saint defense that can’t stop opponents from scoring upon them. The Saint secondary is missing in action, as well as their pass rush. Carr should have all day in the pocket, to pick them apart. With all this said, can the Raiders start the season in the win column? I am jumping on their bandwagon this game. PREDICTION: OAKLAND 30 NEW ORLEANS 28. TAKE OAKLAND +1, PLAY THE OVER 51.0.
CINCINNATI (41.5) @ NY JETS (+1)
Cincinnati’s QB Dalton, showed progress as an NFL QB last season. He will face a NY Jet front seven, that is depleted, especially with Harrison gone, and Richardson on suspension. The Bengal Offensive line is outstanding, The Jets do not have the personnel to pass rush, or pass block. Cincinnati, wins the battle in the trenches. On the other hand, although the Bengal front 7 is intact, their weak at one corner in coverage. The Jets strength is their passing attack, with Decker , and Marshall. However, the .affected by the Bengal pass rush. I look back at last season’s playoff game, and Fitzpatrick didn’t ring the bell under pressure. Cincinnati has the talent to force him into mistakes. The Jets running game, and Forte, will not be a factor in this game. PREDICTION: CINCINNATI 21 NY JETS 17. TAKE CINCINNATI -1, PLAY UNDER 41.5.
CLEVELAND (41.0) @ PHILADELPHIA (-4)
Before all you Cleveland faithful, look forward for the Browns to have a breakout season, think again. At least in week one’s matchup against the Eagles. Here’s my argument as to why? Cleveland, has no pass rush, no front seven, and no secondary. This helps the Eagle QB Wentz , time in the pocket, to better read the defense, and find an open receiver. The other mismatch. Cleveland has a weak offensive line, and Philadelphia on defense has a pass rush. On top of that RG3, will not have his two top receivers Gordon, and Coleman for this game. Too bad, because the Eagle secondary is susceptible to the pass. The jury is still out on RG3. The coaching staff built their system around RG3’s strengths, and time will tell if this QB project will be successful during the regular season. Although Wentz is a rookie, and didn’t’’t get enough reps before the Bradford trade, in the preseason. The playing board kind of evens out with the Browns ineptitude, on both sides of the ball. PREDICTION: PHILADELPHIA 24 CLEVELAND 14. TAKE PHILADELPHIA -4, AND PLAY THE UNDER 41.0
MINNESOTA (41.0) @ TENNESSEE (+2)
The question is, will Minnesota contend without QB Bridgewater out for the season. The answer is yes. Bridgewater, is not in the elite category of quarterbacks, and Bradford in time, should do as good as job, or better. Bridgewater’s numbers declined last season, and the Vikings bread and butter, is their running game. Luckily, they start the season against a suspect Tennessee team. The Titan defense is horrible. The best thing I could say, is they have a decent pass rush, but can’t stop the run. So expect Peterson to have a huge day, and possibly be the best fantasy football running back in week #1. Minnesota’s defense is much improved, and are run stoppers. The Vikings talent on defense, is good enough to carry this team. In the trenches, Tennessee’s offensive line will trouble versus the Vikings front 7. QB Mariota, can expect to be hurried, and pressured the entire game. PREDICTION: MINNESOTA 17 TENNESSEE 13. TAKE MINNESOTA -2, AND PLAY UNDER 41.0.
MIAMI (44.0) @ SEATTLE (-10.5)
Before we automatically call this game a blow out, this game can be closer than many may think. My personal feeling, is that Seattle should cover the double digit spread. Yet, Seattle’s offense hasn’t impressed me, and has struggled. Seattle, is all about their defense. They are run stoppers, and have an outstanding secondary. Their front seven should have an effective pass rush, with Center Pouncy out for this game. Miami , without strength up the middle, could collapse their pass protection. So Seattle will win the war in the trenches. Tannehill , has been a big disappointment in Miami. So in the off season, their front office brought more talent, to improve their offensive line, brought in an Offensive Coordinator that has a history of success developing high octane offenses. This game, will test these moves that Miami has made, against an elite defense. Miami’s secondary is ineffective. However, on the bright side, they have big names on their defensive front seven, and they have the ability to be effective enough, to keep this game close. I will side mainly with Seattle, since Pouncy is out. SEATTLE 23 MIAMI 10. TAKE SEATTLE -10 ½ , PLAY UNDER 44.0.
NY GIANTS (46.0) @ DALLAS (-3)
This game can swing either way. Both teams are terrible, but I will try my best to evaluate this game. I laugh every time, when I see a football expert on a major sport’s station, say that Dallas has the best offensive line in football. Because of Dallas’s offensive line, Tony Romo suffered a broken back twice, before the regular 2016 season begins. Okay, moving on. Dallas lost 3 defensive starters to suspension. They have no depth at these key positions. However, the Giants offensive line was terrible in the preseason, and one has to wonder if the Giants can take advantage of Dallas’s depleted front 7? The Giants in the off season, spent big money, to improve their defense. Dallas, is a predominate running football team without Romo, and the Giants front seven will stuff the run. This will put a lot of pressure on QB Prescott, and could force him into many third down and long predicaments. Dallas has a decent secondary, but no pass rush. You can’t expect to win, if you don’t pressure Eli Manning. As you can see, there are too many questions surrounding this contest. I will rely on the Giant defense. PREDICTION: NY GIANTS 23 DALLAS 20. TAKE THE GIANTS +3, PLAY UNDER 46.0.
DETROIT (51.0) @ INDIANAPOLIS (-3 ½ )
I really like Detroit in this spot, and getting points. Indianapolis’s, secondary has issues, injuries, and are inexperienced. RB Frank Gore is 33, and this old man is the entire Colts running game. What about QB Luck? He fell from the class of elite quarterbacks, with his struggles, and injuries. You don’t know what to expect of him on opening day. Will Luck return told form? While Luck is attempting his comeback, his offensive line, is one of the worst in pass protection. The Colt’s line, won’t be able to stop the lions pass rush, and their front seven is stout versus the run. Detroit’s QB Stafford, has been inconsistent during his entire NFL career, and he doesn’t have Calvin Johnson anymore to bail him out. In addition, the Lions offensive line is bad in pass protection, however, they are good run blockers. Regardless. Stafford should have a productive game. The Colts have no pass rush, and their secondary is inept. This should help Matthew find the end zone. PREDICTION: DETROIT 28 INDIANAPOLIS 27. TAKE DETROIT +3 ½ , PLAY OVER 51.0
NEW ENGLAND ( 47 ½ ) @ ARIZONA (-6)
Okay, we know already that Tom Brady is suspended, and won’t play. But did you know, that Arizona’s starting veteran QB Palmer, had a terrible pre season? So between Garoppolo and Palmer, who do you trust? It’s tough for a young QB, to get his first start on the road. However, enters Head Coach Bill Bellichick. Bill, , for months, worked on his game plan, and Garoppolo worked on his reps. It’s not like they lost Brady to injury, and had to scurry without any notice, to come up with a game plan. This game should become a defensive battle. Both teams have good defenses, and both team’s offensive lines are questionable in pass protection. Even without Chandler Jones, Bellichick has a bunch of athletes that can pass rush at that position. So instead of just having a one down pass rusher, they now can pass rush on all three downs, and pressure the opposing QB. I can see the Patriots losing this game, however, getting 6 points, is a plus. PREDICTION: ARIZONA 23 NE 20. TAKE NEW ENGLAND +6, PLAY UNDER 47 ½ .
PITTSBURGH (50 ½ ) @ WASHINGTON (+3)
I am leaning on the Redskins to win this game outright. The Pittsburgh running back depth chart shows Bell out on suspension, Bryant injured out for the season, and their only runner left is Williams. Pittsburgh lost their pass rusher, and they have they have an inept secondary. Washington, has an elite corps of wide receivers, and there is a clear mismatch favoring the Skins. On the other hand, Pittsburgh, has an elite QB, and talented receivers. The difference, Washington in the off season improved their defense, especially their secondary. Due to the fact, that the Steelers will not be at full strength, I will give the edge to Washington. PREDICTION: WASHINGTON 24 PITTSBURGH 23. TAKE WASHINGTON +3, PLAY UNDER 50 ½ .
LOS ANGELES (44.0) @ SAN FRANCISCO (-2 1/2 )
Besides the Kaepernick distraction, what are we looking out for in this game? Chip Kelly, now has less talented team, than he had in Philadelphia, with the same system. Kelly’s system sure didn’t work in Philly, so it won’t work in San Francisco. It is a fact by now, that you can’t go through an entire NFL season, without huddles at a fast pace. Kelly, ran his offense into the ground last season. Lesson to be learned? On offense, SF features running back Carlos Hyde. Other than Hyde, they have a QB that can’t throw the vertical long ball, nor receivers to catch them. The jury is out regarding the 49 ers offensive line. Los Angeles, has a solid front seven on defense, and can dominate the trenches, and stop Hyde. Running Back Gurley is their franchise player that is moving up into that elite class. The Ram running game, should open up their passing game, especially since the Niners don’t have a pass rush. I don’t like this game at all. However, I pick every game on the schedule. So here it goes. PREDICTION: LOS ANGELES 19 SAN FRANCISCO 16. TAKE LOS ANGELES (+2 ½ ). PLAY UNDER 44.0.
