HOUSTON (38.0) @ CINCINNATTI (-6)
Here are two teams, embarrassed on opening day, squaring off at each other on a short week. Offense in this game for both sides, will be tough to generate. Both team’s offensive lines can’t block, and are terrible. Case in point, Houston allowed Jacksonville last week, to sack their QB 10 times. Cincinnati’s offense was shutout, and scored zero points against the Ravens. The five turnovers they committed, didn’t help their cause. When we look at matchups, the Texans front seven, is superior to the Bengal offensive line. They will limit QB Dalton’s offense almost like the Ravens did. The Houston defense will take away Dalton’s vertical game, with sacks, and hurries. The Bengal running game, will more than likely rely on backs catching swing passes in the backfield, and receivers catching short passes. Expect almost the same with the Houston offense. Both teams are weak at linebacker, and the short dink, and dunk passes to their running backs is in order. As you can see, this matchup is almost even. However, I believe Houston has the slight edge. The reason, QB Deshawn Watson starts for the Texans. Although he is a rookie, starting his first NFL game, and will be prone to mistakes. I am betting on Watson’s mobility, to scramble and extend plays with his speed, and avoid costly sacks. Dalton, lacks that Mobility, and could be a sitting duck in the pocket, versus the Texan front seven. This will be a low scoring game. Hopefully, hurricane Harvey, will no longer be a distraction for the Texans. Predicted score: HOUSTON 20 CINCINNATI 17, TAKE THE POINTS HOUSTON +6, and UNDER THE TOTAL 38.
TENNESSEE (43 ½) @ JACKSONVILLE (+1 ½)
Jacksonville surprised in week one, and Tennessee was a disappointment. It wasn’t the inept QB Bortles that led them to victory, it was their tenacious defense that deserves all the credit. The Jaguars, on top of starting the inept Bortles, lost their top weapon at wide receiver, Allen Robinson for the season. Their offense is terrible, and leaves them with no talented pass catchers. So combine the fact that Bortles is the QB, the offensive line can’t pass block, and that have no quality receivers, means no aerial attack. The Jags will have to resort to their running game, and feature RB Leonard Fournette, as their offense. Tennessee, didn’t play up to expectations in week one, and now must shine to prevent a 0-2 start. Tennessee, has a good offensive line, and they aren’t about to give up ten sacks, like Houston did last week. On top of that, the Titans have QB Mariota that has mobility to avoid sacks. Jacksonville’s weakness is their secondary on defense, and that’s where I expect Mariota to go. The Titans have a mismatch with their Tight End, and the Jags Linebackers. So expect TE Delanie Walker to be involved. A couple of intangibles to consider. The hurricane flood that may be a distraction in Jacksonville, the Jags must immediately fly after this game, to play week 3 in London, and Tennessee not only wants to avoid going 0-2, they want to revenge the knockout blow that the Jags gave them last season, knocking them out of the playoffs. Predicted Score: TENNESSEE 21 JACKSONVILLE 17, TAKE TENNESSEE – 1 ½, AND PLAY UNDER 43 ½.
CLEVELAND (41.0) @ BALTIMORE (-7 ½)
LOL, I grabbed my head when I found out that Baltimore was favorite by a touchdown. This Vegas line doesn’t justify QB Joe Falco’s failure to play any of the exhibition season, and doesn’t take into account, how erratic Flacco was with his timing passing the football. Cleveland, in week one may have lost, however, the teams shown vast improvement, considering their awful teams from the past. Baltimore isn’t an offensive powerhouse. Cleveland’s defense is good enough to beat the Raven’s in the trenches, and pass rush Flacco. Cleveland’s offensive line is outstanding, and Baltimore’s front seven will be challenged getting to the quarterback with their pass rush. The Browns will have to rely on their running game, since they lack talent with their receiver corp. Kizer, should be good enough, to keep them in the game. Baltimore has to immediately leave for London to play week three. This may become a distraction? Predicted Score: CLEVELAND 19 BALTIMORE 16, TAKE CLEVELAND +7 ½, AND PLAY UNDER 41.0.
NEW ENGLAND (-6 ½) @ NEW ORLEANS (54 ½)
Allow me to make this quick, and simple. The Patriots will not fall to 0-2 to open the season. Brady will rebound from last week’s trouncing, and the team will be motivated to lay it to the Saints. Brady, will look to exploit the poor Saint secondary. I can see a big touchdown day for Brady, and I would be surprised if he threw for 5 scores. New Orleans hasn’t an effective pass rush, and nowhere near the caliber of Kansas City’s. The Saints have a poor offensive line, and no longer have an explosive offense scoring points. Let me put it to you this way. Kansas City by comparison to New Orleans, is like apples, and oranges. Kansas City being the best, and New Orleans being to worst. Predicted Score: NEW ENGLAND 36 NEW ORLEANS 20, NEW ENGLAND -6 ½, AND PLAY THE OVER 54 ½
ARIZONA (-7 ½) @ INDIANAPOLIS (44 ½)
Arizona’s top offensive weapon Johnson, out for the season, and nobody to replace him (I suggest trading for Peterson). Anyway, the Cardinals offensively are in trouble, and that includes their offensive line, left with key injuries. Arizona, has only one leg to stand on, and it’s their excellent defensive play. Luckily, they are playing the worst NFL team this weekend. Indianapolis without Luck, has no luck. Besides the Jets, they probably have the worst pass rush worst linebackers, the worst quarterbacks, you name it. As for the Colts starting quarterback, they may be forced to play Brissett . Problem is that Brissett was just acquired in a trade, and doesn’t know the playbook. However, Brissett should be the starter, based on his mobility. The Cardinal defense wins this game. Predicted Score: ARIZONA 23 INDIANAPOLIS 10. ARIZONA -7 ½, AND PLAY THE UNDER 44 ½.
BUFFALO (43.0) @ CAROLINA (-7)
The Cam Newton’s recovery from surgery, didn’t look like he was near 100 % last week. What I seen, he isn’t fully healed, or not in football shape, with his timing, and arm strength. Buffalo Bills, played the worst team in the NFL, the NY Jets, and they steam rolled them the entire game. The Bills will have a true test, when they play in Carolina. Playing the Jets, isn’t a good sample size, to indicate how good the Bills really are. Besides, the Bills are rebuilding. Carolina, played San Francisco, one of the other bottom feeders of the league. San Francisco, didn’t really test, or disrupt Cam Newton the entire game with their defense. Yet, as bad as Newton was physically, the Panthers still won handily. Carolina’s problem is their secondary, however, Buffalo cannot exploit them without playmakers at receiver. That leaves Shady McCoy, to run up the gut, like he did against the Jets. The only problem, now McCoy faces a good front seven, that can stop the run. Carolina looks like the play here, but not to cover. You just can’t trust the Panthers covering a spread, if their QB isn’t 100 %. Predicted Score: CAROLINA 20 BUFFALO 17, BUFFALO +7, AND TAKE THE UNDER 43.0.
PHILADELPHIA (47 ½) @ KANSAS CITY (-5.5)
Will the Chiefs come out in week two, with a New England hangover? The game against the Pats, cost them CB Eric Berry, and an injury to their other corner. Philadelphia, have the weapons to take advantage of KC’s defensive injuries. KC may have advantage, with the injury to their corner Darby. The Eagles post a stout front seven , that has an excellent pass rush (something NE didn’t have in week one), that won’t allow QB Alex Smith to sit in the pocket all day, and look for an open receiver. Kansas City will have to settle on the short passing game, however, Philadelphia has the linebackers to match them. Don’t forget, Philadelphia head coach Doug Pederson, was the KC Offensive Coordinator for two seasons, and knows their personnel. Predicted Score: PHILADELPHIA 23 KANSAS CITY 21, PHILADELPHIA +5 ½, AND TAKE THE UNDER 47 ½.
MINNESOTA (45 ½ ) @ PITTSBURGH (-6)
What I am uncertain about, is how much improved is the Viking offensive line ?.They faced off against the lowly defensive saints, and gave QB Bradford time in the pocket, to complete his passes. The Minnesota offensive line, was awful, and provided Bradford no protection. So which is it? Are the Vikes that good, or is the Saints that bad? Pittsburgh’s front seven, shut down the run last week, and will do the same in week two. Minnesota’s will not be able to duplicate their pass rush, like they did against the Saints. That means Roethlisberger, will win the matchup with their receivers, versus a suspect secondary. If the Vikes do generate any type of pass rush, Roethlisberger, has the mobility to extend a play. We can also expect, that RB Levon Bell will have a better game, as he gets into football conditioning. This line is a trap, and is luring the public, to bet heavy on the Vikings, taking the points. The ordinary fan, thinks Minnesota is super bowl bound, after their impressive win. But keep in mind, that played the Saints at home. Now they go on the road, and play a good Pittsburgh team. Predicted Score: PITTSBURGH 24 MINNESOTA 17, PITTSBURGH -6, UNDER 41.0.
CHICAGO (43 ½ ) @ TAMPA BAY (-7)
All arrows point to a Tampa Bay victory. Chicago had their chance last week, to beat the Falcons, and now expect a letdown. The Bears lost their top receiver Kevin White, and they have no other talent at wide receiver. Chicago, will not be able to run the football. Against a tough Buc front seven. The Bears defense has deflated due to key injuries. With Chicago’s banged up defense, I expect QB Winston to have a big game. I am not wild about laying 7 points to the Bears, however, I don’t see any reason why I shouldn’t. Predicted Score: TAMPA BAY 27 CHICAGO 17, TAMPA BAY -7, AND TAKE THE OVER 43 ½.
MIAMI (45.O) @ LA CHARGERS (-4 ½ )
After the devastating hurricane, and a long trip to the west coast, one has to wonder how focused will the Dolphins be for this game. If Miami, doesn’t allow this distraction to affect their play, this can be a close game. Miami has an awful offensive line, and won’t be able to run the ball against the Charger front seven. The plan of attack, is that Miami will challenge the Chargers weak secondary, with their talented receivers. LA Chargers will take advantage of Miami’s weak linebacker corps, by swing passes to RB Gordon out of the backfield. Keep in mind, the Chargers came off a tough game, and they will have a tough time against Miami’s front seven. In addition, the Chargers offensive line is suspect, and the Miami pass rush will keep QB Rivers on his heels. If Miami shows up to play, they can win this game outright. If the Dolphins leave their game in Miami, it can be a Charger blowout. Predicted Score: LA CHARGERS 23 MIAMI 21, MIAMI +4 ½, AND TAKE THE UNDER 45.0.
NY JETS (43 ½ ) @ OAKLAND (-14)
I am a Raider fan, and I am trying to recall the last time Oakland was made a two touchdown favorite at the Coliseum? Granted, the Jets are the worst team in football. They were even out matched, and out played by a Buffalo team last week, that is in a rebuilding mode. The Jets were never in the game against the Bills. Jets, have no defense, no offense, and a clueless Head Coach. Now compare this information that I provided, and match it up with Oakland. Oakland has a stud quarterback, they have top flight receivers, and they out match the NY Jets in the trenches. Buffalo last week beat the Jets by 9 points. So should we assume, that the Raiders should win by three touchdowns? The Jets only talent, can be found at the running back position. A couple of Wise guys filled me in on this game, and advised me to take the Jets, and the points? Although I am a Raider fan, and learned to never bet with your heart. So I will side with those guys in the know. Predicted Score: OAKLAND 33 NY JETS 20, NY JETS +14, AND TAKE THE OVER 43 ½.
WASHINGTON (45 ½) @ LA RAMS (-2 ½)
LA Rams, impressive performance by Goff, and the entire team last week. They certainly improved their offensive line, to allow Goff now time to throw from the pocket to his upgraded wide receiver corps. The Rams, can expect the return of one of the best NFL defenders in the NFL, Aaron Donald, which only makes the LA defense, that much stronger. Washington, has a suspect secondary, they also have an awful offensive line. Without pass blocking from the Redskin offensive line, QB Cousins when hurried, and sacked, cannot lead this offense, especially with his receivers banged up. Predicted Score: LA RAMS 23 WASHINGTON 21, WASHINGTON +2 ½, AND TAKE THE UNDER 45 ½.
DALLAS (-2) @ DENVER (42 ½)
Almost everyone is jumping on America’s team band wagon, after they handily defeated the NY Giants. Dallas is going to face a different look. The one thing Denver can do better than the NY Giants, is pass protect their quarterback. In addition, the Broncos offensive line can open running lanes for their backs, something that the Giants couldn’t do. Dallas lost their best cornerback. The Dallas offensive line is good, but not nearly as good as last season. Denver has a stout defense, and a top secondary. The Broncos should win their battle in the trenches. For the Cowboys to compensate on offense, to challenge Denver’s defense, is to attack their weakness defending the run with RB Elliot, and TE Witten with short passes. I am not jumping on that Cowboy band wagon. Predicted Score: DENVER 21 DALLAS 20, DENVER +2, TAKE THE UNDER 42 ½.
SAN FRANCISCO (42.O) @ SEATTLE (-14)
We know one thing, Seattle’s record comes Monday, will not be at 0-2. The question is, will Seattle be able to cover a two touchdown spread? Across the board, San Francisco, hasn’t an offensive line, a pass rush, and cannot rush the football. Seattle’s front seven on defense, will completely shut them down. Keep in mind that the 49 er secondary is suspect, and banged up. I see a romp on the Horizon. Seattle’s only bug a boo, is their awful offensive line. But Wilson will be able to avoid San Francisco’s disappearing pass rush. Predicted Score: SEATTLE 24 SAN FRANCISCO 7, SEATTLE -14, AND TAKE THE UNDER 42.
GREEN BAY (54.0) @ ATLANTA (-3)
I expect Green Bay to roll, even on the road. Let’s establish that in week number one, the Packers faced the best NFL defense, and won. The Falcons defense, doesn’t compare to the Seahawks, and they should have lost to Chicago last week. Atlanta, in week two, can’t expect to defeat the Packers, if they continue to play sluggish football. The Falcon offensive line, isn’t that good, and they will have trouble opening holes versus the Packer front seven. The Falcon line looked terrible pass blocking last week against the Bears. Rodgers should have a good game. He will attack all of Atlanta’s weaknesses, and if the Falcons cannot bring a pass rush to the party, forgetta bout it! Here’s an interesting stat that I found. Teams opening up a new stadium, hav e a straight up record of only 4-9.I like GB in this spot. Predicted Score: GREEN BAY 30 ATLANTA 27, GREEN BAY +3, AND TAKE THE OVER 54.0.
DETROIT (43 ½) @ NY GIANTS (-3 ½)
Bottom line, the Giants can’t win without Beckham. They say it takes 6 to 8 weeks to heal that type of injury. So based on that information, I am going to rule Beckham out for week #2. Even if he is activated for this game, he will not be at 100%. The NY Giants offensive line has no clue what they are doing out there, and they play more like a screen door inside .a submarine. Too many holes. So expect Manning to drop in the pocket as usual, and get hurried, and sacked, since he hasn’t the mobility to escape the rush. Detroit has a pass rush, and their defensive ends will be licking their chops in this game. Stafford will face a good NY Giant secondary, and last week Detroit defeated a good Arizona secondary. So expect the Lions, to attack the poor NY Giants linebacker corps. with short passes to their backs and tight ends. Predicted Score: DETROIT 21 NY GIANTS 17, DETROIT -3 ½, AND TAKE THE UNDER 43 ½.
Here are two teams, embarrassed on opening day, squaring off at each other on a short week. Offense in this game for both sides, will be tough to generate. Both team’s offensive lines can’t block, and are terrible. Case in point, Houston allowed Jacksonville last week, to sack their QB 10 times. Cincinnati’s offense was shutout, and scored zero points against the Ravens. The five turnovers they committed, didn’t help their cause. When we look at matchups, the Texans front seven, is superior to the Bengal offensive line. They will limit QB Dalton’s offense almost like the Ravens did. The Houston defense will take away Dalton’s vertical game, with sacks, and hurries. The Bengal running game, will more than likely rely on backs catching swing passes in the backfield, and receivers catching short passes. Expect almost the same with the Houston offense. Both teams are weak at linebacker, and the short dink, and dunk passes to their running backs is in order. As you can see, this matchup is almost even. However, I believe Houston has the slight edge. The reason, QB Deshawn Watson starts for the Texans. Although he is a rookie, starting his first NFL game, and will be prone to mistakes. I am betting on Watson’s mobility, to scramble and extend plays with his speed, and avoid costly sacks. Dalton, lacks that Mobility, and could be a sitting duck in the pocket, versus the Texan front seven. This will be a low scoring game. Hopefully, hurricane Harvey, will no longer be a distraction for the Texans. Predicted score: HOUSTON 20 CINCINNATI 17, TAKE THE POINTS HOUSTON +6, and UNDER THE TOTAL 38.
TENNESSEE (43 ½) @ JACKSONVILLE (+1 ½)
Jacksonville surprised in week one, and Tennessee was a disappointment. It wasn’t the inept QB Bortles that led them to victory, it was their tenacious defense that deserves all the credit. The Jaguars, on top of starting the inept Bortles, lost their top weapon at wide receiver, Allen Robinson for the season. Their offense is terrible, and leaves them with no talented pass catchers. So combine the fact that Bortles is the QB, the offensive line can’t pass block, and that have no quality receivers, means no aerial attack. The Jags will have to resort to their running game, and feature RB Leonard Fournette, as their offense. Tennessee, didn’t play up to expectations in week one, and now must shine to prevent a 0-2 start. Tennessee, has a good offensive line, and they aren’t about to give up ten sacks, like Houston did last week. On top of that, the Titans have QB Mariota that has mobility to avoid sacks. Jacksonville’s weakness is their secondary on defense, and that’s where I expect Mariota to go. The Titans have a mismatch with their Tight End, and the Jags Linebackers. So expect TE Delanie Walker to be involved. A couple of intangibles to consider. The hurricane flood that may be a distraction in Jacksonville, the Jags must immediately fly after this game, to play week 3 in London, and Tennessee not only wants to avoid going 0-2, they want to revenge the knockout blow that the Jags gave them last season, knocking them out of the playoffs. Predicted Score: TENNESSEE 21 JACKSONVILLE 17, TAKE TENNESSEE – 1 ½, AND PLAY UNDER 43 ½.
CLEVELAND (41.0) @ BALTIMORE (-7 ½)
LOL, I grabbed my head when I found out that Baltimore was favorite by a touchdown. This Vegas line doesn’t justify QB Joe Falco’s failure to play any of the exhibition season, and doesn’t take into account, how erratic Flacco was with his timing passing the football. Cleveland, in week one may have lost, however, the teams shown vast improvement, considering their awful teams from the past. Baltimore isn’t an offensive powerhouse. Cleveland’s defense is good enough to beat the Raven’s in the trenches, and pass rush Flacco. Cleveland’s offensive line is outstanding, and Baltimore’s front seven will be challenged getting to the quarterback with their pass rush. The Browns will have to rely on their running game, since they lack talent with their receiver corp. Kizer, should be good enough, to keep them in the game. Baltimore has to immediately leave for London to play week three. This may become a distraction? Predicted Score: CLEVELAND 19 BALTIMORE 16, TAKE CLEVELAND +7 ½, AND PLAY UNDER 41.0.
NEW ENGLAND (-6 ½) @ NEW ORLEANS (54 ½)
Allow me to make this quick, and simple. The Patriots will not fall to 0-2 to open the season. Brady will rebound from last week’s trouncing, and the team will be motivated to lay it to the Saints. Brady, will look to exploit the poor Saint secondary. I can see a big touchdown day for Brady, and I would be surprised if he threw for 5 scores. New Orleans hasn’t an effective pass rush, and nowhere near the caliber of Kansas City’s. The Saints have a poor offensive line, and no longer have an explosive offense scoring points. Let me put it to you this way. Kansas City by comparison to New Orleans, is like apples, and oranges. Kansas City being the best, and New Orleans being to worst. Predicted Score: NEW ENGLAND 36 NEW ORLEANS 20, NEW ENGLAND -6 ½, AND PLAY THE OVER 54 ½
ARIZONA (-7 ½) @ INDIANAPOLIS (44 ½)
Arizona’s top offensive weapon Johnson, out for the season, and nobody to replace him (I suggest trading for Peterson). Anyway, the Cardinals offensively are in trouble, and that includes their offensive line, left with key injuries. Arizona, has only one leg to stand on, and it’s their excellent defensive play. Luckily, they are playing the worst NFL team this weekend. Indianapolis without Luck, has no luck. Besides the Jets, they probably have the worst pass rush worst linebackers, the worst quarterbacks, you name it. As for the Colts starting quarterback, they may be forced to play Brissett . Problem is that Brissett was just acquired in a trade, and doesn’t know the playbook. However, Brissett should be the starter, based on his mobility. The Cardinal defense wins this game. Predicted Score: ARIZONA 23 INDIANAPOLIS 10. ARIZONA -7 ½, AND PLAY THE UNDER 44 ½.
BUFFALO (43.0) @ CAROLINA (-7)
The Cam Newton’s recovery from surgery, didn’t look like he was near 100 % last week. What I seen, he isn’t fully healed, or not in football shape, with his timing, and arm strength. Buffalo Bills, played the worst team in the NFL, the NY Jets, and they steam rolled them the entire game. The Bills will have a true test, when they play in Carolina. Playing the Jets, isn’t a good sample size, to indicate how good the Bills really are. Besides, the Bills are rebuilding. Carolina, played San Francisco, one of the other bottom feeders of the league. San Francisco, didn’t really test, or disrupt Cam Newton the entire game with their defense. Yet, as bad as Newton was physically, the Panthers still won handily. Carolina’s problem is their secondary, however, Buffalo cannot exploit them without playmakers at receiver. That leaves Shady McCoy, to run up the gut, like he did against the Jets. The only problem, now McCoy faces a good front seven, that can stop the run. Carolina looks like the play here, but not to cover. You just can’t trust the Panthers covering a spread, if their QB isn’t 100 %. Predicted Score: CAROLINA 20 BUFFALO 17, BUFFALO +7, AND TAKE THE UNDER 43.0.
PHILADELPHIA (47 ½) @ KANSAS CITY (-5.5)
Will the Chiefs come out in week two, with a New England hangover? The game against the Pats, cost them CB Eric Berry, and an injury to their other corner. Philadelphia, have the weapons to take advantage of KC’s defensive injuries. KC may have advantage, with the injury to their corner Darby. The Eagles post a stout front seven , that has an excellent pass rush (something NE didn’t have in week one), that won’t allow QB Alex Smith to sit in the pocket all day, and look for an open receiver. Kansas City will have to settle on the short passing game, however, Philadelphia has the linebackers to match them. Don’t forget, Philadelphia head coach Doug Pederson, was the KC Offensive Coordinator for two seasons, and knows their personnel. Predicted Score: PHILADELPHIA 23 KANSAS CITY 21, PHILADELPHIA +5 ½, AND TAKE THE UNDER 47 ½.
MINNESOTA (45 ½ ) @ PITTSBURGH (-6)
What I am uncertain about, is how much improved is the Viking offensive line ?.They faced off against the lowly defensive saints, and gave QB Bradford time in the pocket, to complete his passes. The Minnesota offensive line, was awful, and provided Bradford no protection. So which is it? Are the Vikes that good, or is the Saints that bad? Pittsburgh’s front seven, shut down the run last week, and will do the same in week two. Minnesota’s will not be able to duplicate their pass rush, like they did against the Saints. That means Roethlisberger, will win the matchup with their receivers, versus a suspect secondary. If the Vikes do generate any type of pass rush, Roethlisberger, has the mobility to extend a play. We can also expect, that RB Levon Bell will have a better game, as he gets into football conditioning. This line is a trap, and is luring the public, to bet heavy on the Vikings, taking the points. The ordinary fan, thinks Minnesota is super bowl bound, after their impressive win. But keep in mind, that played the Saints at home. Now they go on the road, and play a good Pittsburgh team. Predicted Score: PITTSBURGH 24 MINNESOTA 17, PITTSBURGH -6, UNDER 41.0.
CHICAGO (43 ½ ) @ TAMPA BAY (-7)
All arrows point to a Tampa Bay victory. Chicago had their chance last week, to beat the Falcons, and now expect a letdown. The Bears lost their top receiver Kevin White, and they have no other talent at wide receiver. Chicago, will not be able to run the football. Against a tough Buc front seven. The Bears defense has deflated due to key injuries. With Chicago’s banged up defense, I expect QB Winston to have a big game. I am not wild about laying 7 points to the Bears, however, I don’t see any reason why I shouldn’t. Predicted Score: TAMPA BAY 27 CHICAGO 17, TAMPA BAY -7, AND TAKE THE OVER 43 ½.
MIAMI (45.O) @ LA CHARGERS (-4 ½ )
After the devastating hurricane, and a long trip to the west coast, one has to wonder how focused will the Dolphins be for this game. If Miami, doesn’t allow this distraction to affect their play, this can be a close game. Miami has an awful offensive line, and won’t be able to run the ball against the Charger front seven. The plan of attack, is that Miami will challenge the Chargers weak secondary, with their talented receivers. LA Chargers will take advantage of Miami’s weak linebacker corps, by swing passes to RB Gordon out of the backfield. Keep in mind, the Chargers came off a tough game, and they will have a tough time against Miami’s front seven. In addition, the Chargers offensive line is suspect, and the Miami pass rush will keep QB Rivers on his heels. If Miami shows up to play, they can win this game outright. If the Dolphins leave their game in Miami, it can be a Charger blowout. Predicted Score: LA CHARGERS 23 MIAMI 21, MIAMI +4 ½, AND TAKE THE UNDER 45.0.
NY JETS (43 ½ ) @ OAKLAND (-14)
I am a Raider fan, and I am trying to recall the last time Oakland was made a two touchdown favorite at the Coliseum? Granted, the Jets are the worst team in football. They were even out matched, and out played by a Buffalo team last week, that is in a rebuilding mode. The Jets were never in the game against the Bills. Jets, have no defense, no offense, and a clueless Head Coach. Now compare this information that I provided, and match it up with Oakland. Oakland has a stud quarterback, they have top flight receivers, and they out match the NY Jets in the trenches. Buffalo last week beat the Jets by 9 points. So should we assume, that the Raiders should win by three touchdowns? The Jets only talent, can be found at the running back position. A couple of Wise guys filled me in on this game, and advised me to take the Jets, and the points? Although I am a Raider fan, and learned to never bet with your heart. So I will side with those guys in the know. Predicted Score: OAKLAND 33 NY JETS 20, NY JETS +14, AND TAKE THE OVER 43 ½.
WASHINGTON (45 ½) @ LA RAMS (-2 ½)
LA Rams, impressive performance by Goff, and the entire team last week. They certainly improved their offensive line, to allow Goff now time to throw from the pocket to his upgraded wide receiver corps. The Rams, can expect the return of one of the best NFL defenders in the NFL, Aaron Donald, which only makes the LA defense, that much stronger. Washington, has a suspect secondary, they also have an awful offensive line. Without pass blocking from the Redskin offensive line, QB Cousins when hurried, and sacked, cannot lead this offense, especially with his receivers banged up. Predicted Score: LA RAMS 23 WASHINGTON 21, WASHINGTON +2 ½, AND TAKE THE UNDER 45 ½.
DALLAS (-2) @ DENVER (42 ½)
Almost everyone is jumping on America’s team band wagon, after they handily defeated the NY Giants. Dallas is going to face a different look. The one thing Denver can do better than the NY Giants, is pass protect their quarterback. In addition, the Broncos offensive line can open running lanes for their backs, something that the Giants couldn’t do. Dallas lost their best cornerback. The Dallas offensive line is good, but not nearly as good as last season. Denver has a stout defense, and a top secondary. The Broncos should win their battle in the trenches. For the Cowboys to compensate on offense, to challenge Denver’s defense, is to attack their weakness defending the run with RB Elliot, and TE Witten with short passes. I am not jumping on that Cowboy band wagon. Predicted Score: DENVER 21 DALLAS 20, DENVER +2, TAKE THE UNDER 42 ½.
SAN FRANCISCO (42.O) @ SEATTLE (-14)
We know one thing, Seattle’s record comes Monday, will not be at 0-2. The question is, will Seattle be able to cover a two touchdown spread? Across the board, San Francisco, hasn’t an offensive line, a pass rush, and cannot rush the football. Seattle’s front seven on defense, will completely shut them down. Keep in mind that the 49 er secondary is suspect, and banged up. I see a romp on the Horizon. Seattle’s only bug a boo, is their awful offensive line. But Wilson will be able to avoid San Francisco’s disappearing pass rush. Predicted Score: SEATTLE 24 SAN FRANCISCO 7, SEATTLE -14, AND TAKE THE UNDER 42.
GREEN BAY (54.0) @ ATLANTA (-3)
I expect Green Bay to roll, even on the road. Let’s establish that in week number one, the Packers faced the best NFL defense, and won. The Falcons defense, doesn’t compare to the Seahawks, and they should have lost to Chicago last week. Atlanta, in week two, can’t expect to defeat the Packers, if they continue to play sluggish football. The Falcon offensive line, isn’t that good, and they will have trouble opening holes versus the Packer front seven. The Falcon line looked terrible pass blocking last week against the Bears. Rodgers should have a good game. He will attack all of Atlanta’s weaknesses, and if the Falcons cannot bring a pass rush to the party, forgetta bout it! Here’s an interesting stat that I found. Teams opening up a new stadium, hav e a straight up record of only 4-9.I like GB in this spot. Predicted Score: GREEN BAY 30 ATLANTA 27, GREEN BAY +3, AND TAKE THE OVER 54.0.
DETROIT (43 ½) @ NY GIANTS (-3 ½)
Bottom line, the Giants can’t win without Beckham. They say it takes 6 to 8 weeks to heal that type of injury. So based on that information, I am going to rule Beckham out for week #2. Even if he is activated for this game, he will not be at 100%. The NY Giants offensive line has no clue what they are doing out there, and they play more like a screen door inside .a submarine. Too many holes. So expect Manning to drop in the pocket as usual, and get hurried, and sacked, since he hasn’t the mobility to escape the rush. Detroit has a pass rush, and their defensive ends will be licking their chops in this game. Stafford will face a good NY Giant secondary, and last week Detroit defeated a good Arizona secondary. So expect the Lions, to attack the poor NY Giants linebacker corps. with short passes to their backs and tight ends. Predicted Score: DETROIT 21 NY GIANTS 17, DETROIT -3 ½, AND TAKE THE UNDER 43 ½.