We’ve started high school and college football already, but finally we have some real NFL action as well.
It all starts Thursday night with Kansas City at New England, and that is followed by some great games on Sunday and Monday night.
Before I get in to my picks, here is my Super Bowl match-up. I always try to predict it at the beginning of the season and was 3-for-3 from 2012-2015. I got close the last couple of years, but no cigar, so here goes this year. My pick is New England over Seattle in the Super Bowl.
With that, here are my picks for Week 1.
Overall Results: 2-5-1
Kansas City at New England (-8.5), O/U 47.5
Pick: Kansas City +8
I like the Patriots to still win the game, but this is a match-up between the #1 and #2 teams in the AFC last year so -8.5 seems a bit extreme. Even if the Chiefs are amped up to go win in Foxboro, then the line will work either way being so large.
Result: Win! Although I thought the Patriots could win a close one, Kansas City looked outstanding in week 1, dominating the Pats 42-27. Either way KC +8.5 was like stealing money.
Atlanta (-6.5) at Chicago, O/U 49
Pick: Atlanta -6.5
Chicago is going to get destroyed in this game. If Atlanta doesn’t cover, then I don’t know what to think of them this season, even though it is on the road.
Result: Loss. By 0.5. Falcons won by six, 23-17. The line was a bit much, but I thought they could do it.
Jacksonville at Houston (-5.5), O/U 39.5
Pick: Houston -5.5
I do expect a bit of an improved season from Jacksonville (not playoff bound, but at least improved from what the Jags have been. However, I like Houston in this spot, even though we don’t know exactly was Tom Savage or Deshaun Watson will be able to deliver.
Result: Loss. I said the Jags would be improved, but they dominated Houston. Fournette was a workhorse (which we know he can be) and Deshaun Watson was only so-so.
Arizona (-2) at Detroit, O/U 47.5
Pick: Arizona -2
I know Matt Stafford is now the highest paid quarterback…for whatever reason, but I still like the Cardinals here. I’ll take the rushing attack for Arizona to be the difference to win and cover the -2.
Result: Loss. It was looking good early, but the Lions just took off late in the game to win.
Baltimore at Cincinnati (-3), O/U 42.5
Pick: Cincinnati -3
The Bengals are at home, and I’m not sure exactly how healthy Joe Flacco will be (or at least how healthy he will play), plus, I’m not really sold on the Ravens in general. Give me Cincinnati to start the season off with a win at home.
Result: Loss. Four interceptions for Dalton. Yikes.
New York Giants at Dallas (-4), O/U 46.5
Pick: Dallas -4
I added this Sunday afternoon when I heard OBJ wasn’t playing. I was thinking about taking it anyway, but this was enough for me to take it. Hopefully that will get me back on track today.
Result: Win! The Cowboys looked pretty good and the Giants couldn’t do anything.
New Orleans at Minnesota (-3), O/U 48
Pick: New Orleans +3.5
Adrian Peterson is on the field in Minnesota, but not wearing purple. I’ll take that backfield with him and Mark Ingram, along with Drew Brees, over Dalvin Cook and Sam Bradford. I think the Saints defense will be somewhat improved over last year as well. Bottom line, I think they can score enough points to win.
Result: Loss. I thought New Orleans could keep this within a field goal. Not quite.
LA Chargers at Denver (-3), O/U 43
Pick: Denver -3
I like the Broncos here only because of the defense and playing at home. I will say that I think the Chargers will be improved this year as Philip Rivers looks to end his career with a bang.
Result: Push. The Chargers went for the game tying field goal, which might could have forced overtime and helped the line hit or miss, but at least it’s not a loss.