Everybody rejoice! Week one of the NFL season is back and there will be football every Sunday until February. With many moving parts this offseason I will be your guide from week one until the Super Bowl. Each week I will tell you my top five weeks and why I’m choosing them. If I see a college game Saturday that catches my eye I’ll throw them in there as well. Things will be a little different in the NFL this season compared to last season, there will be full capacity in the stands which is something you didn’t have to take into account when picking teams. Now there will be noise on 3rd downs, when teams are backed up on their own 10 yard line will they be able to communicate, and how will these rookies fair? Let’s get into it:
5. New York Jets vs Carolina Panthers (-5.5):
Week one and we have a potential revenge game for Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold. Darnold got traded this past offseason to the Panthers as the Jets gave up on the play caller just a couple years into his career. The Jets having the second overall pick took quarterback Zach Wilson. Darnold has a much better offense this year with three good wide receivers, while the Jets offense is already in midseason form and half of them are on the IR. I believe Wilson will have to throw the ball early and often if they want to stay in this game. My Pick: Carolina Panthers (-5.5)
4. Seattle Seahawks (-2.5) vs Indianapolis Colts:
Seattle being favored by only two and a half points looks like the easy pick (and it is), however, let’s look into it. You know you will be able to count on Russell Wilson in the air and on the ground. With Metcalf, Locket, and Carson in the back field he will have plenty of options to choose from. The Colts have Wentz listed as QB1 on their depth chart but how well will he play coming off surgery? The good thing for Wentz is the Colts O-line is always strong and they have three running backs that can pound the ball. In order for them to pound the ball they will have to be within a couple scores and with Seattle’s high power offense I don’t see them keeping up. With the over/under set at 50 I believe a garbage time touchdown will either push pick or hit the over. My pick: Seattle Seahawks (-2.5) + Over 50
3. Miami Dolphins vs New England Patriots (-3):
Mac Jones! Mac Jones! Man Jones! What else can I really say? When the news broke last week of Cam Newton being cut and Mac Jones winning the starting job I think 95% of New England fans jumped for joy. It has nothing to do with hating Cam Newton but the fact they will have a quarterback that doesn’t have a shoulder injury that prevents him from throwing the ball more than 10 yards down field. It was interesting to see the line move from -3 to -2.5 when Mac Jones was named starter but with 64% of bets on New England the line moved back up to -3. The new and improved Patriots defense will look to hold Tua and the Dolphins offense. My Pick: New England (-3)
2. Arizona Cardinals vs Tennessee Titans (-3):
Arizona being an underdog week one after the surprising season they had last year bodes well for them. They have a one two punch at running back with Chase Edmonds and James Connor as well as an RPO option with Kyler Murray at quarterback. Murray has plenty of options when it comes to his wideouts with WR1 DeAndre Hopkins and WR2 A.J. Green. Arizona’s defense will be ready for El Tractorcito! Derrick Henry looks to repeat his previous season and run all over the league. Ryan Tannahill has new options at wide receiver to work with but will he be able to spread the wealth and keep everyone happy? My Pick: Arizona Cardinals (+140)
1. Minnesota Vikings (-3.5) vs Cincinnati Bengals:
These two teams are looking for big bounce back years. Unfortunately the Bengals will probably repeat their lack of success they had a season ago. Joe Burrows is coming off major knee surgery and his O-line will need to protect their franchise quarterback better than last season. If the pre-season is any indication of what is to come then rookie wideout Ja’Marr Chase will struggle. Reconnecting with his college teammate Chase will need to make sure he secures a catch. Minnesota bringing back their top two wideouts, quarterback, and running back they look to make a run at wildcard weekend. The Vikings will finish .500 or a game above .500 with their personnel. My Pick: Vikings (-3)
Six team parlay payout: Risk $10 to win $534.72
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