What an opening weekend for the NFL! The star studded rookie class showed up and showed out, we had an overtime thriller to complete week one, and some teams were who we thought they were. Let’s recap my week one pick ’em. When I wrote this last week the line for the Carolina Panthers was -5.5 and unfortunately they did not cover that line but those of you who got them at -3 congratulations. Seattle had the easy cover of -2.5 but the Colts didn’t do their job to help cover the over at 50. Miami won a close one 17-16 over the Patriots covering +3. Late mistakes from the running backs cost them the win. Up next we had probably the easiest money line bet this year with the Cardinals steamrolling the Titans 38-13. Lastly the Vikings lost in overtime to the Bengals by a field goal covering +3.
Overall Record: 2-4
5. Los Angeles Rams (-3.5) vs Indianapolis Colts:
The Rams dominated Sunday night against the Bears which everyone thought they would. I believe Matthew Stafford will ride that high from the Sunday night game. I think the Colts as a whole stink. I don’t see them doing anything significant this season. They have too many injuries to key players and Carson Wentz just isn’t who he used to be since he got injured in his MVP run. My Pick: Rams (-3.5)
4. Kansas City Chiefs (-3.5) vs Baltimore Ravens:
After a brutal loss to Las Vegas Monday in overtime the depleted Ravens have to pull themselves together and get ready for the Chiefs Sunday night. Kansas City put up 33 points against the Browns on Sunday but allowed 29. Everyone is in on Chiefs -3.5 but these two teams cannot play defense. My Pick: Over 54.5
3. Minnesota Vikings vs Arizona Cardinals (-4.5):
Arizona should be on every team’s radar after week one. They have one of the best offenses in the NFL led by Kyler Murray and his like Lamar Jackson but can sling the pigskin. He is as shifty as any quarterback in the league and can hit any player 50 yards down the field. The Vikings will have their hands full with the loaded offense. The problem with the Cardinals opponents is that their defense is just as good, maybe even better than their offense. Chandler Jones had 5 sacks with two forced fumbles Sunday.
My Pick: Arizona Cardinals (-4.5)
2. Cincinnati Bengals vs Chicago Bears (-2.5):
Well the Bears stink again after coach Matt Nagy decided to stick with Andy Dalton instead of Justin Fields, which don’t forget they gave away quite a lot of picks to move up in the draft to get. Last week I prematurely came at the Bengals saying I don’t believe in them. Well, Ja’Marr Chase knows how to catch a football in the NFL and Joe Burrows can sling that thing. My Pick: Bengals (+2.5)
1. New England Patriots (-5.5) vs New York Jets:
After a brutal week one loss to the Dolphins filled with mental mistakes and fumbles I believe the Patriots clean up the mess and take care of business. Bill Belichick has a 21-6 record against rookie quarterbacks since coming to New England in 2000. Zach Wilson was under pressure quite a bit against the Panthers, I believe the Patriots defense will be all over Wilson when all is said and done. Look for Mac Jones, who completed 74% of his passes for 281 yards, to carve up the New York defense.
My Pick: New England (-5.5)
College Bonus Pick
Connecticut Football vs Army Football (-34): I know what everyone is thinking, “Colin why are you featuring two unranked teams?” I will tell you why. Army should be ranked and will be ranked by season’s end. They average 40.5 points a game (25th best in the nation), they allow on average 22.5 points a game (68th best in the nation), and they have the 7th best rushing attack in the nation. I’ll be generally surprised if Army doesn’t win by 50 plus points.
My Pick: Army (-34)
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