NFL Week 1 Matchups and Picks

NFL week 1 matchups and picks

Finally, FINALLY NFL betting is back and it’s time to bet. While the NFL surprises us every season, you can still win money in Week 1 if you did your homework – that includes researching last season, following offseason transactions and looking for preseason trends. Let’s try a parlay.

Steelers (-6) over Titans

WHY: The Titans’ passing game is a major question mark, so the Steelers’ fantastic all-around defense will stack the box against Chris Johnson and LenDale White, forcing Tennessee to beat them through the air.

POTENTIAL HEARTBREAK: The Titans’ front seven is damaged with Albert Haynesworth gone but Cortland Finnegan and the secondary still force lots of turnovers. Big Ben Roethlisberger is pick-prone.

Bengals (-4) over Broncos

WHY: The Broncos’ defense is atrocious and the Bengals’ offense finally looks healthy again. Carson Palmer has some attractive targets in the rejuvenated Chad Ochocinco, Laveranues Coles and Chris Henry. Also, even though it seems like Kyle Orton and Knowshon Moreno will play, they won’t be 100 per cent.

POTENTIAL HEARTBREAK: The Bengals’ O-line is still in shambles after rookie Andre Smith broke his foot, so Carson Palmer may take a bunch of shots and that could damage Cincy’s sportsbook hopes.

Redskins (+6) over Giants

WHY: I’m not sold on this new Giants’ offense yet. Eli Manning lacks a go-to receiver after no one from their massive core of mediocre pass catchers emerged and Hakeem Nicks isn’t ready yet. The Redskins should have one of the NFC’s top defenses this season and Albert Haynesworth may terrorize Manning.

WHY NOT: New York’s defense remains deep and talented and the Redskins still struggle to score points. Jason Campbell hasn’t shown signs of improvement and Clinton Portis could break down this season after having such a huge workload.

Ravens (-13) over Kansas City

WHY: It’s a boring NFL pick, but close to a sure thing. The Chiefs’ offense is a train wreck with Matt Cassel hurting and Larry Johnson aging; the defense can’t stop anyone and the Ravens can’t wait to unleash Ray Rice on the world.

WHY NOT: If Cassel can play, who knows? I suppose he could suddenly discover chemistry with Dwayne Bowe and catch the Ravens napping with a big play. Betting software doesn’t forecast that happening, though.