KANSAS CITY @
NEW ENGLAND
The Patriots can score in a lot of different ways. The Chiefs simply don't have the firepower to keep up. They'll need some big special teams or defensive plays just to keep within striking distance in Foxborough. Update: Well, a tough night for NE was hard to see coming but long overdue
ARIZONA @ DETROIT
Detroit's rookie LB Jarrad Davis will be tested early and often. The pass defense was a huge liability in 2016 (ranked 32nd). While I wouldn't bet against Matthew Stafford late in a close game, I think Arizona's defense will make a play or two and win this one for the road team.
OAKLAND @
TENNESSEE
This was a close game last year and I expect another one this time around. I don't think Tennessee's defense is going to be ready for BeastMode 2.0, but Mariota has some new toys on offense as well. The Oakland secondary will be tested, I don't think they can hang.
SEATTLE @ GREEN BAY
This game marks the return of Eddie Lacy, but exactly how much action he gets in a crowded Seattle backfield remains to be seen. Another classic pick'em between two playoff caliber teams.
NEW YORK JETS @
BUFFALO
Even though they have an excellent run defense and Buffalo is run-heavy, I just can't pick the Jets.Vegas moved heavily in favor of Buffalo. This line opened at -5 and at time of writing, sits at -9 in favor of the Bills. I probably won't pick NYJ to win a single game this year, and I would rather live with the couple of wins they are bound to scrape up then go out on a limb for them this early.
ATLANTA @ CHICAGO (ATL -7)
I think Atlanta benefits from seeing Mike Glennon instead of Mitch Trubisky at QB for the Bears. Mitch has showed well in the preseason, I don't think it will be too long before he's taking the snaps in Chicago. I expect them to lose until he wins the starting job.
BALTIMORE @
CINCINNATI
With Flacco questionable to start the season, I'll stick with the home team in what should be a tight one. Cincinnati is healthy for now and I just don't see where Baltimore is going to get their offense from.
PITTSBURGH @ CLEVELAND
Rookie QB in his first start? Easy choice here.
JACKSONVILLE @
HOUSTON
Tom Savage is another placeholder QB meant to alleviate the pressure on a rookie, in this case, Deshawn Watson. He's not going to play well, but I think Bortles will play worse.
TAMPA BAY @ MIAMI
Postponed to Week 11
PHILADELPHIA @ WASHINGTON
I think it will take a few weeks for Washington to gel together as a team. Washington has won 5 straight against Philly, I think this week the Eagles get some revenge.
INDIANAPOLIS @
LOS ANGELES RAMS
The better defense wins here, with the added bonus of a team playing at home for the first time. The Colts are in for a long year.
CAROLINA @ SAN FRANCISCO
I am not very high on Carolina this year. Could be closer than most people expect (Carolina is a 6 point favorite). I expect Hoyer to keep SF within striking distance.
NEW YORK GIANTS @ DALLAS
The Giants will continue to be Dallas' bugaboo, as they match up very well against the Cowboys rushing attack and are built to exploit a rebuilt Dallas secondary.
NEW ORLEANS @ MINNESOTA
Minnesota's offense was woeful in 2016, I simply haven't seen enough from them yet to think they can keep up with a Saints team that is sure to put at least a few points on the board.
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS @ DENVER (LAC +3)
Re-signing Brock Osweiler is a sign of a team in crisis. While Denver's defense is stout, I like the Chargers in an upset.
Update: Yuck. 6-8 straight up, 1-1 ATS.
