With Week 2 kicking off tonight, it is time to right the shift after a 7-9 opening opening performance. Some high quality games this week, so lets dive in and get that $.
But first, here is a check on our year to date numbers:
Week 1 Record: 7-9
Overall Record: 7-9
Best Bets Record: 1-0 (Ravens over Bills in Week 1)
Bengals -1 vs. Ravens
Evenly matched teams, both coming off impressive opening week wins. The Ravens had a 5th preseason game against the Bills, while the Bengals went on the road for a come from behind win against the Colts. The key is Joe Mixon. Will he get space to maneuver in the open field? I will take the Bengals with the home-field, but this is a field goal game one way or another. Bengals win 23-20 (WIN)
Packers -1 vs. Vikings
This game is off the board right now at many establishments, as we wait to hear about the status of Aaron Rodgers. The Vikings are the better team. At the end of the day, they will be one of the two finalists in the NFC and potentially in the Super Bowl. But with the line low at -1 (because of the injury to Aaron Rodgers), give me the Packers. Certainly if Rodgers is deemed out, this line will shift to Minnesota as the favorite, but after his heroics in the opener against the Bears, I will risk some $$ on the fact Rodgers plays and gets the win. Packers win (if Rodgers plays) 27-23.
SATURDAY NIGHT UPDATE: Yes Rodgers is playing, but I am altering the selection. Vikings defense will make Rodgers uncomfortable in the pocket and take advantage of him not being at 100%. Vikings win 27-20
Redskins -6 vs. Colts
Like he always does, Alex Smith provided a steady presence to the Skins in their week one win over the Cardinals. Limited mistakes, critical throws and a little Adrian Peterson led to a rout. I like The Redskins at home to continue their winning ways, as the Colts secondary still will not be able to slow down any passing attack. While Andrew Luck was productive and their are positive signs, outside, in the elements (which may be bad cause of Hurricane Florence), give me the team with the steady Quarterback and better defense. Redskins win 27-19.
Falcons -5.5 vs. Panthers
Two key factors in this prediction. The Falcons ran up against a very stout defense in their opener which limited their offensive production and the game was on the road. The Panthers faced the Cowboys who have significant issues on offense and could not close the game out until late in the fourth quarter at home. The Falcons ended the regular season in 2012 with a 22-10 win at home against the Panthers and in the confines of their home building, give me Atlanta with the points. Even if Devonte Freeman were to miss this contest because of his knee injury, Tevin Coleman would step in and be the every-down back, which is a sensational option to have. Falcons win 26-17.
Eagles -3 @ Buccaneers
I am not a Ryan Fitzmagic believer and never will be. The Eagles are leaps and bounds better than the Saints on defense and unlike their last opponent, the Bucs will not sneak up on the defending champs. Expect Nick Foles to have a better afternoon, as the Falcons defense is stingy and we know what Drew Brees did in the loss last weekend. With the Bucs also now down Vernon Hargreaves for the season, Mike Wallace may seem like a solid deep option this week for Foles. No Wentz and Jeffrey scare me, but expect a huge afternoon for Ertz, Wallace and Ajayi. Eagles win 31-10 (Best bet #1)
Chargers -7.5 @ Bills
The Chargers defense was exposed in almost every way in their opening week loss to the Chiefs. But what is the best remedy for a bad performance on defense so that you regain confidence? A matchup with the Bills. Just last year, the Bills got demolished out in Los Angeles in the game Nathan Peterman threw 156 interceptions. Granted, Josh Allen is now under center for Buffalo, however, the result will be the same. Rivers and the offense scored in bunches last week and it will likely continue in Orchard Park. Chargers win 34-17. (Best bet #2)
Chiefs +4.5 @ Steelers and Over 53
In one of the weeks Fantasy Bonanza games, expect plenty of fireworks here. It may be a “last team with the ball wins” situation, and that is why I am taking the Chiefs to cover. Close, but high-scoring affair. All the stars will be out (just not Le’Veon Bell), but expect the Mahomes-Big Ben shootout to be something to see. Steelers win 34-30, but do not cover.
Jets -3 vs. Dolphins
Living in New York, you would think Sam Darnold cured Polio, discovered a new planet or invented time travel. He could do it all! Well, his defense and special teams sure helped in their 31 point manhandling of the Lions, but Darnold was impressive. Will the Jets score 48 again this season? No. But is Miami any good? No. Jets win a sloppy affair 23-16 and somehow, some way, get to 2-0.
Browns +9.5 @ Saints
Is the Saints defense really THAT bad? No. Were the Browns unfortunate to not win their opener at home against the Steelers? Yes. But considering the ineptitude of the Saints defense and the weapons the Browns do have on offense (now that it has been confirmed that Josh Gordon will see his snap total increase), could this game be closer than the 9.5 point spread? Absolutely. Brees was sensational, as was Kamara and Michael Thomas, but I do not trust that defense to allow the Saints to pull away in the Big Easy. Saints win but do not cover 34-28.
Texans -2 @ Titans
The Texans will not go 0-2. Not to the Titans who are without Delanie Walker, potentially Marcus Mariota and with Corey Davis even battling an injury. For as bad as the Titans looked in Miami last week, they will look worse this week against a hungry Texans team. Watson will bounce back, as will the defense, and the Texans win easily. Texans win 27-17. (Best Bet #3)
Rams -12.5 vs. Cardinals
The Cardinals looked like a Pop Warner team in their opener against Washington at home. No weapons outside of Larry Fitzgerald (who is past his prime) and David Johnson, who cannot do it alone. The Rams are loaded on both sides of the ball and should roll in their first divisional game of 2018. Rams 41-17.
Patriots -1.5 @ Jaguars
The Jaguars will be amped up for the AFC Title game rematch, but considering the health of Leonard Fournette, not to mention the lackluster play of the offense in general, how are the Jaguars going to muster enough points to win? I like the fact the Pats now have game tape of how Bortles attacked their defense and their stout defense tried to defend Brady. Yes no Edelman (who was not there last year), but with the addition of the explosive Sony Michel this week seeming likely, I like the Pats to win a close, low-scoring game, 23-16.
49ers -6 vs. Lions
In a battle of two of the quarterbacks to watch entering 2018, give me the younger Jimmy G here, at home, over the Lions who looked awful at home. The Lions will score, but Jimmy G will control the ball with the better defense. 49ers 24-17.
Broncos -6 vs. Raiders
The Raiders are in flux and that is an understatement. They looked lifeless at home in the second half against the Rams, while the Broncos put together a complete 60 minutes in defeating the Seahawks by 3. Expect more of the same as the Raiders, on a short week, travel to Denver and need to overcome the altitude. The Broncos offense is humming, as Keenum threw for over 300 yards and the rushing attack gained close to 150 yards. Broncos win this one 30-20.
Giants +3 @ Cowboys
The Cowboys seem to have many more holes than the Giants and Big Blue always plays well in Big D. Dak looks skittish, the offensive line appears broken and the lack of talent at receiver is apparent. Giants win outright and send the boo birds out in full throat calling for the end of the Jason Garrett era. Giants win 27-20.
Bears -3.5 vs. Seahawks
No Doug Baldwin is a major problem for the Seahawks. Now, with Tyler Lockett and Brandon Marshall as their two top pass catchers, not to mention two unproven running backs leading the way, the Seahawks are in shambles and a shell of their former selves. I think the Bears feel good despite their heartbreaking loss to the Packers and win this game in the 4th quarter. Mitch Trubisky takes a positive step forward and gets Allen Robinson and Trey Burton more involved in the game. Bears win 24-17.
Check back later in the week when we pick all of the games with scores.
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