NFL Pick 'em: Week one

Alvin Kamara

New season, new NFL betting odds. You have to love that.

Every week, I’ll be making picks for each NFL game straight-up. No spreads, no over/under, just straight-up winners. I’ll try to post my picks every Sunday morning before the games begin and recap my Thursday night pick here as well. I will post those predictions to Twitter, so catch Thursday night games there. On Thursday, I had Philadelphia over Atlanta, so starting off the season undefeated. Nice!

Now for the picks:

Buffalo @ Baltimore

The Bills were one of the worst teams during the preseason. They had trouble generating offense, which doesn’t bode well against a Baltimore defense that finished sixth in points allowed in 2017.

Pick: Baltimore

Cincinnati @ Indianapolis

Statistically, the Colts were one of the worst teams in 2017. The Bengals weren’t any better offensively and ranked 30^th in rushing yards per game against. As long as Andrew Luck starts for the Colts, I’m taking the Colts in this tight matchup.

Pick: Indianapolis

Pittsburgh @ Cleveland

The Browns were winless in 2017. They’ve lost, what, 25 games in a row? I don’t see this streak coming to an end against Ben Roethlisberger and Antonio Brown.

Pick: Pittsburgh

Tennessee @ Miami

To me, Tennessee seems overhyped. I have them winning somewhere between 7-9 games this season. This game seems like a perfect trap game too, but the Dolphins struggle to generate offense.

Pick: Tennessee

San Francisco @ Minnesota

Both teams have a new (well somewhat new) weapon at quarterback. Even with Jimmy Garoppolo, I don’t think San Fran has a chance against Minnesota’s defense.

Pick: Minnesota

Houston @ New England

Another vulnerable trap game. After the Patriots lost on opening night last year, a lot of people want to see the Patriots lose this game. They struggled against Houston last season, but still won. They’ll do the same in this one.

Pick: New England

Tampa Bay @ New Orleans

The Buccaneers are still trying to figure out their run game. The Saints also bolstered their defensive unit in the draft. Hard to pick against an established team that tried to improve upon its weaknesses in the offseason.

Pick: New Orleans

Jacksonville @ NY Giants

Jacksonville’s defense improved immensely last season, finishing second in sacks, second in interceptions and generating eight total touchdowns. Call me crazy, but I just can’t get behind the Jaguars. I’m too focused on the possibility that this defense was a fluke in 2017.

Pick: NY Giants

Everyone when they see the Jaguars lose

Kansas City @ Los Angeles Chargers

Andy Reid starts every season off with a long win streak and fades at the end of the season. The Chargers are the better team in this game in probably every way. But something tells me that Reid will find a way to win in week one and start the season off strong, like he has done every year with the Chiefs.

Pick: Kansas City

Yes. I am picking this man to win a football game

Dallas @ Carolina

The Cowboys have a bunch of average receivers without a clear role. The Panthers have numerous offensive threats in Cam Newton, Christian McCaffrey, Greg Olsen and co.

Pick: Carolina

Seattle @ Denver

Both teams struggled in 2017. The Broncos brought in a new quarterback in Case Keenum. The Seahawks brought in new defensive toys, one being Dion Jordan. This will be a close game, but I’m taking the home team in this one.

Pick: Denver

Washington @ Arizona

The Redskins seemingly worsened with the loss of Kirk Cousins. They were average in 2017, playing to a 7-9 record. Meanwhile, the Cardinals have David Johnson going against the 32^nd ranked team against the rush in 2017.

Pick: Arizona

Chicago @ Green Bay

Whoever watches this game will most likely watch because of Khalil Mack. Even though Mack was a nifty pickup for the Bears, Mack isn’t enough to put the Bears on top.

Pick: Green Bay

NY Jets @ Detroit

Another game where, if people watch this one, everyone’s eyes will be on Sam Darnold. Darnold has had flashes of brilliance, but week one won’t be when he leads the Jets to victory.

Pick: Detroit

Los Angeles Rams @ Oakland

I’m excited for this game because of Jon Gruden. But outside of Gruden, the Rams have the better all-around team. Expect Todd Gurley and Marshawn Lynch to battle it out on the ground. Unfortunately for Lynch and his Raiders, the Rams have a better defense.

Pick: Los Angeles Rams