Week 1 NFL Picks
The first Sunday of the 2015 NFL season is chock-full of quality matchups, including a few potential upsets. As with every other new season, the first couple of weeks are always a feeling out period. At this point, the debate about which teams are really good or really bad is pure speculation. New England and Seattle still look like the teams to beat in their respective conferences, but that might not be the case by the end of October. But this is all about the here and now. Here’s a look at the most interesting Week 1 games.
Green Bay at Chicago +7 – Even with the season-ending knee injury to wide receiver Jordy Nelson, the Packers are still loaded and ready to make a run to the NFC title game. As long as Aaron Rodgers is healthy, they will remain a serious threat. John Fox has a knack for turning around struggling teams in a hurry, but the Bears are deficient at so many positions, it’s difficult to imagine they won’t be one of the league’s worst. The defense added some pieces, although not enough to contain the Pack attack. Green Bay is 8-2 ATS in the last ten meetings in the series. Chicago was 3-5 ATS at home in 2014.
Bet Green Bay -7
Indianapolis at Buffalo +2.5 – The Bills defense allowed the fewest touchdown passes a season ago, and led the league with 54 sacks. Andrew Luck is a favorite to seize the MVP and has a plethora of weapons at his disposal, including new toys like Frank Gore, Andre Johnson, and rookie Phillip Dorsett. The Colts suspect front seven might have trouble handling the very mobile Tyrod Taylor. Running back LeSean McCoy could be limited with a slight tear in his hamstring. Indy went 6-4 ATS (playoffs included) on the road in 2014, and are 6-3-1 ATS in the last ten in the series. Buffalo was 4-4 ATS at home last year. This has the makings of an upset.
Bet Buffalo +2.5
Seattle at St. Louis +4 – Seattle added Jimmy Graham and speedy rookie Tyler Lockett to help make the offense more vertical. However, the offensive line is a disaster, which could spell trouble against a vicious Rams front four. Marshawn Lynch and his 1181 carries since 2011 might find little room to roam. The Hawks defense will give Nick Foles fits, even without safety Kam Chancellor, who could sit out the entire season in a contract dispute. No Todd Gurley and Tre Mason means Benny Cunningham will get the start in the Rams backfield. The teams have split the last ten ATS. Until St. Louis shows a pulse on offense, steer clear.
Bet Seattle -4
Cincinnati at Oakland +3 – As shocking as it may sound, the Raiders could be vastly improved in 2015. Derek Carr has Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree to throw to, and star-in-waiting Khalil Mack spearheads an underrated front seven. The Bengals are once again brimming with talent, but it all comes down to how erratic quarterback Andy Dalton plays. A.J. Green and his new $60-million extension will be motivated to show he’s worth the cash. Cincinnati is 4-2 ATS in the last six tilts. Oakland was a solid 8-8 ATS in 2014. This one should be close.
Bet Cincinnati -3
