It's been a long enough wait since that epic Super Bowl clash in February between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles. Football is back in full swing and that means let the betting begin! Nothing like putting the feet up and finding your spot on the couch with an action packed slate of games to kick off the season. Let's dive into this week's game picks.
**All betting lines from bet365.com** (Updated Sept. 9)
Detroit Lions @ Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs start the defense of their Super Bowl crown without two of their most impactful players on both sides of the ball, Chris Jones and Travis Kelce. With the upstart Lions coming into Arrowhead, some might think this will be too much for Andy Reid's team to overcome, but I think Patrick Mahomes pulls off some late game magic. Pick: Chiefs, 27-23.
Line: Chiefs -4.5
ML: Chiefs
Spread: Lions
Arizona Cardinals @ Washington Commanders
Not the most intriguing game this Sunday as many believe the Cardinals are already on the clock with the first pick at next year's draft. Meanwhile, the Commanders have several question marks, most notably Sam Howell and if he's the answer for this offense. I think the home team prevails here. Pick: Commanders, 23-14.
Line: Commanders -7
ML: Commanders
Spread: Commanders
Carolina Panthers @ Atlanta Falcons
The NFC South is wide open this year and Bryce Young is going right into the fire this week against a Falcons team that many believe could push the Saints for the division crown. I'm still not sold on Desmond Ridder (I'm not sure who would be?), but I think Bijan Robinson will make an immediate impact and be the difference here. Pick: Falcons, 24-17.
Line: Falcons -3.5
ML: Falcons
Spread: Falcons
Cincinnati Bengals @ Cleveland Browns
There were some concerns early on in training camp if Joe Burrow would be ready for opening week after going down with a calf strain and even his star wideout, Ja'Marr Chase voiced his preference for the quarterback to take his time. Well, here we are and Burrow will be ready to go in the 'Battle of Ohio'. Remember the Bengals started slow last season, opening up with two losses -- one against the division rival Steelers -- and I think the Browns stun them here. Pick: Browns, 26-23.
Line: Bengals -2
ML: Browns
Spread: Browns
Houston Texans @ Baltimore Ravens
Lamar Jackson didn't play the entire preseason and will be introduced to a new offense this year, leading me to believe it could be a slow start for the Ravens. That being said, there will be some added pressure on C.J. Stroud as he makes his first career start on the road no less. I think it's a large spread for a Week 1 matchup to begin with and could see some early growing pains in the Ravens' offense. Pick: Ravens, 23-15.
Line: Ravens -9.5
ML: Ravens
Spread: Texans
Jacksonville Jaguars @ Indianapolis Colts
The Jags are a sexy pick to make the AFC Championship this year after Trevor Lawrence broke out in the second half last season. They will have some fragility on the offensive line however and that could be something that holds them back from a deep run this season. The Colts will start Anthony Richardson, who many believe could have the potential to be the most athletic signal caller in the NFL one day. However, I don't think he's ready for the big stage yet after seeing some inaccuracies in the preseason. Pick: Jaguars, 23-13.
Line: Jaguars -4.5
ML: Jaguars
Spread: Jaguars
San Francisco 49ers @ Pittsburgh Steelers
This game could be an absolute slobber knocker, especially on defense. Mike Tomlin's crew will be ready to play in their home opener and the 49ers are no strangers to hard-hitting football. I think the storyline will be under center in this matchup as Brock Purdy eases his way into game action, after offseason elbow surgery. And, Kenny Pickett has reportedly shown more zip on his throws throughout the preseason -- can he battle in the pocket against a tough Niners defensive front? Pick: Steelers, 20-17.
Line: 49ers -2.5
ML: Steelers
Spread: Steelers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Minnesota Vikings
What will the Bucs be like without Tom Brady under center? Well, we're about to find out in a hurry how the Baker Mayfield era is going to be. There's already been a disconnect between the front office and Mike Evans on a new contract, so I think this season could spiral out of control quickly for the Bucs. Are the Vikings really that good? Last season, they won a lot of close games after trailing at halftime and I'm not sure that luck continues, but it should this Sunday. Pick: Vikings, 24-16.
Line: Vikings -5.5
ML: Vikings
Spread: Vikings
Tennessee Titans @ New Orleans Saints
The Saints will have a new quarterback this season as Derek Carr makes his debut, hoping to lead this team to a division win. He struggled on short and intermediate throws last season and I wonder if the Saints want to run the ball more heavily with the acquisition of Jamaal Williams? The Titans on the other hand will continue to rely on Derrick Henry out of the backfield and I think they could shock the Saints here, who historically have struggled in home openers. Pick: Titans, 23-20.
Line: Saints -3
ML: Titans
Spread: Titans
Green Bay Packers @ Chicago Bears
Two NFC North teams with plenty to prove heading into the year. Is Jordan Love ready to be the guy in Green Bay and can Justin Fields elevate his game to take the Bears to the playoffs? I like Fields, but I still think the Bears have some question marks on both sides of the ball and I can't help to think we're all sleeping on the Packers a little bit. Pick: Packers, 17-16.
Line: Bears -1.5
ML: Packers
Spread: Packers
Los Angeles Rams @ Seattle Seahawks
I think the Rams were hoping for one last playoff push with their core group this season and then the bad news about Cooper Kupp -- now headed for the IR and will miss at least four weeks -- has thrown water on everything. The Seahawks were a surprise playoff team last season with Geno Smith and they certainly have the offensive weapons to contend again. Pick: Seahawks, 22-14.
Line: Seahawks -5
ML: Seahawks
Spread: Seahawks
Las Vegas Raiders @ Denver Broncos
Plenty of changes for these two teams during the offseason with the Raiders introducing Jimmy Garoppolo as their new quarterback and the Broncos found their new head coach in Sean Payton. It would appear that Payton has held Russell Wilson accountable over the offseason and we will see if that pushes the veteran quarterback in the right direction. Pick: Broncos, 20-17.
Line: Broncos -3.5
ML: Broncos
Spread: Raiders
Miami Dolphins @ Los Angeles Chargers
If this game were in November, we might be talking about two teams that could push for the AFC Championship game. These are two explosive offenses and it could be the most exciting game of the week as we get to see Justin Herbert in a new offense under Kellen Moore. This isn't really a home game for the Chargers and I have a feeling Tua Tagovailoa will take the top off this secondary. Pick: Dolphins, 28-27.
Line: Chargers -3
ML: Dolphins
Spread: Dolphins
Philadelphia Eagles @ New England Patriots
This will be an interesting game as Bill Belichick will look to slow down Jalen Hurts on the ground and try to give his offense some shots to score. The Pats don't have the offensive weapons like the Eagles, so their defense may need to string together a few turnovers to stay competitive in this one. It might be a slow start for the Eagles, but I think they put the foot on the gas in the second half. Pick: Eagles, 26-17.
Line: Eagles -4
ML: Eagles
Spread: Eagles
Dallas Cowboys @ New York Giants
An NFC East battle between the Cowboys and Giants on Sunday Night Football...we haven't seen that enough over the years, only this time it won't feature Tony Romo and Eli Manning. I really liked the Cowboys to walk into MetLife Stadium and roll the Giants here, but the injury report is staggering as it would appear they could miss two starters on the offensive line. If the rain becomes a factor, look for Tony Pollard and Saquon Barkley to get increased touches throughout the game. Pick: Cowboys, 20-16.
Line: Cowboys -3.5
ML: Cowboys
Spread: Cowboys
Buffalo Bills @ New York Jets
What a way to close out the opening week with Aaron Rodgers and the upstart Jets hosting the Super Bowl hungry Bills. Rodgers' arrival in the AFC East certainly creates some suspense as it's not necessarily the Bills' division anymore. I think this game goes down to the wire and Josh Allen finds a way to score late, but the Jets give them all they can handle. Pick: Bills, 24-21.
Line: Bills -2.5
ML: Bills
Spread: Bills
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