ESPN2 News NFL Week 1 Expert Picks: Ameer Abdullah and the Detroit Lions at +2 on the betting point spread
Expert Sports Picks: The NFL season opener kicks off with a potential AFC Championship match-up with the Pittsburgh Steelers vs New England Patriots (-4.5). Pittsburgh’s defense has looked shaky and it will be tough for “Big” Ben Roethlisberger to cover the spread if the Pats offense if Tom Brady plays. The Baltimore Ravens vs Denver Broncos (-4.5) is one of the games of the week with Peyton Manning trying to ride off into the Bronco sunset with a Lombardi Trophy. Baltimore’s offense has sputtered but the defense looks like it’s usual led pipe variety. Manning could have a tough time moving the ball if his offensive lines can’t get things together. Bet on Football at BOVADA SPORTSBOOK
NFL Week 1 Expert Picks Analysis: The Miami Dolphins vs Washington Redskins (+4.5) game could get ugly if the Redskins can’t block against Miami’ lightning pass-rush. Same betting principle applies in the Seattle Seahawks vs St. Louis Rams match-up. The Rams can’t block and the Seahawks still have one of the best defenses in the NFL without Kam Chancellor.
ESPN2 News Expert NFL Picks with Odds courtesy of BOVADA SPORTSBOOK
Thursday, September 10 –
Pittsburgh Steelers vs New England Patriots Picks: Patriots -4.5
Brady to Gronkowski should have a field day against Steelers porous secondary.
Sunday, September 13 –
Green Bay Packers vs Chicago Bears Picks: Packers -7
Aaron Rodgers should pick apart weak Chicago D.
Cleveland Browns vs New York Jets Picks: Browns +3
Browns improved defense should cover in ugly battle against rookie Jets head coach Todd Bowles.
Indianapolis Colts vs Buffalo Bills Picks: Colts -3
Colts Andrew Luck and his array of weapons too much for Bills dynamic D.
Miami Dolphins vs Washington Redskins Picks: Dolphins -3.5
Dolphins one of the most improved teams while the Redskins appear to be one of the NFL’s worst.
Carolina Panthers vs Jacksonville Jaguars Picks: Panthers -3
Jaguars and Blake Bortles have shown promise but will lose dogfight to Carolina’s defense.
Seattle Seahawks vs St. Louis Rams Picks: Seahawks -3.5
Rams poor O-line will get stationary QB Foles hammered against Seahawks nasty D.
New Orleans Saints vs. Arizona Cardinals: Saints +3
Arizona’s O-Line has QB Carson Palmer playing skittish. Saints big-play offense beats Cromartie-less Cards D.
Detroit Lions vs San Diego Chargers Picks: Detriot +2
Detroit has looked razor sharp and RB Amir Abdullah should push them over the top. Chargers D suspect.
Tennessee Titans vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Buccaneers -3
The Buccaneers superior defense at home should help them win a low scoring match-up of rookie quarterbacks.
Cincinnati Bengals vs Oakland Raiders Picks: Oakland +3.5
Oakland’s defense among the NFL’s top-10 led by LB Khalil Mack. Bengals have a history of struggles on the road.
NBC Sunday Night Football –
New York Giants vs. Dallas Cowboys Picks: Dallas -5.5
Cowboys explosive offense should light up weak Giants D. Manning will put up yards but lose shootout.
Monday, September 14 ESPN Monday Night Football Odds
Philadelphia Eagles vs Atlanta Falcons Picks: Eagles -2.5
Eagles improved D and offensive playmakers outshoot a talented Falcons offense.
Minnesota Vikings vs San Francisco Picks: Vikings +2.5
Vikings Bridgewater has looked sharp. 49ers defense solid but will have trouble containing angry Peterson.
