Jacksonville +10.5 @ Philly - Can't lay double digits the 1st week of the season, imo. I think non- playoff teams went 6-1 ats against playoff teams last season in week 1. Despite a decent performance against the Steelers, the Philly defense does not look great. We can still get this at 10.5 .. Can't be public money betting this line down weeks in advance.
Cincinnati +2.5 @ Baltimore .. The number is not at 3 for a reason, Bengals have the better roster. Baltimore's two starting Corner's, Ladarius Webb and Jimmy Smith, have not been healthy enough to play yet in pre season which is concerning. Baltimore is thin at running back and I can't see them moving the ball very well against this Bengals defense which lost several players to injury last year. They look like one of the best units in the AFC. I think Bengals win this straight up, but teasing them looks like a good bet too.
Buffalo +6.5 @ Chicago - DA Bears are public darlings right now, but their defense looks mediocre at best. Bad sign imo that they are relying on 32 yr. old Jared Allen to play a big role for them. Charles Tillman is 33 now, Lance Briggs is 33, and they don't seem to have many difference makers after Lamar Houston. If Pre-season is any indication, they squeaked past the Jaguars, and then got hammered in the 3rd game @ Seattle. Not sure if it is smart to play Buffalo on the road, but can't lay the points with Chicago. Looking hard at the Over in this game. Not sure of the record but non conference games have been going Over in the last couple years. The best bet on Chicago might be UNDER 8.5 Season Wins at plus money.
Tennessee +4.5 @ K.C - As I'm sure you've heard, K.C looks like crap this year, and even though +6 is gone, Titans are probably worth a bet. Ken Wisenhunt is a good offensive coach and the Titans offense has looked decent in the pre-season. Concern for Tenn is the defense, but they do have capable players in Bernard Pollard, Wesley Woodyard, Jason McCourty, and Shuan Phillips. Luckily for the Titans, the Chiefs Dwayne Bowe is suspended for this game, they are having Offensive Line issues, a "game manager" quarterback Alex Smith, and Jamal Charles has had a lot of miles put on him in the last few years as the primary Running Back. The Chiefs are dealing with some cluster injuries right now, and a number of defensive players have missed out on the majority of preseason. Titans have revenge from a home loss to the Chiefs last season, and Dexter McCluster faces his former team. Another playoff vs. non playoff team, Titans may win this straight up, love them in a teaser past 10.
Pats -4.5 @ Dolphins – Leaning Under 47 with the Patriots improved defense and little, if any Gronkowski for this game. New Dolphins Offensive Coordinator Bill Lazor, who was the Q.B coach for Chip Kelly in Philly, wants to run a spread offense this year but do they have enough offensive depth to do it with? Didn’t look like it in the 3rd pre-season game against the Cowboys where they put up just 6 points in the 1st Half. It is going to be very hot for this game so I figure it will be difficult for either team to run a consistent no huddle offense. The Pats have revenge after losing in Miami last year for the first time in 4 years. I would be very surprised if Miami won this S.U and if it gets to 6 Pats are a good tease option.
Tampa (Pick) vs. Carolina – Fezzik says this might close Tampa -3 so if you like them jump on now. This Bucs defense looks pretty good imo and they have a coach in Lovie Smith who has gotten the most out of his defenses in the past. Cam Newton had off season ankle surgery, and now has a cracked rib he has to deal with. Panthers O looks like it has very little weapons. The Bucs actually have some good offensive players but they are counting on Josh McCown to give them good quarterback play. Very down on Carolina and Tampa has double revenge from last season. I think Under 40 is definitely worth a bet as well.
Dallas +5.5 vs. San Fran – For as bad as the Dallas D looks, has anyone looked worse in pre-season than the 49ers? Money is pouring in on their Under season wins. The defense is getting older and missing players it has had in the past, most notably Navarro Bowman who is out injured. Looks like it could be a hangover season for S.F after being so-close the previous two seasons. At +6 I’m betting Dallas.
Denver -7 v. Indy – Broncos look like the best Tease option on the board and I think they may do to the Colts what they did to the Ravens on opening night last year. Common theme in each game is that Denver has revenge. Even without Welker it’s hard to see the Colts bottling up all the Broncos weapons to stay in this game.
- like the Vikings after the strong pre-season..
Best Week 1 Teaser: 2 teams 6 points: Denver -1 with Tennessee +10.5