We are back for real this time. We get a rare treat with games on both Thursday and Friday before the Opening Sunday and Monday night capper. Let’s look at the big ones to watch.
NFL Week 1 – Key Matchups
- Ravens at Chiefs (-3, 46 Total) – Thursday, 9/5 – 7:20 PM Central on NBC – A rematch of the AFC Title game here, but this time in KC. Ravens will try to avenge that awful loss in January. The Chiefs are at full strength with mostly the same squad here. I would expect some deep shots to the rookie, Xavier Worthy, and BAL will play tough. I do like the Chiefs -3 on this one. If it goes above the 3, then I would look to BAL. It should be a close game. I like Under 46.
- Packers vs. Eagles (-2.5, 48.5 Total) – Friday, 9/6 at 7:15 PM Central on Peacock – game is played in Sao Paolo, Brazil – This will be the first NFL game played in Brazil. I’ve heard a lot of interesting things about security and how the Packers colors are some gang color. So, not sure what unis they will wear in this one. I like this matchup a lot. Even tough I do like the Pack on the season, I would take the Eagles in this one to win. The spread is about right at -2.5, so I’ll take PHI to cover. The Total will go Over 48.5, as I think both teams will pull out all the stops to impress the Brazil faithful.
- Texans at Colts (+3, 48.5 Total) – Sunday, 9/8 at 12 Noon Central on CBS – An early divisional matchup in the AFC South with the defending division champs in HOU. I actually like IND in this one. The divisional home dog getting a FG, sign me up. I actually will also sprinkle some money on the Moneyline at +125. Again, I like HOU for this division again, but a healthy Anthony Richardson got a win over HOU last year and I expect the same. Total is Under 48.5.
- Rams at Lions (-3.5, 51 Total) – Sunday, 9/8 at 7:20 PM Central on NBC – The Lions should be riding high after the near trip to the SB, but the Rams have revenge on their minds. LA lost in DET in the Wild Card round and should have won. I like the Rams to get the win here (ML +155) and cover the +3.5. Total seems high though, so Under 51.
- Jets at 49ers (-4, 43 Total) – Monday, 9/9 at 7:15 PM Central on ABC/ESPN – Looks like the Manningcast returns, which is my favorite. I like the 49ers to roll despite the return of Aaron Rodgers both for the Jets and to the Bay – his original hometown. The Jets D will play well, but I’m not sure how quickly the Jets will get going with Rodgers back. I like the Total Over 43.
A lot of great football in Week 1. I’ll be enjoying all the games in Vegas. Saddle up and enjoy.
Wegs