2019 NFL Picks

Buffalo Bills at New York Giants: 2019 Week 2 NFL Pick

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Buffalo Bills (1-0) at New York Giants (0-1)

A lot of the concern around the Giants coming into the season was around their offense, which lost Odell Beckham this off-season, but they showed in their week 1 loss in Dallas that the bigger concern is their defense, which has lost Olivier Vernon, Landon Collins, and Damon Harrison in the past calendar year and looked like one of the weakest in the league coming into the season. Their offense actually has a chance to be decent when they are at full strength because they have an improved offensive line and they still have several playmakers without Odell Beckham like Saquon Barkley, Evan Engram, Sterling Shepard, and Golden Tate. Shepard is out this week with a concussion though, while Tate still has three games left on his suspension, so they’re pretty thin in the receiving corps as well right now. 

The Giants are playing a Bills team that won on the road at the Jets week 1, coming back from down 16-0 to win 17-16. The Bills got down early because of turnovers, but managed to win the game despite a -3 turnover margin, which is very impressive, even against an underwhelming Jets team. On average, teams with a -3 turnover margin win just 10.3% of the time. Turnover margins tend to be inconsistent on a week-to-week basis and the Bills finished week 1 with the 3rd best first down rate differential in the league, only behind the Ravens and Patriots. 

The Bills still have concerns, but they look to be improved over last season and could easily compete for a wild card spot in the AFC, which is by far the weaker conference. The Giants are an NFC team, but they’re one of the worst, so the Bills could easily win this game to start out 2-0. We’re not getting much line value with them at Buffalo -2, which is about where I have it, but most games are decided by at least a field goal, so Buffalo should cover if they win. A Buffalo win by a field goal seems like the most likely outcome, but there’s not nearly enough here to bet them with confidence.

Buffalo Bills 23 New York Giants 20

Pick against the spread: Buffalo -2

Confidence: None

Chicago Bears at Denver Broncos: 2019 Week 2 NFL Pick

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Chicago Bears (0-1) at Denver Broncos (0-1)

I expected the Bears to decline in win total coming into the season, but the primary reason for that was simply that they’re going to face a much tougher schedule in 2019, after facing one of the easiest last season. The Bears lost a tough game at home to the Packers to open their season last season, but they get a much easier game this week in Denver. The Broncos looked like an underwhelming team on paper coming into the season and their week 1 loss in Oakland doesn’t help matters. They’re also missing two of their top off-season additions due to injury, with both slot cornerback Bryce Callahan and right tackle Ja’Wuan James out for this game. 

The Bears took care of business against most of their weak opponents last season, going 10-3 with a +129 point differential and an average margin of victory of 13.6 points per game against non-playoff teams, and I expect them to be able to do so again this season, especially with no upcoming distractions (they face the Redskins next week). As mere 2-point road favorites in Denver, the Bears basically just need to win to cover here, so they’re worth a bet. With the Broncos current injury situation, I have this line calculated at Chicago -3.5, which isn’t a ton of line value, but it crosses the key number of 3. The Bears should be able to win at least by a field goal. 

Chicago Bears 19 Denver Broncos 13

Pick against the spread: Chicago -2

Confidence: Medium

Los Angeles Chargers at Detroit Lions: 2019 Week 2 NFL Pick

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Los Angeles Chargers (1-0) at Detroit Lions (0-0-1)

The Chargers are one of the most shorthanded teams in the league right now. Melvin Gordon’s holdout might not affect them if Austin Ekeler keeps playing like he did week 1, but they were already without their top offensive lineman Russell Okung and their top defensive back Derwin James indefinitely due to injury and now they’ll be without talented tight end Hunter Henry, who is out 4-6 weeks with a knee injury. Despite that, the public still seems to see them as a top team, after a 12-win 2018 season (partially due to a 6-1 record in games decided by 8 points or fewer). 

They’re favored here on the road in Detroit and, even though this line is only two points, we’re getting great value with the Lions, who are arguably the better team right now, given the Chargers’ injury situation. The Lions are an underrated team whose defense played well down the stretch last season after the addition of Damon Harrison, who they have complemented on the defensive line with off-season acquisitions Mike Daniels and Trey Flowers. Their offense struggled down the stretch last season, but they’re healthier now with Marvin Jones and Kerryon Johnson back and they added Danny Amendola and TJ Hockenson this off-season to replace Golden Tate as middle of the field targets for Matt Stafford.

The Lions blew a 24-6 4th quarter lead in Arizona last week and ended up tying the Cardinals, but they won the first down rate battle by 4.45%, which was the 9th best margin of the week. The Chargers, meanwhile, pulled out at overtime victory at home over the Colts, but easily could have lost if the Colts hadn’t missed multiple kicks in regulation. At the very worst, these teams are about even, but this line suggests the Chargers are about 5 points better. I like the Lions chances of winning and covering at home a lot.

Detroit Lions 26 Los Angeles Chargers 20 Upset Pick +105

Pick against the spread: Detroit +2

Confidence: High

Philadelphia Eagles at Atlanta Falcons: 2019 Week 2 NFL Pick

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Philadelphia Eagles (1-0) at Atlanta Falcons (0-1)

I had relatively high expectations for the Falcons going into the season, as their defense looked likely to be improved with Deion Jones, Keanu Neal, and Ricardo Allen back from injury. Their defense struggled in a week 1 loss in Minnesota, allowing a 44.90% first down rate in a 28-12 defeat. The Falcons didn’t play nearly as badly as the final score suggested, however, as the game swung on a few turnovers. The Falcons only lost the final down rate battle by 1.61%, but they threw two interceptions, lost a fumble, failed to recover two Minnesota fumbles, and had a punt blocked. Turnover margin and fumble recovery rate tend to be highly inconsistent week-to-week, so I think the Falcons are pretty underrated going into this week.

The Eagles are obviously a tough opponent, but I still have this line calculated at Atlanta -1. We’re not getting great value with the Falcons at +2, but I think they have a good shot to win this game outright. We could very easily see a much more focused Falcons team at home in a big measuring stick game against one of the top teams in the conference. This is only a low confidence pick against the spread, but the money line at +115 is worth a small bet.

Atlanta Falcons 30 Philadelphia Eagles 27 Upset Pick +115

Pick against the spread: Atlanta +2

Confidence: Low

Dallas Cowboys at Washington Redskins: 2019 Week 2 NFL Pick

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Dallas Cowboys (1-0) at Washington Redskins (0-1)

The Redskins made some big plays early last week against the Eagles and shockingly jumped out to a 17-0 lead, but they couldn’t do much from there, as the Eagles went up 32-20 before the Redskins led a garbage time touchdown drive at the end of the game. Even with the garbage time touchdown included, the Redskins finished the week with the 7th worst first down rate differential at 6.11% and still look likely to finish as one of the worst teams in the league. Not helping matters is the Redskins’ injury situation, with cornerback Quinton Dunbar and defensive end Jonathan Allen likely joining cornerback Fabian Moreau, who missed week 1, on the sidelines. 

The Cowboys faced another one of the likely worst teams in the league last season, blowing out the Giants 35-17. They also have another really easy game on deck, as they host the Dolphins next week, so they should be fully focused. Favorites of 6 or more are 99-63 ATS since 2014 before being favored by 6 or more again. We’re not getting great line value with the Cowboys at -6.5, but I have this line calculated at -9.5, so the Cowboys should be able to take care of business here, without any upcoming distractions on deck. This game is unlikely to be close barring another garbage time touchdown. 

Dallas Cowboys 30 Washington Redskins 20

Pick against the spread: Dallas -6.5

Confidence: Medium

Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers: 2019 Week 2 NFL Pick

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Minnesota Vikings (1-0) at Green Bay Packers (1-0)

Both of these teams missed the playoffs last season despite high expectations and both of these teams looked improved in week 1 over last season. The odds makers seem to think these two teams are about even, favoring the Packers at home by a field goal. I think this spread is off though, as I have higher expectations for the Packers. Both teams won week 1, but the Packers’ win came on the road in Chicago, while the Vikings’ win came at home against the Falcons. The Vikings had a higher margin of victory, but that game swung on a few plays, with the Vikings winning the turnover margin by 4. Turnover margin tends to be highly inconsistent week-to-week, so they won’t necessarily be able to rely on that again this week. 

Week 1 aside, I also had higher expectations for the Packers coming into the season, with an improved defense and a healthier Aaron Rodgers. The Vikings should be better on offense this season with a better offensive line and a more balanced game plan, but their defense has several key players over 30 and likely won’t be as good as they’ve been in recent years. Aside from their takeaways, their defense struggled to stop the Falcons from moving up and down the field week 1, allowing a 43.28% first down rate and only winning the first down rate battle by 1.61%. The Packers’ offense didn’t look great week 1, but that was on the road in Chicago, who still has arguably the best defense in the NFL. They’re the more talented team in this matchup and should be favored by more than a field goal. I’m going to keep this at a medium confidence bet until we get clarification on David Bahktiari’s status, but even if he does end up sitting the Packers still have a good shot in this game. 

Update: Bahktiari is expected to play and yet this line has dropped to 2.5, so I’m moving this up to high confidence. I have this line calculated at Green Bay -7, so we’re getting significant line value with the Packers. If I was confident Bahktiari was 100%, this would be my Pick of the Week.

Green Bay Packers 24 Minnesota Vikings 17

Pick against the spread: Green Bay -2.5

Confidence: High

Arizona Cardinals at Baltimore Ravens: 2019 Week 2 NFL Pick

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Arizona Cardinals (0-0-1) at Baltimore Ravens (1-0)

The most eye-popping result of week 1 was the Ravens’ 59-10 win in Miami and Lamar Jackson’s near perfect day as a passer. It came against a Dolphins team with little talent and seemingly little motivation, but Jackson faced a weak schedule of defenses in his starts last season (5 of 8 starts came against teams that finished 24th or worse in first down rate allowed) and never came close to putting up the passing production he put up last week, so he definitely seems improved as a passer from year one to year two. The question of how much he’s improved may not be answered until he faces tougher competition, but week 1 was definitely encouraging for his long-term prospects.

Jackson isn’t really getting that tougher competition this week, with the Cardinals coming to Baltimore. Unlike the Dolphins, the Cardinals should be a somewhat competitive team this season, but they’re still one of the worst teams in the league and they’re missing their two starting cornerbacks Patrick Peterson and Robert Alford with suspension and injury respectively, so their defense isn’t close to full strength.

That being said, I still think this line is way too high at Baltimore -13. Even if Jackson is an improved passer, this team still has significant concerns, especially on defense. Having already lost five defensive starters in free agency, the Ravens are now without cornerbacks Tavon Young and Jimmy Smith as well. Adding Earl Thomas in free agency obviously helps, but he can’t mask their other losses by himself. What was a dominant defense last season could easily be middle of the pack this season, at least against teams other than the Dolphins. If Jackson can perform like he did last week every week, that will mask their losses on defense, but he has yet to show consistency. The Ravens could also overlook the Cardinals a little bit, with a trip to Kansas City on deck. Favorites of 10+ are 63-83 ATS since 2002 before being underdogs. I have this line calculated at Baltimore -7, so we’re getting significant line value with the visitors at +13. This is my Pick of the Week.

Baltimore Ravens 27 Arizona Cardinals 20

Pick against the spread: Arizona +13

Confidence: Pick of the Week

Jacksonville Jaguars at Houston Texans: 2019 Week 2 NFL Pick

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Jacksonville Jaguars (0-1) at Houston Texans (0-1)

The season is only a week old, but the Jaguars are already pretty beat up. Their biggest injury is the loss of quarterback Nick Foles for a couple months with a broken collarbone. Sixth round rookie Gardner Minshew didn’t look bad last week in relief of Foles, but that was at home, against a Chiefs defense that was one of the worst in the league last season, and it largely came against a prevent defense in a game that wasn’t close most of the way. He’ll face a much tougher test on the road in Houston this week and the Texans will also be better prepared to face him than the Chiefs were, with close to a full game of tape to study and a week to prepare. 

Foles’ injury might be the Jaguars’ biggest, but it’s far from their only serious injury situation. The Jaguars will also again be without blindside protector Cam Robinson after he suffered a setback in his recovery from a torn ACL last week and they’ll be without cornerback AJ Bouye and defensive end Yannick Ngakoue, two of their best defensive players. This defense was already a far cry from their 2017 defense before those two injuries. Without those two, the Jaguars will have just four of their top-13 defensive players in terms of played in 2017 active in this game. In their current injury situation, this is one of the worst few teams in the league.

The Texans aren’t a great team, but I think we’re getting line value with them as 8.5 point favorites. We’re not getting a ton of line value, but I have this calculated at Houston -11 and the public seems to be underestimating the Jaguars’ injury situation. Minshew should struggle in his first career road start against a solid defense, while the Jaguars’ defense won’t be much resistance for Deshaun Watson and company. The Texans should win this with relative ease, by double digits. They’re worth a small bet.

Houston Texans 24 Jacksonville Jaguars 12

Pick against the spread: Houston -8.5

Confidence: Medium

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Carolina Panthers: 2019 Week 2 NFL Pick

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-1) at Carolina Panthers (0-1)

Both of these teams lost week 1, but it’s clear there’s a wide talent gap between these two teams. The Panthers loss came against a likely playoff team in the Rams and it was a game that easily could have in a number of different ways. The final margin of victory was just three points and the Rams got the recovery on all four fumbles that occured in the game. The Panthers were the better team in first down rate (37.50% vs. 34.72%) and easily could have been the better team on the scoreboard if the ball had bounced differently. 

The Buccaneers, meanwhile, lost by two touchdowns at home against a so-so 49ers team in a game in which starting quarterback Jameis Winston looked awful. Winston threw three interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown, against a team that intercepted just two passes all last season. Turnover margins tend to be inconsistent tough to predict, but Winston has been the most turnover prone quarterback in the league over the past 5 seasons. 

The Buccaneers’ defense is unlikely to be good this season, so any projections for an improved Buccaneers team this season have to include an improved Jameis Winston under center. If Winston continues to struggle, this is likely a bottom-5 team. The Panthers, who look like a playoff contender on paper, shouldn’t have much trouble with them at home in Carolina. I have this line calculated at Carolina -10, so we’re getting enough value with the Panthers for a small bet on them. 

Carolina Panthers 31 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20

Pick against the spread: Carolina -7

Confidence: Medium

2019 Week 1 NFL Picks

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Instead of doing full write ups for each week 1 game, I’m going to have all of my week 1 picks here. If I were to do full write ups, a lot of the material would be redundant to my season previews, so I’ll keep it brief and link to my previews. From week 2 on, I will have full write ups as usual. 

For now, these are just my early thoughts, with a few picks locked in. I will have final updates, full score predictions, confidence rankings, and a Pick of the Week in the days leading up to the first Sunday of the season. 

Thursday

Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears

The Bears are favored by more than a field goal because they were the better team last season, but I could see that being flipped in 2019. The Bears had an easy schedule and no injuries last season and lost a pair of defensive starters this off-season. The Packers, meanwhile, should have a more productive passing game with a new offensive system in place and young receivers getting more experience. With a defense that was improved through free agency and what looks like a very promising running game, the Packers could be the most well rounded team in the league this season unless Aaron Rodgers continues to struggle by his standards. Even if the Bears are a tough opponent, I love getting more than a field goal with Green Bay here. 

Final Update: This is one I’m glad I locked in early, as this line has shifted to 3 in most places. I still like the Packers at +3, but getting the extra half point is key here. As mentioned in my previews, I have the Packers slightly ahead of the Bears this year. The Packers should have as good of a running game and defense as they’ve had in a while and, if Rodgers can bounce back from a down season, they should be Super Bowl contenders. The Bears, meanwhile, lost a pair of key starters on defense this off-season and benefited from an easy schedule in 2018. I’m going to keep this at high confidence because there are other games I like later in the week for my Pick of the Week. I will finalize the rest of my picks on Saturday.

Green Bay Packers 24 Chicago Bears 23 Upset Pick +160

Pick against the spread: Green Bay +3.5

Confidence: High

Sunday

Atlanta Falcons at Minnesota Vikings

The Falcons went just 7-9 last season, but their defense was much better in the second half of the season when Deion Jones returned from injury and now they get safeties Keanu Neal and Ricardo Allen back as well. On offense, they get running back Devonta Freeman back and should be better on the offensive line. They could easily get back to the post-season and I have them a few spots better in my rankings than the Vikings, who still have offensive line problems and might not be as good on defense with Sheldon Richardson gone and several other key players getting up there in age. The Falcons have a good chance of winning this one outright even on the road, so getting 4 points with them is great value.

Week 1 Update: Not much has changed here. I still like Atlanta and I am considering this as Pick of the Week.

Final Update: The only notable injury in this game is Minnesota wide receiver Stefon Diggs, who could be limited with a hamstring injury. That just solidifies my pick of Atlanta, who will be my Pick of the Week.

Atlanta Falcons 27 Minnesota Vikings 24 Upset Pick +170

Pick against the spread: Atlanta +4

Confidence: Pick of the Week

Washington Redskins at Philadelphia Eagles

This line is one of the highest of the week, but I don’t think it’s high enough, as this is a matchup between one of the worst and one of the best teams in the league. The Redskins will either be starting a rookie quarterback with just one year of college experience or veteran journeyman Case Keenum, with arguably the worst receiving corps in the league to throw to. Even with all of their quarterback moves this off-season, they will still really miss having a healthy Alex Smith. They weren’t bad defensively last season, but they weren’t good either, despite having next to no injuries, and they have big question marks at middle linebacker and safety after some off-season departures. The Eagles, meanwhile, should be much healthier this season, including Carson Wentz, who dealt with knee and back problems even when on the field last season. This line would be at least two touchdowns if these two teams were to meet in week 6, but I don’t think the public realizes how bad Washington is yet. 

Week 1 Update: Despite Trent Williams not reporting to the Redskins, this line has stayed under 10. I’m going to lock this in now.

Final Update: I’m glad I locked this in at 9.5 because this line has gone up to 10 or 10.5 in some places. The Eagles should win this with ease, especially with the Redskins missing starting cornerback Fabian Moreau with injury. 

Philadelphia Eagles 30 Washington Redskins 13

Pick against the spread: Philadelphia -9.5

Confidence: High

Buffalo Bills at New York Jets

I have these two teams about even in my roster rankings, so this line seems about right. The Bills are a little bit better, especially with the Jets missing tight end Chris Herndon to suspension, but I don’t think I’d bet on this one.

Week 1 Update: The Bills are the slightly better of these two teams, but not enough to bet them confidently.

Final Update: This line has shifted down to 2.5, so I’m actually going switch this pick to the Jets. The Bills are the slightly better team and could easily pull the upset, but the most likely outcome is the Jets winning by a field goal. This is a no confidence pick either way.

New York Jets 20 Buffalo Bills 17

Pick against the spread: NY Jets -2.5

Confidence: None

Baltimore Ravens at Miami Dolphins

Miami is probably going to be the worst team in the league this year, but Baltimore is also likely to be much worse than last season. Their offensive efficiency actually dropped when they went from Joe Flacco to Lamar Jackson down the stretch last season and their 6-1 record in Jackson’s starts was largely the result of an easy schedule and a dominant defense. That defense lost several starters in free agency this off-season, most of whom were not replaced, which really hurts a team that wants to be run heavy and hide Jackson’s accuracy problems. Jackson will likely have to pass much more than he did last season, in part to avoid the injury risk of carrying the ball 15-20 times, and he has a very unproven receiving corps to throw to. I probably wouldn’t bet on Miami, but this line is a little too high and Baltimore should be a good team to pick against for at least the first month of the season.

Week 1 Update: I don’t like betting on the Dolphins, but this line has gotten out of control. The Dolphins got even worse when they traded Laremy Tunsil to the Texans, but people don’t realize how much worse the Ravens’ defense has gotten this off-season, especially with cornerback Tavon Young now out for the season. This is only going to be a small bet, but I want to lock this in while we’re getting the full touchdown. The Dolphins won’t win many games this year, but I have this as their second most likely win of the season.

Final Update: I’m keeping this as a medium confidence pick.

Baltimore Ravens 20 Miami Dolphins 16

Pick against the spread: Miami +7

Confidence: Medium

Kansas City Chiefs at Jacksonville Jaguars

For now, I am assuming Tyreek Hill will not be playing in this game, as he seems likely to be suspended for at least some period of time. Without Hill and already without Kareem Hunt, suddenly Pat Mahomes’ weapons are not nearly as impressive. Mahomes should still be one of the top quarterbacks in the league this season, but this could be one of his worst games of the season, on the road, against a tough defense, without his top receiver. Jacksonville still has problems on offense, but they upgrade at quarterback with Nick Foles and they have a healthy Leonard Fournette and a healthier offensive line. Against a Chiefs defense that looks likely to be one of the worst in the league again in 2019, I like getting more than a field goal with the Jaguars at home. 

Update: Tyreek Hill will not be suspended. I will update this pick near the start of the season once there is a new line.

Week 1 Update: This line has stayed at about 4. I still think we are getting value with the Jaguars, as I have the Chiefs calculated as 1.5-point favorites in this game, but I’m hesitant to lock this in right now until I see how much the Jaguars are able to practice this week with a hurricane about to hit.

Final Update: The hurricane did not affect the Jaguars’ practices much this week, but they will be without left tackle Cam Robinson after he re-aggravated his surgically repaired ACL in practice this week. Despite that, this line has shifted down to 3.5. I’m still taking the Jaguars, but this is a low confidence pick. 

Kansas City Chiefs 26 Jacksonville Jaguars 24

Pick against the spread: Jacksonville +3.5

Confidence: Low

Tennessee Titans at Cleveland Browns

This line is about right. I think I’d lean towards Tennessee because Marcus Mariota is healthy for now and the Browns could take a few weeks to find their stride, with all of their new off-season additions, but the Browns have a clear talent edge and could easily win by a touchdown or more at home.

Week 1 Update: The Titans will be without left tackle Taylor Lewan in this one due to suspension, which definitely hurts their chances of covering this spread. I may decide to bet this one later in the week.

Final Update: This line is about right. I think we’re getting a little bit of line value with the Browns, but not enough to take them with any confidence.

Cleveland Browns 23 Tennessee Titans 17

Pick against the spread: Cleveland -5.5

Confidence: None

Los Angeles Rams at Carolina Panthers

The Panthers were 6-2 last season before Cam Newton got hurt and even when Newton was playing hurt many of their losses were close. The Panthers finished last season 12th in first down rate differential, 2nd best among non-playoff teams behind the Steelers, and Cam Newton should be healthy for week 1 after off-season surgery. They might not make the playoffs in the loaded NFC, but I like their chances of pulling the upset here at home week 1, as field goal underdogs. The Rams should still be good this season, but they lost a pair of offensive linemen in free agency and they still have question marks on defense around Aaron Donald.

Week 1 Update: This remains a Pick of the Week candidate.

Final Update: This is another one I’m glad I locked in because sharp action has dropped this down to 2 or 1.5 in some places. The Panthers should be favored in this game as there isn’t much of a talent gap between these two teams.

Carolina Panthers 30 Los Angeles Rams 27 Upset Pick +135

Pick against the spread: Carolina +3

Confidence: Medium

Cincinnati Bengals at Seattle Seahawks

The consensus seems to be that the Bengals will struggle this season, but I wouldn’t be so sure. Remember they were one of the better teams in the league last season before injuries struck, especially on offense when Andy Dalton, Tyler Eifert, and AJ Green were all healthy. They’re not necessarily a playoff team, but neither are the Seahawks and I have these two teams about even in my rankings, so we’re getting great value with the Bengals at +8. The Seahawks made the playoffs last season on the strength of a +15 turnover margin, but turnover margins are inconsistent on a year-to-year basis and the Seahawks continued shedding talent this off-season, with Frank Clark and Doug Baldwin no longer on the team. They have one of the weakest rosters in the league around quarterback Russell Wilson.

Week 1 Update: So much for the Bengals being healthy on offense. Not only is AJ Green out for the first few weeks of the season, but the Bengals lost first round pick Jonah Williams for the season, had left guard Clint Boling retire due to injury, and will likely be without left tackle Cordy Glenn due to a concussion. I’m not happy about having locked this one in, but I am glad I was able to lock in Green Bay before they went down to field goal underdogs.

Final Update: Even with all of the Bengals’ injuries, we’re getting a little bit of line value with the visitors here. Obviously I’m not happy about locking this in before the Bengals’ injuries, but Cincinnati should still be the pick for pick ‘em purposes. The Seahawks have Jadeveon Clowney, but they’ll be without first round rookie LJ Collier with injury, while Ezekiel Ansah is questionable with a groin injury.

Seattle Seahawks 23 Cincinnati Bengals 17

Pick against the spread: Cincinnati +8

Confidence: High

Indianapolis Colts at Los Angeles Chargers

These should be two of the best teams in the AFC in 2019 and no one should be surprised if this ends up being an AFC Championship preview, but the Colts are the better of the two teams, even if only slightly, and the Chargers have never gotten much help from their home crowd in Los Angeles, so they shouldn’t be getting the full field goal here. I probably wouldn’t bet on the Colts, but they look like the right side.

Week 1 Update: This game has probably had the most changes since I originally did these picks. The big difference is the Colts are without quarterback Andrew Luck after his surprising retirement, but the Chargers have lost key players as well, with Derwin James, Russell Okung, and holdout running back Melvin Gordon all out indefinitely. The Chargers have good running back depth, so Gordon isn’t a huge loss, but Okung was their only functional starting offensive lineman and James is one of the best defensive backs in the league. Those three losses should almost equal the loss of Luck, especially since the Colts have a good backup in Jacoby Brissett, but despite that this line has shifted all the way to a touchdown. I have these teams about even in my roster rankings and the Chargers don’t get full homefield advantage in Los Angeles, so we’re getting a lot of value with the Colts at +7. I’m locking this in and considering it for Pick of the Week.

Final Update: I still like the Colts a lot this week, but they’ll be without defensive end Jabaal Sheard with injury, so I’m not going to make this my Pick of the Week.

Los Angeles Chargers 23 Indianapolis Colts 20

Pick against the spread: Indianapolis +7

Confidence: High

San Francisco 49ers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

This line is about right as this game is close to a toss up, but I have the 49ers projected to win just slightly, so they would be my pick for pick ‘em purposes.

Week 1 Update: I still don’t have a strong lean on this one.

Final Update: Tampa Bay missing safety Jordan Evans, arguably their best defensive back, tips the scales in San Francisco’s favor in this one, but this is a no confidence pick.

San Francisco 49ers 31 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 30

Pick against the spread: San Francisco PK

Confidence: None

Detroit Lions at Arizona Cardinals

This line seems about right, but I like the Lions for two reasons. For one, this will be the first NFL start for Kyler Murray, who was only a starter for about a year in college. Two, the Lions have dominated against non-playoff teams in recent years and that’s what I expect the Cardinals to ultimately end up being. In the past three seasons, the Lions are 22-9 against non-playoff teams and just 2-16 against playoff qualifiers. I like their chances of covering in a game in which they basically just need to win to cover.

Week 1 Update: Nothing significant has changed here. I may end up placing a bet on the Lions.

Final Update: The Cardinals will be without right tackle Marcus Gilbert with injury, a big loss as the Cardinals were counting on their off-season acquisition to give them much needed offensive line help. Instead, they’ll turn to undrafted rookie Brett Toth, who was released by the Eagles at final cuts last week. Kyler Murray is going to be thrown to the wolves in his debut against a very  underrated defensive line. Despite Gilbert’s absence, this line has stayed at 2.5. Lock this in while you can. 

Detroit Lions 24 Arizona Cardinals 19

Pick against the spread: Detroit -2.5

Confidence: Medium

New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys haven’t been great at home as big favorites in recent years, but I don’t think this line is high enough, as the Cowboys are one of the better teams in the league, with the Giants are one of the worst. One thing to monitor with this game is that Dallas defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence is still considered questionable for week 1 after off-season shoulder surgery. Missing him would be a big blow to the Cowboys’ chances of winning by more than a touchdown. 

Week 1 Update: This line is off the board pending Ezekiel Elliott’s contract situation.

Final Update: Ezekiel Elliott will play after getting his extension. The full strength Cowboys should be favored by more than 7.5 points against a Giants team that is missing Golden Tate with suspension. I’m going to make a small bet on the Cowboys.

Dallas Cowboys 27 New York Giants 16

Pick against the spread: Dallas -7.5

Confidence: Medium

Pittsburgh Steelers at New England Patriots

I’ve gone back and forth on this one and probably will continue to do so over the next few weeks. On one hand, the Patriots have the talent advantage and have always played Pittsburgh very well. On the other hand, the Steelers beat the Patriots last year and this is probably a bigger game for them, as they’ll want a statement win to show they are still a threat, while the Patriots usually spend the first month of the season figuring things out.

Week 1 Update: I still don’t have a strong lean on this one.

Final Update: We’re getting a line bit of line value with the Patriots, but I’m not crazy about picking them early in the season.

New England Patriots 27 Pittsburgh Steelers 20

Pick against the spread: New England -6

Confidence: None

Monday

Houston Texans at New Orleans Saints

I have the Saints as the most talented team in the league, but they’ll likely be without Sheldon Rankins, who is still rehabbing from a torn Achilles he suffered in the playoffs last season, and fellow starting defensive tackle David Onyemata will also miss this game, due to a suspension. On top of that, they’ve traditionally started slow, going 2-12 ATS in the first 2 weeks of the season over the past 7 seasons. Remember last year when they lost at home to the Buccaneers? The Texans are a tougher opponent than Tampa Bay and could steal a win here. At the same time, I don’t know if we’re getting enough line value at +7 to take the Texans with any confidence.

Week 1 Update: I still don’t have a strong lean on this one.

Final update: I think the Texans made themselves worse by getting rid of Jadeveon Clowney and adding Laremy Tunsil and Kenny Stills (Clowney played at a borderline All-Pro level in 2018, something Tunsil has yet to do), but the Saints usually take a couple weeks to hit their stride (3-14-1 ATS in weeks 1 and 2 since 2010), so this is a no confidence play.

New Orleans Saints 28 Houston Texans 20

Pick against the spread: New Orleans -7

Confidence: None

Denver Broncos at Oakland Raiders

This line seems about right. I have the Raiders projected to win, but only by a slim margin. That slim margin is more likely to be a field goal than a single point though, so Oakland is probably the right side for pick ‘em purposes.

Week 1 Update: I still don’t have a strong lean on this one. One of these teams is likely to win by a field goal, but I’m not sure which one. The line movement from Oakland -2 to Oakland +1.5 is largely insignificant.

Final Update: Antonio Brown’s release has moved this line to Denver -2.5. I have this line calculated at Denver -1, which is a pretty insignificant difference. Even though we’re getting a little bit of line value with the Raiders, the most likely outcome might by Denver winning by a field goal, so I’m taking the Broncos for pick ’em purposes. In addition to losing Brown, the Raiders will also be without starting left guard Richie Incognito with suspension and starting right guard Gabe Jackson with injury.

Denver Broncos 23 Oakland Raiders 20

Pick against the spread: Denver -2.5

Confidence: None

2018 Picks (59.74% ATS)