Bleacher Fable’s Professional Consensus Week 1 NFL Picks
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Michael Wyke/Connected Press
The COVID-19 pandemic is now not if truth be told over, however the irregular NFL offseason that resulted from it is in a roundabout contrivance within the abet of us. Now, we can all sit down abet and distract ourselves with the muse of a recent decade of educated soccer.
The return of the NFL also contrivance the return of having a bet for tons of. And whether you are selecting video games for fun in an situation of enterprise pool, for pocket trade with mates or for big on line casino bucks, Bleacher Fable has you covered with weekly choices towards the unfold.
B/R NFL correspondents Gary Davenport, Brad Gagnon, Kalyn Kahler, Matt Miller, Brent Sobleski and Master Tesfatsion shall be making their picks right here every and each Thursday, starting with 16 customary kicks on the can this week.
Here’s the first edition.
Traces are from DraftKings as of Wednesday, Sept. 9 at 9 p.m. ET. Study DraftKings for the most modern odds data.
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Charlie Riedel/Connected Press
Unfold: Kansas Metropolis -9
Since they started playing weeknight odd-season kickoff video games in 2002, the avenue crew has covered the unfold easiest four events. However that occurred when the Inexperienced Bay Packers defeated the Chicago Bears on the avenue in closing 365 days’s opener, and it occurred three years within the past when the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs afraid the Unusual England Patriots in Foxborough.
While our panelists aren’t essentially calling for one other shocker, the bulk believes a 9-point unfold is simply too high for Kansas Metropolis in this case.
“The stench of a 51-31 Texans loss to the Chiefs within the divisional spherical of closing season’s postseason mustn’t linger into a recent campaign,” Sobleski mentioned. “Besides, these two squads split their conferences closing season. Many possess poked fun of the Texans this offseason thanks to the DeAndre Hopkins trade, but Houston serene parts a proficient roster as the reigning AFC South champs.
“Furthermore, the Chiefs shall be without suspended cornerback Beshaud Breeland, which would per chance well maybe allow Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson to milk an unsettled secondary. The big unfold is extra an enticement for bettors than the explicit discrepancy between these two squads.”
Watson is one of many NFL’s ultimate performers leisurely in shut video games, which is a big the explanation why the Texans possess misplaced easiest three video games by double-digit margins courting abet to the inaugurate of 2018.
While the energy related to a condominium opener following a Spacious Bowl victory on the entire boosts defending champions in these video games, Arrowhead Stadium shall be removed from corpulent Thursday evening. Oddsmakers would per chance well need peril weighing dwelling-field advantage below the recent conditions, so you may per chance well maybe are looking to play it stable with so many factors on the toll road.
The backdoor duvet would be your friend right here.
Predictions
Davenport: Kansas Metropolis
Gagnon: Kansas Metropolis
Kahler: Houston
Miller: Houston
Sobleski: Houston
Tesfatsion: Houston
Consensus: Houston +9
Score Prediction: Chiefs 28, Texans 26
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Gash Wass/Connected Press
Unfold: Baltimore -8
The Cleveland Browns earned a split with the Baltimore Ravens closing season, and additionally they’d be better on paper now than they had been then, but they’re also looking to secure many extra changes than the Ravens. In this kind of restricted offseason, that would be problematic out of the gate.
And it would per chance well maybe mutter why the bulk of our specialists are giving up eight factors with Baltimore on Sunday afternoon.
“It feels a diminutive bit vulgar that the Browns fan bought requested to elaborate laying over a touchdown with Baltimore, but spicy,” Davenport joked. “I even don’t possess any tears left anyway (over again, Browns fan).
“Rather then Earl Thomas and Marshal Yanda, the Ravens didn’t endure any valuable losses within the offseason (and the significance of the Thomas loss is controversial). The additions, significantly on protection, had been masses of.”
By comparison, Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield shall be playing his first-ever sport with two recent offensive tackles and a recent tight halt, whereas Kevin Stefanski shall be head-coaching his first-ever sport duration. On the opposite sideline, what you are getting with John Harbaugh.
“The Ravens are playing at dwelling towards the closing crew to beat them within the odd season for the first time since the Tennessee Titans alarmed them within the playoffs,” Davenport added. “One thing in single digits is straightforward money right here. Payback is coming.”
Predictions
Davenport: Baltimore
Gagnon: Cleveland
Kahler: Baltimore
Miller: Baltimore
Sobleski: Cleveland
Tesfatsion: Baltimore
Consensus: Baltimore -8
Score Prediction: Ravens 31, Browns 20
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Alex Brandon/Connected Press
Unfold: Philadelphia -5.5
Here’s our first “don’t touch this with a 10-foot pole” sport of the 2020 season. These didn’t exist when we had an odd replacement of predictors closing 365 days, but they would per chance well reach in helpful for folks who desire a if truth be told feel for which matchups seem like significantly unpredictable.
Some pools would per chance well require you to secure a desire for every sport, though, so we’re right here with some diagnosis despite the split decision.
First, why are our correspondents so divided? For starters, or now not it is an continually-chaotic NFC East matchup. However we’re also making an try at two teams dealing with major offensive line questions and big changes total coming into Week 1 following a wacky offseason. Few would be bowled over to behold a shut sport, an Eagles blowout and even a Washington victory. (Washington led the Eagles by two rankings within the third quarter of Philly’s 2019 dwelling opener earlier than choking.)
Gagnon on Washington: “This unfold feels a tad high pondering the Eagles’ messy plight at guard following offseason accidents to Brandon Brooks and Andre Dillard (the latter of which compelled Jason Peters abet outside). That stacked Washington defensive front would per chance well maybe serene possess masses of possibilities to secure at Carson Wentz, and or now not it is fully you can imagine Washington quarterback Dwayne Haskins wakened for correct when he posted a 131.1 passer rating in his closing two video games as a rookie. No contrivance I’m laying 5.5 with Philly on the avenue.”
Davenport on Philly: “The Eagles possess damage factors in all places. The offensive line. The line of defense. The large receivers. And Carson Wentz has overlooked apply time as effectively. It raises precise issues about the crew’s long-term potentialities. However in Week 1, they serene possess bigger than ample firepower to dispatch a Washington crew that would per chance well maybe sport the worst offense within the NFL.”
Predictions
Davenport: Philadelphia
Gagnon: Washington
Kahler: Washington
Miller: Philadelphia
Sobleski: Philadelphia
Tesfatsion: Washington
Consensus: None
Score Prediction: Eagles 24, Redskins 19
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Michael Conroy/Connected Press
Unfold: Indianapolis -8
In the occasion you take into tale that the Indianapolis Colts possess misplaced six of their closing 9 conferences towards the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars, and that they’ve defeated Jacksonville by a double-digit margin easiest as soon as since the inaugurate of 2015, or now not it is straightforward to fancy why Indy is now not if truth be told an even bigger popular right here.
However that lone blowout victory came closing season, and the Jags possess since gone fully into the tank. As a consequence, 5 of our six specialists are utilizing with the popular.
“With the unloading of Leonard Fournette, Ronnie Harrison, Calais Campbell, A.J. Bouye and Yannick Ngakoue this offseason, the Jaguars look to be tanking for Trevor [Lawrence],” Kahler mentioned. “Upon his trade to Cleveland, Harrison even tweeted that it used to be nice to be around a recent crew that is united around one total map, implying that a hit used to be now not the point of hobby in Jacksonville. Here’s an straightforward desire. I will raise the recent-look Colts with Philip Rivers on the helm.”
Jacksonville has dwelling-field advantage, but that won’t be as valuable below recent conditions, and the Jaguars misplaced three of their closing four 2019 dwelling video games by 17-plus factors. And whereas you may by no contrivance rule out “Minshew Magic” from Jags quarterback Gardner Minshew II, the 2019 rookie sensation also came abet to earth with a sub-60 completion price and a sub-90 passer rating in December closing season.
It is probably going you’ll well potentially if truth be told feel stable spotting that crew eight factors in this space.
Predictions
Davenport: Jacksonville
Gagnon: Indianapolis
Kahler: Indianapolis
Miller: Indianapolis
Sobleski: Indianapolis
Tesfatsion: Indianapolis
Consensus: Indianapolis -8
Score Prediction: Colts 31, Jaguars 13
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Adrian Kraus/Connected Press
Unfold: Buffalo -6.5
Oddly, the Buffalo Payments possess defeated the Unusual York Jets in every of their closing two matchups in Unusual Jersey and misplaced to them whereas failing to duvet the unfold in every of their closing two conferences in Orchard Park. Here’s one other dwelling sport towards Gang Inexperienced, but our entire crew is willing to bet that style will halt with a decisive Buffalo victory Sunday afternoon.
“The Jets may per chance per chance be the worst crew in soccer,” Miller mentioned. “Meanwhile, Sean McDermott’s Payments are amongst the toughest, most disciplined squads within the league with arguably the final word cornerback on this planet in Tre’Davious White. Buffalo -6.5 is straightforward money.”
White would per chance well maybe secure it extraordinarily refined for Jets quarterback Sam Darnold to secure off to a sturdy inaugurate in an well-known third season, whereas the absence of departed celeb security Jamal Adams would per chance well maybe serene secure it easier for Payments quarterback Josh Allen to operate below the identical conditions. It also would now not encourage that the Jets are bringing an fully recent offensive line along with diminutive preparation time for a matchup with a top-notch defensive front, whereas Buffalo would per chance well maybe serene support from great extra continuity for the length of the roster.
Plus, the Payments by no contrivance had a receiver esteem Stefon Diggs in these previous conferences.
It be unanimous.
Predictions
Davenport: Buffalo
Gagnon: Buffalo
Kahler: Buffalo
Miller: Buffalo
Sobleski: Buffalo
Tesfatsion: Buffalo
Consensus: Buffalo -6.5
Score Prediction: Payments 27, Jets 10
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Elise Amendola/Connected Press
Unfold: Unusual England -6.5
With a first-spherical bye on the toll road, the Unusual England Patriots famously laid a Week 17 egg towards the Miami Dolphins closing 365 days. In fact, Unusual England has struggled traditionally towards its weaker division rival, with the Dolphins stealing victories in six of their closing 13 matchups.
On paper, the Dolphins look better than they possess in years, whereas the Pats had been gutted by offseason losses. However most of our writers if truth be told feel these conditions are constructed into this line, which arguably creates correct price for the Pats towards an opponent that is serene placing things collectively.
“Don’t inaugurate throwing grime on the Patriots dynasty factual yet,” Sobleski mentioned. “Invoice Belichick‘s squad is serene in a position to a hit the AFC East, significantly with a wholesome Cam Newton leading the formula. Yes, Unusual England’s roster took masses of hits this offseason, however the Patriots remain an experienced group with about a of the league’s ultimate coaches leading the formula.
“The Dolphins, within the intervening time, shall be counting on a rebuilt offensive line with four recent starters, including a pair of newcomers, to give protection to Ryan Fitzpatrick. You better judge Belichick will devise strategies to create stress for the length of this contest. The Patriots can ship a message by environment the tone towards upstart Miami.”
Throw in that Unusual England shall be out to divulge a degree with closing 365 days’s loss and a brutal offseason in mind, and the Pats laying lower than a touchdown are an evident desire for the giant majority of our group.
Predictions
Davenport: Unusual England
Gagnon: Unusual England
Kahler: Unusual England
Miller: Unusual England
Sobleski: Unusual England
Tesfatsion: Miami
Consensus: Unusual England -6.5
Score Prediction: Patriots 27, Dolphins 16
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Charles Rex Arbogast/Connected Press
Unfold: Detroit -3
“A Week 1 Chicago Bears-Detroit Lions NFC North matchup is a if truth be told degenerate sport to bet on, even extra so with fewer practices as a results of COVID-19,” Tesfatsion mentioned. “However the toll road has moved quite so much.
“Along with shopping and selling Darius Abolish, Detroit will possess four broken-down Patriots starters on protection. It be now not Chicago’s protection, however the familiarity to Matt Patricia’s design would per chance well maybe serene curb some chemistry factors and toughen its front seven with Jamie Collins, Trey Plant life and Danny Shelton. However in a roundabout contrivance, I’m leaning on a wholesome Matthew Stafford to duvet at dwelling over a (serene, in a contrivance) Mitchell Trubisky-led Bears offense.”
The line has certainly moved from barely north of a desire’em earlier this summer season, meaning the Lions possess trended effectively however the final public money is now even. With Detroit at dwelling but without fans, this unfold is probably going suggesting Detroit is a diminutive bit better than Chicago on a neutral field. To secure within the abet of Detroit, or now not it is miles principal to judge that, and it appears to be like merely about all of our panelists assemble.
Why? If Stafford is wholesome—and there may per chance be diminutive motive to doubt that exact now—Detroit’s quarterback advantage is broad. However the Lions even possess moderately evident edges at operating abet, huge receiver, tight halt and along the offensive line. Khalil Mack may per chance per chance be the final word defensive player in this matchup, however the Chicago D would now not possess masses of elite skill previous that. It be onerous to argue that he alone can make amends for all of the aforementioned shortcomings when compared with the Lions.
And so right here we’re.
Predictions
Davenport: Chicago
Gagnon: Detroit
Kahler: Detroit
Miller: Detroit
Sobleski: Detroit
Tesfatsion: Detroit
Consensus: Detroit -3
Score Prediction: Lions 26, Bears 20
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Ted S. Warren/Connected Press
Unfold: Seattle -1.5
The Seattle Seahawks are the final word public popular on Sunday’s agenda, which is something bettors must be cautious of, significantly towards an experienced opponent on the avenue. However they’re laying easiest 1.5 factors, which is something the bulk of our pickers are willing to sacrifice by backing the Seahawks over the continually unpredictable Atlanta Falcons.
“While I assemble judge the Falcons will extra carefully resemble their leisurely-2019 selves quite than early 2019, I will give this one to Seattle,” Kahler mentioned. “Quarterback Russell Wilson‘s playmaking will give them an edge, and I set a query to the protection to be improved from closing season, when they gave up the second-most yards in crew history. The addition of Jamal Adams playing alongside Quandre Diggs provides Seattle a security tandem they haven’t seen since Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor.”
Seattle does look stronger on protection than it has in years, and there may per chance be diminutive doubt the crew as a full is extra honest than Atlanta. The Falcons wakened out of nowhere to post a 6-2 file down the stretch closing season, but they’re 13-19 towards the unfold over the closing two seasons, and additionally they didn’t secure any Adams-esteem splashes this offseason.
It be also price noting that whereas Seattle is a famously grand dwelling crew, the Seahawks went 7-1 on the avenue closing season, and there would per chance well now not be any fans within the stadium Sunday.
Peaceable, this is removed from unanimous. Gagnon, for one, would now not if truth be told feel correct about Seattle’s notoriously leisurely Week 1 performances from the previous. That is price pondering whereas you are looking to ponder whether to secure in on the action right here.
Predictions
Davenport: Atlanta
Gagnon: Atlanta
Kahler: Seattle
Miller: Seattle
Sobleski: Seattle
Tesfatsion: Seattle
Consensus: Seattle -1.5
Score Prediction: Seahawks 26, Falcons 23
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Bruce Kluckhohn/Connected Press
Unfold: Minnesota -2.5
In a single of easiest about a acts of unanimity this week, your full crew of B/R correspondents is backing the Inexperienced Bay Packers on the avenue even supposing they’re getting lower than a field map from an opponent that acquired a playoff sport in 2019.
Why such diminutive self perception within the Minnesota Vikings? As Davenport factors out, dwelling-field advantage would per chance well maybe now not topic great, and a wholesome Aaron Rodgers shall be effectively-positioned to desire on a rebuilding Minnesota secondary.
“The Packers swept Minnesota closing season, but since 2016, the Vikings serene possess a 4-3-1 edge in this series,” Davenport significant. “They even possess (arguably) the simpler crew on paper. What they would per chance well now not possess Sunday is fans making a ridiculous amount of noise at U.S. Monetary institution Stadium or a secondary that shall be depended on the least bit. Aaron Rodgers pulling out an grotesque sport in Week 1 towards a division opponent is a phenomenon so rare, it hasn’t been witnessed since closing September in Chicago.”
Rodgers committed leisurely-sport heroics in abet-to-abet Week 1 victories towards the Bears over the closing two seasons. Now he’ll trudge towards a protection that continues to be proficient but would per chance well need time to adapt to a recent-look cornerback depth chart and a defensive front that swapped out Everson Griffen, Linval Joseph and Stephen Weatherly for Yannick Ngakoue.
There is a diminutive bit extra balance with the Packers, who even possess the trudge-dashing skill to milk a perma-susceptible Minnesota offensive line.
Predictions
Davenport: Inexperienced Bay
Gagnon: Inexperienced Bay
Kahler: Inexperienced Bay
Miller: Inexperienced Bay
Sobleski: Inexperienced Bay
Tesfatsion: Inexperienced Bay
Consensus: Inexperienced Bay +2.5
Score Prediction: Packers 24, Vikings 23
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Chris Carlson/Connected Press
Unfold: Las Vegas -3.5
Readers would per chance well maybe serene consider how shut this used to be to a split decision.
“I waffled but in a roundabout contrivance would per chance well maybe now not tackle taking the Las Vegas Raiders facing a hook on the avenue,” Gagnon mentioned. “They’re the simpler crew exact now, and I even don’t possess any clue what dwelling-field advantage amounts to below COVID-19 conditions. The Carolina Panthers protection is a full work in growth, and there may per chance be now not any telling how incoming quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and recent head coach Matt Rhule will take care of a severely restricted offseason.
“As a consequence of this I would per chance well maybe be all over the keep Las Vegas if the toll road had been within a field map. However 3.5 factors? All the contrivance by the country towards an weird and wonderful opponent? The Raiders misplaced four avenue video games by 18-plus factors closing 365 days and aren’t all immediately a contender because they added Henry Ruggs III, Cory Littleton and Gash Kwiatkoski within the offseason. This must be a pretty even matchup, significantly since the Las Vegas D would be overwhelmed by Christian McCaffrey and DJ Moore.”
A noxious-convention Week 1 matchup bright a crew with a recent quarterback and head coach that will or would per chance well maybe now not personal dwelling-field advantage and a crew that is laying a field map plus a hook all the contrivance by the country is per chance a matchup to handbook certain of.
Predictions
Davenport: Carolina
Gagnon: Carolina
Kahler: Carolina
Miller: Las Vegas
Sobleski: Las Vegas
Tesfatsion: Carolina
Consensus: Carolina +3.5
Score Prediction: Raiders 24, Panthers 21
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Bryan Woolston/Connected Press
Unfold: Los Angeles -3
Talking of video games to handbook certain of, we even possess a selecting tie within the leisurely-afternoon matchup between the continually unreliable Los Angeles Chargers and mysterious Cincinnati Bengals. The Bolts are laying a corpulent field map on the avenue, which is simply too rich for 3 predictors but price the danger for 3 others.
“I judge masses of us can possess gone either contrivance right here,” Gagnon mentioned. “Or essentially, neither desire. I would now not trudge shut to this sport. On one hand, Cincinnati’s unproven offensive line would be plowed over by a sturdy Bolts trudge trip, resulting in a disastrous debut for Joe Burrow following a restricted initial offseason. However alternatively, the command of the unknown would be a venture for the touring Chargers, who don’t possess any opinion what to are waiting for from a younger, remade Cincinnati squad.
“No consequence would surprise me right here, but I don’t belief Tyrod Taylor and a Chargers crew that is laying factors on the avenue following the deflating loss of star security Derwin James.”
This sport feels extraordinarily likely to be decided by a field map, and the Chargers are extra established and proficient. Our specialists are certainly calling for a push.
Predictions
Davenport: Cincinnati
Gagnon: Cincinnati
Kahler: Los Angeles
Miller: Cincinnati
Sobleski: Los Angeles
Tesfatsion: Los Angeles
Consensus: None
Score Prediction: Chargers 23, Bengals 20
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Rick Scuteri/Connected Press
Unfold: San Francisco -6.5
In the occasion you had been on the Arizona Cardinals of their Week 1 matchup with the San Francisco 49ers and had been ready to stable them when most books—including DraftKings—had them getting a corpulent seven factors, congratulations.
Arizona performed San Francisco tight in each and each of their 2019 conferences, and that used to be earlier than the Cardinals added All-Pro huge receiver DeAndre Hopkins to the fray. It used to be also earlier than the 49ers had been overwhelmed by accidents and the likelihood of a Spacious Bowl hangover this offseason.
With a restricted dwelling-field advantage as a results of an empty stadium Sunday, 5 of our six writers if truth be told feel 6.5 factors is serene too great to give up with San Francisco.
“Bag in mind me all-in on the Cardinals’ offense,” Miller mentioned. “Kyler Murray used to be electrical as a rookie, and he has even extra skill around him now with the addition of Hopkins. Also, in all likelihood most significantly, head coach and offensive mastermind Kliff Kingsbury has had time to acclimate to the NFL. The 49ers are the crew to beat within the NFC, but after a training camp corpulent of accidents, or now not it is foolish to judge they’re going to dominate the Cardinals to a degree that this sport is a blowout.”
The icing on the cake for these siding with Arizona frequently is the truth 49ers huge receivers Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk and Richie James, linebacker Fred Warner and tight halt George Kittle possess all been dealing with accidents. Wideouts Jalen Hurd and J.J. Nelson are already out for the season, and the Niners are also looking to change trench starters DeForest Buckner and Joe Staley.
Predictions
Davenport: 49ers
Gagnon: Cardinals
Kahler: Cardinals
Miller: Cardinals
Sobleski: Cardinals
Tesfatsion: Cardinals
Consensus: Cardinals +6.5
Score Prediction: 49ers 26, Cardinals 23
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Butch Dill/Connected Press
Unfold: Unusual Orleans -3.5
Relationship abet to 2013, the notoriously behind-starting Unusual Orleans Saints possess covered the unfold in easiest two of the 14 video games they’ve performed in Weeks 1 and a pair of. Brooding about the fun surrounding the visiting Tampa Bay Buccaneers, or now not it is no surprise our specialists are split and the unfold remains within the field-map vary for Sunday’s opener between the two.
However Unusual Orleans serene has the bulk of the votes at minus-3.5 factors.
“I’d obviously desire to handbook certain of the hook right here and would consider shopping abet a half of-point if that had been readily available to me,” Gagnon mentioned. “That is mainly because we won’t expose how the Saints will react to the on the entire cacophonous Superdome without fans.
“However Unusual Orleans is serene an well-known deeper crew with far extra confirmed continuity than a Tampa Bay crew that is bringing masses of recent factors along with diminutive prep. Throw in uncertainty surrounding the gap of celeb Bucs receiver Mike Evans, and this is now not if truth be told a now not easy call.”
That continuity is something to gape for with the Buccaneers. Unusual quarterback Tom Brady is obviously a shining worn star, but it certainly would be understandable if it took some sport time for him to secure on the identical internet page as the the relaxation of that offense. The Saints are the identical used Saints, and you will judge they’d in a roundabout contrivance buck that early-season struggles style.
Predictions
Davenport: Unusual Orleans
Gagnon: Unusual Orleans
Kahler: Tampa Bay
Miller: Tampa Bay
Sobleski: Unusual Orleans
Tesfatsion: Unusual Orleans
Consensus: Unusual Orleans -3.5
Score Prediction: Saints 27, Buccaneers 21
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Jae C. Hong/Connected Press
Unfold: Dallas -3
It is now not if truth be told odd for teams esteem the Dallas Cowboys to position further factors as a results of shading from books which are looking to raise honest correct thing about these backing “The united states’s Crew.” And on the outside. that would per chance well maybe seem just like the case with Dallas laying a corpulent field map on the avenue towards the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday evening.
However over again, with the group a nonfactor, the game situation would per chance well maybe now not play great of a job. And whereas the Dallas offensive line has suffered some now not easy losses this offseason, there may per chance be been significantly of an exodus from a cap-strapped Rams crew that also overlooked the playoffs in 2019.
With that in mind, merely about all of our specialists are laying three factors with the Cowboys.
“The Cowboys are an even bigger all-around squad, though some peril exists at exact kind out with La’el Collins on injured reserve,” Sobleski mentioned. “If Dallas can properly protect Dak Prescott, the quarterback has so many suggestions to milk within the passing sport with Amari Cooper, Michael Gallup and this 365 days’s first-spherical draft desire, CeeDee Lamb. Yes, the Rams secondary serene has Jalen Ramsey, however the unit is now without Nickell Robey-Coleman and Eric Weddle. Wade Phillips is now not if truth be told calling the performs anymore, either.”
The Rams possess also misplaced Dante Fowler Jr., Cory Littleton, Ndamukong Suh, Marcus Peters, Aqib Talib and LaMarcus Joyner within the closing 18 months. They’re trending within the contaminated course, whereas the Cowboys remain moderately grand on either aspect of the ball despite Collins’ damage and Travis Frederick’s retirement.
And thus, they’re the desire.
Predictions
Davenport: Los Angeles
Gagnon: Dallas
Kahler: Dallas
Miller: Dallas
Sobleski: Dallas
Tesfatsion: Dallas
Consensus: Dallas -3
Score Prediction: Cowboys 31, Rams 20
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Keith Srakocic/Connected Press
Unfold: Pittsburgh -5.5
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ fierce protection compelled a league-high 38 turnovers closing season and appears to be like factual as grand on paper headed into 2020, whereas Unusual York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones used to be one of easiest two gamers to file 30-plus blended interceptions and fumbles.
That would now not bode effectively for the Giants’ possibilities Monday evening towards Pittsburgh, significantly with a questionable-at-ultimate dwelling-field advantage at MetLife Stadium. So whereas there may per chance be motive to judge Unusual York would be better in 2020, all six of our specialists are backing a Steelers crew that is getting future Corridor of Fame quarterback Ben Roethlisberger abet, minus 5.5 factors.
“This must be a if truth be told bodily sport,” Tesfatsion mentioned. “The Steelers protection, finishing third in protection DVOA closing season, merely about carried the crew into the playoffs with Mason Rudolph and Duck Hodges below middle. That unit must be vulgar over again, affirming great of its continuity outside of Javon Hargrave, and secure it a long day for Jones and Saquon Barkley. Whatever Roethlisberger can assemble shall be an upgrade over Rudolph and Hodges. And he has a correct group of younger receivers to focal point on. Pittsburgh rolls.”
In the occasion you take into tale Barkley’s return to health, authorized improvements to the younger Giants and questions on Roethlisberger’s bodily convey, 5.5 factors does if truth be told feel esteem so much. However at this point, none of Tesfatsion’s colleagues are willing to gamble on the G-Males, either.
Predictions
Davenport: Pittsburgh
Gagnon: Pittsburgh
Kahler: Pittsburgh
Miller: Pittsburgh
Sobleski: Pittsburgh
Tesfatsion: Pittsburgh
Consensus: Pittsburgh -5.5
Score Prediction: Steelers 30, Giants 17
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Jack Dempsey/Connected Press
Unfold: Tennessee -2.5
When Denver Broncos perennial Pro Bowl edge defender Von Miller suffered a potentially season-ending ankle damage Tuesday, this line swung from the desire’em vary to Tennessee Titans -2.5, which would seem a diminutive bit aggressive if now not for the truth it didn’t noxious any key point markers.
“In the occasion you belief the Titans had been going to duvet as a one-point underdog, you will potentially stick to them minus 2.5 factors with out a Miller on the opposite aspect,” outlined Gagnon, who had Denver earlier than the Miller damage and line shift. “The most sharp request is whether or now not Denver bettors are serene confident the Broncos can desire this sport sans Miller, because you mustn’t bother with a 2.5-point underdog until you noticed they will desire outright.
“I’d try to secure this to Denver +3 if you can imagine, and if now not, I’d wait to behold if it shifts increased factual to be stable. However I’m serene reluctantly sticking with the Broncos mainly because Miller wasn’t a giant command in my customary call. The Broncos are ascending on offense and serene grand up front on protection, and I don’t belief that the Titans weren’t an aberration with sudden breakouts from Ryan Tannehill and Derrick Henry in 2019.”
The Broncos were dealt quite so much of blows and would per chance well’t guarantee us great from quarterback Drew Lock basically based fully mostly on a small pattern, but Tennessee misplaced stalwart offensive kind out Jack Conklin in free agency and would per chance well’t protest us that Tannehill and Henry will abet it up. This is now not if truth be told a sturdy play either contrivance, and our group’s shut vote tally confirms that, but we’re leaning throughout the dwelling crew within the leisurely Monday Night Football opener.
Predictions
Davenport: Denver
Gagnon: Denver
Kahler: Denver
Miller: Tennessee
Sobleski: Denver
Tesfatsion: Tennessee
Consensus: Denver +2.5
Score Prediction: Broncos 21, Titans 20
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