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Welcome, football bettors! Another NFL season begins today, and with it, millions and millions of dollars flowing through the almighty sportsbooks. If you want some of that cash to flow into your checking account, check out this week's edition of Sunday Spreads!
This year, we at House Enterprise have decided to shake things up a bit, and I will now go head-to-head against House Enterprise Co-founder and BBB Podcast Co-host Will Tondo! We've divided today's 14 games amongst ourselves, and provided an explanation for how each game will play out against the spread!
Basel's Picks
1 PM Games
Pittsburgh Steelers at Buffalo Bills
Bills fans will hope to relive their late season upset over the Steelers in this season’s opener, entering this one as a 6.5-point favorite at home. It’s a large spread for Buffalo to cover, but Big Ben’s arm will tire out a lot sooner than Josh Allen’s. If Buffalo can turn this one into a shootout, they’ll be able to take it by a touchdown and change. Bills -6.5
Minnesota Vikings at Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Burrow looks to mark his return from injury with an exclamation point against the Vikings. He’s got some decent weapons in Joe Mixon and Ja’Marr Chase, but Cincy’s defense could keep this one too close. As for their opponent, Minnesota’s weak O-Line could prevent Kirk Cousins from accomplishing everything he wants to out on the field today. Take Bengals +3.5.
New York Jets at Carolina Panthers
Against the team that failed to build around him, Sam Darnold will look to take down the Jets with plenty of weapons. Although it pains me to say it as a Jets fan, I think he’ll get the job done. With Jets Teammate Robby Anderson coming with Darnold to Carolina, and Christian McCaffrey alleviating pressure in the backfield, Darnold will come out the gate with a solid offensive performance to stun Zach Wilson in his debut. Panthers -3.5 is a steal.
Jacksonville Jaguars at Houston Texans
Honestly, this game is a betting nightmare for both sides. On one hand, you have Quarterback Trevor Lawrence and Head Coach Urban Meyer each making their NFL debuts, while also being on the ever-cursed Jaguars. On the other, you have Tyrod Taylor making the start for Houston with Brandin Cooks as his only truly viable target. If you have to make a pick, go Jags -3.5, and then never take Jacksonville again in 2021.
Seattle Seahawks at Indianapolis Colts
This one is going to come down to the guys behind center, and between Carson Wentz and Russell Wilson, I’m expecting Russ to cook 99 times out of 100. Add the fact that Wentz missed preseason due to foot surgery, and even with Indy’s solid defense, I just don’t think Wentz will be able to keep up with Wilson and his top-tier receiving core. Taking Seahawks -3 seems like a steal to me, but that’s what the books have going into game time. I’d take Seattle as far as -5 in this Week 1 matchup.
Arizona Cardinals at Tennessee Titans
If you’re in a confidence pool, throw this pick towards the bottom, as both teams were relatively mediocre against the spread at 7-9. That being said, the key to this game is going to be when Tennessee has the ball. JJ Watt and Arizona’s defense will be solid, but they’ll need to gel a bit more before they’re a top tier unit, and the Titans just have way too many options between Derrick Henry, Julio Jones, and AJ Brown to keep them all under control. As for Arizona’s offense, they’ll keep it close. Deandre Hopkins is always a threat, and newly promoted RB Chase Edmonds (the Fordham GOAT) can always grab a sneaky touchdown. Take Tennessee -3 and keep your fingers crossed.
4 PM Games
Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots
Believe it or not, the Dolphins were tied with Buffalo as the best team against the spread last year, covering in 11 of their 16 regular season games. In their first year sans Tom Brady, the pats struggled ATS and straight up, with a 7-9 record in both categories.
Mac Jones is drawing most of the headlines ahead of this game, as he makes his NFL debut against former Bama teammate Tua Tagovailoa. However, he’ll start his uphill journey on a steep incline as he goes against Miami’s defense, who led the league in takeaways last season. New England’s defense, two years removed from breaking fantasy football, is just as solid, so look for them to control the tempo of this game. If this one comes down to a last effort field goal, Miami +3.5 is the smartest play here.
Tondo's Picks
1 PM Games
Philadelphia Eagles at Atlanta Falcons
The battle of the birds, and I don’t think either team is good. But in essence of predictions and stacking
up the two teams…
- Matt Ryan > Jalen Hurts.
- Calvin Ridley > Devonta Smith.
- Kyle Pitts > Dallas Goedert.
I’ll take Falcons -3
San Francisco 49ers at Detroit Lions
San Fran heads to Detroit as heavy favorites, and we shouldn’t overthink this. They are a better, more rounded team. A full fledge run attack and formidable defense, this a no brainer pick. 49ers -7.5.
Los Angeles Chargers at Washington Football Team
The vet vs. the kid. Fitzmagic vs. Herbert. This will be a fun one to watch. Washington's front-seven is lethal. Terry McLaurin is fast. Herbert is going to heat up after his ROY performance. I’ll take the home team, WFT -1.
4 PM Games
Kansas City Chiefs at Cleveland Browns
Potential AFC Championship preview? Well definitely the rematch of the divisional round. The Browns have improved season after season, and adding guys like Jadeveon Clowney will force Mahomes to make faster decisions. I personally think the Chiefs will win the game, but the Browns will stick around for the full four quarters and keep it competitive. Browns +6.5.
Denver Broncos at New York Giants
Everyone underestimates this Giants team and it’s disrespectful. The defensive unit led by Leonard Williams, Blake Martinez, James Bradberry, and Logan Ryan is quite superior over Teddy Bridgewater. Yes, the offensive line is a giant question mark, but Daniel Jones has an arsenal of weapons to get the ball out quick. A little interesting tidbit; Underdogs were 38-28 ATS last season when the over/under as fewer than 45 points. The line is set at 41.5. Give me Giants +3.
Green Bay Packers at New Orleans Saints
This is going to be a high scoring, gun slinging match between Aaron Rodgers and Jameis Winston. I think this season is going to be one big F-U tour for Rodgers and he is ready to roll. Green Bay to win and cover, Packers -4.5.
Sunday Night Football-Chicago Bears at Los Angeles Rams
Daaa Bears. This one is a tough one. Do I trust Andy Dalton against Aaron Donald? Do I trust Matthew Stafford against Khalil Mack? I really don’t know. I think it’s going to be a defensive battle and last field goal wins it. I’ll take Bears +7.5.
Who do you think made the better picks? Let us know on Twitter @TheHouse_Ent! See you next week!
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