Picks of the Week

Hooray, the NFL is back.  For those of you not boycotting, welcome back to WeMakeItRain's weekly picks.  I am hoping to do much better this year, as last year was really bad.  Honestly, the Super Bowl saved me, correctly picking the winner against the spread (Philly + 4 1/2 - Big Bet), the money line (Philly + 170) and the under on Pink's national anthem (2:00).  Only the final score 41-33 got me as I took the under (49).  Anyways, the Super Bowl got me an additional $410, leaving my losses for the year at $670.  Here's to a new year.

My long time readers know how this works, but for everybody else,  a reminder.  Each pick is using the spread (straight up is for wussies), and the betting line is from the same website each week as of the time of typing the entry. I keep a running tally of my record, plus my winnings/losses. We will "pretend" that I bet $100 on each game, with one game each week going for $250. Winnings/Losses will be calculated including a 10% vig to make the math that much simpler.  On to the picks.

Atlanta Falcons pick 'em over Philadelphia Eagles
Only because of the Super Bowl hangover.  These two teams are really close, and it would take a dumb coaching mistake like going for it on fourth down on the first drive to keep Atlanta from winning.  Oh ....

Buffalo Bills +7 1/2 at Baltimore Ravens
This is not last year's Buffalo playoff team, as Nathan Peterman takes the helm instead of Tyrod Taylor.  In addition, the Ravens defense should be really good.  But, I just don't know if the Ravens can score enough to be favored over a touchdown.

Cleveland Browns +3 1/2 v. Pittsburgh Steelers
No, this isn't a bet because I am enamored with the Browns because of their appearance on some HBO show, like many of you who have them as the favorite bet on the board to win the AFC North.  This is because Cleveland usually plays Pittsburgh close, is at home, and the Steelers might be in a bit of disarray over Le'Veon Bell holding out.  Close game, either way.  I'll take the points.

Cincinnati Bengals +2 at Indianapolis Colts
Andy Dalton is Andy Dalton, which should be concerning for the Bengals.  But, we don't know what we have with Andrew Luck, and we certainly do not have an established rusher in Indianapolis either.  Cincinnati to win outright.

Miami Dolphins pick 'em over Tennessee Titans
I honestly don't know where to go here.  Young defense for the Dolphins, and losing their "best" receiver in Jarvis Landry.  Somehow I think this makes the offense more harmonious, and gives all the Ryan Tannehill haters another week to eat crow - at least until next week.  I still don't think we know what we have in Marcos Mariota, and he is going to have to find a receiver that he feels comfortable with.  So, Dolphins.

Minnesota Vikings -6 v. San Francisco 49ers
Only because we are not supposed to read a lot into preseason.  Kirk Cousins did not look particularly well, and that scares me, and it should the Vikings fans.  But, on the bright side, Dalvin Cook is back.  San Francisco travelling east and playing early (although not quite to the Eastern time zone) cannot help.  Without an establishes rusher yet to help Garappolo could hurt the 49ers offense.  But, look for Marquise Goodwin to have a big year at Wide Receiver.

Houston Texans +6 1/2 at New England Patriots
If DeShaun Watson is fully healthy, they could win this game outright.  If partly healthy, he is mobile enough to make life hell for the New England defense and keep this close.  Tom Brady is Tom Brady, so this very well could be the game of the day, but I remember that Blake Bortles ran on this New England defense in the playoffs - and Bortles is not DeShaun Watson.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers +10 at New Orleans Saints
I am not ready to give up double digit points in any bet at this stage of the season.  New Orleans defense was much improved last year, and their offense is, well, their offense.  But 10 points in a divisional matchup is a lot. Let's say Ryan Fitzpatrick - starting for the suspended Jameis Winston - throws a late touchdown to lose by 9.

Jacksonville Jaguars -3 at New York Giants
I usually hate road favorites, but this Jaguars defense is LOADED.  Their offense is suspect, but the Giants were really bad last year.  Some improvement on the offensive line is expected with Nate Solder coming over in free agency and the drafting of Will Hernandez, but we will have to see about that.  I imagine Saquon Barkley is going to get a lot of touches, and see a lot of Telvin Smith.

Kansas City Chiefs + 3 1/2 at Los Angeles Chargers
Two teams with lots of expectations, but also lots of question marks.  Will Kansas City's offense be as dynamic behind Patrick Mahomes?  Has Los Angeles shaken the injury bug to key players?  Is Phillip Rivers going to play forever?  I'll take the points, since I think Kansas City can still score in bunches, and make it hard for the Chargers to run away with this one.

Arizona Cardinals -2 v. Washington Racists
Arizona's defense is stout, and David Johnson is back.  That alone should keep Arizona ahead of Washington.  Adrian Peterson has been  named the starting running back in Washington, and as great as he has been in his career (when healthy), we don't exactly know what he has left in the tank.  Alex Smith should be a steadying had for Washington for the year, but not today.

Carolina Panthers -3 v. Dallas Cowboys
Carolina is one of those teams that could be playoff bound, or go 6-10.  We really don't know.  Cam Newton has all the talent in the world, but doesn't always make the right decisions.  Dallas - a team that relies on its stellar offensive line play - is going to be hurt by Travis Frederick's absence due to Guillaume-Barre Syndrome, and we don't know who on the Cowboys will catch a pass.  I'll take Carolina at home.

Denver Broncos -3 v. Seattle Seahawks
Case Keenum better be the answer for this Broncos team, as their window could be closing.  Von Miller is one of the 4 or 5 best defensive players in the league, and rookie Royce Freeman could be the solidfying factor in the backfield.  Seattle might be in for a long season.  Look for Shaquem Griffin to make his first start, and Sebastian Janikowski to kick for a non-Raider team for the first time since 1999 (Florida State).

Chicago Bears +7 at Green Bay Packers
The Packers may still win this game, but with a revamped offense (scheme and players) and a potentially top-5 defense, the Bears are coming up in the NFC North.  Seven points just seems like a lot even for Aaron Rodgers.  I expect a big season from Jimmy Graham, as Rodgers has given lesser tight ends great seasons.

New York Jets +7 at Detroit Lions
The Jets are stating the rookie Sam Darnold in game 1, and that will probably lead to a few mistakes.  But, perhaps, could give the Jets some hope.  I would love nothing more than the Jets fans to have hope for a better future that never comes!  I suspect Detroit will win this game, but maybe by 6.

Los Angeles Rams -4 at Oakland Raiders
The Rams have loads of talent on both sides of the football, and the Raiders just traded their best player, and have a coach who has been out of the locker room for 10 years.

Big Bet
Los Angeles Rams -4 at Oakland Raiders
The Rams have loads of talent on both sides of the football, and the Raiders just traded their best player, and have a coach who has been out of the locker room for 10 years.  That is really all I have to say here.

Last Week's Record:

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