Micah Roberts
DALLAS @ TAMPA BAY | 09/09 | 8:20 PM EDT
DALLAS +7.5
ANALYSIS: The Buccaneers ride an eight-game winning streak and they’ve got almost everyone back from their Super Bowl-winning team. The Cowboys have lots of variables that make them exciting for this opening spot, beginning with Dak Prescott and the offensive line being healthy. There also is speed from the receivers and a trimmer, seemingly more focused Ezekiel Elliott. But I believe the defense will be vastly improved after allowing a franchise record for most points scored in 2020. Take the points with the Cowboys.
ARIZONA @ TENNESSEE | 09/12 | 1:00 PM EDT
ARIZONA +3
ANALYSIS: The Titans are a legitimate Super Bowl contender, while Arizona coach Kliff Kingsbury is on the hot seat as he enters his third season. He’s always got a creative game plan and the QB to run it well, but third down is a problem for Kyler Murray. He stresses, doesn’t convert most of the time, and then pouts on the sideline. But when looking at the Titans No. 28-ranked defense from 2020, I think Murray and his new weapons can gash them and possibly pull off the outright win.
GREEN BAY @ NEW ORLEANS | 09/12 | 4:25 PM EDT
GREEN BAY -2.5
ANALYSIS: I got the Packers in this spot laying less than a field goal on the road because they have more stability than the Saints despite the offseason drama in Green Bay. I believe Jameis Winston will get more snaps than Taysom Hill, meaning more chances for him to make an error, at least in Week 1. Matt LaFleur is 26-6 in two seasons because Aaron Rodgers rarely makes mistakes. The Saints have lost lots of key players on defense, and that’ll show against Rodgers. Packers to cover.
N.Y. JETS @ CAROLINA | 09/12 | 1:00 PM EDT
CAROLINA -4
ANALYSIS: The Panthers should be -6 in this spot at home. The Jets are being rated too high and that’s where the disparity is. The Jets have a new coach in Robert Saleh, who takes over a 2-14 team. They’ll likely be starting a rookie QB making his debut on the road. Tough spot. The Panthers have lots of offensive weapons with a QB having added incentive to beat his old team. Sam Darnold's revenge. Panthers to cover.
L.A. CHARGERS @ WASHINGTON | 09/12 | 1:00 PM EDT
L.A. CHARGERS -1
ANALYSIS: I think the Chargers are going to make a strong move upward this season, i.e. make the playoffs, after finishing 7-9 last year. They ended 2020 with wins and covers in their last four contests, and they won again by replacing head coach Anthony Lynn and his horrible clock management with the creative Brandon Staley, who looks to improve offensive schemes to better suit QB Justin Herbert’s skills. Washington’s defense will be tough, but I’m on the Chargers.
ARIZONA @ TENNESSEE | 09/12 | 1:00 PM EDT
OVER 51.5
ANALYSIS: The Cardinals have stayed Under in their last eight road games, but I’m going to dismiss that stat because I believe the Titans will control the flow and score in bunches, forcing Arizona to play catch-up for most of the contest. Tennessee has gone Over in 16 of its last 21 home games. The Over is 23-10 in the Titans' last 33 overall contests, and their offense is mostly intact. Throw in their addition of WR Julio Jones, and the Over is the top play.
