Predictions NBA Tips
NFL
1:00 PM EST
Rotation #454
Bills -6.5 over Steelers (loss)
This spread does seem a little high, but I believe the Steelers will struggle on offense today. Big Ben is not getting any younger. He is not the same guy he once was and with a new offensive coordinator things will be frustrating for a few weeks. This team lost James Conner so the Najee Harris era begins today. This team returns just 1 starter from an offensive line that typically was always solid. I can’t help but think back to how this team lost their last playoff game to Cleveland. That is a type of game that just kills an organization and on offense it does look like a complete rebuild. The Steelers do have great playmakers so they will put it together soon, but I don’t think they will today against this rock solid Bills Defense that is great at all three levels. Josh Allen continues to get better and his mobility is always a threat. This team brings back their entire offensive line and on defense return 11 of their top 11 tacklers from last year. Things won’t miss a beat for the Bills and they should roll to a big win today to jump start their season. Take the Bills.
NFL
1:00 PM EST
Rotation #456
Panthers -3.5 over Jets (win)
The chains were taken off Sam Darnold as he was shipped from the Jets to Carolina and in his very first start gets to face his old team. This isn’t a game about the Jets defenders knowing his tendencies because they only return 4 of their top 11 tacklers from last year. Nobody on this defense even knows Darnold. This game comes down to coaching. Last year Matt Rhule and his staff were the new kids on the block and they actually were on of the better first year staffs in the league. The Jets first year staff will go through their growing pains. Zach Wilson is a rookie QB with a lot of potential, but this offensive line wasn’t that great last year and neither was the running game. I just don’t see a bunch of new faces winning a road game in their first start. This Jets Defense has a lot of holes and I believe Sam Darnold gets bitter sweet revenge this afternoon. Take the Panthers.
NFL
1:00 PM EST
Rotation #469
49ers -9 over Lions (loss)
The Lions were the worst defense in the NFC last year and bring back just 5 of their top 11 tacklers from last year. This defense is made up of all new faces and so is the 1st year coaching staff. The 49ers were hit hard with the injury bug last year, but now are much healthier and it’s time for Jimmy Garoppolo to get back to the QB we know he can be. The 49ers bring in new coordinators on both sides of the ball, but they were coaches in this system last year and I don’t expect a drop off due to any new schemes. He is the key in this game. The Lions Offensive Line is already banged up. Taylor Decker is out a few weeks with a finger injury which means Penel Sewell might have to switch sides and what it really means is there are just no guys on this Lions O-Line that are going to be able to stop the likes of Arik Armstead and Nick Bosa’s on this 49ers defensive line that are going to get after Jared Goff. The 49ers should be able to put this team away by scoring on offense and creating more possessions by forcing turnovers along with 3 and outs. The Lions just are not ready on either side of the ball or in their staff to be competitive in this league just yet. Take the 49ers.
NFL
4:25 PM EST
Rotation #471-472
Browns/Chiefs Over 54.5 (win)
The Browns have earned the respect of the league. This is a team that just came up short in a big playoff game last year to this very team in this same building. Cleveland wants revenge and I believe they can run the ball on this defense that can’t stop the run which opens up the passing game. The Browns are healthier now and I have faith in this offensive line and Baker Mayfield to put up points. The Chiefs lost in the super bowl because their offensive line was battered and Tampa won the line of scrimmage. This team went out and spent a ton of money on all new offensive linemen, plus retained a few starters from last year. This team is eager to get back on the field and get that super bowl loss out of their mind. Cleveland did lose a lot of defensive talent so I do think the Chiefs will catch them out of position today and put up points. This should be a great offensive game. Take the Over.
NFL
8:20 PM EST
Rotation #479
Bears/Rams Over 46.5 (win)
Both teams come into the season with very good defenses, but they lack depth. Early in the year players have to sub out because of conditioning issues and because the starters get paid so much money both of these teams don’t have great subs. Both teams break in new defensive coordinators so there might be some confusion that leads to breakdowns in coverage. Matt Stafford was a prisoner in Detroit and I honestly believe he still has the tools to lead this team to a Super Bowl. This is a great offensive line that will help this offense be balanced and dangerous this year. Don’t sleep on Andy Dalton. I know we like to make fun of the red rifle, but he has played on some really bad teams. This Bears Offense has a ton of great playmakers as they return most of their offense and went out and got a few talented receivers. I think Bears OC Bill Lazor can have success if he ups the pace and doesn’t play conservative like the Bears Offenses of the past. Take the Over.