Picks for 9/15/24
NFL
1:00 PM EST
Rotation # 263-264
Raiders/Ravens Over 41 (win)
The Raiders’ defense looked pretty good last week, but they grew tired of their timid offense making conservative decisions that cost them the game. Raiders OC Luke Getsy needs to be more aggressive, especially if they want a chance on the road. The Raiders are never truly out of a game with Devante Adams on the field. Adams is also an excellent decoy for Garner Minshew’s 2nd and 3rd options to be open. Baltimore will try to loosen up the Raider defense by pounding them with Derek Henry behind a big offensive line. Ravens starter Lamar Jackson has ample talent in his receiver room and should have a productive day. Both defenses are always capable of a defensive score. Look for both teams to do enough to make this a high-scoring game. Take the Over.
NFL
1:00 PM EST
Rotation # 267
Saints +6.5 over Cowboys (win)
Both teams had outstanding opening weekend victories. I believe today’s line is a little high. Saints offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak was hired to help Derek Carr and the Saints’ well-balanced offense do more in the air. The Cowboys have a new defensive coordinator, so things could get interesting if the Saints could move the ball early. Dallas gave Dak Prescott a record contract, and he played well last week. Dallas will miss Tight end Jake Ferguson, who has a knee issue. The Cowboys have two rookies on the offensive line, and the jury is still out on the Dallas running game. Look for the Saints to keep it close. Take New Orleans.
NFL
1:00 PM EST
Rotation # 270
Lions -7.5 over Buccaneers (loss)
The Bucs started their season with a win at home against the Commanders, but it gets more challenging for them indoors against a much better team. The Lions won in overtime last week in a game they probably should have lost. Detroit can’t take its foot off the gas, as that’s how you lose in this league. I want to see how the new Bucs offensive coordinator, Liam Coen, does on the road. Tampa has excellent receivers, such as Chris Godwin and Mike Evans, but they are predictable where they go with the ball as there is a dip in production outside their stars. Detroit QB Jared Goff needs to play better this week and should be able to take advantage of a thin Bucs secondary as they are dealing with a few injuries. David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs are outstanding running backs who give the Lions offense the ability to be unpredictable with their play-calling. Detroit has a gigantic, experienced offensive line that will open running lanes and protect the QB. Take the Lions.
NFL
1:00 PM EST
Rotation # 261-262
Giants/Commanders Over 43.5 (loss)
Daniel Jones wasn’t good in the season opener, but he’s not as bad as that game indicated. Jones is looking for redemption and should be able to do so against a less-than-full-strength Commander secondary without Nick McCloud. If not, there could be a QB change sooner rather than later. The Commanders’ rookie quarterback, Jayden Daniels, looked decent in his first start, but he gets a chance to show his talents against a beat-up Giants secondary and a defense breaking in a new coordinator. The Commanders have a lot of talented, skilled players and a solid offensive line. At some point, Daniels will mature, and the Commanders will move the ball very well. Brian Robinson and Austin Ekeler should soften up the Giants’ defense enough for the pass to work. The Giants will need their young receivers to step up and take the workload off Darius Slayton. There are not a lot of great players on either secondary. Look for a high-scoring game. Take the Over.
NFL
4:05 PM EST
Rotation # 284
Cardinals -1 over Rams (win)
The Rams played well in the second half last week against the Lions without Puka Nacua, but they were playing on adrenaline. Matthew Stafford and the Rams’ offense will be thin at the tight-end position without three starting offensive linemen. Playing well on the road is hard when unbalanced in the trenches. Kyler Murray played well last week in Buffalo, but the Cardinals’ comeback feels short. Arizona is a tough football team that has a balanced offense. Kyler Murray is always unpredictable, as he can turn broken plays into long runs. Football games are won and lost in the trenches. I like Arizona on both sides of the ball. Aaron Donald retiring makes the Rams defensive line less than intimidating. Look for the Cardinals to get a big NFC West victory at home. Take Arizona.
