NFL WEEK 1 PICKS: Lions get roaring in opener against Rams

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The lines are from Covers.com and the home teams are in CAPs.

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Baltimore +3 over KANSAS CITY

It came down to a toe for the Ravens. And since it looked like they were going for two, we could’ve gotten a real classic in the season opener. But one thing is for certain: The champs are here to defend that title and go for the three-peat. And how about Xavier Worthy??

Green Bay +2.5 over Philadelphia in Brazil

If this game was in Philly instead of just listing the Eagles as the home team, we’d be more reluctant about backing the Packers. But on a neutral field, we like the coaching advantage this Green Bay team has, especially with a new defensive coordinator running that side of the ball.

Tennessee +4 over CHICAGO

Everyone is ready to back a Bears team that reloaded on offence and put it together on defence down the stretch last year. But, QBs taken first overall have an awful record in their first start, with the most recent pivot to do it being David Carr in 2002.

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Houston -3 over INDIANAPOLIS

It can be hard to wager against a home dog in the opener against a division rival, but the Texans are a team set for a big season and the Colts have a Week 1 record of 0-9-1 over the past 10 years. If you’re backing Houston to compete for the top seed in the AFC like we are, they need to start with a win here.

Arizona +6.5 over BUFFALO

The Cards doubled down on their offence by drafting Marvin Harrison Jr. and were on the rise after Kyler Murray returned from injury last year. Even thought the Bills still have Josh Allen, they’ve lost quite a few key pieces on both sides of the ball and are difficult to trust spotting nearly a TD.

CINCINNATI -8 over New England

With Ja’Marr Chase back at practice, there shouldn’t be much holding the Bengals back from running over the lowly Pats. Of course, you have be wary that almost everyone will have Cincy as their survivor pool pick and a shock upset always happens in Week 1.

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ATLANTA -3 over Pittsburgh

So, who gets their revenge: Arthur Smith or his former team? With all of the Falcons’ high-priced weapons ready to be unleashed against their former boss at home, we’ll bet on the latter. Also, Russell Wilson on the road behind a bad O-line? Woof.

Carolina +4 over NEW ORLEANS

Do the Panthers finally have a decent coach that can make something out of Bryce Young? Maybe. But we do know that hardly anyone in New Orleans likes Derek Carr and Dennis Allen, so we’ll take the points.

Jacksonville +3.5 over MIAMI

The usual heat and humidity in South Florida shouldn’t be too much of an issue for the Dolphins’ first opener, who hails from North Florida. We’re still interested to see how the Dolphins put together the pieces on defence and what new tricks Mike McDaniel has drawn up before backing them against a decent opponent.

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Minnesota -1.5 over NEW YORK GIANTS

Here it is: The game that no one will be watching this Sunday, featuring two teams destined for a top-10 pick. There are two entertaining players in Justin Jefferson and Malik Nabors, but having Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones throwing to them doesn’t help.

SEATTLE -6 over Denver

Bo Nix makes his first start and it couldn’t come in a more raucous arena. Seattle has the weapons on offence and defence to make this one rough on the rookie and while spotting this many points in Week 1 is dicey, we’ll do it.

Las Vegas +3.5 over L.A. CHARGERS

The Chargers aren’t going to have the home-field advantage that some may think exists when you consider how many Raiders fans there are in L.A. The Raiders are going to look to build off the momentum gained under Antonio Pierce last year and it’s not like they’re going to get worse QB play than they already had with Gardner Minshew now under centre. With both sides boasting a lot of talent in the trenches, this one could be a close, grind-it-out game.

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CLEVELAND +2.5 over Dallas

The Browns defence at home last year was absolutely dominant, even against strong opponents. They’ve made some additions in the off-season and that trend should hold against a Cowboys offence that is worse on the offensive line and at running back this season.

TAMPA BAY -3.5 over Washington

Over the course of the whole season, we’d bet the Commanders are in better shape than the Bucs, but in Week 1 it’s hard to back a rookie on the road in what should be steamy conditions.

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DETROIT -3.5 over L.A. Rams*

When these two teams met in the wild-card round of the playoffs last season, the Lions were favoured by three points and won the game by one. Now, after an off-season that saw L.A. lose their defensive coordinator and Hall of Famer Aaron Donald, they’re only getting a half-point more? Plus Puka Nucua is banged up heading into this one. That not even to mention that the Lions made a lot of improvements in the off-season with D.J. Reader and an overhauled defensive backfield.

New York Jets +4 over SAN FRANCISCO

The 49ers seemingly will have everyone on the field after a tricky training camp with a bunch of key injuries and holdouts. But Aaron Rodgers is getting a second shot at his Jets debut and won’t be looking to blow it – or his Achilles – again.

Last season: 134-130-8

Last playoffs: 6-7

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