Well, that was an interesting first week in the NFL season, huh? Aaron Rodgers rose from the dead in the third quarter to complete a historic comeback, Ryan Fitzpatrick became the MVP frontrunner, and the Browns snapped a losing streak without winning. Luckily for us, we do plenty of winning here. So let’s continue our winning ways with these NFL bets.
My site choice for NFL betting is MyBookie, so I highly suggest creating your account there after this article. Put the promo code FlurrySports in so they match your deposit of $100+ all the way up to $1,000! You’ll be doubling your money before even placing a bet.
Without further ado, let’s talk money.
Current Record: 6-1
Redskins (-255)
Colts vs. Redskins
Alex Smith is set to make his Washington home debut, after completely dominating the Cardinals in Arizona last week. If you want my full breakdown of the snap counts and game flow for the Redskins, click here, but basically they ran a lot of two-TE sets and pounded the rock. This left Jamison Crowder and even Jordan Reed on the sideline a lot. Expect to see more of those two, and even more Chris Thompson in this matchup.
The Colts will again be without their starting left tackle, Anthony Castonzo, and starting defensive tackle, Denico Autry. Running back Marlon Mack will also likely be out again. This gives the Colts big holes on both of their lines that they can’t afford, and they will be without an offensive playmaker, which their lackluster unit is missing. Look for Washington to be efficient in another win, but with more passing this time around.
Chargers (-365)
Chargers vs. Bills
The Chargers offense looked good in their loss to the Chiefs, but the defense was clearly missing Joey Bosa rushing the passer. Unfortunately, he will be out again. But fortunately, they play the Bills, who were trailing by a mere 40 points to Joe Flacco last week. There should be no concerns for this Chargers offense, and there’s no way the Bills keep up.
On the Bills side of things, rookie Josh Allen will be making his first start. Allen has an absolute cannon, which should spread out the defense and help LeSean McCoy on just the threat of him throwing it alone. The reason Allen didn’t start week 1 is because he’s not ready, plain and simple. He’s too inconsistent to be a winner right now. Luckily for him, Nate Peterman may have had the worst two combined starts in NFL history. So will the Bills be better? Sure, but they could lose by 39 and still be considered better.
Texans (-165)
Texans vs. Titans
The Texans offense got shut down last week against the Patriots, and the Titans got exposed in that marathon game against the Dolphins. For Houston, receiver Will Fuller is expected to make his season debut. He went on that insane touchdown streak last season with Watson, so they are hoping to pick up where they left off. Just his presence alone should help DeAndre Hopkins and Lamar Miller.
The Titans are a MESS. Let’s start with the offensive line, who is missing both starting tackles. This isn’t exactly ideal when you face JJ Watt, and Jadeveon Clowney is questionable, but expected to play. Tennessee also lost Delanie Walker for the year. Walker is a terrific blocker and the most reliable receiving option on the team. So three terrific blockers down, and Derrick Henry will be tough to trust running the ball after a poor week 1. Oh, and Marcus Mariota is not 100% healthy at quarterback. In fact, both him and Blaine Gabbert will take snaps this week apparently. Yikes.
Saints (-480)
Browns vs. Saints
The Saints are the reason I have a 1 in the loss column above. I’m extremely bitter, but they’ll bounce back this week. They have another home game, which is a huge advantage for New Orleans. The Saints also come into the game angry and embarrassed. They should look to make a statement here against a much lesser team.
The Browns will be without their most dominant receiving option, Josh Gordon, this week. He was surprisingly named inactive today, being ruled out with a hamstring injury. Jarvis Landry should have a terrific day, but it won’t be enough to match the Saints’ offense. Cleveland will also be without starting defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah and starting linebacker Christian Kirksey. There’s no way the Saints go down 0-2 to the Bucs and Browns. *Knocks on wood*
Rams (-1000)
Cardinals vs. Rams
Yes, -1000. This is as lopsided as you’ll see in the NFL, but rightfully so. The Rams offense is dominant, and they have enough playmakers on defense to, well, make plays. Sam Bradford struggled last week against Washington, so look for Wade Phillips to bring the heat this week. I do think Larry Fitzgerald will do some damage out of the slot, but not enough damage to compete with Todd Gurley, Brandin Cooks, Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp.
None of these picks are against the spread because let’s face it, Vegas is usually pretty dang accurate with those. Instead, this article is for the beginning bettors or those looking to make some safe bets to balance out the riskier ones they have.
These are five picks against the moneyline that may seem obvious to some, and that’s because they are. Don’t overthink it! If you head over to MyBookie right now and put these five picks into, let’s say, a $100 parlay, the winnings would be $278.61.
I’ll see you back here next week for more picks. hopefully a little bit richer!
