The NFL season is still far away, however if you plan on doing some gambling this fall I highly suggest that you start familiarizing yourself with the early contests. Lots of money to be made and unfortunately if you don’t know your stuff-lost. Below is my take on Week One. Enjoy.
Ravens @ Broncos (-7.5): This is a tough matchup and should be entertaining, as two of the leagues top QBs in Joe Flacco and Peyton Manning face off. Both teams are loaded on paper and although the Ravens lost some key players (Ed Reed, Ray Lewis) I feel that they will still be able to keep this game competitive. Add in the solidified running game of Ray Rice and some big plays to the receiving core and this one will be close. The Broncos however are at home and get the win with a great performance by QB Peyton Manning. Broncos win 28-24
Patriots @ Bills (+6): Although, the Bills have vastly improved this offseason New England will win this game. Buffalo will be eager to prove a point to the rest of the league that they deserve respect, but unfortunately that won’t be enough. New Englands’ defense is loaded featuring players such as: DT Vince Wilfork, DE Chandler Jones, LBs Takeo Spikes, Dont’a Hightower and S Devin McCourty. The bottom line: We still don’t know who Buffalos QB is and that is a problem. New England 35-7
Titans @ Steelers (-6): The Steelers will be breaking in new players such as RB Le’Veon Bell and new WRs so to win, they will need to find a rhythm early offensively. Defensively, Troy Polamalu is still the leader in the secondary, however the loss of LB James Harrison may be too much to handle come right away. Tennessee on the other hand boasts RB Chris Johnson and a solid receiving core in Kendall Wright and Kenny Britt. Watch for the Titans to upset the Steelers at home if QB Jake Locker plays well. Titans win 21-14
Falcons @ Saints (-1.5): Head coach Sean Payton is back for the first time in 18 months.Will 2013 be a huge year for the Saints and their leader QB Drew Brees? As last year was a utter disaster. The Falcons come into the game loaded and should be hungrier than ever after a huge 2012 season and HOF TE Tony Gonzalez back for more action and with hopes for a Super Bowl Title. New Orleans has the weapons on offense to succeed with players such as RBs Mark Ingram, Darren Sproles and WR Marques Colston, but the defense will have to make huge strides. Atlanta’s offense will be tough to stop, as WRs Julio Jones and Roddy White represent arguable the best dual in the league. In the end I see the Falcons covering the spread. Falcons win 30- 20
Buccaneers @ Jets (PK): RB Doug Martin starts off the season with a bang as the Jets’ defense struggles against the rush. QB Mark Sanchez unfortunately continues to play horrible as CB Derrelle Revis shuts down the receiving core. Although Sanchez bounces back late in the game with a touchdown pass after an early pick it is not enough; and Rex Ryan starts off 2013 (0-1). Buccaneers win 17-14
Chiefs @ Jaguars (PK): The Chiefs should be revitalized and have more than enough talent to win this matchup especially with WR Dwayne Bowe and RBs Jamaal Charles and Dexter McCluster. Although the Jaguars are at home, I can see Kansas City being a surprise team under the leadership of QB Alex Smith. Defensive backs Eric Berry and Brandon Flowers provide enough edge on the defense to take advantage of QB Blaine Gabbert and his number one target WR Justin Blackmon. The Chiefs walk way (1-0). Chiefs win 28-17
Bengals @ Bears (-3.5): The Bengals are on the rise behind QB Andy Dalton and WR A.J. Green. Defensively expect DT Geno Atkins and veteran LB Ray Maualuga to lead a unit that should play well in 2013. Expect this to be a possible upset as the Bengals have vastly improved; additionally for some reason I cannot trust QB Jay Cutler and the Bears defense without HOF Brian Urlacher to be able to stop an offense that has become quite productive. Bengals win 24-21
Dolphins @ Browns (PK): QB Ryan Tannehill has all the tools to succeed in Miami, if the RB Lamar Miller and the rushing attack can come through and take pressure off the second year QB. The bottom line, Cleveland still boasts a no name defense and although they sport home field advantage, I feel that the Dolphins should be able to come out with a victory in week 1 if they can stop RB Trent Richardson from having a fast start. Dolphins win 17-14
Seahawks @ Panthers (+3): Going to go out on a limb for this one and expect that QB Cam Newton and LB Luke Kuechly are going to have the Panthers ready to go Week 1. Although phenomenal QB Russell Wilson had a great year in 2012 expect there to be some road blocks. This could be a great opportunity for Carolina to show the league that they are a new team; because they surely have the athletes to make strides in 2013. The main fact is that they must stop RB Marshawn Lynch. Panthers win 28-24
Vikings @ Lions (-2.5): RB Adrian Peterson vs. WR Calvin Johnson. Both are the faces of their respective positions, however I like the Vikings and their strong rushing attack rather than overrated QB Matthew Stafford to lead the Lions to victory. In the end, after WR Percy Harvin has a few breakout plays, the Lions should be in trouble and on their way to (0-1) Vikings win 24-21
Raiders @ Colts (-6.5): The Colts should easily be able to dispose of the Raiders at home in Week 1. Luck however, must watch out for the Raiders secondary where HOF Charles Woodson will be lurking to pick off the second year stud. Colts win 28-14
Cardinals @ Rams (-5): QB Sam Bradford needs to step it up in St. Louis. Will WR/RB Tavon Austin be the spark he needs? On the other hand the always talented on paper Cardinals come into the game with a new QB in Carson Palmer. Expect the Cardinals to prevail as Larry Fitzgerald has a strong start and the revamped offensive line protects the Palmer. Sorry Sam. Cardinals win 28-10
Packers @ 49ers (-4): This game is arguably the most important of Week 1. The Packers should be hungry to avenge their playoff lost last season and San Francisco will be looking to make a statement once again early. Watch for the Packers to pull an upset, as the defense has all summer to prepare for dual threat QB Colin Kaepernick. Packers win 24-21
Giants @ Cowboys (-2.5): The Giants are (4-0) when traveling into “Jerry’s World” and this time I expect another win in Dallas. Although, the Cowboys and QB Tony Romo will be looking to make a statement early, New York is too “workmen” like behind the leadership of Eli Manning to lay an egg and not come prepared. Giants win 35-31
Eagles @ Redskins (-4.5): QB Mike Vick is surely going to have to bring his “A” game early if he expects to stay in the lineup the entirety of 2013. This will be a huge early test. Despite the fact that Head Coach Chip Kelly will surely bring a spark to Philadelphia, the Redskins behind the leadership of RGIII and RB Alfred Morris will be way too much to handle this early. Redskins win 42-28
Texans @ Chargers (+2.5): The Chargers have a chance to be a lot better, however the Texans in Week 1 with the leadership of DE J.J. Watt will be too much to handle. Although Rivers has a great day the Bolts defense will have a problem stopping RB Arian Foster and the Texans easily get the victory in San Diego. Texans win 24-10
