Sunday, September 11, 2011
NFL Week One Picks
A palpable sense of relief is felt across Football Nation as the NFL resumes operations. The labor dispute really could have gone either way, so football fans (and degenerate gamblers) are counting their blessings today. One problem: the shortened offseason makes picking winners in Week One even trickier than usual. I'm going to throw some out there like I know what I'm doing. Fake it until you make it.
St. Louis +4.5 vs. Philadelphia: I am already sick of the Eagles hype train. This young, resurgent Rams team might win this game outright. But as a bit of a hedge, and because I am expecting a track meet, I will also take the over 43.5 points total.
San Diego -8 vs. Minnesota: I think the Chargers have finally figured out the season begins in September, not November. They are loaded for bear, and should stomp the mediocre Vikes.
New England -4 at Miami: This game is lined everywhere at -7, and I was OK with laying those points. Then, this morning, the South Point casino moved to -4. I am perfectly willing to take advantage of this.
Oakland at Denver over 40 points: The Broncos' defense should be a little better than last year, and the Raiders' should be worse. That doesn't mean that either one of them is particularly good.
St. Louis +4.5 vs. Philadelphia: I am already sick of the Eagles hype train. This young, resurgent Rams team might win this game outright. But as a bit of a hedge, and because I am expecting a track meet, I will also take the over 43.5 points total.
San Diego -8 vs. Minnesota: I think the Chargers have finally figured out the season begins in September, not November. They are loaded for bear, and should stomp the mediocre Vikes.
New England -4 at Miami: This game is lined everywhere at -7, and I was OK with laying those points. Then, this morning, the South Point casino moved to -4. I am perfectly willing to take advantage of this.
Oakland at Denver over 40 points: The Broncos' defense should be a little better than last year, and the Raiders' should be worse. That doesn't mean that either one of them is particularly good.
