CAPS home team:
Sunday
Ravens (+3.5) beat Bengals
It was probably a three-hour barn burn. It’s not entirely convincing that Cincinnati is finally ready to take this big next step. In addition to RB JK Dobbins, Lamar Jackson and the Ravens have been a contender in the AFC and are reasonably healthy.
Dolphins at Patriots (-3)
Miami prepared smartly for the season opener against the Chargers and narrowly escaped, displaying their typical enviable poise and grace under pressure. Led by quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, head coach Mike McDaniel won’t waste an opportunity like this. Even if McDaniel’s talent advantage trumps Bill Belichick’s sheer presence, don’t expect the Patriots to go down easily.
BILLS’ RAIDERS (+8.5)
Buffalo will be in a good position after a tough overtime loss to the competitive Jets … but even the most ardent Bills followers must have concerns. It may not have been a great season for fans of Josh McDaniels and the late Al Davis, but they’re taking advantage of the opportunity.
Giants (-4) beat Cardinals
After an early-season loss to the Cowboys, the favorites should be able to hold their own against the Cards, who may be a little deflated at this point. The price on offer seems reasonable for the Giants looking to regain their maritime status. The Giant grinds away one.
Cowboys (-9) beat Jets
This Jets team will likely struggle against Dallas from start to finish. Alas, that last game ended with the Jets beating Buffalo on Monday night and having to deal with it mentally. The mighty ‘Boys’ squad faces a rare opportunity to open the season with sweeps of the Jets and Giants. Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers is on IR, handle with caution.
RAMS (+7.5) over 49ers
The Niners are clearly better than 95% of the teams in the league, but I give the Rams a fighting chance of staying within striking distance even without top WR Cooper Kupp.
Seahawks (+4.5) beat Lions
As currently constructed, the underdog Seahawks appear to have too much intrinsic value to allow them to take such a big lead against the Lions. This game is clearly a close call and the Eagles must be tipped off at this early juncture in a long and difficult schedule.
Chargers (2.5) beat Tennessee
The Bolts still have trouble winning by any comfortable margin, while the Titans have proven their ability to be resourceful and hold their own in most games.
Chiefs (-3.5) over Jaguars
There’s little desire to go up against the mighty KC group, although I hope it’s healthier than it is now. Despite the Jaguars’ 10-point win at Indy a week ago, we’ve often been frustrated by their poor performance.
Texans (-1) defeated COLTS
After brief stints with coaches such as Bill O’Brien, David Culley and (most recently) Lovie Smith, the Texans have been under DeMeco Ray. Earned opportunities through consistent, respectable work as defensive coordinator under DeMeco Ryans. For San Francisco. At current offers, this is an interesting and advantageous option.
Packers (+1.5) beat Falcons
I didn’t want to go crazy with quarterback Jordan Love and his teammates after Chicago’s first win. Rookie RB Bijan Robinson is slowly dominating the home Falcons’ offense, but even if the hosts are likely to get the best of them, the visitors still have to accept the obvious value.
Bears (+2.5) beat Buccaneers
The situation in Chicago is disappointing, but we don’t expect any sustained outright disaster. With that in mind, the Buccaneers aren’t particularly cheap, and the Road Dogs could be as hungry as the Bears should be hanging on in this clash.
Broncos (-3.5) over Commanders
Denver gets a head start here and the benefit of some skepticism, and a key factor in that is in large part the Broncos hiring top coach Sean Payton, who has been great in New Orleans. The home team’s roster looks better, although this is a close call regardless.
on Monday
Saints (-3) beat Panthers
As long as the stock market remains quasi-rational, they are willing to chase New Orleans in the market and favor the home chalk. The Saints are doing enough to keep the momentum going. Expect more big plays from them for coach Dennis Allen as we turn to the home chalk. closure!
Steelers (+2.5) beat Browns
With Pittsburgh completing what many wiseguys consider to be an excellent draft, hopefully the hosts will take a realistic step. The Browns have improved a lot and — if many smart heads are right — the market seems reasonable for those betting on the home team. Pittsburgh needs to pitch a big game.
last week: 7-8
2022 Season: 125-119-3.
