My mojo seems to already be waning if the opening game is any indication. The magic I wielded throughout a magical power throughout the playoffs, going 10-1 straight up and 8-3 against the spread. Thursday night I went 0-1 in both. But it’s a new day here at the Friday Afternoon Quarterback and we’re picking all the rest of the NFL games.
Sunday Early Games
Green Bay at Jacksonville (+5.5)
The Jaguars are an exciting, up-and-coming team with a lot of potential especially on offense. Unfortunately they open the season against a Packers squad primed for a Super Bowl run. Packers 31, Jaguars 23
Buffalo at Baltimore (-3)
I like this line a lot. Rex Ryan seems to always throw out a bunch of confusing defensive packages in the first game and steal a win. The unfortunate thing for Rex and the Bills is that John Harbaugh probably knows this too. Ravens 20, Bills 13
Chicago at Houston (-6)
The Brock Osweiler era commences against a Bears team that’s probably better than its final record will attest. Or its opening day record after this game. I think Bill O’Brien is going to want to deliver a beat down and he has the offensive roster to do it. Texans 37, Bears 17
Cleveland at Philadelphia (-3)
How is Philadelphia favored in this game? Carson Wentz has played in all of one preseason game. If the Eagles win at all it will be a miracle, let alone by three points. My first upset pick of the day shows up and, God help me, I’m picking Cleveland. Browns 38, Eagles 19
Tampa Bay at Atlanta (-2.5)
The Bucs are better and have a lot of football people jumping on their bandwagon. I don’t think it will empty after this game, but it might get a little lighter. Falcons 24, Bucs 20
Minnesota at Tennessee (+2.5)
The Vikings are keeping their starting quarterback a secret until gametime, but the only way it’ll be Sam Bradford is if he pays somebody to hit Shaun Hill in the knee with a club as he’s walking into the stadium. Titans 27, Vikings 13
Cincinnati at New York Jets (+2.5)
The Andy Dalton revenge tour begins against a tough opponent. This one may matter come late December. Bengals 27, Jets 24
Oakland at New Orleans (-1.5)
There might be 100 points scored in this game before it’s over. I don’t get the line. Did none of the oddsmakers see the Saints’ defense in 2015? I know they made some upgrades, but this Raiders team is loaded with young playmakers. Raiders 48, Saints 38
San Diego at Kansas City (-6.5)
I predicted Mike McCoy wouldn’t be the first coach fired this season. This game may get so ugly, so fast he may prove me wrong. Chiefs 42, Chargers 17
Sunday Late Games
Miami at Seattle (-10.5)
Adam Gase begins his Dolphins’ tenure in the worst possible place against the worst possible team. That -10.5 may be generous. It’ll get better, Miami. But this is going to be a trip to the woodshed. Seahawks 38, Dolphins 10
Detroit at Indianapolis (-3)
This is an odd game to show up on the late end of the schedule. Andrew Luck makes his return and has to be on his knees right now hoping his offensive line can keep Ziggy Ansah out of his face at least half the snaps he takes. I think they will. Colts 24, Lions 17
New York Giants at Dallas (EVEN)
I like the Giants to win the NFC East when the season is over, but I don’t think Dak Prescott is losing his first real game as a starter. He’s special and the entire NFL is going to see exactly how Sunday afternoon. Cowboys 31, Giants 30
Sunday Night
New England at Arizona (-7)
I stumbled a little on this pick with the announcement that Rob Gronkowski probably won’t play. Ultimately, I’ve decided to stick to my guns. All I’ve heard this offseason is how the Pats will lose this game without Brady. They’ve heard it too. Patriots 27, Cardinals 24
Monday Night
Pittsburgh at Washington (+3)
Welcome back to Earth, Redskins. The rest of the mediocre NFL teams missed you. Steelers 38, Redskins 20
Los Angeles at San Francisco (+2.5)
Jeff Fisher says there’s no excuse for 7-and-9 bulls–t this season. Well, Jeff, if you don’t win this game against the worst team int he NFL, 7-9 might even be out of reach. Rams 27, 49ers 16
This week
Straight up: 0-1
Against the spread: 0-1
