Joe Abraham's Week 1 NFL Picks
- Christian Carroll
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Cowboys v Eagles
Credit: Drew Hallowell/Philidelphia Eagles
Cowboys +8.5 at Eagles
The media has been riding the Cowboys hard as of late and the Eagles are Super Bowl darlings… But 8.5 points in an NFL division rivalry might as well be 40. Cowboys cover.
Chiefs v Chargers
Chiefs -3.5 @ Chargers
The Chiefs are always going to get the public benefit. But the Chiefs offense struggled against the Chargers last year and Harbaugh is poised to break through.
Steelers v Jets
Steelers -3 @ Jets
The line started at -2.5 and has bumped up because the Steelers are the Steelers and the Jets are the Jets… But this year, they look a lot more alike that Pittsburgh fans will care to admit. The Jets win head up.
Dolphins v Colts
Dolphins +1.5 @ Colts
The Colts giving up points in this game is absolutely mind-boggling to me. The Dolphins are a class above and get the win.
Panthers v Jaguars
Panthers +3.5 @ Jaguars
The Jaguars are one of my picks to take a step forward this year. Not a big step - but a step. Carolina is still a mess, despite improved play in the second half of last season.
Giants v Commanders
Giants +6.5 @ Commanders
This line opened at 7.5 and has come down due to the heavy NY money that is ever so optimistic. I don’t think the Giants can keep pace offensively with the Commanders.
Bengals v Browns
Bengals -5.5 @ Browns
Understandable, the Browns are talked down about due to their internal dysfunction. But this is a team with a good defense, a 2x COTY and they seem to always play the Bengals tough. The line has grown. They cover at home.
Raiders v Patriots
Raiders +2.5 @ Patriots
Vrable’s attention to detail and style is going to turn the Patriots around. Carroll on the other hand already looks in over his head.
Cardinals v Saints
Cardinals -6.5 @ Saints
This line has gone from 3.5 to 6.5… The Cardinals offense doesn’t bring me enough confidence to lay 6.5 against any team. Beware the home-dog. The Saints cover.
Buccaneers v Falcons
Buccaneers -1.5 @ Falcons
The Buccaneers dropped both games against the Falcons last year. They were .500 with Cousins at QB and Penix didn’t make them markedly better. It’s only in his 4th start, the Bucs out-class them.
Titans v Broncos
Titans +8.5 @ Broncos
This line has grown and I’m still not sure it’s enough. I expect Ward and the offense to struggle opening the season on the road. Bo Nix is the real deal. The Broncos, BIG.
49ers v Seahawks
49ers -2.5 @ Seahawks
There are high expectations on the 49ers this year. And while I believe they are the better team, this is a Week 1 special… The 49ers start slow on the road in a tough place to play and drop one to their division rival. Note that this started as a 1.5 point line and has grown due to public perception.
Lions v Packers
Lions +2.5 @ Packers
Another line that has grown… However, I expect the loss of their coordinators to hit them hard this season and the Lions take a step back. Starting with a loss in Green Bay.
Texas v Rams
Texans +3 @ Rams
This line has come down a little bit. The Rams started last season slow, but finished as one of the strongest and most consistent teams in the second half. Consistency is something the Texans have yet to find.
Ravens v Bills
Ravens -1.5 @ Bills
Potential AFC Championship preview… Night game in Buffalo? No thanks. I expect to see some fireworks from Jackson. But the Bills get the late Field Goal and escape at home.
Vikings v Bears
Vikings -1.5 @ Bears
JJ McCarthy’s first start - on the road against Ben Johnson’s version of Bears… At night… In Chicago. Enough said.
