Aah, the sights and sounds…and the smack-talk. Absolutely! It wouldn’t be football without the passionate fans that go at it week after glorious week, month to month and year-in, year out. Football fans are something special and arming them with information from Week One on to the Super Bowl is simple a duty to be cherished. That said, let’s jump right into Week One and the NFL Spreads and Predictions.
Below are game score predictions with updated spreads. You can also gauge the levels of certainty by the gap in the differences. (Example) Spread: Bobcats -3. Predicted Final: Bobcats 26, Turtles 16. I’m pretty sure the Bobcats will cover the spread.
2019 NFL Spreads and Predictions: Opening Week
Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears
Packers: Aaron Rodgers (comfortable in the shotgun) now running play-action under center is a concern. Comfort overall is a concern against the Chicago Bears defense. Somewhat surprising if their main weapon, Davante Adams, has a top-five receiver day. I do like emerging receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling to get noticed though. Throw in the first real game in a new head coach’s system factor for good measure.
Bears: Home field, always the needed illusion of advantage for upstart quarterbacks. Receivers Allen Robinson, Taylor Gabriel and Cordarrelle Patterson make add intrigue. Defense has had Khalil Mack through the offseason this time around.
The Last Word: This game might come down to the production of tight ends, Trey Burton (Chic.) and especially Jimmy Graham (G.B.).
Spread: Bears -3 / Predicted Final: Bears 23, Packers 17
Tennessee Titans at Cleveland Browns
Titans: The Tennessee defense might be a little tougher than folks think. The question is the offense. The additions of guard Roger Saffold and receiver Adam Humphries adds stability. However, their strength might be leaning towards pounding the rock with Derrick Henry.
Browns: Well, what can be said about the Browns that hasn’t been said already this past offseason? That’s not to say there’s a buy-in going on here. Let’s see a game or two first. Still, they did just add another capable receiver to talented receiver corp in ex-Ram, KhaDarel Hodge. This ain’t your daddy’s Cleveland Browns.
The Last Word: The contrast here is worth the price of a game ticket at the least. Titans, expected to look strong and deliberate. Browns, expected to be a surprise without surprising a single soul if they go all “Shock and Awe” dropping bomb after bomb. There’s simply too much talent in Cleveland these days to knock it Day One. So why is it so hard to shake that feeling that we all had the same dream Cleveland did in 2018?
Spread: Browns –5.5 / Predicted Final: Browns 24, Titans 21
Los Angeles Rams at Carolina Panthers
Rams: It’s not clear how these 2018 Super Bowl runner-ups are getting so overlooked bettingwise. They not only retained but added to one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL. The defense is newer on-field but solid and getting harder and smarter. Jared Goff and the offensive linemen got ‘99 problems’ but only during practice. He’s Cam Newton’s problem Sunday.
Panthers: It always seems that despite the talent these guys are underachievers. Cam’s now a banged-up veteran going on nine years. His opposition refreshes its defensive line annually making touchdowns on the ground less glamorous. Last season he had just four. The need for at least one elite receiver would be greatly appreciated I’m sure. Why does it feel like one never stays around in Carolina?
The Last Word: Are you willing to be that trusting since there was even a doubt whether the Panther’s pilot would start or not? I’d be a bit on edge if my first game after shoulder surgery in January included Aaron Donald.
Spread: Rams –3 / Predicted Final: Rams 34, Panthers 20
Kansas City Chiefs at Jacksonville Jaguars
Chiefs: Not much upgrade seen here offensively with the exception of Patrick Mahomes having another year to learn. Learn. Sounds dangerous, huh? Well, minimum, it should mean the offense is as good as it was last year. The defense unit (along with defensive coaching) was nearly overhauled so ‘status unknown’ for now. Hard to believe it can regress with Tyrann Mathieu on it. He needs to be healthy and right now he is not in top shape.
Jaguars: It remains to be seen if the acquisition of quarterback Nick Foles is enough to put them over the top. Foles only played a small portion of one preseason game. Not nearly enough as he deals with an abdominal oblique soreness. But he’s committed and putting in the work. He will need to to bring his team back to winning ways (only one winning season in the last five).
The Last Word: This is, essentially, a first extended preseason game — for the Jaguars a bit more. Their defense should be up to the task. Can their offense make it easier for them?
Spread: Chiefs –4 / Predicted Final: Chiefs 27, Jaguars 20
Baltimore Ravens at Miami Dolphins
Ravens: Quite the interesting bunch in Baltimore these days. They can now put points on the board despite not hearing about that fact often enough. Eric Weddle is gone but it appears that it may not be as big a blow as initially believed. This defense is playing top notch football. Possibly, the 2019 AFC surprise if quarterback Lamar Jackson takes a large enough step forward reading defenses.
Dolphins: The naming of Ryan Fitzpatrick over Josh Rosen makes them solid without saying much about Rosen. At least one new star receiver in Miami should emerge for this project to be successful this season. Fitzpatrick will find him but only if he remains upright – two rookies offensive linemen in starting roles.
The Last Word: Expect the Dolphins to be surprisingly game and attempt to match blows but the Ravens are locked and loaded first time out. This could be a low-scoring game. Advantage Ravens.
Spread: Ravens -6.5 / Predicted Final: Ravens 24, Dolphins 17
Atlanta Falcons at Minnesota Vikings
Falcons: The Falcons have bolstered their offensive line and going all in on Matt Ryan this season. Of course, the line has to gel and that could take some time. Returning offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter may bring a sense of stability. A healthy Devonta Freeman will certainly help.
Vikings: Not sold on Kirk Cousins being well-liked in Minnesota after some past on-field drama (mainly, bickering with offensive linemen). It’s not the first such reports either of his career either. Still, assuming adults prevailed, this team is a potent bunch with Dalvin Cook healthy and in the backfield. Assistant head coach (also titled offensive advisor) Gary Kubiak is now in the fold…but no pressure.
The Last Word: It will certainly help tons if the Vikings have Xavier Rhodes at 100%. If not, Julio Jones may be overly inspired by game time from a successful upgrade in finances.
Spread: Vikings –3.5 / Predicted Final: Falcons 30, Vikings 27
Buffalo Bills at New York Jets
Bills: Kind of tough to ask the Bills to be more than just the Bills of late. John Brown and Cole Beasley in the receiving mix adds spark to the possibilities. There is depth and talent on the defensive side of the ball that could make a name for itself.
Jets: Looking hard enough, you might find me on-record predicting then freshly-drafted Sam Darnold returns the Jets to the playoffs. Still standing by that, 2019 brings them much closer to accomplishing that. With a little help from his friends, Darnold might succeed in making his team a reflection of his grit. Le’Veon Bell at his disposal couldn’t hurt as the occasional spark plug demanding attention. Darnold definitely needed an additional year as a pro because he’s pure baller more so than system robot.
The Last Word: Favoring Darnold more than most non-Jets fans, it’s hard not to be overly optimistic. Week One against the Bills does little to dampen this enthusiasm.
Spread: Jets –3.5 / Predicted Final: Jets 31, Bills 21
Washington Redskins at Philadelphia Eagles
Redskins: The Redskins aren’t getting much respect of late on various fronts. With seven-time Pro Bowl offensive tackle Trent Williams announced out Sunday, Las Vegas now has this team currently underdogs by the week’s largest margin after opening at +8.5. Starting defensive linemen Daron Payne, Matt Ioannidis and Jonathan Allen combined for 20.5 sacks last season. Linebacker Ryan Kerrigan added 13.5…“So you’re saying there’s a chance?”
Eagles: Carson Wentz has been on buzz during the offseason. He’s reportedly looking sharp while being physically and mentally ready. The team is being praised coming and going for its near-complete roster that’s back in championship form. Can’t say that bandwagon’s been in my neighborhood lately. Let’s see a healthy dose of Wentz and Alshon Jeffery first.
The Last Word: Dwayne Haskins is, in my opinion, the best quarterback out of the 2019 NFL draft. He and Trent not playing is why Washington can’t earn more respect here as well.
Spread: Eagles –10 / Predicted Final: Eagles 23, Redskins 17
Indianapolis Colts at Los Angeles Chargers
Colts: This season just took a tragic turn with Andrew Luck escaping Indianapolis the best way his character allowed, albeit a few seasons too late. It’s still a decent team with a good head coach and a better offensive line. Jacoby Brissett is dropped into a favorable position with ample support. We should understand, however, if he needs a week or two to get a rhythm going.
Chargers: Key injuries make this game tougher to handicap than it should be with Luck out. Expect the game plan to include a few more pass plays now. Therefore, Philip Rivers does not need Melvin Gordon as much as Melvin Gordon needs Phillip Rivers to get a win. Austin Ekeler can be dangerous when Keenan Allen and Mike Williams make up one of the most potent receiver combos this season.
The Last Word: In the end, the Chargers have too much-polished firepower for the Colts to contend with defensively. Expecting a break-out year from Williams.
Spread: Chargers -6.5 / Predicted Final: Chargers 24, Colts 17
Cincinnati Bengals at Seattle Seahawks
Bengals: The Cincinnati Bengals are discovering that the hunt for the next Sean McVay starts with…well, management. They were a late with the signing completion of the new coaching staff and the team’s play is reflecting it. A.J. Green is injured and rookie receiver Damion Willis starts. A banged-up, somewhat inexperienced offense in a new system is not how you want to face a Pete Carroll team.
Seahawks: The Seahawks, also damaged, should still be dangerous enough to put the Bengals in the lost column. The defense just added Jadeveon Clowney to a unit that still boasted Ziggy Ansah, Bobby Wagner, Shaquill Griffin. Of course, all those mentions are side dishes at best in this case. Russell Wilson, the main course, should feast.
The Last Word: The spread here would actually be a mild risk if the 12th man was back home instead of at home.
Spread: Seahawks -9.5 / Predicted Final: Seahawks 34, Bengals 17
Detroit Lions at Arizona Cardinals
Lions: Matthew Stafford, Danny Amendola, Marvin Jones, and a healthy Kerryon Johnson is likely to prove potent in this game. Add chunks of C.J. Anderson and things could get out of hand. Longtime Raven-turned-Cardinal, Terrell Suggs will have a thing or two to say about it along with Chandler Jones. In the end, the Amendola effect on linebackers wears’em down in the desert.
Cardinals: ‘Courage under fire’ comes to mind when I think of Kyler Murray‘s very first real professional football game. Lions head coach Matt Patricia is from the Bill Belichick school of Coaching, Teaching and Information Intelligence and knows how important it is to prevent the opposition from working their strengths. Murray will need to scurry around and think on the fly. This is his Game One in what might be a long career. The odds are against it being memorable based on preseason footage so far.
The Last Word: The Lions just stack up better and have experienced to draw from while the Cardinals are finding their way.
Spread: Lions -2.5 / Predicted Final: Lions 20, Bengals 17
New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys
New York Giants: Daniel Jones should be the starting quarterback in this opener. Not only because he might be the best quarterback on the squad already but because it’s the Cowboys. The two teams play twice and the second game may become crucial heading down the stretch run of the second half of the season. The experience would be invaluable if Jones were to be the starter by then. As it stands now, Eli Manning may have thrown a gut-wrenching interception by halftime that puts the game out of reach.
Cowboys: The Cowboys are playing really well at the moment. The defense has sent a message throughout the NFL that they are a force to be reckoned with. The latest activated addition, Ezekiel Elliott, only adds to the margin of victory. Rookie back-up, Tony Pollard, would also have himself a day if he’d started.
The Last Word: From what’s been seen from both teams in the preseason, the G-men’s battle may be for third place. It really is time to make that move.
Spread: Cowboys -7 / Predicted Final: Cowboys 27, Giants 16
San Francisco 49ers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
49ers: The 49ers feel a lot like a space project everyone’s been waiting to witness for two years. Well, it’s time to show up (again) but it’s difficult to imagine this collection of talent getting the better of the Rams and Seahawks in the NFC West. Here, however, they appear to be a fit here as the team opposite them Sunday is also a work in progress. Not crazy about the overall receiving threat but Jimmy Garoppolo is undeniably a good quarterback.
Buccaneers: Head coach Bruce Arians may need more time to put together his signature unit on offense than one season. But you can bet you’ll see a difference over 2018 in both enthusiasm and execution. Jameis Winston will need to throw crisp passes that exit the fingertips quickly. He has a better receiving corp and should hit them early and often to set the pace.
The Last Word: Ultimately, this game could come down to the best running back out of the backfield catching passes. This might be the Buc’s back-up, Ronald Jones. If he gets in he can steal the show.
Spread: Even / Predicted Final: Buccaneers 32, 49ers 27
Pittsburgh Steelers at New England Patriots
Patriots: Bill Belichick will usually have the advantage going into a game. There’s no disputing that, he’s just that smart/cagey. Tom Brady is Tom Brady, always, and will make the most of what feels like a makeshift receiving corp. Slot-receiving specialist Julian Edelman is expected to continue to lead the way in the Patriots pass attack. He might be extra motivated this weekend. Turns out, he’s never caught a touchdown pass against the Steelers and isn’t getting younger. Of course, we can’t forget Josh Gordon is still the dangerous knockout punch on hand.
Steelers: The Steelers are looking pretty fast these days at linebacker with Michigan standout Devin Bush Jr. at linebacker. Linebacker/safety hybrid Mark Barron also has some speed left in his veteran legs. Cornerback Mike Hilton is challenging himself to stop Edelman so this will probably be the story within the story. Also, look for Vince Williams to blitz up the gut of the improving defensive line pressure packages. Brady won’t allow much time for such efforts to consistently take hold but you have to try. Especially when you become absolutely sure that there’s something special about the defensive unit this season.
The Last Word: One thing is for sure, this is the Game of the Week and it figures to be well worth the price of either the admission ticket or enduring the nagging and attitude from not being able to mow that lawn on time — Wait. Wow, I really hope football fans are no longer scheduling gardening on Sundays this time of year.
Spread: Patriots -6 / Predicted Final Score: Steelers 31, Patriots 30
Houston Texans at New Orleans Saints
Texans: The Texans seem a far cry from the championship-level ‘potential’ seen just two seasons ago. They finally gave their offensive line somewhat of a make-over but it’s still has yet to arrive. Jadeveon Clowney‘s gone and replacing him won’t come easy. With one of the best young quarterbacks in the league and possibly one of the top 3 receivers in the game, they shouldn’t be out of it despite the odds.
Saints: The Saints could possibly have a letdown looking too forward to the Week Two showdown against the Rams next week. Don’t bet on it though. Count on Drew Brees to be ready as will be all his surrounding weapons. Texas may even be forced to match rockets late in the game. Should be tons of fun to watch how this unfolds.
The Last Word: Deshaun Watson may resort to running a bit more in this contest. He can and will be would rather not. But creating time to hit that third receiver or the checkdown will be crucial to their survival.
Spread: Saints -7 / Predicted Final Score: Saints 27, Texans 24
Denver Broncos at Oakland Raiders
Broncos: The Broncos and Raiders are two teams continuing to go through transition and although Denver is all in on Joe Flacco, they lists as their primary back-up. Yes, that same Brandon Allen just released days before by the Rams. Fine but those are the only two quarterbacks listed as of now. Still, remaining healthy, Flacco has weapons to work with and a defense with proven talent despite three new starters.
Raiders: Derek Carr has taken a lot of unnecessary heat and it’s probably for feeling too obligated to carry the team. He has that certain something you can’t teach and will be the better of the two quarterbacks in this game. He need only relax and not feel burdened down by it all. Receivers Antonio Brown, J.J. Nelson and running back Josh Jacobs are dangerous weapons to wheel around and Monday Night Football is the place to wheel and deal all the risks.
The Last Word: This is Oakland’s game to lose. I just don’t see them blowing the chance outside of personal fouls and Mr. Brown having a full-on meltdown.
Spread: Even / Predicted Final Score: Raiders 24, Broncos 20
That’s it for Week One. If you’re betting, good luck but use caution and be sure to return for next week’s NFL Spread and Predictions: Week Two.
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