Xam’s Gem(s):
Falcons Money Line -146
The Packers will be without Christian Watson and Aaron Jones today on the road. That usually doesn’t spell success for a young quarterback. Atlanta’s defense was stiff last week against Carolina, generating 8 quarterback hits on Bryce Young. Look for Atlanta to lean on the run game again. If Desmond Ridder can protect the football, the Falcons should be able to do enough offensively to start the season 2-0.
Seahawks/Lions Over 47.5 Points -105
The Seahawks just gave up 30 points at home to a Rams team that was without Cooper Kupp last week. The Lions went on the road and scored 21 points against the reigning Super Bowl champs. Last year, the Lions were significantly better offensively at home. In their last 3 home games last year, the Lions scored no less than 34 points in each of their last 3 home games. For Seattle, they know today is a big game to avoid starting the season 0-2. The offense will be ready to go, and should have success against this defense. Last year, these teams combined for a 48-45 shootout in this very building!
Chargers -2.5 -118
The Chargers have a huge game today and will be attempting to avoid an 0-2 start without superstar RB Austin Ekeler. However, even without him, the Chargers have significantly more talent than Tennessee. They have a better QB and better wide receivers. Last week, the Chargers gave up 36 points to the high flying Dolphins, but the Titans don’t boast anywhere near the level of talent that Miami has. The Chargers should be able to move the ball and score enough to win by a field goal. This should be a get right game for the defense as well.
Colts Money Line -106
The Colts fared better than expected against the reigning division champs last week, while the Texans got rolled by the Ravens. CJ Stroud has also been dealing with a shoulder injury for the Texans. OT Laremy Tunsil is expected to miss the game, making him the 4th starting offensive lineman that Houston would be without. The Colts should be able to move the ball offensively. If they can get some stops on defense, Anthony Richardson should get his first win in the NFL.
Bengals Money Line -168
The Bengals have a virtual must win game ahead of them in Week 2. Lose today and they are 0-2 with both losses in the division. The Bengals have fared well against the Ravens recently, including most recently beating them in this very building last year in the Wildcard Round (without facing Lamar Jackson, granted). The Bengals have some offensive line issues to work through, but if they can protect Burrow, they should be able to move the ball against Baltimore’s secondary.
Chiefs/Jaguars Over 50.5 Points -110
The Chiefs are another team that desperately needs to win to avoid starting 0-2. Patrick Mahomes will have superstar tight end Travis Kelce back, which will significantly help the offense. Meanwhile, Trevor Lawrence led the Jaguars to 31 points on the road last week, so he and the offense will definitely be amped up in their home opener. The weather should hold off juuuust long enough to not impact this game, and with the Chiefs facing a virtual must-win on the road, expect head coach Andy Reid and Mahomes to pull out all the stops.
Broncos Money Line -184
The Broncos are another team that simply can’t lose today if they want to make the playoffs. Starting off 0-2 with both losses at home would be devastating. The Commanders nearly lost at home to the Cardinals last week, and now have to travel to altitude. Sean Payton and Russell Wilson know they have to have this game. Expect the Broncos to run the ball early and often. The Cardinals almost ran for 100 yards last week on the road, so the Broncos should have their own success in their own building today. Sean Payton didn’t come to Denver to lose. Look for the defense to stand on their heads today and get Denver back to .500.