Useless predictions: 2023 Week 1 picks

   The NFL betting world starts with a rough one with the Lions upsetting the Chiefs, even I felt a bit sad form Mahomes but Vegas had to love it. Let see what other surprises we get this week with all the team trying to find their footing and showing us who they really are.

Last years record: 26-101 (20%) (spread+O/U)

49ers at Pittsburgh (+2)    (O41.5)

   Both are coming into this season with as solid teams as top contenders, their biggest questions they need to answer is if Kenny Pickett has what it takes and if the niners Oline can keep up. 

Cardinals at Washington (-7)    (U38)

   I expect the Commanders to be decently good with a solid defense and having success as an offense with Sam Howell at the helm. The Cardinals I expect them to be hot garbage even when Kyler Murray returns.

Titans (+3) at New Orleans    (O41.5)

   Both solid teams, the Titans have a good running unit and the Saints a good air group, both with a veteran QB leading them and solid pieces at defense, I will side with the Titans as I expect them to control the game with the run.

   Bucs (+4.5) at Minnesota    (O45.5)

   The Bucs will be what Baker Mayfield makes them be, so really improbable but there are not a bad team. The Vikings still have an offense to go toe to toe with any defense, I don't trust their defense.

Jaguars (-4.5) at Indianapolis    (U46)

   Anthony Richardson will be a very good QB, its going to take time. The Jaguars are finally an NFL team that can compete.

Bengals at Cleveland (+1.5)    (U47)

   The AFC North is loaded, the Browns have a great defense in paper, Joe Burrow might not be healthy enough to go against them through the whole game.

Texans at Baltimore (-9.5)    (O43.5)

   C.J. Stroud has a good team to work with but will take time, the Ravens are still a very good coached team and have Lamar Jackson happy.

Panthers (+3.5) at Atlanta    (U39.5)

   Another good situation for a rookie QB, Bryce Young has enough tools to learn to be a good NFL QB, on the other side I don't expect much from Desmond Ridder even if he has some freakishly talented offensive playmakers.

Packers at Chicago (-1.5)    (O41)

   A new era for this rivalry, right now it looks even in comparison to the last 25+ years before, the Bears have built a better team but still need to answer a lot of questions, the Packers are all eyes on Jordan Love if he can lead them to wins.

Raiders at Denver (-3)       (O43)

   Everybody is down on the Raiders to be one of the bottom of the barrel teams, they don't look all that bad but its a possibility with the questions surrounding Jimmy Garoppolos health, the Broncos upgraded in the preseason but nothing of that matters if Russell Wilson has reached its peak as is now regressing.

Dolphins at LA Chargers (-3)    (O51)

   Everyone has the same opinion that if Tua Tagovailoa stays healthy the Dolphins will go very far, they have the team to do so, having your LT injured doesn't help. The Chargers are a underperforming team, they have all they need to be a good contending team but they just get too much in their own way.

Eagles (-3.5) at New England    (O44.5)

   I get that the Patriots have a solid team but I don't get where this confidence of them beating the Eagles comes from, the Eagles are a powerhouse, every team can stumble and lose but I just done see what the Patriots have to make people think its a sure bet, I believe Mack Jones still need to prove himself he isn't just a field general and can make highlight plays when needed.

Rams at Seattle (-5)    (U46)

   the Rams, even with a good limited draft and some elite players on their roster, are in rebuild more while the Seahawks are one year removed from it although they are still missing some pieces, I'm still expecting the Seahawks to continue where they left of last season.

Cowboys at Giants (+3)    (O45)

   If not that the Cowboys are banged up at theri Oline, I would bet on them to win, they have a decent defense that is ramped up just because of Micah Parsons and the offense is solid. The giants defense can get the job done against anyone, I don't like the offense, they are going to need some nifty play calling from Brian Daboll to make this QB and his average wideouts to make plays and not leave it all to Saquon Barkley.

Bills (-2.5) at NY Jets    (O45.5)

   The Bills are champions of the regular season and still have the team to continue being it, the Jets are scary in paper, its still a wait and see if Aaron Rodgers can still pull BS plays from his hat.