2018 NFL picks against the spread for Week 1
San Francisco 49ers at Minnesota Vikings (-6.5)
There is a ton of hype surrounding Kyle Shanahan, Jimmy Garoppolo and the San Francisco 49ers this season. Rightfully so as they went undefeated with their franchise quarterback starting last season to end the year. However, they just happen to be going on the road in the first week of the 2018 season to face a Minnesota Vikings team that has the opportunity to ultimately compete for a Super Bowl win this season.
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San Francisco could cause some problems for new Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins and running back Dalvin Cook with DeForest Buckner and Co. attacking a weak interior offensive line. However, I think Minnesota has enough weapons on offense to allow their elite defense to take over the game. At the end of the day, the home team should be able to handle their business and at least win by a touchdown.
Buffalo Bills at Baltimore Ravens (-7.5)
Full disclosure, I am not a believer in the Baltimore Ravens. Joe Flacco, even with Lamar Jackson seemingly lighting a bit of a fire beneath him, hasn’t been good in a long time and I don’t expect that to change. Part of that, without question, is the distinct lack of weapons around him. Michael Crabtree and John Brown don’t scare me even in the slightest. And the defense should be good, but I don’t think they’re even close to elite.
All of that being said, I have even less faith in the Buffalo Bills. This is the worst team in the NFL, from Nathan Peterman all the way down the line. There is absolutely no part of this team that impresses me, and that includes an aging LeSean McCoy. So, even though I’m not in on the Ravens in the slightest, they should handle the Bills in Week 1.