Sunday has finally arrived for NFL Week 1 in the 2019 season and we’ve got picks against the spread for every game being played.
Things have been quiet around the league heading into NFL Week 1 of the 2019 season — except not at all. Between the Jadeveon Clowney and Laremy Tunsil trades and then the Antonio Brown saga that has now landed him on the New England Patriots, things have been wild. So much so that the kickoff game on Thursday seems like a non-story at this point.
However, there was plenty to see in that game. To begin NFL Week 1, the Chicago Bears were favored at home against the rival Green Bay Packers. As both offenses struggled mightily, though, it was new Packers head coach Matt LaFleur grinding out his first win and giving the road underdogs the victory.
But now we’re onto the main event, meaning a full Sunday slate of games and two Monday night games to celebrate NFL Week 1. Thus, we’re here to begin a Sunday tradition for the 2019 season with NFL picks against the spread for every game on Sunday and Monday with quick-hitting explanations for each pick delivered to you the morning of the games.
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With odds provided by Bovada, let’s get into the NFL Week 1 picks against the spread.
2019 record: 0-0
Atlanta Falcons vs. Minnesota Vikings (-4)
I have more faith in the Falcons than the Vikings overall this season but the Minnesota defensive front at home against a young Atlanta offensive line gives me too much pause.
Los Angeles Rams vs. Carolina Panthers (+2)
The Rams rested almost all their starters in the preseason and have a new interior offensive line. Carolina is a sleeper this season that will start to establish themselves with a big home win as underdogs.
Tennessee Titans vs. Cleveland Browns (-6)
My seat on the Browns bandwagon is warmed and broken in at this point.
Kansas City Chiefs (-3.5) vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Until the Jaguars defense proves their back and Nick Foles proves he’s a consistent starter, forgive me for thinking they won’t protect home field against reigning MVP Patrick Mahomes and the explosive Chiefs.
Baltimore Ravens (-7) vs. Miami Dolphins
Considering that Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens could compete to win the AFC North while the Dolphins are a dumpster fire, this feels like free money on the road favorites.
Buffalo Bills vs. New York Jets (-3)
These are two teams I’m not entirely sure what to make of going into 2019, so I’m taking Sam Darnold and the Jets at home based almost solely on where the game is being played.
Washington Redskins vs. Philadelphia Eagles (-10.5)
10.5 is a lot of points. There is also a large discrepancy between the talent of the Eagles and that of the Redskins entering NFL Week 1.
Indianapolis Colts (+6.5) vs. Los Angeles Chargers
Injuries to Derwin James and Russell Okung scare me for the Chargers and, even with Jacoby Brissett now taking the reins, the Colts go on the road and pick up a stunning win — or at least cover.
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Seattle Seahawks (-9.5)
Considering the Seahawks propensity for running, a near double-digit point spread is a little frightening. Then again, Russell Wilson and co. are just vastly superior to what the Bengals have to offer.
Detroit Lions (-3) vs. Arizona Cardinals
Matt Patricia’s defense in Detroit has some new toys and they could cause Kliff Kingsbury and Kyler Murray a multitude of issues to start the season.
New York Giants vs. Dallas Cowboys (-7.5)
No matter how much or little Ezekiel Elliott plays in NFL Week 1, America’s Team has plenty more advantages to exploit and handle their rivals easily on Sunday.
San Francisco 49ers (+1) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Buying in on Jimmy Garoppolo and the 49ers is going to bite me again, isn’t it?
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. New England Patriots (-6)
Antonio Brown won’t be suiting up for the Patriots against his former team but New England should be poised to assert themselves, even if Pittsburgh is better than many are giving them credit for.
Houston Texans (+7) vs. New Orleans Saints
Recent history has seen the Saints stumble and have some weird games out of the gate in the regular season. Count me in for that in this one against Deshaun Watson and the talented Texans.
Denver Broncos vs. Oakland Raiders (+1.5)
Perhaps against my better judgment, the Raiders have rid themselves of their 84-donning distraction and open up the 2019 season with a home victory.