Visit Betway’s NFL picks page for picks and predictions throughout the season.
New York Jets (+2.5) at Atlanta Falcons 1/1
This game is not actually in Atlanta, it’s the NFL’s first London game of the season. The question is then whether the Falcons are really a better team than the Jets without home-field advantage. I don’t think so.
On top of that, their top two wide receivers will not be making the trip, leaving this offense even worse. Not only should the Jets cover the spread, they should win this game outright. It’s a rare occasion where they have more talent than their opponent.
Philadelphia Eagles at Carolina Panthers (-3) 10/11
It’s a bit of a mystery why the Panthers are favored by only a field goal at home. Their defense is terrific, allowing only 4.8 yards per play, which is tied for the fourth-best in the NFL. The Eagles allow 5.3. Carolina’s defensive advantage should be even clearer this week as the Eagles’ offensive line continues to suffer injuries.
The Panthers’ offense is also very talented, and they could return Christian McCaffrey to their lineup earlier than expected. If he is active, expect to see this line move in their favor. In other words, I would lock this in soon.
Tennessee Titans (-4.5) at Jacksonville Jaguars 10/11
The Titans are coming off an embarrassing loss to the Jets. Yes, Tennessee was without their top two wide receivers, but it is not a valid excuse. Look for them to bounce back against a team that is even worse than the Jets.
The added drama in Jacksonville around coach Urban Meyer does not seem to be bringing this team together. It’s a distraction, and that will become apparent on Sunday. The injury news is also working in favor of Tennessee, with star receiver AJ Brown likely to suit up for this game.
Chicago Bears (+5.5) at Las Vegas Raiders 10/11
This Bears team is not as bad as they looked against the Browns. We saw that last week, as they looked much more competent with Bill Lazor calling plays. With Lazor taking those responsibilities going forward, the Chicago offense should be able to move the ball.
What is interesting about this matchup is that the Bears’ strengths match up with the Raiders’ weaknesses. Chicago has talent at the outside receiver positions, while Las Vegas’ outside cornerbacks are weak. The Bears’ defensive front seven is also strong, while the Raiders’ offensive line is struggling. Chicago is another live dog on the road this week.
San Francisco 49ers at Arizona Cardinals (-5.5) 10/11
While the Cardinals are the remaining undefeated team, I am not a believer in Arizona. However, that should not matter this week.
Rookie quarterback Trey Lance is making his first NFL start for the 49ers. While he is extremely talented and could play well, a conservative game plan from San Francisco will not be good enough to win the game.
The biggest reason to side with Arizona is that the 49ers’ defense is not very good. Their strength is their pass rush, which Kyler Murray can neutralize with his legs. If they are unable to bring him down and make him uncomfortable, this secondary will get picked apart yet again, leading to Arizona covering the spread.