2022 NFL SCHEDULE WEEK 1 (ATS)

All times Eastern Standard Time

ALL SPREADS ARE COURTESY OF CAESARS HOTEL IN LAS VEGAS @ THE TIME OF ANALYSIS

Thursday September 8^th, 2022 8:20pm

Buffalo Bills @ LA Rams                                                                LAR+2 ½

OK, we are finally here. In the SuperBowl I liked CINNCY +4 ½ vs LAR. If you don’t believe me, look it up. Anyway, BUFF is smarting from their playoff loss at KC. Once the season gets rolling it will be less of a distraction. Both of these teams are predicted to go deep into the playoffs. LAR QB Matthew Stafford has an elbow soreness problem that may limit his throwing. BUFF has CB Tre’Davious White out with an ACL. But the BUFF secondary is still solid and will certainly make plays. BUFF DEF was #1 in 2021. BUFF had some people leave but they reinforced the DEF with others that signed on. LB Von Miller has joined the ranks in BUFF with veteran leadership. The BIG news for LAR was that LB Bobby Wagner, the last member of Legion of Boom in SEA joined LAR. Not much else to talk about except talk about repeating as champions. BUFF 9-5 ATS L14 as ROAD FAV. BUFF 28-22 ATS AWAY in SEPT. BUFF 32-23-1 ATS as a FAV in SEPT. BUFF 5-5 ATS L10 on TNF. BUFF 2-2 ATS as a FAV on TNF. BUFF 4-0 ATS L4 before MNF. L5 BUFF vs LAR, BUFF 4-1 SU & 3-1-1 ATS. LAR 3-2 ATS L5 as a HOME DOG. LAR 9-7 ATS in 1^st of BB HGs. LAR 28-29 ATS @HOME in SEPT. LAR 26-30-1 ATS as a DOG in SEPT. LAR 6-8 ATS L14 on TNF. LAR 6-5 ATS as a DOG on TNF.  This should be an exciting game because both teams are fun to watch and have playmakers on both sides. L10 seasons SB winners the next season wk 1 are 5-4-1 ATS. Turnovers will be big in this game but BUFF should prevail by at least a FG.         

BUFF INJURY REPORT (POS, PLAYER, STATUS)

WR Marquez Stevenson (Foot) Out, WR Isaiah McKenzie (Undisclosed) Questionable,  LB Andre Smith (Suspended) Out, S Jordan Poyer (Elbow) Questionable, CB Tre'Davious White (ACL) Out, CB Cam Lewis (Nose) Questionable, G Ike Boettger (Achilles) Out, OT Tommy Doyle (Ankle) Questionable.

LAR INJURY REPORT (POS, PLAYER, STATUS)

ILB Travin Howard (Groin) Out, RB Xavier Jones (Ankle) Out, S Jordan Fuller (Ankle) Questionable, QB Matthew Stafford (Elbow) Questionable, WR Van Jefferson (Knee) Questionable, QB John Wolford (Thumb) Questionable, WR Brandon Powell (Knee) Questionable, S Quentin Lake (Undisclosed) Out, OLB Daniel Hardy (Ankle) Out, OLB Leonard Floyd (Ankle) Questionable, G Logan Bruss Knee (ACL) Out, DT Bobby Brown III (Suspended) Out.

THE PICK: BUFF-2 ½                                        

Sunday September 11^th, 2022 1:00pm

NO Saints @ Atlanta Falcons                                                        ATL+5 ½

No more HC Sean Payton in NO. Dennis Allen is the new HC. However, QB Jameis Winston is back from injury as the starter. If he can’t do the job, backup Andy Dalton can fill in. The DEF is solid for NO but has been known to give up points. ATL has a 2^nd yr HC in Arthur Smith who is trying to get ATL relevant again. Matt Ryan is gone at QB and Marcus Mariota is in. Ryan was never the most mobile QB and everyone around him had to be great. With Mariota, he makes things happen and has a real shot at leading this team for a while. ATL had a lot of personnel changes in the off-season but some very good parts stuck around. The DEF for ATL needs to step it up this week to stop NO from getting it going. These two teams know each other and it should be a good game. Each team has a lot of injuries early so look for backups to be in key spots. L23 ATL vs NO, NO 15-8 ATS. L15 ATL(H) vs NO, ATL 5-10 SU & 6-9 ATS. L22 ATL vs NO, HOME 11-11 ATS. ATL 7-1 SU in openers. L18 NO vs ATL, DOG 11-7 ATS. ATL 7-9 ATS L16 as a HOME DOG. ATL 28-25 ATS @HOME in SEPT. ATL 33-33 ATS as a DOG in SEPT. ATL 18-21 ATS vs NFC SOUTH in SEPT. NO 18-10 ATS L28 as a ROAD FAV. NO 28-31 ATS AWAY in SEPT. NO 25-31-1 ATS as a FAV in SEPT. NO 20-17 ATS vs NFC SOUTH in SEPT. NO 22-19 ATS L41 as a RF. NO 8-10 ATS as a div RF 2>pts. NO 6-6 ATS as a div RF >3pts. NO looks very good on paper & HC Dennis Allen may make some mistakes out of the gate. NO may be looking ahead to week 2 with TB instead of taking ATL seriously. Is NO ripe for the upset? Look for Mariota to have a good game as he looks to prove himself and start bringing ATL back.  

NO INJURY REPORT (POS, PLAYER, STATUS)

WR Tre'Quan Smith (Shoulder) Questionable, WR Michael Thomas (Hamstring) Questionable, WR Kawaan Baker (Suspended) Out, LB Pete Werner (Groin) Questionable, S Smoke Monday (Knee (ACL)) Out, LB Isaiah Pryor (Undisclosed) Out, LB D'Marco Jackson (Undisclosed) Out, LB Zack Baun (Hamstring) Questionable, OT Trevor Penning (Foot) Out, OT Ethan Greenidge (Knee) Out, OL James Hurst (Foot) Questionable, G Forrest Lamp (Undisclosed) Out, TE Dylan Soehner (Undisclosed) Out, DT Albert Huggins (Leg) Out, DL Malcolm Roach (Undisclosed) Out. 

ATL INJURY REPORT (POS, PLAYER, STATUS)

WR Drake London (Knee) Questionable, WR Calvin Ridley (Suspended) Out, CB Isaiah Oliver (Knee) Out, LS Beau Brinkley (Achilles) Out, ILB Deion Jones (Shoulder) Out, OL Jalen Mayfield (Back) Out, TE John FitzPatrick (Undisclosed) Out, DL Marlon Davidson (Knee) Out, DT Vincent Taylor (Achilles) Out. 

THE PICK: ATL+5 ½

SF 49ers @ Chicago Bears                                                             CHI+7

SF has officially moved on from Jimmy Garoppolo. They had him take a significant pay cut, just to stick around. Trey Lance who started 2 gms and played in 6 gms has management’s backing as the starter moving forward. SF was an inch away from the SuperBowl with Jimmy G but, blew it. Plus, they already have significant injuries. CHI has installed a new HC in Matt Eberflus and given Justin Fields the starting QB job. No established veteran is backing up fields, so CHI is in it to win it. CHI DEF is still strong, they just need to make stops at the right time. L11 CHI vs SF, CHI 6-5 SU & 5-6 ATS incl CHI(H) vs SF, CHI 4-3 SU & 3-4 ATS. CHI 13-15 ATS L28 as a HOME DOG. CHI 29-31-1 ATS @HOME in SEPT. CHI 33-34 ATS as a DOG in SEPT. CHI 8-5 ATS before GB. SF 8-6 ATS L14 as a ROAD FAV. SF 29-30 ATS AWAY in SEPT. SF 34-30 ATS as a FAV in SEPT. SF 15-22-1 ATS L38 as a FAV. Both of these teams are starting inexperienced QBs. CHI needs their O-LINE to do their job better and give time to Justin Fields. I don’t see either team running away with this game unless there are multiple turnovers by either team. These two teams played in 2021 @CHI with CSF winning 33-22. I see it as a closer game than the spread suggests, so I like CHI @HOME with the points.

SF INJURY REPORT (POS, PLAYER, STATUS)

DB Jimmie Ward (Hamstring) Out, CB Jason Verrett (Knee (ACL)) Out, WR Deebo Samuel (Knee) Questionable, CB Ambry Thomas (Knee) Questionable, RB Elijah Mitchell (Hamstring) Questionable, CB Charvarius Ward (Achillies/Groin) Probable, LB Oren Burks (Knee) Questionable, LB Curtis Robinson (Ankle) Out, OL Daniel Brunskill (Hamstring) Questionable, OT Mike McGlinchey (Knee) Questionable, OT Trent Williams (Illness) Questionable, OL Jaylon Moore (Leg) Questionable, TE Jordan Matthews (Leg/Knee) Out, DL Arik Armstead (Knee) Questionable, DL Kalia Davis (Undisclosed) Out, DL Drake Jackson (Shoulder) Questionable, DL Maurice Hurst (Bicep) Out. 

CHI INJURY REPORT (POS, PLAYER, STATUS)

OL Dakota Dozier (Leg/Knee) Out, DB Tavon Young (Undisclosed) Out, WR Tajae Sharpe (Ribs) Out, WR N'Keal Harry (Ankle) Out, DB Jaquan Brisker (Thumb) Questionable, WR Velus Jones Jr. (Undisclosed) Questionable, WR Byron Pringle (Quadriceps) Questionable, WR David Moore (Lower Leg) Out, RB Trestan Ebner (Ankle) Questionable, ILB Roquan Smith (Undisclosed) Questionable, OL Lucas Patrick (Thumb) Questionable, OL Doug Kramer (Foot) Out, DL Dominique Robinson (Leg) Questionable. 

THE PICK: CHI+7

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Cincinnati Bengals                                   PITT+6 ½              

PITT has inserted Mitch Trubisky as the starting QB. If PITT is losing games left and right, you will see Kenny Pickett at QB for PITT. He is the future, unless, Trubisky turns into the second coming of Tom Brady. PITT DEF went way down in 2021 and needs to come back up. PITT HC Mike Tomlin is a great coach because he gets the most from his players. CINNCY QB Joe Burrow is the man. He brought CINNCY to an inch of winning the SuperBowl and he should have a long career in the NFL. However, Cinncy needs a much better O-LINE to protect their star. They signed three new OLs. Let’s see how they mesh to protect. L21 PITT @ CINNCY, PITT 14-6-1 ATS. L20 PITT vs CINNCY, PITT 14-6 SU & 11-9 ATS. L15 PITT @ CINNCY, PITT 11-4 SU & 8-6-1 ATS. L23 PITT vs CINNCY, FAV 12-10-1 ATS. L21 CINNCY vs PITT, HOME FAV 11-9-1 ATS. PITT 25-31-1 ATS AWAY in SEPT. PITT 12-22-1 ATS as a DOG in SEPT. PITT 16-20 ATS vs NFC NORTH in SEPT. CINNCY 18-29-1 ATS @HOME in SEPT. CINNCY 15-25 ATS as a FAV in SEPT. CINNCY 16-23 ATS vs AFC NORTH in SEPT. CINNCY 8-1 ATS vs div opp w/revenge. PITT has lost to CINNCY three straight times and does not want to lose a fourth. Neither of these teams like each other and PITT will look to move on from Roethlisberger. This game may be closer than the spread suggests as Burrow has not had a lot of playing time due to an appendix and the rustiness of an O-LINE that hasn’t played much together. The SuperBowl loser, week 1 of the following season L10 seasons is 4-6 ATS. Trubisky has to show that he can lead the troops other wise we will see Pickett as the PITT QB sooner than later.

PITT INJURY REPORT (POS, PLAYER, STATUS)

DB Carlins Platel (Undisclosed) Out, WR Anthony Miller (Shoulder) Out, WR Diontae Johnson (Shoulder) Questionable, WR Calvin Austin III (Foot) Out, S Damontae Kazee (Wrist/Arm) Out, RB Jeremy McNichols (Shoulder) Out, CB Arthur Maulet (Hamstring) Questionable, S Karl Joseph (Ankle/Foot) Out, LB Alex Highsmith (Ribs) Questionable, DT Montravius Adams (Ankle) Questionable, LB T.J. Watt (Knee) Questionable.

CINNCY INJURY REPORT (POS, PLAYER, STATUS)

QB Joe Burrow (Appendix) Questionable, CB Eli Apple (Quadriceps) Questionable, S Tycen Anderson (Hamstring) Out, CB Cam Taylor-Britt (Abdomen) Out, RB Elijah Holyfield (Knee) Out, S Brandon Wilson (Knee (ACL)) Out, LB Joe Bachie (Knee) Out, LB Logan Wilson (Shoulder) Questionable, C Ben Brown (Bicep) Out, OT Isaiah Prince (Elbow) Out, TE Mitchell Wilcox (Ankle) Questionable, WR Tee Higgins (Shoulder) Questionable, TE Drew Sample (Knee) Questionable, DE Khalid Kareem (Hamstring) Out. 

THE PICK: PITT+6 ½

Philadelphia Eagles @ Detroit Lions                                           DET+4

DET was walloped @HOME by PHILLY in wk 8, 44-6. Everything went right for PHILLY and everything went wrong for DET. Whether or not that plays on the minds of either team at this point is irrelevant because I’m sure that DET HC Dan Campbell will mention it to the team to get them a little more motivated. DET is sticking with Jared Goff as their QB and Jalen Hurts is in at QB for PHILLY. Whether or not there is a turnaround in DET, we’ll see soon enough. Jalen Hurts has better tools around him and should get this team deeper into the playoffs. L9 DET vs PHILLY, PHILLY 5-4 SU & 4-5 ATS. PHILLY 10-15 ATS as a ROAD FAV. PHILLY 22-34 ATS AWAY in SEPT. PHILLY 28-41 ATS as a FAV in SEPT. PHILLY 2-8 ATS as a non-div ROAD FAV 3>pts. PHILLY 0-5 ATS L5 before MNF. DET 16-22 ATS L38 as a HOME DOG. DET 6-8 ATS in 1^st of BB HGs. DET 34-21 ATS @HOME in SEPT. DET 37-33 ATS as a DOG in SEPT. DET 18-31-1 ATS L50 @HOME vs NON-DIV. We’ll see early on if the message DET HC Dan Campbell sends to his players is being received or discarded. Sometimes it is in the form of mental mistakes or sloppy play. PHILLY is the better team here but they need to play hard, finish drives and create turnovers. They cannot turn the ball over here and give DET easy chances to score. I like PHILLY to win big but, if they turn the ball over too many times, DET may steal a victory here. PHILLY needs focus and they will win.  

PHILLY INJURY REPORT (POS, PLAYER, STATUS)

S Marcus Epps (Back) Questionable, RB Miles Sanders (Hamstring) Questionable, C Jason Kelce (Elbow) Questionable, OT Brett Toth (Knee) Out G Landon Dickerson (Foot) Questionable, OT Andre Dillard (Forearm) Out, TE Tyree Jackson (Knee (ACL)) Out, WR Greg Ward (Lower Body) Out, DT Javon Hargrave (Toe) Questionable. 

DET INJURY REPORT (POS, PLAYER, STATUS)

WR Jameson Williams (Torn ACL) Out, S Ifeatu Melifonwu (Undisclosed) Questionable, CB Jerry Jacobs (ACL) Out, FB Jason Cabinda (Knee) Out, G Halapoulivaati Vaitai (Undisclosed) Out, DL Levi Onwuzurike (Back) Questionable, DL Josh Paschal (Sports Hernia) Out, DL Romeo Okwara (Achilles) Out, LB Julian Okwara (Lower Leg) Questionable. 

THE PICK: PHILLY-4

NE Patriots @ Miami Dolphins                                                    NE+3

MIA has made a lot of changes with personnel this off-season. They have a new HC in Mike McDaniel who has never called plays and an exploding WR in Tyreek Hill. They also beefed up their O-LINE so that QB Tua Tagovailova should have enough time to find his receivers. NE Mac Jones has solidified himself as the QB for this team. He led the team to the playoffs in 2021 but it was short lived as they were walloped by BUFF. However, he doesn’t have OC Josh McDaniel to help him with the OFF. Let’s see how he operates without him. L15 MIA(H) vs NE, MIA 8-7 SU & 9-6 ATS. L20 MIA vs NE, HOME 16-4 ATS. L24 NE vs MIA, NE 13-11 ATS. L20 MIA vs NE, FAV 11-9 ATS. MIA 23-28-1 ATS @HOME in SEPT. MIA 20-22 ATS vs AFC EAST in SEPT. MIA 25-24 ATS as a FAV in SEPT. MIA 4-3 ATS as a DIV HF 5<pts. NE 11-7 ATS in 1^st of BB RGs. NE 27-28 ATS AWAY in SEPT. NE 18-17 ATS as a DOG in SEPT. NE 22-27 ATS vs AFC EAST in SEPT. NE 21-10 ATS L31 as a DOG. NE 34-15-2 ATS as a DOG since 2003. NE 27-15-2 ATS as a ROAD DOG since 2002. MIA has always given NE trouble in FLA and this should be no exception. The O-LINE is bad for NE and nobody in NE wants to talk abut it. This is a statement game for MIA to show what they can do with their new toys. There is a very capable backup in Teddy Bridgewater at QB in case Tagovailova faulters. But, it’s the DEF that needs to step up on Mac Jones. Lay the FG here as MIA starts out 1-0.

NE INJURY REPORT (POS, PLAYER, STATUS)

WR Tyquan Thornton (Collarbone) Out, K Quinn Nordin (Undisclosed) Out, WR Ty Montgomery (Ankle) Questionable, WR Jakobi Meyers (Leg) Questionable, WR Kristian Wilkerson (Concussion) Out, CB Joejuan Williams (Shoulder )Out LB Ronnie Perkins (Undisclosed) Out, OL Andrew Stueber (Hamstring) Out DT Daniel Ekuale (Suspended) Out. 

MIA INJURY REPORT (POS, PLAYER, STATUS)

CB Trill Williams (Knee (ACL)) Out, WR Jaylen Waddle (Lower Body) Questionable, CB Byron Jones (Achilles) Out, CB Nik Needham (Wrist) Questionable, S Clayton Fejedelem (Undisclosed) Out, LB Andrew Van Ginkel (Appendix) Questionable, FB John Lovett (Knee) Out LBCalvin Munson (Undisclosed) Out, LB Brennan Scarlett (Undisclosed) Out, TE Adam Shaheen (Knee) Out, WR River Cracraft N/A Doubtful. 

THE PICK: MIA-3

Baltimore Ravens @ NY Jets                                                        NYJ+7

It’s funny how this line really didn’t change when the announcement came down that NYJ QB Joe Flacco would be the starter for this game and QB Zach Wilson will miss the first three games. Does it really matter? BALT QB Lamar Jackson is betting on himself to have a great season and get a max deal. It starts with this game. L8 BALT vs NYJ, BALT 7-1 SU & 6-2 ATS. BALT 15-13-1 ATS as a ROAD FAV incl 0-5 ATS in 2021. BALT 27-30 ATS AWAY in SEPT. BALT 36-31 ATS as a FAV in SEPT. NYJ 20-20-1 ATS L41 as a HOME DOG. NYJ 28-38 ATS as a DOG in SEPT. NYJ 20-34 ATS @HOME in SEPT. NYJ 26-26-1 ATS L53 as a DOG 7>pts. NYJ 5-7-1 ATS L13 HOME openers. If you read the newspapers, the JETS talk like they are great and they are going deep into the playoffs, they’re not. Also, Flacco isn’t mobile. If he gets into trouble he’ll take the sack. The BALT DEF needs to keep the pressure on him and the rest of the NYJ OFF all day. BALT needs to start strong after the disappointing way they ended their 2021 season with a six game losing streak. Lay the points here as BALT rolls.  

BALT INJURY REPORT (POS, PLAYER, STATUS)

CB Jalyn Armour-Davis (Head) Questionable, CB Marcus Peters (Knee (ACL)) Questionable, RB J.K. Dobbins (Knee (ACL)) Doubtful, RB Gus Edwards (ACL) Out, OLB Vince Biegel (Achilles) Out, OLB Tyus Bowser (Achilles) Out, OT Ronnie Stanley (Ankle) Questionable, WR Slade Bolden (Undisclosed) Out, TE Charlie Kolar (Sports Hernia) Out, OLB David Ojabo (Achilles) Out, DT Travis Jones (Knee) Questionable. 

NYJ INJURY REPORT (POS, PLAYER, STATUS)

QB Zach Wilson (Meniscus) Out, CB D.J. Reed (Knee) Questionable, DL Bryce Huff (Oblique) Questionable, FB Nick Bawden (Undisclosed) Out, OT Greg Senat (Undisclosed) Out, OT Mekhi Becton (Kneecap) Out, DL Vinny Curry (Hamstring) Out.

THE PICK: BALT-7

Jacksonville Jags @ Washington Commanders                          JAGS+3

JAGS are definitely better in 2022 than in 2021. The DEF is better and QB Trevor Lawrence has better weapons around him. If the O-LINE gives this guy protection he will win games for the JAGS. Plus, the HC is better. WASH is already at a disadvantage with DE Chase Young out. WASH QB Carson Wentz is with his 3^rd team in three years and again learning a new system. In 2020 the WASH DEF made some nice strides forward to #5 then fell back to #22. WASH doesn’t have much depth and a banged up team from the get go translates into losses early. L4 JAGS vs WASH, WASH 4-0 SUATS. JAGS 30-29 ATS as a DOG in SEPT. JAGS 21-23 ATS AWAY in SEPT. JAGS 4-37 SU & 9-32 ATS vs NFC. JAGS 2-14-1 ATS L17 before INDY. WASH 20-36 ATS @HOME in SEPT. WASH 20-31 ATS as a FAV in SEPT. WASH 7-5 ATS L12 as a non-conf FAV. WASH 6-10 ATS as a HF 2>pts vs non-div. This is a winnable game for the JAGS because a lot of guys are banged up for WASH. Wentz has been known to make mistakes under pressure and if the JAGS can put pressure on him and create some turnovers, they can win this game outright. Plus, Doug Pederson is a much better HC than Ron Rivera. 

JAGS INJURY REPORT (POS, PLAYER, STATUS)

CB Shaquill Griffin (Back) Questionable, DE Jordan Smith (Knee) Out. 

WASH INJURY REPORT (POS, PLAYER, STATUS)

RB Brian Robinson (Leg) Out, RB J.D. McKissic (Groin) Questionable, DB Josh Drayden (Undisclosed) Out, G Trai Turner (Quad) Questionable, G Willie Beavers (Undisclosed) Out, C Tyler Larsen (Achilles) Out, G Wes Schweitzer (Hip) Questionable, TE Curtis Hodges (Thigh) Out, TE Logan Thomas (Knee) Questionable, TE Cole Turner (Hamstring) Questionable, TE John Bates (Calf) Questionable, WR Cam Sims (Concussion) Questionable, DE Chase Young (Knee (ACL)) Out.

THE PICK: JAGS+3

Cleveland Browns @ Carolina Panthers                                     CLEV+2

Do you think CAR QB Baker Mayfield is up for this game? CLEVE totally gave up on Mayfield when they signed Deshaun Watson to that BIG contract and left Mayfield hanging in the wind. CLEVE has added others to a team that is just a few players shy of a deep run in the playoffs. HC Kevin Stefanski is in his 3^rd season and needs to get CLEV over that hump. CAR needs a healthy RB Christian McCaffrey to win and help Mayfield along. This team needs to win more games now because HC Matt Rhule has had 2-5 win seasons and this is an important year for moving forward and being in playoff contention. The DEF has been becoming a force, now the OFF needs to take charge. CLEVE will start QB Jacby Brissett in Watson’s absence. If he can play well during Watson’s absence he may get a chance to lead a team elsewhere. There are many playmakers for CLEVE on OFF and on DEF as they are ready to take that next step but they must play smart. L4 CAR vs CLEV, CAR 2-2 SU & 2-1-1 ATS. CAR 19-23 ATS as a FAV in SEPT. CAR 20-26-1 ATS @HOME in SEPT. CAR 7-9-2 ATS L18 openers. CLEV 32-26 ATS as a DOG in SEPT. CLEV 20-16 ATS AWAY in SEPT. CLEV 13-19-1 ATS L33 vs NFC. CAR is going to rally around Mayfield and get him a satisfying win. As a revenge factor, you have to take CAR in this situation and they are playing at HOME. The DEF has to continue to play like they did in 2021 with no letdown. Should be a good start for Mayfield & CO.    

CLEV INJURY REPORT (POS, PLAYER, STATUS)

WR Isaiah Weston (Knee) Out, QB Deshaun Watson (Suspension) Out, WR Jakeem Grant Sr. (Achilles) Out, S Grant Delpit (Hip) Questionable, S Ronnie Harrison Jr. (Hamstring) Questionable, CB A.J. Green (Hip) Questionable, G Dawson Deaton (ACL) Out, C Nick Harris (Knee) Out, LB Chris Odom (Knee (ACL)) Out, OT Elijah Nkansah (Undisclosed) Out, DE Chase Winovich (Hamstring) Questionable, G Wyatt Teller (Knee) Questionable, DE Stephen Weatherly (Knee) Out.

CAR INJURY REPORT (POS, PLAYER, STATUS)

WR Robbie Anderson (Quadriceps) Questionable, K Zane Gonzalez (Groin) Out, QB Matt Corral (Ankle/Foot) Out, QB Sam Darnold (Ankle) Out, TE Giovanni Ricci (Groin) Questionable, LB Julian Stanford (Undisclosed) Out, OL Bradley Bozeman (Ankle) Questionable, DE Amare Barno (Hamstring) Questionable, DT Derrick Brown (Oblique) Questionable.

THE PICK: CAR-2

Indianapolis Colts @ Houston Texans                                         HOU+8

INDY picked up overrated QB Matt Ryan from ATL. Welcome to the AFC SOUTH. INDY let a lot of guys go and picked up some pieces for both OFF & DEF. Yes they are strong team on paper but you still have to play the games. INDY will be a little rusty in this game as Ryan will make some mistakes. Lovie Smith is the new HC in HOU and he knows how to prepare and win. He will be ready for this game and people will think that HOU has turned the corner. It is a game where division rivals always play each other tough so HOU fans shouldn’t get too excited. L7 HOU vs INDY, INDY 6-1 SU & 6-0-1 ATS. L15 HOU(H) vs INDY, HOU 5-10 SU & 4-10-1 ATS. L24 HOU vs INDY, HOME 11-11-2 ATS. L26 HOU vs INDY, FAV 13-10-2 ATS 1 Pick’em. HOU 10-12 ATS L22 as a HOME DOG. HOU 10-8 ATS vs AFC SOUTH in SEPT. HOU 18-23 ATS as a DOG in SEPT. HOU 15-18 ATS @HOME in SEPT. INDY 8-9 ATS L17 as a ROAD FAV. INDY 8-8-3 ATS in 1^st of BB RGs. INDY 29-25 ATS AWAY in SEPT. INDY 31-28 ATS as a FAV in SEPT. INDY 19-24 ATS vs AFC SOUTH in SEPT. INDY 9-6-1 ATS L16 as a DIV RF. INDY 3-10 ATS before JAGS. INDY 7-9-1 ATS L17 as a FAV >7pts.  INDY should win the AFC SOUTH but may have trouble winning this one. I like HOU with the points for a possible upset because INDY usually gets off to a slow start and they are probably looking past this game at the schedule down the road. HOU will play a very good game and surprise INDY at times. Look for forced turnovers by the HOU DEF. Yeah, I said that right. Take HOU and the points.

INDY INJURY REPORT (POS, PLAYER, STATUS)

P Rigoberto Sanchez (Achilles) Out, S Armani Watts (Ankle) Out, CB Isaiah Rodgers Sr. (Concussion) Questionable, S Trevor Denbow (Foot) Out, DE Kwity Paye (Knee) Questionable, LB Shaquille Leonard (Back) Questionable, OT Carter O'Donnell (Undisclosed) Out, C Ryan Kelly (Illness) Questionable, TE Andrew Ogletree (Knee (ACL)) Out. 

HOU INJURY REPORT (POS, PLAYER, STATUS)

K Ka'imi Fairbairn (Undisclosed) Questionable, WR John Metchie III (Illness) Out, RB Darius Anderson (Knee) Out, LB Garret Wallow (Ankle) Questionable, DB Tavierre Thomas (Quadriceps) Out, DL Ogbonnia Okoronkwo (Biceps) Questionable, LB Christian Harris (Hamstring) Out, TE Teagan Quitoriano (Knee) Out, TE Pharaoh Brown (Hamstring) Questionable, DL Roy Lopez (Undisclosed) Questionable, DE Derek Rivers (Bicep) Out.

THE PICK: HOU+8

Sunday September 11^th, 2022 4:00pm

NY Giants @ Tennessee Titans                                                   NYG+5 ½

It’s Deja Vue all over again in NY. New NYG HC Brain Daboll & new GM Joe Schoen try to write their own history with the GIANTS. They have added some guys to the O-LINE but again that doesn’t mean it will work because they need to mesh. RB Saquon Barkley will look to get of running in this game. TENN QB Ryan Tannehill is not the same QB he was in MIA and he has RB Derrick Henry to take a lot of the pressure off him. TENN will use their OFF weapons to baffle the GIANTS DEF. NYG Daniel Jones will get to see different DEFs and not know what to do. L4 TENN vs NYG, TENN 3-1 SUATS. TENN 33-25 ATS @HOME in SEPT. TENN 22-29 ATS as a FAV in SEPT. NYG 29-22 ATS AWAY in SEPT. NYG 31-29 ATS as a DOG in SEPT. NYG 2-7 ATS as a non-conference DOG 6<pts. NYG 0-11 vs non-conference opp w/line 46<pts. The new revamped NYG O-LINE doesn’t hold up and TENN does its job in front of their home crowd. Jones will turn the ball over a few times and GIANT fans will be wearing paper bags. TENN has to get over their 1^st round playoff loss after securing the #1 seed. TENN will be on a mission. This has the makings of a blowout for TENN but, they need to keep their composure and not get over confident. Lay the points here as TENN romps.   

NYG INJURY REPORT (POS, PLAYER, STATUS)

QB Tyrod Taylor (Back) Questionable, WR Sterling Shepard (Achilles) Questionable, OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (Knee (MCL)) Out, K Graham Gano (Concussion) Questionable, WR Collin Johnson (Achilles) Out, RB Gary Brightwell (Undisclosed) Questionable, S Dane Belton (Collarbone) Questionable, CB Rodarius Williams (Knee (ACL)) Out, ILB Darrian Beavers (Knee (ACL)) Out, OLB Azeez Ojulari (Calf) Questionable, OLB Jihad Ward (Concussion) Questionable, OL Marcus McKethan (Knee (ACL)) Out, C Nick Gates (Leg) Out, G Shane Lemieux (Foot) Out, G Ben Bredeson (Elbow) Questionable, OT Matt Peart (Knee (ACL)) Out, OL Joshua Ezeudu (Undisclosed) Questionable, OL Jon Feliciano (Arm) Questionable, TE Daniel Bellinger (Concussion) Questionable, FB Chris Myarick (Foot) Questionable, WR Kadarius Toney (Leg) Questionable, OLB Elerson Smith (Leg) Out, DL Leonard Williams (Undisclosed) Questionable. 

TENN INJURY REPORT (POS, PLAYER, STATUS)

K Caleb Shudak (Leg) Out, WR Racey McMath (Hip) Out, CB Lonnie Johnson (Shoulder) Questionable, CB Elijah Molden (Leg) Questionable, FB Tory Carter (Undisclosed) Questionable, LB Monty Rice (Achilles) Out, OLB Harold Landry III (Knee (ACL)) Out. 

THE PICK: TENN-5 ½

GB Packers @ Minnesota Vikings                                             MINN+1 ½

MINN has a new HC in Kevin O’Connell but still the same QB in Kirk Cousins. I will agree that Cousins is highly overpaid and does not do well under pressure. MINN has penciled in two rookies as starters in the secondary which Rodgers will test right away. For GB, they did lose WR Davante Adams but there is still QB Aaron Rodgers who is a magician at work. He should be able to gel with the new receivers. Injuries to the O-LINE for GB has opened up opportunities for others to get a chance but job #1 is keeping Rodgers safe. Look for GB to run a lot in this game and test MINN’s D-LINE. L15 MINN(H) vs GB, GB 8-7 SUATS. L30 MINN vs GB, HOME 17-12-1 ATS. L20 GB vs MINN, DOG 11-8 ATS 1 Pick’em. GB 13-17-1 ATS L31 as a ROAD FAV. GB 26-26 ATS AWAY in SEPT. GB 41-38 ATS as a FAV in SEPT. GB 29-18-1 ATS vs NFC NORTH in SEPT. MINN 6-3 ATS as a HOME DOG. MINN 35-25-2 ATS @HOME in SEPT. MINN 30-22-4 ATS as a DOG in MINN. MINN 23-23-2 ATS vs NFC NORTH in SEPT. 10-2 ATS as a DIV HD. MINN 8-0 ATS as a DIV HD <7pts. The DEF for GB has gotten better the last two years and if they tweak a few things this season, they will be unstoppable. MINN already has too many important guys banged up and Rodgers will be quick to take advantage of things. No one is giving GB a shot at the SuperBowl but if they are able to work in their new set of WRs with Rodgers and the DEF takes it up a notch, they can do it.

GB INJURY REPORT (POS, PLAYER, STATUS)

K Mason Crosby (Knee) Questionable, S Dallin Leavitt (Shoulder) Questionable, WR Christian Watson (Knee) Questionable, WR Allen Lazard (Undisclosed) Questionable, S Darnell Savage (Hamstring) Questionable, RB Kylin Hill (Knee) Out, LB Tipa Galeai (Shoulder) Questionable, OT David Bakhtiari (Knee) Questionable, G Elgton Jenkins (Knee (ACL)) Questionable, TE Robert Tonyan (Knee (ACL)) Questionable. 

MINN INJURY REPORT (POS, PLAYER, STATUS)

WR Blake Proehl (ACL) Out, CB Andrew Booth Jr. (Ankle) Questionable, LB Troy Dye (Foot) Questionable, LB Ryan Connelly (Knee (ACL)) Out, OL Chris Reed (Elbow) Questionable, DE Kenny Willekes (Undisclosed) Out, WR Bisi Johnson (Knee (ACL)) Out, WR Jalen Nailor (Concussion) Questionable, TE Irv Smith Jr. (Thumb) Questionable, WR Thomas Hennigan (Undisclosed) Out.

THE PICK: GB-1 ½

KC Chiefs @ Arizona Cardinals                                                ARZ+6

KC had a lot of players leave during the off-season, most notably WR Tyreek Hill who was traded to MIA. However, they had a very good draft and filled some gaps on both sides of the ball. KC probably won’t miss abeat, starting with this game. KC QB Pat Mahomes can get the ball to anyone and should use the whole field vs ARZ. ARZ’s big departure was OLB Chandler Jones who has very big shoes to fill. DE JJ Watt is not the same guy he was five years ago as injuries have taken their toll. ARZ started out great in 2021 but then limped off the rest of their season after their bye going 2-4. Then, in the 1^st round of the playoffs, they were walloped by LAR 34-11. We’ll see if they have recovered. The pressure is on ARZ HC Kliff Klingsbury to get this team deep into the playoffs. L4 KC vs ARZ, KC 3-1 SU but 1-3 ATS. KC 19-17-1 ATS as a ROAD FAV. KC 38-23 ATS AWAY in SEPT. KC 34-28 ATS as a FAV in SEPT. KC 8-5 ATS before LAC. ARZ 10-11-1 ATS as a HOME DOG. ARZ 20-30-1 ATS @HOME in SEPT. ARZ 41-33-1 ATS as a DOG in SEPT. ARZ 12-5 ATS as a non-div HD. ARZ 15-5 ATS as a non-div HD <7pts. ARZ 10-2 ATS as a non-div HD >3pts. KC will show everyone that the train is still on the track and they are headed back to a long ride in the playoffs. Without ARZ WR DeAndre Hopkins, QB Kyler Murray will be scrambling more for an open receiver. He won’t find any. The PASS DEF for ARZ has been good but the RUSH DEF for ARZ has been bad. Look for KC to use more of a RUSH OFF here and kill some clock. Lay the points here.    

KC INJURY REPORT (POS, PLAYER, STATUS)

WR Justyn Ross (Foot) Out, DE Carlos Dunlap (Achilles) Questionable, CB Trent McDuffie (Head) Questionable, DE Mike Danna N/A N/A, OT Lucas Niang (Kneecap) Out, TE Blake Bell (Hip) Out, DT Chris Jones (Back) Questionable. 

ARZ INJURY REPORT (POS, PLAYER, STATUS)

WR Rondale Moore (Undisclosed) Questionable, WR DeAndre Hopkins (Suspended) Out, WR Antoine Wesley (Hip) Out, S Charles Washington (Chest) Out, RB Jonathan Ward (Shoulder) Questionable, CB Antonio Hamilton (Foot) Out, OLB Markus Golden (Toe) Questionable, OL Rodney Hudson (Knee) Questionable, OL Marquis Hayes (Knee) Out, TE Zach Ertz (Calf) Questionable, TE Maxx Williams (Knee (ACL)) Questionable, DE J.J. Watt (Illness) Questionable.

THE PICK: KC-6

LV Raiders @ LA Chargers                                                       LV+3

I usually don’t take too much to heart about exhibition games but the O-LINE for LV just stunk it up in the pre-season. In the HOF game vs the JAGS, they gave up 5 sacks. Then 4, 4 and then 2 sacks vs NE. That’s a lot of sacks. LV didn’t add much to their O-LINE and QB Derek Carr has been known to make mistakes while under pressure. New HC & new GM don’t always translate into wins right away the following season. LV WR Zay Jones left and WR Davante Adams came in. He’s a big upgrade but can Carr get him the ball under pressure? OLB Chandler Jones adds strength to a LV DEF that was #14 in 2021. L15 LV @ LAC, LAC 9-6 SU & but 6-8-1 ATS. L28 LV vs LAC, ROAD 15-11-1 ATS 1 NL. L25 LV vs LAC, DOG 18-5-1 ATS 1NL. LV 32-24 ATS AWAY in SEPT. LV 13-24 ATS vs AFC WEST in SEPT. LV 36-31 ATS as a DOG in SEPT. LAC 27-29-1 ATS as a FAV in SEPT. LAC 27-32 ATS @HOME in SEPT. LAC 18-18 ATS vs AFC WEST in SEPT. LAC 4-15-2 ATS before KC. LAC added OLB Khalil Mack to complement OLB Joey Bosa on the other side. Khalil is coming off some sub par seasons and needs to show he can still get the job done. Raiders knocked Chargers out of the playoff picture with their win in the last game of the season @HOME vs LAC. There are a lot of injuries to the secondary for LAC so let’s see how they respond. There may be a revenge factor here and LAC needs to get things going fast. This should be a good game but I like LV to come out strong in this one.   

LV INJURY REPORT (POS, PLAYER, STATUS)

DE Jordan Jenkins (Knee) Out, RB Sincere McCormick (Undisclosed) Out, LB Micah Kiser (Knee) Out, OT Brandon Parker (Undisclosed) Out, TE Darren Waller (Undisclosed) Questionable, DE Clelin Ferrell N/A N/A.

LAC INJURY REPORT (POS, PLAYER, STATUS)

CB Tevaughn Campbell (Undisclosed) Out, CB J.C. Jackson (Ankle) Out, RB Isaiah Spiller (Ankle) Questionable, S Alohi Gilman (Undisclosed) Questionable, DB Deane Leonard (Hamstring) Questionable, TE Stone Smartt (Undisclosed) Out, LB Drue Tranquill (Groin) Questionable, LB Damon Lloyd (Undisclosed )Out, C Isaac Weaver (Undisclosed) Out, OT Andrew Trainer (Undisclosed) Out, TE Tre' McKitty (Undisclosed) Questionable, TE Donald Parham Jr. (Hamstring) Questionable, DL Forrest Merrill (Undisclosed) Out.

THE PICK: LV+3

Sunday September 11^th, 2022 8:20pm

TB Buccaneers @ Dallas Cowboys                                        DAL+2

QB Tom Brady is back for his 23^rd season. What concerns me for the Buccaneers is that their O-LINE is already facing massive injuries. You would think that would worry a guy who just turned 45 years old. TB is not talking about it much but, it has to be on everyone’s mind. For DAL there is always pressure from above to win, this season especially after a 12 win season in 2021. But for HC Mike McCarthy & QB Dak Prescott the focus on them is to get to the SuperBowl. Anything else is considered a lost season. DAL has also had some injuries to their O-LINE and just recently signed LT Jason Peters as insurance to sort of tie things up. L9 TB vs DAL, DAL 7-2 SU & 5-3-1 ATS incl DAL(H) vs TB, 5-0 SU & 2-2-1 ATS. DAL 16-14-1 ATS on SNF. DAL 12-15 ATS as a DOG on SNF. DAL 11-6-1 ATS L17 as a HOME DOG. DAL 10-7 ATS in 1^st of BB HGs. DAL 28-14-1 ATS as a DOG in SEPT. DAL 24-28 ATS @HOME in SEPT. TB 7-9 ATS L16 as a ROAD FAV. TB 16-9 ATS in 1^st of BB RGs. TB 30-29 ATS AWAY in SEPT. TB 21-24-1 ATS as a FAV in SEPT. TB 5-6 ATS AWAY on SNF. TB  2-10 ATS as a FAV on SNF. TB 25-24-1 ATS AWAY vs non-div. TB 7-9-2 ATS AWAY vs NFC EAST. Look for DAL RB Ezekiel Elliott to get going in this one. He needs to start strong for DAL to be successful. In 2021 DAL played at TB week 1 and lost by 2pts, 31-29. There may be a revenge factor here and DAL should prevail in this one.         

TB INJURY REPORT (POS, PLAYER, STATUS)

WR Chris Godwin Knee (ACL) (MCL) Questionable, WR Russell Gage (Leg) Probable, S Keanu Neal (Undisclosed) Questionable, RB Giovani Bernard (Ankle) Questionable, CB Zyon McCollum (Hamstring) Questionable. RB Kenjon Barner (Groin) Out, OLB Cam Gill (Foot) Out, G Nick Leverett (Shoulder) Questionable, G Aaron Stinnie Knee (ACL) (MCL) Out, C Ryan Jensen (Knee) Out, OL Robert Hainsey (Ankle) Questionable, OT Tristan Wirfs (Oblique) Questionable. 

DAL INJURY REPORT (POS, PLAYER, STATUS)

LB Devante Bond (Knee) Out, CB Kelvin Joseph (Concussion) Questionable, CB Jourdan Lewis (Hamstring) Questionable, WR Michael Gallup Knee (ACL) Questionable, S Jayron Kearse (Back) Questionable, LB Damone Clark (Neck) Out, LB Luke Gifford (Groin) Questionable, OT Matt Waletzko (Shoulder) Questionable, OL Tyler Smith (Ankle) Questionable, OT Tyron Smith (Knee) Out, WR James Washington (Foot) Out, WR Noah Brown (Toe) Questionable, WR CeeDee Lamb (Foot) Questionable, TE Ian Bunting (Neck) Out.

THE PICK: DAL+2                                    

Monday September 12^th, 2022 8:15pm

Denver Broncos @ Seattle Seahawks                                     SEA+6

DEN got its man in QB Russell Wilson. SEA has QB Geno Smith. Geno better get used to running around because the O-LINE is starting a rookie and another is in the wings. This could be a longer season then last season for SEA HC Pete Carroll because there are a lot of inexperienced guys on this team. The PASS DEF for SEA has become a major liability and it is already banged up going into the season. For DEN, they got their man in Russell Wilson and traded away QB Drew Lock, to all places, SEA where he is backing up Geno Smith. However, there will be some growing pains as DEN has a whole new coaching staff and there is pressure to win now. Wilson is a winner and will help with the game plan. L4 DEN vs SEA, SEA 2-2 SU & 2-1-1 ATS. SEA 5-3 ATS as a HOME DOG. SEA 22-26-1 ATS as a DOG in SEPT. SEA 32-23 ATS @HOME in SEPT. SEA 13-6 ATS on MNF. SEA 8-1 ATS as a HOME DOG on MNF. SEA 3-11 ATS before SF. DEN 3-0 ATS L3 as a ROAD FAV. DEN 11-7 ATS L18 as a ROAD FAV. DEN 42-32-1 ATS as a FAV in SEPT. DEN 31-21 ATS AWAY in SEPT. DEN 3-7 ATS as a ROAD FAV on MNF. DEN 24-12 SU & 21-14-1 ATS in 1^st 4 gms of the season, L12 seasons. Wilson will show the SEA folks that it was a mistake to trade him and they just should have added better players. He will light up a DEF that is banged up and DEN should run away with this. There will be a post game interview with Wilson about coming back to SEA and their fans, I guarantee it.

DEN INJURY REPORT (POS, PLAYER, STATUS)

OLB Randy Gregory (Shoulder) Questionable, CB Michael Ojemudia (Elbow) Out, WR Tyrie Cleveland (Neck) Questionable, RB Damarea Crockett (ACL) Out, OLB Christopher Allen (Foot) Out, ILB Jonas Griffith (Elbow) Questionable, OL Billy Turner (Knee) Questionable, OL Tom Compton (Back) Out, TE Greg Dulcich (Hamstring) Out, WR Tim Patrick (ACL) Out, WR Brandon Johnson (Undisclosed) Out..

SEA INJURY REPORT (POS, PLAYER, STATUS)

RB Kenneth Walker III (Abdomen) Questionable, WR Cody Thompson (Shoulder) Out, WR Marquise Goodwin (Hamstring) Questionable, CB Artie Burns (Groin) Questionable, CB Tre Brown (Knee) Out, CB Sidney Jones IV (Concussion) Questionable, SS Ryan Neal (Knee (ACL)) Questionable, CB John Reid (Groin) Out, LB Boye Mafe (Shoulder) Questionable, LB Jordyn Brooks (Hamstring) Questionable, LB Jon Rhattigan (Knee) Out, G Gabe Jackson (Knee) Questionable, G Damien Lewis (Ankle) Questionable, OT Jake Curhan (Back) Questionable, DE L.J. Collier (Elbow) Out, LB Tyreke Smith (Hip) Out, LB Alton Robinson (Knee (PCL)) Questionable.

THE PICK: DEN-6