Expect sack attack Thursday
Bengals and Texans both terrible at protecting their QB
Judging by the performances of their blockers in the opening week of the season, it’s fair to wonder if there will be more sacks than points in Thursday night’s game between the Texans and Bengals.
Cincinnati allowed Andy Dalton to be trapped five times, half as many as Houston yielded in its loss to Jacksonville. Yes, 10 sacks.
A.J. McCarron might be on the field soon for Cincinnati because of the battering Dalton is taking.
As for Tom Savage or Deshaun Watson or whoever is taking snaps for Houston, two words of advice: watch out!
Cincinnati is a four-point favourite over Houston, which also has a slew of people in concussion protocol. It’s difficult to believe the Bengals are really as inept with the ball as the Ravens made them look. Bengals, 20-13
N.Y. Jets (plus 13.5) at Oakland
Thought about 10 seconds before making this ... Best bet: Raiders, 34-10
Washington (plus 2.5) at L.A. Rams
The Rams basically had a bye versus the Luckless Colts. Washington is more formidable. Upset special: Washington, 27-16
New England (minus 4.5) at New Orleans
Tom Brady is mad and isn’t going to take it anymore.
Patriots, 30-20
Dallas (minus 1.5) at Denver
Solid early season matchup that a true O-line will win. The Bengals and Texans should pay attention. Cowboys, 17-14
Tennessee (minus 1) at Jacksonville
The Titans have a quarterback, something the Texans didn’t. Titans, 22-17
Cleveland (plus 7.5) at Baltimore
Can’t see the Browns winning on the road this early. Ravens, 13-7
Philadelphia (plus 4.5) at Kansas City
Two of the NFL’s most impressive teams in Week 1.
Chiefs, 23-17
Green Bay (plus 3) at Atlanta
If the Packers win this, stamp them as NFC favourites. Falcons, 31-30
Minnesota (plus 7) at Pittsburgh
The Steelers looked rather blah in their win over the Browns. The Vikings looked terrific vs. the Saints. Steelers, 24-20
Buffalo (plus 7) at Carolina
Don’t be fooled by the Bills’ home win over the Jets. Panthers, 28-13
Arizona (minus 7.5) at Indianapolis
A shame this game is missing David Johnson and Andrew Luck. Cardinals, 24-7
Chicago (plus 6) at Tampa Bay
Will the Bucs be rusty or chomping at the bit? Go with the latter. Buccaneers, 23-13
Miami (plus 4) at L.A. Chargers
Will the Dolphins be rusty or chomping at the bit. No matter. Chargers, 28-27
San Francisco (plus 12.5) at Seattle
Seahawks, 23-6
Detroit (plus 5) at New York Giants
Giants, 21-17
2017 RECORD: Season totals:
Against spread, 6-9; straight up, 9-6
Best bet:
1-0 against spread, 1-0 straight up The Seahawks will show some offence this week. Betting on Beckham returning.
Upset special:
1-0 against spread, 1-0 straight up