Still trusting Bill, Tom in Week 1
It’s back and it’s longer than ever. The National Football League makes its return tonight in Tampa with the age-defying Tom Brady getting to see another banner go up following a seventh title as the Super Bowl champion Buccaneers host the Dallas Cowboys.
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After a 7-9 slog and missing the playoffs for the first time since 2008, the offseason over at 1 Patriot Place (how have they not changed this to Way?) must have felt like an eternity. One can only picture Bill Belichick looking at the Buccaneers boat parade like the Grinch watching the Whos of Whoville getting ready for Christmas.
But as the 17-game season kicks off, the Patriots hope Mac Jones is the piece to keep deep postseason runs as part of the norm and not relegate them to the history book.
Over the long term, In Bill We Trust, has been a motto to cashing tickets — even with last year’s fade mixed in — and it’s at least worthwhile to throw support back behind him to start 2021.
Miami at Patriots (-3) — The Patriots aren’t going to pile up points like during Brady’s heyday, but the other side of the ball will be better than a year ago with a linebacker group that knows a thing or two about success. Pats, 2116.
Dallas at Tampa Bay (-8) —
Thursday night opener, banners, pyrotechnics, and Tom
Brady, 44, showing that the Buccaneers are a solid choice to go back-to-back. Buccaneers, 31-20.
Pittsburgh at Buffalo (-6.5) — The leaders of the AFC East reside on the shores of Lake Erie, and how long can Ben Roethlisberger keep his body together in one piece. Bills, 27-13.
N.Y. Jets at Carolina (-5.5) — While it’s a new coaching staff at Exit 16W, his former teammates remember what kind of ghosts Sam Darnold saw. Gang Green might have something with Zach Wilson, but they also thought that about Darnold. Jets, 21-20.
Jacksonville (-2.5) at Houston — This Urban Meyer NFL head coach thing is going to be about as successful as Steve Spurrier was in Washington. Texans, 20-14.
Arizona at Tennessee (-3) — Can J.J. Watt stay healthy for an entire season? Kliff Kingsbury sure hopes so. The Cardinals made a lot of noise during the offseason, think it pays off in the opener. Cardinals, 26-17.
L.A. Chargers (-1) at Washington — Chargers hope Justin Herbert doesn’t have a sophomore slump. Crosscountry flight, 1 p.m. kickoff and Chase Young chasing after you isn’t an optimal way to start. Football Team, 23-20.
Philadelphia at Atlanta (-3) — Jalen Hurts will be able to
make more plays than Matt Ryan. Eagles, 28-20.
Seattle (-2.5) at Indianapolis — The Seahawks have a healthy QB while the Colts have the one on a banged-up foot. Seahawks, 34-24.
Minnesota (-3) at Cincinnati — The Bengals have thought wisely to improve the people who protect Joey Burrow. Bengals 33-31.
San Francisco (-7.5) at Detroit — Does anyone really think Dan Campbell is the answer in Detroit? 49ers, 28-13.
Cleveland at Kansas City (-6.5) — Kevin Stefanski will not punt with less than five minutes left down by less than seven points this time around. Chiefs, 35-30.
Denver (-2.5) at N.Y. Giants — I’m going with Saquon Barkley playing. Giants, 21-20.
Green Bay (-4) vs. New Orleans — In Jacksonville because of Hurricane Ida. The Saints don’t get there, but do enough as far as we’re concerned against the biggest soap opera of the offseason. Packers, 24-21.
Chicago at L.A. Rams (-7.5) — The Bears handling Justin Fields the opposite way the Patriots are going with Mac Jones. Rams, 31-14.
Baltimore (-4.5) at Las Vegas — The Black Hole finally hits the Vegas Strip. It’s between the lines that counts, though. Ravens, 27-20.
And one more thing. Let’s see how long this can last. Who doesn’t love a good survivor pool? Pick one measly winner a week. How hard can it be? We all know the answer! It’s like swimming off Coast Guard Beach with a bunch of seals frolicking around you. I’m going with the Rams.
Ride ’em, fade ’em, just enjoy the sweat and don’t bite off more than you can chew. Good luck!
Lines used are from FanDuel Sportsbook.