On the road again
Visitors dominated vs. spread in Week 1
Crowds were back at full capacity throughout the NFL and surely home-field advantage would mean something once again following a unique 2020 season.
NFL BET BOX
Not exactly. Throwing out the Green Bay-New Orleans game that was moved to Jacksonville, road teams were 8-7 straight up and 11-4 against the number. Road underdogs had some serious bite, going 7-1 against the number with the Dolphins, Steelers, Cardinals and Eagles earning outright victories — and that doesn’t include the Chargers who were favored when this went to print last week but kicked off as an underdog in Washington.
Much like Mac Jones not wanting the football from his first TD pass, we’re not taking pats on the back after going 10-6 in the opening week. We’re striving for perfection.
Patriots (-5.5) at N.Y. Jets —
Sunday showed just how thin the margin of error is for the Pats – and it got even thinner for those holding over 9.5 wins tickets on the hometown team. The good news, the Jets still aren’t good and got banged up in Carolina with left tackle Mekhi Becton expected to miss at least a month. Hurry up and get those wagers in before this number goes up. Patriots, 23-14.
N.Y. Giants at Washington (-3) — It did not take long for the Fitzmagic to wear off in Washington, but Taylor Heinicke is ready to reprise his role of 2020 NFC East cult hero. Football Team, 24-16.
New Orleans (-3.5) at Carolina — Unlike Week 1, the Saints will have to worry about the opposition running the ball this time around, but the offense was balanced enough with 25% of Jameis Winston’s pass attempts accounting for touchdowns. Saints, 31-20.
Houston at Cleveland (-12.5) — It’s a lot of points to lay, but for most of the game Cleveland was the better team on Sunday against the class of the AFC. Browns, 3421.
Cincinnati at Chicago (-1.5) — Andy Dalton gets to go up against his old team. There’s a reason the Bengals moved on. Bengals, 27-20.
Las Vegas at Pittsburgh (-5.5) — Tough spot for the Raiders coming off a fascinating win Monday night (the Manningcast on ESPN2 was excellent). Which Ben Roethlisberger shows up? Steelers, 27-17.
Buffalo (-3.5) at Miami — The Dolphins can make a big statement here. And were the Bills a bit busy reading the hype? Dolphins, 24-20.
L.A. Rams (-3.5) at Indianapolis — Matthew Stafford surrounded by a competent cast of characters is a pretty good quarterback. Indy goes 0-fer in the LA double. Rams, 2817.
San Francisco (-3.5) at Philadelphia — Elijah Mitchell did a nice job stepping in when Raheem Mostert went down injured. This has Eagles coming through the back door written all over it. 49ers, 31-28.
Denver (-6) at Jacksonville — The Broncos were solid in all facets on Sunday. Urban to USC? Broncos, 27-14.
Minnesota at Arizona (-3.5) — Do you really trust the Vikings? I certainly don’t. Cardinals, 31-24.
Atlanta at Tampa Bay (-11.5) — Tampa Bay turned the ball over four times and still found a way to get the job done. Expect a cleaner performance this time around. Buccaneers, 34-17.
Tennessee at Seattle (-4.5) — Russell Wilson looked fantastic. Julio Jones did not. Seahawks, 31-20.
Dallas at L.A. Chargers (-3) — Dak Prescott looked good in the opener considering the shoulder injury, but the Cowboys can’t be successful if they are asking him to sling it 50 times a game. Chargers, 30-24.
Kansas City (-3.5) at Baltimore — Which quarterback do you trust more in the fourth quarter? Chiefs, 31-24.
Detroit at Green Bay (-11.5) — Aaron Rodgers was putrid on Sunday. The opponent Monday should help him in Week 2, but enough to put hard earned money behind him? Not so sure about that.
Packers, 28-17.
As for a survivor pool, the Rams were never threatened by the Bears making for a smooth opener. Before the season started, the Packers at home against the Lions was the penciled-in pick, but after a stem-tostern debacle — particularly for Aaron Rodgers and the soap opera from the offseason — I’m retreating to the calmer waters of Tampa Bay.
LAST WEEK: 10-6 (.625)