NFL Week 1 odds are in full swing after last night’s season debut. We steered you wrong – by three points – with the Steelers/Titans game. Let’s make up for it with several more spread picks for the weekend. Jacksonville Jaguars @ Indianapolis Colts (-7)
Sunday, September 13, 1:00 p.m. ET
This AFC South matchup could be a high-scoring affair. The Jaguar pass defense is suspect and the Colts are eager to re-establish themselves as the NFL’s best passing team. Peyton Manning will throw early and often to his array of useful targets, including Reggie Wayne, Dallas Clark and Anthony Gonzalez, testing the Jag secondary. On the flip side, with Bob Sanders on the mend, the Indy run defense may be ineffective. That means Maurice Jones-Drew could have a field day. Consider betting over the total and pick Indy to cover the seven-point spread in a barn burner.
Betting services recommend: Colts -7
New York Jets @ Houston Texans
Sunday, September 13, 1:00 p.m. ET
Are the Houston Texans finally ready to make the playoffs? They’ll try to earn our trust as NFL picks with a flashy offensive performance in Week 1 and I think they’re up to the task. Ultra-accurate Matt Schaub has great chemistry with Andre Johnson, Owen Daniels and the many other weapons at his disposal; he’ll pick apart a Jets defense that should improve this year but may start slowly with Calvin Pace and Shaun Ellis suspended. Mark Sanchez makes his NFL debut behind center for Gang Green and, while the Texans aren’t a difficult matchup, he may still have jitters and make some mistakes.
Betting services recommend: Texans -4.5
Chicago Bears @ Green Bay Packers (-3.5)
Sunday, September 13, 8:20 p.m. ET
If you thought Tennessee/Pittsburgh was the NFL betting game of the week, you’d be wrong. The Bears and Packers, two of three possible Super Bowl contenders in the NFC North, resume their rivalry Sunday night. We can expect passing, passing and more passing in this matchup with Jay Cutler and Aaron Rodgers going head to head. I give the slight edge to Green Bay; while we can’t put too much stock into the preseason, it’s abundantly clear the Pack’s aerial attack is a cohesive, well-oiled machine. The Bears should improve through the air but have some kinks to work out and no go-to No. 1 wideouts. Jay Cutler forces throws into traffic sometimes and, while the Packer “D” is a work in progress, it does have playmakers who could pick Cutler off at crucial moments.
Betting services recommend: Packers -3.5
