The wait for NFL betting ends this week as the regular season begins. Who will open the season in style? Let’s try a parlay of picks. Tennessee Titans @ Pittsburgh Steelers (-6)
Thursday, September 10, 8:30 p.m. ET
The Steelers begin their title defense with a tough opponent in last year’s AFC South champs, the Tennessee Titans. However, this year’s Titans could be primed for a step backward. The loss of Albert Haynesworth leaves a gaping hole at defensive tackle and the run-first Steelers want to re-establish their smashmouth game after struggling in that regard last year.
Tennessee’s run game is dynamite, featuring speedy Chris Johnson and powerful LenDale White, but the Steelers will stack the box against them. The Titans have very little in the passing game and the Steelers won’t respect Kerry Collins’ arm. They should stymie Tennessee, get an early lead and run the football like crazy. Bet on them to cover in your NFL picks.
Betting services recommend: Steelers -6
Detroit Lions @ New Orleans Saints (-13)
Sunday, September 13, 1:00 p.m. ET
It’s entirely possible that the retooled Lions will catch bettors off guard this season; Matt Stafford-to-Calvin Johnson could be this year’s Matt Ryan-to-Roddy White. However, the Lions won’t start their climb in NFL week 1 betting. The “D” has a long way to go and the Saints’ offense is a well-oiled machine. Drew Brees threw for 5,000 yards last season; now he adds a healthy Reggie Bush, a rededicated Jeremy Shockey and a healthy Marques Colston to the mix. Scary. The Saints should win a shootout. For the love of Pete, bet over the total on this one.
Betting services recommend: Saints -13
Washington Redskins @ New York Giants (-6.5)
Sunday, September 13, 4:15 p.m. ET
I’m calling a wakeup call for the Giants at home this week. They lost their defensive co-ordinator Steve Spagnuolo and may not have their usual ferocity; on offense, no Giant emerged as a go-to receiver for Eli Manning and Derrick Ward is gone. Can the Giants score on a Washington defense that ranked fourth in the NFL last year, then added Albert Haynesworth and a full season of DeAngelo Hall? The Redskins will surprise and beat the spread at the very least.
Betting services recommend: Redskins +6.5
