Pro Picks: Bills get the nod over Lions
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Jaxson Dart, Cam Skattebo and the rejuvenated New York Giants gave John Harbaugh a successful debut.
A sleepy effort in Australia has the Super Bowl favorites reeling after one game. Now the Los Angeles Rams won’t have Myles Garrett for a month. And, Aaron Donald’s status is uncertain.
Still, the Rams (0-1) are 7 1/2-point favorites against the Giants (1-0) on Monday night.
Expect Sean McVay to have his team ready to rebound after ill-advised travel plans led to a dismal performance against the 49ers.
Harbaugh’s team made a statement against the Cowboys. It’ll be a tough challenge on the road against Matthew Stafford, Puka Nacua and Los Angeles.
Pro Picks likes the Rams to win but the Giants to cover.
RAMS: 27-20
DETROIT (1-0) at BUFFALO (1-0)
Line: Bills minus 4 1/2
Josh Allen was spectacular against Houston’s stingy defense, though he was a dropped pick away from losing the game. Joe Brady’s Bills will be fired up to play their home opener in a new stadium. Jared Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs and a new-look offensive line were impressive against New Orleans. The defense struggled, as usual.
BILLS: 30-23
CLEVELAND (0-1) at TAMPA BAY (0-1)
Line: Buccaneers minus 8 1/2
Deshaun Watson could be making his final start for the Browns, who were dismal at Jacksonville.
BUCCANEERS: 24-17
PHILADELPHIA (1-0) at TENNESSEE (0-1)
Line: Eagles minus 7
Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley and the rest of Philadelphia’s offense had a successful opener under a new coordinator but have plenty of room to improve.
EAGLES: 27-16
GREEN BAY (0-1) at NEW YORK JETS (1-0)
Line: Packers minus 3 1/2
The Packers have lost six straight games since Micah Parsons was injured last December. Their offensive line is struggling to protect Jordan Love and they were undisciplined, committing 12 penalties in Week 1. Enter the Jets. Yes, they won their opener. But they beat the Titans.
PACKERS: 26-17
CINCINNATI (1-0) at HOUSTON (0-1)
Line: Texans minus 2 1/2
The Bengals may finally have a strong defense to match Joe Burrow and a prolific offense.
TEXANS: 26-23
PITTSBURGH (1-0) at NEW ENGLAND (0-1)
Line: Patriots minus 5 1/2
Drake Maye can’t be turnover-prone or the Patriots won’t come close to last season’s success.
PATRIOTS: 22-20
MINNESOTA (1-0) at CHICAGO (1-0)
Line: Bears minus 5 1/2
Caleb Williams and the Bears won’t score 59 this week against Brian Flores’ defense but they don’t have to. Carson Wentz was efficient coming off the bench for the Vikings against Green Bay. He’ll have a full week to practice with the starters but this won’t be easy, even though Chicago’s defense gave up 37 last week.
BEARS: 27-16
CAROLINA (0-1) at ATLANTA (0-1)
Line: Panthers minus 1 1/2
Bryce Young and Carolina’s offense were dynamic in Week 1. The defense was horrendous.
PANTHERS: 24-18
NEW ORLEANS (0-1) at BALTIMORE (1-0)
Line: Ravens minus 8 1/2
Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry and Zay Flowers are going to look unstoppable more often than not.
RAVENS: 30-20
JACKSONVILLE (1-0) at DENVER (0-1)
Line: Broncos minus 2 1/2
Trevor Lawrence is going to get early MVP attention if he beats the Broncos on the road.
BRONCOS: 24-20
LAS VEGAS (1-0) at LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (0-1)
Line: Chargers minus 6 1/2
Justin Herbert’s debut in Mike McDaniel’s offense was lackluster.
CHARGERS: 27-16
MIAMI (0-1) at SAN FRANCISCO (1-0)
Line: 49ers minus 13 1/2
The only thing that can slow down Brock Purdy, Christian McCaffrey and the 49ers is the jet lag after spending 10 days in Australia.
49ERS: 30-13
SEATTLE (1-0) at ARIZONA (1-0)
Line: Seahawks minus 4
The Cardinals pulled off the biggest upset in Week 1, knocking off the Chargers. Now, they face the defending Super Bowl champions on extra rest.
BEST BET: SEAHAWKS: 24-13
WASHINGTON (0-1) at DALLAS (0-1)
Line: Cowboys minus 3 1/2
A bonehead celebration penalty by Stefon Diggs and questionable play on a 2-point conversion cost the Commanders a shot at an upset in Philly.
COWBOYS: 27-23
INDIANAPOLIS (0-1) at KANSAS CITY (1-0)
Line: Chiefs minus 6 1/2
The Chiefs could be in for a letdown off an emotional Monday night game.
UPSET SPECIAL: COLTS 24-23
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Last week: Straight up: 10-6. Against spread: 5-11.
Overall: Straight up: 10-6. Against spread: 5-11.
Best Bet: Straight up: 1-0. Against spread: 0-1.
Upset Special: Straight up: 0-1. Against spread: 0-1.