Welcome to the first edition of Vibe Picks, a weekly NFL picks segment where myself and sports director, Mike Walter, will pick every NFL game against the spread.
Of course this is purely for recreational purposes and Buffalo Vibe promotes no gambling activity. With that said, on to week 1 picks. Mike Walter’s picks will be at the end in parentheses, with best bet designated by an asterisk.
(Home team in caps)
Ravens (+9) over BRONCOS- Well we both started off the year going against Manning. That was a mistake. A huge, 7 touchdown passes, record tying mistake. (Ravens)
BILLS (+11) over Patriots- This is the highest line in week 1, but I like the Bills to cover at home. Week 1 always seems to bring out a good effort, the defensive should be able to disrupt Brady, and Spiller can set the tone early. Give me the points! (Patriots)
Titans (+7) over STEELERS- Not many are talking about the Steelers. The Ravens grabbed the spotlight in the division, and the Bengals are the supposed up and coming team in the AFC. I think the Steelers win, but give me the points and a big game from CJ2K. (Steelers)
SAINTS (-3) over Falcons- I can’t go against the return of Sean Payton to the sidelines. This could be the most entertaining game of the week, and I can see it being a push. However, I’ll lay the points and watch Jimmy Graham go wild. Also, take the over in this one, as the scoreboard will surely be lit up. (Falcons)
Bucs (-4) over JETS- These Bucs are not very good, but the Jets are the worst team in the league, (what a pleasure to say). I’ll lay the point in New York with the only interest in this game is seeing Geno Smith make his first NFL start. (*Bucs*)
JAGS (+4) over Chiefs- Much talk is on the Chiefs, as most are expecting a return to respectability with Andy Reid patrolling the sidelines. Jamaal Charles will be a beast, but I believe MJD is even better on Sunday in his return from knee surgery, and an underrated defensive keeps this one close. (Chiefs)
BEARS (-3) over Bengals- Yes the Bengals are a solid team, but I don’t see them going to Chicago and pulling the upset. The Cutler to Marshall Combination will be in full effect, and the still underrated Matt Forte will be the difference in a close game. (Bengals)
BROWNS (-1) over Dolphins- A defensive struggle is in store, but I like the Browns to pull of the win at home on the legs on Trent Richardson. (Dolphins)
PANTHERS (+4) over Seahawks- The Seahawks could very well be playing into February, but I like Cam Newton and the Panthers to cover the number and even win outright . It will be a tough task for the Hawks to travel to the East Coast in week 1 against a team that has something to prove. (Hawks)
LIONS (-5) over Vikings- The Vikings and Adrian Peterson will not keep up with the offensive of the Lions in this one, and Reggie Bush will be the pass catching threat out of the backfield to compliment a monster game from Megatron. (Lions)
Raiders (+10) over COLTS- Not much to say about this game, except I see a late backdoor cover by the Raiders. Give me the points. (Colts)
RAMS (-4) over Cardinals- The Rams are a sleeper team this year. I think Bradford begins a resurgent year with a nice game, and the Rams win rather easily. Also look for a kick return from Austin. (Rams)
Packers (+5) over NINERS- In perhaps the game of the day, and a rematch of last year’s playoff matchup, look for the Packers to get revenge in this one on a late Aaron Rodgers drive to get the outright win. (Packers)
COWBOYS (-3) over Giants- A nice Sunday night matchup to conclude an exciting opening day of football. This should be decided by a late FG, but I’ll lay the points with the Cowboys at home, and watch the Romo to Bryant connection possibly be football’s most prolific duo this year. (Cowboys)
That's it for week 1. My best bet is the Rams over the Cardinals. Look for a recap on Monday, as well as our picks for Monday Night Football. It's football time! Everyone enjoy your Sunday, and here’s to settling that itch. Go Bills!
