Week 1 of the NFL season didn’t exactly start the way Del wanted it to, but there’s a silver lining here — there are still 16 to go. If we’re still picking games below the .500 mark and going 0-for-3 in the Top 3 by about week 11 or 12, we might hit the panic button. But for now, we move forward.
Week 1 featured some truly whacky covers. For whatever reason, the Jets went for two after scoring to take a 19–7 lead over the Raiders. They failed, and the Raiders ended up covering the 5.5-point spread with another touchdown. That one left a sour taste in Del’s mouth, as did the Eagles’ insane late cover against the Jaguars. Nevertheless, it’s time to shake it off. Here are Del’s Week 2 NFL picks. Check back later in the week for Doc Brown’s picks.
(ATS = Against the Spread, SU = Straight Up)
Based on what I saw from them against the Patriots, I really like the Dolphins this week. Yes, I know the Bills beat the Bears in Chicago. But Jay Cutler was responsible for some of that with two interceptions. It also didn’t help that Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery were both sidelined at one point with injuries. The Dolphins have a better defense than the Bills, as evidenced by the constant pressure they put on Tom Brady. Miami’s offense also looked vastly improved under new offensive coordinator Bill Lazor. He looks like he actually knows how to use Mike Wallace. Miami should move to 2-0.
Another line I like this week is the Patriots laying three on the road against Minnesota. While I realize this is a tough spot for New England with back-to-back road games, my gut tells me Bill Belichick will be prepared. The Hoodie is the best adjustment coach in football. The Patriots have the personnel on defense to succeed, it’s just a matter of finding schemes that work. Stopping Adrian Peterson will prove to be incredibly difficult, especially if the Pats allow the same types of running lanes they gave Knowshon Moreno. Still, I think Tom Brady will bounce back and some of the offensive line issues will be fixed. I can’t see New England starting 0-2.
And finally, I’m taking the Packers laying 8.5 points at home. That seems like a lot of points, but I still like Green Bay’s offense to explode this season. It’s almost impossible to win on the road against the Seahawks. Rex Ryan is a defensive genius, but New York isn’t comparable to Seattle — especially in the defensive backfield. Aaron Rodgers and company will have had three extra days of rest and preparation against a team that nearly lost to the Raiders and a rookie quarterback at home. The Packers could blow the doors off New York.
