Game 1 – London – For the 2nd week in a row the Jags play in London, this time as the “Road” team. They face the Bills who come in fresh off the big win vs. Miami. This is a time where the Jags may have the advantage. Either way this is the two franchise quarterbacks who are now world wide due to the London games. This is 3rd game in London for Trevor Lawrence, (2-0) I’ll take the points, and really if your daring to go against the Bills its like a rollercoaster because you know they are capable of winning and winning big any given Sunday.
Jacksonville +5
Last week the Titans looked like they had returned to form, holding the Bengals to 3 points and reminding me to be glad I was only losing ten bucks on the game, because to have anymore would’ve been the worst 3 hours in sports. That for me is being on the wrong end of a blowout. As good as Tennessee has played at home they have struggled on the road. They do get a familiar foe or at least one that looks the same but with different players from the past 5 which have been Titans wins in this matchup. I look there and I do see the consensus 58% on the Colts. Points may be at a premium in this one, but the headline coming is the return of Jonathon Taylor after signing his extension. I’m gonna go with the Titans but I can tell some feel differently here with consensus the other way.
Tennessee -2.5
Lions without Amon-Ra I believe as they host the Panthers. With 91% of the consensus on the Lions causing the move to -9.5 and 99% money line it seems as if winning is a forgone conclusion to the bettors. That is also a warning sign and while they may very well blow out the Panthers they also may struggle slightly with their top wide receiver out. The consensus stats are where to ponder and these two met in pre-season this year but I’m not sure that counts. DIfferent Panthers team but last year this was 37-23 Carolina. I know the Lions are better and a new rookie QB and new regime for the Panthers but against all odds, the pile of money is all on the Lions here, my prediction Lions 29-20 – Carolina +9.5.
Texans vs.Falcons – I’m beginning to realize its not just CJ Stroud happening in Houston even if he gets the credit because, Coach Ryans has brought the D-fense to Houston. That gives them a chance to win any game when you play like that. I’m not sure they are going to rise to the level of the 49ers but this team is 2-2 and heading the right direction. The Falcons 2-2 as well and this game is 55% consensus Atlanta ATS -2.5 and 90 % money line on the Falcons. This is a win-able game for either team and I’m going Texans on the strength of their defense has been good and the young QB is taking care of the ball. I’ll fade the consensus here with the thought that the public hasn’t caught on to the Texans not being a fluke yet.
Texans +2.5
New England vs. New Orleans- This is a home game with it set at a pick’em. I wouldn’t be surprised to see an under here but historically since Belichick has been there they win games like this, but they usually haven’t been -115 at home. Bets split evenly as of now 52 to 48 % but this isn’t an election and the Patriots home record starts to get better and better the later we get into the season.
Patriots -115
I’ve seen a lot of improvement in the passing game from Lamar Jackson, but did you see Pittsburgh last week? They almost always come back and play well after one like that. They have fared well vs. Baltimore.
Steelers +5
Cincinnati in the desert and only laying -3. They have struggled this year and they at times really struggle when the don’t have all 3 wide outs healthy. The losses of Perine and Hurst in the offseason have shown up this year. I’ll still take the Bengals to do better than the 3 point performance last week. Consensus on Arizona here as of now and the line is suspiciously low on the surface but -3 on the road is different than at home and the Cardinals are outperforming expectations but still not a winning record either. Both teams need a win badly.
Bengals -3
As Always Best of Luck and enjoy your Sunday