NFL Week 1 Picks and Teaser: Jets vs. Ravens, Cardinals vs. Chiefs

NFL Week 1 Picks and Teaser: Jets vs. Ravens, Cardinals vs. Chiefs

FIRST LEG: RAVENS ML (Teased from -6)

The Ravens are a team that I am very high on this season. I fully expect a big bounce-back season from Lamar Jackson and this Baltimore squad. Lamar Jackson gets a lot of criticism for his struggles as a passer at times, but his rushing ability makes him an extremely dangerous weapon both on designed runs and on scrambles when the play breaks down. Lamar Jackson is also in a contract year, and it would be lackadaisical not to mention this because I have to believe there will be a little added motivation from him to show out amid his lingering contract situation.

The Jets have also had a lot of injuries already on the offensive line and I think Joe Flacco will be under pressure most of the afternoon. The Jets have done a good job of adding young skill players to their roster like Breece Hall, Michael Carter, Garrett Wilson, and Elijah Moore but it will be hard for them to contribute if Flacco does not have the proper time or protection to get the ball to them. The Ravens should dominate field position and time of possession in this matchup and Lamar Jackson should make enough plays through the air and with his legs to lead the Ravens to a win

SECOND LEG: CARDINALS +12.5 (Teased from +6.5)

The Cardinals had a very interesting off-season as they gave Kyler Murray a long and expensive contract extension. Then news came out that Murray might not be watching as much film as he should and there were questions about his work ethic that lingered for most of the off-season. While these reports were odd and a little concerning, I do not think they will affect his performance in this matchup.

Over the past few seasons, the Chiefs defense has been their main issue. They have been a "bend don't break" type defense that has given up a lot of yards but forced turnovers or stops in the red zone to allow for Mahomes and their high-powered offense to take over games. One thing about the Cardinals is that they have played very well at home with Murray at the helm. The Cardinals have not lost a home game by more than 12 points since week 13 of the 2019 season. I do not like to put a ton of stock in trends or streaks like that but to me, this shows that the Cardinals raise their play when in their home building and do not simply roll over even when they are playing a superior opponent. I believe the Cardinals have a chance to win this game straight up, but either way, I do anticipate that they keep this game close and within 12.5 points for the second leg of this teaser.

2-team 6-point teaser -110 (1.5u) (Bet $110 to Win $100)

• Ravens ML
• Cardinals +12.5

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