Category: How to Watch

Why New York Jets Will Win

Do the Ravens have enough of a pass rush to take advantage of the Jet backfield?

The defense is going to be nasty again with a slew of key parts healthy again, but the team has been working on coming up with more pop in the backfield. New York did a ton to improve the skill spots, but most of the work was spent on the front five. This group will generate a push against the Raven front, and …

What’s Going To Happen

Lamar Jackson will take over when needed.

The receiving corps is still iffy, and the running backs a question mark until JK Dobbins and others prove they’re back to form, but Jackson won’t have any problems against the New York front seven that’s about to have fits trying to get to him.

The Jet offense will connect on a few big plays, but Jackson will be brilliant in the fourth.

Baltimore Ravens vs New York Jets Prediction, Line

Baltimore 27, New York Jets 17
Line: Baltimore -7, o/u: 44.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2

– NFL Coaches Against the Spread

Baltimore Ravens vs New York Jets Must See Rating: 3
5: US Open Week 2
1: Samaritan

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Dallas Cowboys Prediction, Game Preview

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Dallas Cowboys game preview, prediction, and breakdown for the Week 1 game on Sunday, September 11

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Dallas Cowboys prediction, game preview, how to watch. Week 1, Sunday, September 11

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Dallas Cowboys How To Watch

Date: Sunday, September 11
Game Time: 8:20 ET
Venue: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX
How To Watch: NBC
Record: Tampa Bay (0-0), Dallas (0-0)
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Dallas Cowboys Game Preview

Why Tampa Bay Buccaneers Will Win

It might go against everything Tampa Bay is about with Tom Brady back under center for a team that led the NFL in passing yards, but …

Run, run, run.

The Dallas defensive interior is soft enough to try keeping the ground game between the hashmarks with a power back like Leonard Fournette to settle things down.

Of course everyone will be wanting a high-powered offensive show like the 31-29 Buccaneer win to open up last year, but hammer away early, let Brady hit the third down throws to keep everything moving, and frustrate Dallas by keeping the offensive weapons on the sidelines.

That might be the idea in theory, but 1) of course it’s going to be 12 winging it around the yard, and 2) …

Why Dallas Cowboys Will Win

Does Tampa Bay have anyone left on the offensive front?

The front five was decimated by injuries in the preseason, the parts that rotated in weren’t that great, and TB12 isn’t exactly the most mobile quarterback.

Tampa Bay was terrific at stopping the run last season and should be again, but – like the Bucs – Dallas needs to start out by giving it a try. The Cowboys have the depth and options at running back to get creative, the defensive front should be able to hold up, and …

What’s Going To Happen

Sorry about all of these suggestions about the ground games taking over.

Tom Brady will throw for 300, Dak Prescott will throw for 300, and it’ll be an up-and-down fight throughout the third quarter. The problems on the Tampa Bay offensive front really will matter, though.

It’s not like the Dallas D will be a brick wall, but it’ll hold up just enough late to get revenge for last year’s opener.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Dallas Cowboys Prediction, Line

Dallas 27, Tampa Bay 23
Line: Dallas -1.5, o/u: 50.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 3

– NFL Coaches Against the Spread

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Dallas Cowboys Must See Rating: 4.5
5: US Open Week 2
1: Samaritan

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Cleveland Browns vs Carolina Panthers Prediction, Game Preview

Cleveland Browns vs Carolina Panthers game preview, prediction, and breakdown for the Week 1 game on Sunday, September 11

Cleveland Browns vs Carolina Panthers prediction, game preview, how to watch. Week 1, Sunday, September 11

Cleveland Browns vs Carolina Panthers How To Watch

Date: Sunday, September 11
Game Time: 1:00 ET
Venue: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC
How To Watch: CBS
Record: Cleveland (0-0), Carolina (0-0)
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Cleveland Browns vs Carolina Panthers Game Preview

Why Cleveland Browns Will Win

The Brown running game has to hammer away from the start.

The passing attack will be a massive question mark without the star parts at receiver – with some due respect to Amari Cooper – and Jacoby Brissett under center, but the backs are there to keep working and grinding against the okay Panther defensive front.

Run the ball, rely on the pass rush to come through on third downs, and send everyone at 6 to see if he can handle the pressure. However …

Why Carolina Panthers Will Win

Not to assume the obvious, but who knows this Cleveland defense – at least the main parts – better than the guy who worked against it in practice every day?

Baker Mayfield might not be Brady or Mahomes, but he’s an upgrade for the Carolina passing game. He’s got a healthy Christian McCaffrey to work with, his receiving corps is more loaded than it might seem, and it might not take too much to put the pressure on.

Go ahead. Make Brissett try to win this through the air.

What’s Going To Happen

Mayfield wasn’t anything amazing, but he wasn’t that bad.

The formula will be simple. Run the ball on the Brown defensive tackles, get the ball out of Mayfield’s hands in a hurry, and load up the house against the run. Until Cleveland proves it can get the passing game going, Carolina can rely on a secondary that held up well until late.

Mayfield will have his revenge. For now.

Cleveland Browns vs Carolina Panthers Prediction, Line

Carolina 20, Cleveland 17
Line: Carolina -2.5, o/u: 41.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2

– NFL Coaches Against the Spread

Cleveland Browns vs Carolina Panthers Must See Rating: 2.5
5: US Open Week 2
1: Samaritan

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Green Bay Packers vs Minnesota Vikings Prediction, Game Preview

Green Bay Packers vs Minnesota Vikings game preview, prediction, and breakdown for the Week 1 game on Sunday, September 11

Green Bay Packers vs Minnesota Vikings prediction, game preview, how to watch. Week 1, Sunday, September 11

Green Bay Packers vs Minnesota Vikings How To Watch

Date: Sunday, September 11
Game Time: 3:25 ET
Venue: US Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, MN
How To Watch: FOX
Record: Green Bay Packers (0-0), Minnesota Vikings (0-0)
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Green Bay Packers vs Minnesota Vikings Game Preview

Why Green Bay Packers Will Win

The Packers have the defense to hold up against what’s coming.

While everyone in the NFC North is trying to get more pop to the attack, Green Bay has bee beefing up the other side. That’s about to pay off with a great group of corners in a pass defense that’s going to take the ball away in bunches.

The high-powered receivers might not be there with Davante Adams living his best life in Vegas, Aaron Rodgers isn’t going to turn the ball over, he’ll manage the game just fine, and the defense should be able to take care of the rest.

Why Minnesota Vikings Will Win

Are you buying into the new offense, the new coaching staff, and all the high-powered big things about to come with all of it?

Head coach Kevin O’Connell and offensive coordinator Wes Phillips are going to open it up more, and the weapons are there to do it.

Justin Jefferson doesn’t get quite enough love in a league that gushes over top receivers, but he’s about to take his stats and game up a few notches.

Kirk Cousins is better than you think – really, do the side-by-side stat comparison with the reigning MVP on the other side – and there’s a chance Minnesota just comes out and cranks up too much offense for Green Bay to keep up.

What’s Going To Happen

Minnesota will be flashier, the big plays will be there, and Cousins will put up big numbers …

And then 12 will have the ball late and he’ll pull this out of the fire.

It’ll be more of a slow-and-steady-wins-the-race thing for the Packers. A good mix of the ground game, tempo, clock possession, and third down conversions will overcome the haymakers from the other side.

Green Bay won’t be as exciting, but it’ll still look and play like the star of the North.

Green Bay Packers vs Minnesota Vikings Prediction, Line

Green Bay 30, Minnesota 23
Line: Green Bay -1.5, o/u: 46.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 3.5

– NFL Coaches Against the Spread

Green Bay Packers vs Minnesota Vikings Must See Rating: 4
5: US Open Week 2
1: Samaritan

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Philadelphia Eagles vs Detroit Lions Prediction, Game Preview

Philadelphia Eagles vs Detroit Lions game preview, prediction, and breakdown for the Week 1 game on Sunday, September 11

Philadelphia Eagles vs Detroit Lions prediction, game preview, how to watch. Week 1, Sunday, September 11

Philadelphia Eagles vs Detroit Lions How To Watch

Date: Sunday, September 11
Game Time: 1:00 ET
Venue: Ford Field, Detroit, MI
How To Watch: FOX
Record: Philadelphia (0-0), Detroit (0-0)
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Philadelphia Eagles vs Detroit Lions Game Preview

Why Philadelphia Eagles Will Win

Here comes the Philadelphia passing game.

Jalen Hurts already had a good group to throw to, and then the Eagles landed AJ Brown to add to the mix. Now it all gets aired out against a Detroit secondary that struggled to get off the field, allowed the most yards per attempt, and doesn’t appear to be appreciably better.

Hurts should go off, the running game should be okay behind a terrific Eagle offensive line, and Detroit has to prove it can keep up the pace on a consistent basis.

Hurts proved time and again that he can get the O going late if things aren’t going well. Detroit did that a bit late last year, but it can’t get behind or Philly will grind it out.

Why Detroit Lions Will Win

Here comes the Detroit running game.

D’Andre Swift and the Lion backfield are good, the offensive line is great, and now the running game should pound away a bit more.

The defense might still be a question mark even with the improvements up front, but the offense has enough parts to be more efficient. Better running game, easier third down chances, better overall offensive production – that should kick in right away against an Eagle defense that’s talented, but …

What’s Going To Happen

The Eagles beefed up the front seven with Jordan Davis about to be a key part of the interior and with a seemingly improved linebacking corps.

Detroit will be more physical, and it’ll be better than it’s been over the last few years, but the secondary will let it down late once Hurts gets into a groove.

Philadelphia Eagles vs Detroit Lions Prediction, Line

Philadelphia Eagles 26, Detroit Lions 17
Line: Philadelphia -5, o/u: 48.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2.5

– NFL Coaches Against the Spread

Philadelphia Eagles vs Detroit Lions Must See Rating: 3
5: US Open Week 2
1: Samaritan

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New England Patriots vs Miami Dolphins Prediction, Game Preview

New England Patriots vs Miami Dolphins game preview, prediction, and breakdown for the Week 1 game on Sunday, September 11

New England Patriots vs Miami Dolphins prediction, game preview, how to watch. Week 1, Sunday, September 11

New England Patriots vs Miami Dolphins How To Watch

Date: Sunday, September 11
Game Time: 1:00 ET
Venue: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL
How To Watch: CBS
Record: New England (0-0), Miami (0-0)
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New England Patriots vs Miami Dolphins Game Preview

Why New England Patriots Will Win

The New England defense is still going to be terrific.

It might have melted down in the playoff loss to Buffalo after getting ripped up by Miami in the regular season finale, but it’s still going to be fine up front.

The Dolphins have a whole slew of great parts, but the offensive line isn’t good enough to hold up even after a slew of new parts brought in this offseason. There shouldn’t be much of a Miami ground game to worry about, but ..

Why Miami Dolphins Will Win

Here comes the Miami passing game.

Good luck slowing down the deep threat tandem of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle no matter who your defensive backs are, but New England has question marks in the secondary on the outside.

Get up early, and there’s a problem against a New England offense that – to be nice about it – struggled this offseason to find its footing.

The Miami defense might not be special, but it’ll be good enough to keep the Patriot receivers in check.

What’s Going To Happen

Does it seem a wee bit like Bill Belichick has something he’s waiting to unleash with this attack? It was too mediocre, too inefficient, and too off throughout the preseason, or …

The Patriot O is going to be a problem.

Tua Tagovailoa is about to start a huge campaign with a great performance, Waddle will go off with all the attention paid to Hill, and it’ll be a strong start to the season in the heat.

New England Patriots vs Miami Dolphins Prediction, Line

New England 24, New England 20
Line: Miami -3.5, o/u: 46
ATS Confidence out of 5: 1.5

– NFL Coaches Against the Spread

New England Patriots vs Miami Dolphins Must See Rating: 3.5
5: US Open Week 2
1: Samaritan

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Indianapolis Colts vs Houston Texans Prediction, Game Preview

Indianapolis vs Houston game preview, prediction, and breakdown for the Week 1 game on Sunday, September 11

Indianapolis vs Houston prediction, game preview, how to watch. Week 1, Sunday, September 11

Indianapolis vs Houston How To Watch

Date: Sunday, September 11
Game Time: 1:00 ET
Venue: NRG Stadium, Houston, TX
How To Watch: CBS
Record: Indianapolis (0-0), Houston (0-0)
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Indianapolis vs Houston Game Preview

Why Indianapolis Will Win

Do the Texans have the linebackers to deal with Jonathan Taylor and the running game that’s about to roll?

The Indianapolis offensive line is still great, the attack upgraded the quarterback – yes, it did – with Matt Ryan, and 28 is once again going to be the focal point of an attack that’s going to control the clock.

Run with Taylor, let Ryan hit his third down throws, rely on the defense that will once again be great at taking the ball away to force a whole bunch of Texan mistakes.

Why Houston Will Win

Houston has some quietly interesting skill parts.

The receivers need an upgrade, but Davis Mills isn’t bad if he gets time – really, he’s good, and Minnesota whiffed by taking Kellen Mond over him – and now Dameon Pierce looks like he might be a strong back behind a not-totally-miserable line.

If the O can do ANYTHING consistently well against the Colt D, the pass rush should be able to get to Ryan just enough to matter. Indianapolis has Taylor, but that receiving corps isn’t anything special.

What’s Going To Happen

Houston is going to be plucky.

Forget what happened at Illinois – Lovie Smith is a pro coach, and he’s about to improve the defense. The offense, again, is going, to bring some pop, and it all will go away on one 64-yard Jonathan Taylor touchdown run late in the third quarter.

Indianapolis vs Houston Prediction, Line

Indianapolis 28, Houston 20
Line: Indianapolis -7, o/u: 45.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 3.5

– NFL Coaches Against the Spread

Indianapolis vs Houston Must See Rating: 2.5
5: US Open Week 2
1: Samaritan

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San Francisco 49ers vs Chicago Bears Prediction, Game Preview

San Francisco 49ers vs Chicago Bears game preview, prediction, and breakdown for the Week 1 game on Sunday, September 11

San Francisco 49ers vs Chicago Bears prediction, game preview, how to watch. Week 1, Sunday, September 11

San Francisco 49ers vs Chicago Bears How To Watch

Date: Sunday, September 11
Game Time: 1:00 ET
Venue: Soldier Field, Chicago, IL
How To Watch: FOX
Record: San Francisco 49ers (0-0), Chicago Bears (0-0)
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San Francisco 49ers vs Chicago Bears Game Preview

Why San Francisco 49ers Will Win

Yeah, the Chicago Bear offensive line – it’s not good.

There’s a massive talent problem across the Bears – except at quarterback – but it’s the offensive front that’s going to be the biggest problem.

Chicago has Justin Fields, and the running backs aren’t bad, but the receivers are – to be nice about it – lacking, and the line is about to have a bad day against a San Francisco defensive front that’s going to bring the pass rush from all sides.

Fields is going to get bounced around a bit too much. However …

Why Chicago Bears Will Win

For all of the doom and gloom surrounding the Bears, Fields appears ready to make a big jump as long as he gets time to work.

The running backs really are good, and the defense should hold up just well enough to keep Trey Lance from going off.

San Francisco has playmakers, but it’s O line isn’t anything special, RB Elijah Mitchell is already banged up, and …

What’s Going To Happen

The San Francisco defense. It’s going to come out breathing fire.

This group was third overall in the NFL last season, it was fantastic against the run, and Chicago is going to struggle to get anything moving even when Fields does get time.

Lance will be sharp enough to get by, but it’ll be a defensive struggle and the 49ers have the far, far better personnel.

San Francisco 49ers vs Chicago Bears Prediction, Line

San Francisco 23, Chicago 17
Line: San Franciso -6.5, o/u: 40.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 3

– NFL Coaches Against the Spread

San Francisco 49ers vs Chicago Bears Must See Rating: 3
5: US Open Week 2
1: Samaritan

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Kansas City Chiefs vs Arizona Cardinals Prediction, Game Preview

Kansas City Chiefs vs Arizona Cardinals game preview, prediction, and breakdown for the Week 1 game on Sunday, September 11

Kansas City Chiefs vs Arizona Cardinals prediction, game preview, how to watch. Week 1, Sunday, September 11

Kansas City Chiefs vs Arizona Cardinals How To Watch

Date: Sunday, September 11
Game Time: 3:25 ET
Venue: State Farm Stadium, Glendale, AZ
How To Watch: FOX
Record: Kansas City Chiefs (0-0), Arizona Cardinals (0-0)
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Kansas City Chiefs vs Arizona Cardinals Game Preview

Why Kansas City Chiefs Will Win

The Chiefs should be able to bomb away at will.

The Cardinals have a whole lot of positives, they should be able to hang around offensive, and they might be able to power away a bit, but can the secondary handle the various weapons KC brings?

There’s no more Tyreek Hill, but there are more than enough talented parts for Patrick Mahomes to work with. Behind one of the league’s best offensive lines, he’ll have plenty of time to spread it around, pick on the Cardinal corners, and come up with a few of the flash-drives that change the tempo of the game in a hurry.

Why Arizona Cardinals Will Win

Arizona’s skill guys are getting paid, too.

The pressure is on Kyler Murray to play up to his massive contract (he will), the receiving corps should be okay for a few weeks until DeAndre Hopkins returns (it will), and Marquise Brown, James Conner, and a bevy of solid tight ends should be enough to keep up with Mahomes and company.

The Kansas City defense might be a bit underappreciated overall, but the one area that might be lacking early on is the pass rush. The team tried to upgrade it in the offseason, but that’s not going to be enough of a factor to bother Murray.

What’s Going To Happen

There will be wild back-and-forth swings, lots of big plays, lots of scoring – in the first half.

The Kansas City defense will settle in, Murray won’t hit the key throws Mahomes will – the Cardinals will miss Hopkins in this more than the Chiefs will miss Hill – and a late flurry of points will be enough the away team to show right away just how good it’s going to be.