NFL Picks and Predictions – Page 186

Fantasy football: Where to draft Baltimore Ravens TE Mark Andrews

Analyzing Baltimore Ravens TE Mark Andrews’ 2022 fantasy football ADP and where you should target him in your drafts.

It seems to be universally acknowledged that Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs is the best fantasy football tight end in the league. He’s earned that distinction. But for the last couple of years, there has been jostling over who stands on the silver-medal stand as being the league’s No. 2 tight end.

Coming off one of the most dominant fantasy seasons for any tight end, Mark Andrews of the Baltimore Ravens has solidly established himself as that player – and Baltimore’s curious offseason move to trade WR Marquise Brown to Arizona only solidifies that belief.

Below, we look at Mark Andrews‘ 2022 fantasy football average draft position (ADP) and where you should draft him.

Andrews was the passing lifeline for QB Lamar Jackson last season. Andrews played in all 17 games and he responded with blowing out career highs with 107 receptions for 1,361 yards, as well as scoring 9 touchdowns. If there was anyone who put up “Kelce numbers” in terms of consistency and positional dominance, it was Andrews.

Mark Andrews’ ADP: 23.29

(ADP data courtesy of MyFantasyLeague.com; last updated at time of this publishing – ADPs continually change as more drafts occur)

There has been a revolving door at the player anointed to be the No. 2 fantasy football tight end and it’s turned out to be like the Madden cover curse. The heir apparent and the former No. 2’s are well represented at the top of the ADP for tight ends.

Kelce tops the list with an ADP of 15.63 – a 2nd-round selection that is a bold statement for those in tight end-mandatory leagues. Andrews is 2nd at 23.29 – a late-2nd or early-3rd round pick. The drop from there is considerable with Atlanta’s Kyle Pitts at 33.30, Las Vegas’ Darren Waller at 48.24 and San Francisco’s George Kittle at 49.45.

The case to be made isn’t whether Andrews needs to fight off the guys behind him in ADP, it’s whether Kelce should be looking over his shoulder.

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Mark Andrews’ 2021 stats

Games: 17

Receptions | targets: 107 | 153

Receiving yards: 1,361

Receiving touchdowns: 9

Where should you draft Andrews?

It’s almost blasphemous to not say Kelce should be the 1st tight end to come off draft boards, but there are reasons – especially in tight end-mandatory leagues – that Andrews should be the 1st tight end taken.

Relatively speaking, the Ravens wide receiver room has been half a click above hot garbage for years. The only constant for Jackson in his career has been Andrews. The only issue has been how often Andrews has been available to throw to.

Andrews’ snap count percentage has increased in each of his 4 seasons (35-44-65-75). He has become vital to the Ravens offense and tight ends are rarely double-covered on run-heavy teams. With Rashod Bateman, a 2nd-year receiver who struggled through injuries as a rookie, entering the season as the No. 1 wide receiver, Andrews is going to be a safety-valve option on every passing snap. With WR Tyreek Hill now a Dolphin, Kelce is sure to see additional defensive attention. In 2021, Andrews was targeted on 25 percent of Ravens passes. Kelce was targeted on 19.9 percent of Chiefs passes. Based on those percentages, Andrews should be the presumptive No. 1 fantasy football tight end.

I don’t disagree with the ADP on Andrews. My contention is that, when it comes time to pull the trigger on a tight end in a draft and be the 1st one to do it, 4 months from now, Andrews may end up being that guy that should have been taken. One hundred receptions are the baseline.

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Fantasy football: Where to draft Miami Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa

Analyzing Miami Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa’s 2022 fantasy football ADP and where you should target him in your drafts.

There are few quarterbacks under the microscope more this season than Miami Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa. It was clear Miami wasn’t satisfied with Tagovailoa since the Dolphins were interested in Deshaun Watson when he was on the trading block and were openly accused of tampering to land Tom Brady. Yet as Miami enters the 2022 season with a new coaching staff, Tagovailoa is still the starter.

Below, we look at Tua Tagovailoa’s 2022 fantasy football average draft position (ADP) and where you should draft him.

Miami has done everything it can to help Tagovailoa, including executing a blockbuster trade to bring in Tyreek Hill to add an explosive component to the offense. Now it’s up to Tua to make it all work.

Tua Tagovailoa’s ADP: 106.87

(ADP data courtesy of MyFantasyLeague.com)

Tagovailoa hasn’t been getting the kind of love you would expect for a player who now has 3 elite receivers as weapons — Hill, WR Jaylen Waddle and TE Mike Gesicki. His ADP puts him as a clear-cut backup fantasy QB who can be stashed and of value only if his produces.

The lack of confidence in Tagovailoa is displayed by the players he is viewed as being in the same grouping as — Trevor Lawrence (Jacksonville Jaguars) at 110.93, Justin Fields (Chicago Bears) at 115.22 and Mac Jones (New England Patriots) at 116.90. All 3 of them are less experienced than Tua and haven’t proved yet to be fantasy viable.

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Tua Tagovailoa’s 2021 stats

Games: 13

Passing yards: 2,653

Completions | attempts: 263 | 388

Passing touchdowns: 16

Interceptions: 10

Carries | rushing yards: 42 | 128

Rushing touchdowns: 3

Where should you draft Tagovailoa?

While I’m not a fan of Tagovailoa, it’s hard to ignore the weapons he has been given. The arrival of Hill is a game-changer and he will be given every chance to display his value.

He hasn’t proved to be a runner and has averaged just 200 passing yards a game, an unacceptable average in fantasy football. His ADP puts him in the 10th round vicinity and as a fantasy backup. Given how low he is rated among QBs (No. 16), he has a higher ceiling than the others in his position, so once the big dogs are gone, he is a decent backup because of the explosive players in his receiver arsenal.

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Fantasy football: Where to draft Buffalo Bills WR Stefon Diggs

Analyzing Buffalo Bills WR Stefon Diggs’ 2022 fantasy football ADP and where you should target him in your drafts.

Wide receiver Stefon Diggs hit the NFL as a near-instant sensation as a 5th-round pick of the Minnesota Vikings in 2015 and he topped 1,000 yards in his final 2 years in Minnesota.

However, when he was traded before the 2020 season to the Buffalo Bills for their 1st-round pick (eventually used on Justin Jefferson) Diggs took his game to a level that the Bills had hoped for, but couldn’t have expected. In 2 seasons, he has been targeted 330 times and caught 230 passes for 2,760 yards and 18 touchdowns — a happy double “yes, please” for those who had him on their roster.

Below, we look at Stefon Diggs’ 2022 fantasy football average draft position (ADP) and where you should draft him.

With Buffalo looking at a Super Bowl and Josh Allen staring down an MVP award, Diggs will need to be a big part of that.

Stefon Diggs’ ADP: 17.61

(ADP data courtesy of MyFantasyLeague.com; last updated at time of this publishing – ADPs continually change as more drafts occur)

Diggs has the lowest ADP of his career, but it still ranks him 5th among fantasy receivers — slightly behind Davante Adams (Las Vegas Raiders) at 14.94 and slightly above CeeDee Lamb (Dallas Cowboys) at 20.12, Deebo Samuel (San Francisco 49ers) at 21.31 and Tyreek Hill (Miami Dolphins) at 26.89.

Given the standard of ADP’s based on 10- or 12-player leagues, with this ADP, if you want Diggs, it’s got to happen in the 2nd round or the train will roll by without you.

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Stefon Diggs’ 2021 stats

Games: 17

Receptions | targets: 103 | 164

Receiving yards: 1,225

Receiving touchdowns: 10

Where should you draft Diggs?

When it comes to drafting receivers, you can’t underestimate the quarterback who is throwing him the ball. When it comes to the players in Diggs’ 2nd- to 3rd-round level, I look at the quarterback throwing to them.

When compared with the receivers in his grouping (Adams, Lamb, Samuel and Hill), the only one who is entering 2022 with the same quarterback he had in 2021 is Lamb. The other 3 are starting over with a new guy — and all 3 can be viewed as a downgrade from the QB he had before.

Buffalo has legit Super Bowl expectations and will need their top stars to produce at a high level from Week 1 to Week 18 to get that done. On offense, that starts with Allen and Diggs. Not only is his ADP a solid slot to keep him at, if both he and Adams are still on the board, I would lean toward taking Diggs.

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Fantasy football: Where to draft Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen

Analyzing Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen’s 2022 fantasy football ADP and where you should target him in your drafts.

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen has separated himself from the pack as a fantasy quarterback because he has been dominant over the last 2 seasons – throwing for 8,951 yards and 73 touchdowns and rushing for 1,184 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Below, we look at Josh Allen’s 2022 fantasy football average draft position (ADP) and where you should draft him

His dual threat ability and unquestioned scoring punch has vaulted him into a class by himself and, as his ADP number would attest, has made him the consensus (if not unanimous) pick to be the 1st quarterback of draft boards.

Josh Allen’s ADP: 16.97

(ADP data courtesy of MyFantasyLeague.com; last updated at time of this publishing – ADPs continually change as more drafts occur)

Historically, quarterback has been a devalued fantasy position because so many of them are capable of posting big numbers and positions like running back and elite wide receivers dry up for top-end talent much quicker.

When it comes to Allen, this disparity is even greater. His ADP has him coming off the board a full round before Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs) at 27.92, 2 rounds before Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens) at 38.16 and 3 rounds ahead of Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals) at 48.86.

If your plan is to have Allen on your roster, you’re going to have to overspend at the expense of running backs and wide receivers because Allen is the No. 1 QB for obvious reasons.

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Josh Allen’s 2021 stats

Games: 17

Passing yards: 4,407

Completions | attempts: 409 | 646

Passing touchdowns: 36

Interceptions: 15

Carries | rushing yards: 122 | 763

Rushing touchdowns: 6

Where should you draft Allen?

There is reason to clearly make Allen the No. 1 quarterback off the board and he requires that sort of high-end investment. However, the distance between Allen and Mahomes at No. 2 and everyone beyond him forces the hand of fantasy team owners to make a decision that will control the remainder of their draft.

His ADP number equates to a mid-2nd round selection, which in my view is too high for a QB. It forces the hand of an owner to take the position ignored in the first 2 rounds – either running back or receiver. If you don’t have a RB until the 3rd round, you are likely required to double down on RB with your next 2 picks before the well goes dry. If you ignored wide receiver the first 2 rounds, you are almost compelled to take one in the 3rd round and likely go back to RB in the 4th round.

Whoever ends up with Allen won’t have the flexibility most fantasy teams have because taking him this high will tip your hand for the next 3 or more rounds, whether you’re getting a value pick or not. I suggest waiting until the 3rd round to grab Allen and, if he’s gone, move on and still get a quality QB 2, 3 or 4 rounds later.

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Minnesota Vikings at Las Vegas Raiders odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Sunday’s Minnesota Vikings at Las Vegas Raiders odds and lines, with expert NFL picks, predictions and best bets.

The Minnesota Vikings become the last team to get the 2022 preseason underway when they visit the Las Vegas Raiders (1-0) at 4:25 p.m. ET Sunday at Allegiant Stadium. The game will be televised on NFL Network and in the home markets. Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Vikings vs. Raiders, and make our best NFL picks, predictions and bets.

It’s unclear whether the Vikings had any intention of playing QB Kirk Cousins, but that point was rendered moot when the quarterback tested positive for Covid. He won’t be making the trip which will give the team a chance to get a long look at QBs Kellen Mond and Sean Mannion — both of whom are viewed as potentially not being on the final roster if a better backup becomes available.

The Raiders didn’t play any of their starters in the Hall of Fame Game — a 27-11 blowout win over Jacksonville Aug. 4 in Canton, Ohio. The extra game shouldn’t change things too much and it wouldn’t be surprising to see nothing but backups in this game as new coaches Josh McDaniels and Kevin O’Connell try to figure out the back end of their rosters.

Vikings vs. Raiders odds

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 5:26 a.m. ET.

Money line (ML): Vikings +170 (bet $100 to win $170) | Raiders -210 (bet $210 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Vikings +3.5 (-108) | Raiders -3.5 (-112)
Over/Under (O/U): 36.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)

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Vikings at Raiders picks and predictions

Prediction

Raiders 23, Vikings 14

Money line

Given the Raiders have already played a game, those who are on the bubble or fighting for their NFL lives will have a leg up on the Vikings, who are changing their defense to a 3-4 for the 1st time in franchise history and still learning the terminology of the new coaching staff. I believe the Raiders are going to win, but I rarely place a bet wagering twice as much as I would get in return — much less in a meaningless preseason game.

PASS.

Against the spread

The Raiders are viewed as the better team in this matchup, primarily because their 2nd and 3rd lines on the depth chart are better than the Vikings. A 3.5 spread shows that confidence.

The line seems to be goading people to put their money on Las Vegas because, as millions can attest each year, you lose money betting in Vegas. But the combination of the Vikings trying to figure out the depth beyond the starting 22 and the Raiders starting to figure out who will be staying and going, the Raiders have the edge.

BET RAIDERS -3.5 (-112).

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Over/Under

These are the most difficult bets in the preseason because most coaches are more concerned about keeping the players they expect to stay on the roster not risking injuries. Games are decided by and large by players who won’t be on the rosters.

Because these players will be taking risks to make the big play that gets the attention of the coaches and front office, an Over/Under of 36.5 isn’t that difficult to beat. It may require 20 or more points in the first half to accomplish, but both teams will have some home run plays dialed up and given the inexperience of the back-end defenders, you only need a couple of them to hit.

TAKE OVER 36.5 (-112).

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Dallas Cowboys at Denver Broncos odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s Dallas Cowboys at Denver Broncos odds and lines, with expert NFL picks, predictions and best bets.

The Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos face off in their preseason opener Saturday night. Kickoff is at 9 p.m. ET at Empower Field at Mile High and the game will air on NFL Network. Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Cowboys vs. Broncos odds, and make our best NFL picks, predictions and bets.

The Cowboys went 12-5 in the regular season in 2021 and won the NFC East, but lost their 1st-round playoff matchup to the San Francisco 49ers. They come back in 2022 as the favorites to win the East again with Dak Prescott at quarterback but without WR Amari Cooper, whom they traded to the Cleveland Browns.

Denver went 7-10 and missed the postseason, but has high hopes in 2022 in the AFC West after acquiring Russell Wilson from the Seattle Seahawks.

Cowboys at Broncos nickname odds

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 4:52 p.m. ET.

Money line (ML): Cowboys +140 (bet $100 to win $140) | Broncos -175 (bet $175 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Cowboys +3.5 (-108) | Broncos -3.5 (-112)
Over/Under (O/U): 31.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Cowboys at Broncos and predictions

Prediction

Cowboys 23, Broncos 20

Money line

The Cowboys went 0-4 in last year’s preseason. The Broncos went 3-0. The Cowboys were a playoff team and the Broncos were not.

That doesn’t mean anything now.

Preseason contests are truly tossups. Players who barely make teams and players who don’t end up on NFL roster are on the field when games are decided in the preseason.

So when it comes to the best bet, go with the value. Take the COWBOYS (+140).

Against the spread

The Cowboys lost 3 of 4 last preseason by 6 or more points. The Broncos won all 3 of their games in the preseason by at least 5 points.

However, because of the volatility in preseason contests, I stay far from the spread. PASS.

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Over/Under

Three of the Cowboys’ 4 preseason games last year had at least 34 points.

The Broncos scored 30 or more twice last preseason.

Take OVER 31.5 (-110).

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Seattle Seahawks at Pittsburgh Steelers odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s Seattle Seahawks at Pittsburgh Steelers odds and lines, with expert NFL picks, predictions and best bets.

The Seattle Seahawks visit the Pittsburgh Steelers in the preseason opener for each team. Kickoff is Saturday at 7 p.m. ET at Acrisure Stadium. Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Seahawks vs. Steelers odds, and make our best NFL picks, predictions and bets.

Both teams are looking for their next starting quarterback as Ben Roethlisberger retired from the Steelers and the Seahawks traded Russell Wilson in the offseason to the Broncos.

Mitchell Trubisky will get the start for the Steelers, while Geno Smith appears to have the lead in the QB competition with Drew Lock for Seattle.

The Seahawks missed the postseason last year, while the Steelers made it but lost in the 1st round to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Seahawks at Steelers odds

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 4:41 p.m. ET.

Money line (ML): Seahawks +155 (bet $100 to win $155) | Steelers -190 (bet $190 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Seahawks +3.5 (-120) | Steelers -3.5 (+100)
Over/Under (O/U): 36.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)

Seahawks at Steelers picks and predictions

Prediction

Seahawks 23, Steelers 16

Money line

The Seahawks went 1-2 in last year’s preseason, dropping their first 2 games. The Steelers, who played in the Hall of Fame Game and had an extra contest, went 3-1, winning their first 3.

With uncertain lineups and uncertain execution, there is 1 worthwhile play here and it is simply because of the value in this preseason matchup. All preseason matchups are basically tossups because when the games are decided, it is usually when there are back-of-the-roster players and guys who won’t be in the NFL. Take the value. SEAHAWKS (+155).

Against the spread

Results in preseason games can vary wildly. The Steelers won 3 preseason contests by 6 or more and lost 1 by more than 20.

The Seahawks had 1 win by 27 and 2 losses by 13-plus.

PASS on the spread.

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Over/Under

Preseason totals also fluctuate wildly. Last year, Seattle scored 27 and then had 2 games in single digits.

The Steelers had 3 games scoring 16 or more points, 2 in the 20s and 1 in single digits.

I LEAN OVER 36.5 (-112).

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Fantasy football: Where to draft Los Angeles Chargers WR Keenan Allen

Analyzing Los Angeles Chargers WR Keenan Allen’s 2022 fantasy football ADP and where you should target him in your drafts.

Los Angeles Chargers WR Keenan Allen has brought a consistent performance to the field for the last 5 seasons.

In the 2021 season, Allen appeared in the Pro Bowl for the 5th consecutive season. He also tabbed a spot in the NFL’s top 100 for the 4th season in a row.

Below, we look at Keenan Allen’s 2022 fantasy football average draft position (ADP) and where you should draft him.

Allen is expected to be the primary weapon for 3rd-year QB Justin Herbert. Herbert has the potential to lead the league’s most potent offense, ranking 5th in points last season. Allen finished 11th in fantasy points among receivers last season.

Keenan Allen’s ADP: 35.21

(ADP data courtesy of MyFantasyLeague.com; last updated at time of this publishing – ADPs continually change as more drafts occur)

Allen has an ADP of 35.21 in redraft leagues, which puts him in the 3rd round of most drafts depending on the number of teams in the league. Teammates Herbert and Austin Ekeler have higher rankings though.

Among wide receivers, Allen’s ADP puts him 10th at the position, behind the likes of Tyreek Hill (Miami Dolphins) and Mike Evans (Tampa Bay Buccaneers). He places slightly ahead of A.J. Brown (Philadelphia Eagles) and Tee Higgins (Cincinnati Bengals).

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Keenan Allen’s 2021 stats

Games: 16

Receptions | targets: 106 | 157

Receiving yards: 1,138

Receiving touchdowns: 6

Where should you draft Allen?

You should be rejoicing if you get Allen at his current ADP. Allen is primed to be among the best fantasy options in the league and should bring consistent production, arguably his largest contribution to a team.

Allen is now 30, so some dropoff could be expected. However, he’s gone over 1,000 in 4 of his last 5 seasons and topped 100 receptions in 4 of his last 5. He’s had at least 6 touchdowns in all 5.

I would consider Allen over both Hill and Evans, players taken at a similar ADP.

Herbert went for over 5,000 yards during his 2nd season, almost a 700 yards improvement. Allen is going to benefit from Herbert’s continued growth.

My advice is to heavily consider Allen if you draft an injury-prone back like Derrick Henry or Christian McCaffrey in the 1st round. He’s a consistent force. Mid-3rd round is a sweet spot for the star Charger.

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Miami Dolphins at Tampa Bay Buccaneers odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s Miami Dolphins at Tampa Bay Buccaneers preseason odds and lines, with expert NFL picks, predictions and best bets.

The Miami Dolphins and Tampa Bay Buccaneers meet in their preseason opener Saturday. Kickoff from Raymond James Stadium is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Dolphins vs. Buccaneers odds, and make our best NFL picks, predictions and bets.

The Dolphins are expected to have a new-look offense in 2022, as WR Tyreek Hill comes over from the Kansas City Chiefs. However, new coach Mike McDaniel hinted that QB Tua Tagovailoa might not play Saturday.

In addition, T Terron Armstead, CB Xavien Howard and OLB Melvin Ingram have been ruled out for the exhibition opener. Hill is also unlikely to play.

For the Buccaneers, future Hall of Fame QB Tom Brady is away from the team tending to a personal matter, and he is not expected to be with the team for a chunk of the preseason. It’s uncertain if new WRs Russell Gage and/or Julio Jones will be in the lineup.

The backups for the Bucs are QBs Blaine Gabbert, Kyle Trask and Ryan Griffin.

Dolphins at Buccaneers odds

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 11:09 a.m. ET.

Money line (ML): Dolphins -120 (bet $120 to win $100) | Buccaneers +100 (bet $100 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Dolphins -1.5 (-108) | Buccaneers +1.5 (-112)
Over/Under (O/U): 31.5 (O: -103 | U: -117)

Dolphins at Buccaneers picks and predictions

Prediction

Dolphins 17, Buccaneers 9

Money line

The DOLPHINS (-120) are likely to be without their 2 biggest offensive weapons, Tua and Hill. Still, they have QB Teddy Bridgewater as the backup, and plenty of depth with RBs Chase Edmonds, Raheem Mostert, Sony Michel and Myles Gaskin. Back the deeper offense, and that’s easily Miami in this game, even with some veterans resting.

Against the spread

The DOLPHINS -1.5 (-108) are slightly cheaper if you want to lay the points, and really if Miami wins, they’re likely to do so by more than1.

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Over/Under

The UNDER 31.5 (-117) is the lean, but go lightly.

The Dolphins are likely to run plenty, and not put Bridgewater and the pass offense into downfield mode. The Bucs have a mish-mash group of has-beens and never-will-bes at quarterback, and the offense will likely be a mess in the opener. Look for a low score here from both sides.

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Carolina Panthers at Washington Commanders odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s Carolina Panthers at Washington Commanders preseason odds and lines, with expert NFL picks, predictions and best bets.

The Carolina Panthers and Washington Commanders meet in their preseason opener Saturday. Kickoff from FedEx Field is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Panthers vs. Commanders odds, and make our best NFL picks, predictions and bets.

The Panthers acquired QB Baker Mayfield from the Cleveland Browns to come in and compete with QB Sam Darnold for the starting job. Both quarterbacks are expected to see action Saturday in D.C. Rookie QB Matt Corral is also expected to debut.

Like the Panthers, the Commanders have 3 capable QBs in Carson Wentz, Taylor Heinicke and Sam Ehlinger, and all are expected to see some snaps against Carolina. The level of play on offense for both sides could be good.

Panthers at Commanders odds

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 11:07 p.m. ET.

Money line (ML): Panthers +125 (bet $100 to win $125) | Commanders -155 (bet $155 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Panthers +2.5 (+105) | Commanders -2.5 (-130)
Over/Under (O/U): 37.5 (O: +100 | U: -120)

Panthers at Commanders picks and predictions

Prediction

Panthers 19, Commanders 13

Money line

The PANTHERS (+125) are likely to keep oft-injured RB Christian McCaffrey on the sidelines, but they have 2 NFL starting QBs in Mayfield and Darnold, and both are likely to see at least a handful of series. That gives the visitors the edge, although Washington’s defense is fierce.

For the Commanders (-155), Wentz has had a woeful training camp with his new team, and it is going to be a work in progress this preseason to get him hitting on all cylinders before Week 1.

Against the spread

The PANTHERS +2.5 (+105) is the play, although playing ATS vs. ML really makes no sense unless you strongly believe there is going to be a tie. Just play the money line.

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Over/Under

The UNDER 37.5 (-120) is the way to go.

While these teams are each deep at the QB position, these teams still are among the lowest ranked overall clubs in the NFL. The Washington defense will make things particularly difficult on the Carolina offense, and the Panthers D isn’t too shabby, either. Expect many field goals, not so many touchdowns.

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