Category: Week 1

Seattle (0-0) vs. Atlanta (0-0) Game Preview

For latest lines and to bet on the NFL, go to BetMGM

Why Seattle Will Win

Has the Atlanta offensive line vastly improved? It’s got a few nice parts, but it was hardly a plus last season, and the Seattle run defense should be a bit better than the 2019 stats. With a terrific linebacking corps, the Falcon running game should be kept in relative check. On the other side, the Atlanta defensive front isn’t anything special, but …

Why Atlanta Will Win

The Seattle offensive front is an issue. At the very least, it’s going to take a while for the starting five to jell – the Seahawk running game won’t take over. Defensively, the Seattle secondary is going to have big, big matchup issues outside with the Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley carving up the questionable corners.

Fantasy Football Player To Watch

RB Todd Gurley, Atlanta
He’s going to be one of the biggest calls in every fantasy draft. Really, how sound is the knee? Really, can he show the consistent burst that made him such a monster in 2018? Really, can the Atlanta O line give him enough room to move?

What’s Going To Happen

Russell Wilson will pull this off on the final drive. Atlanta will seem like it’s in control but won’t be able to put it away, leaving the door open for a late Seahawk drive to make it a one score game, and then Russell will go Russell with his legs as well as a clutch third down throw to get a strong road win.

Seattle vs Atlanta Prediction, Line

Seattle 24, Atlanta 20
Bet on Seattle vs Atlanta with BetMGM
Seattle -1, o/u: 49
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2.5

Must See Rating: 3

5: $54.99 for Missouri State vs. Oklahoma
1: $30 for Mulan

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Kansas City vs Houston Prediction, Game Preview

Kansas City vs Houston prediction and game preview.

Kansas City vs Houston prediction and game preview.

Kansas City vs Houston Broadcast

Date: Thursday, September 10
Game Time: 8:30 ET
Venue: Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO
Network: NBC

[jwplayer 4HA4zAPD]

Kansas City (0-0) vs. Houston (0-0) Game Preview

For latest lines and to bet on the NFL, go to BetMGM

Why Kansas City Will Win

All eyes will be on Patrick Mahomes, the debut of rookie RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire, and the offense that’s once again going to be a breathtaking display of firepower, but the defensive front has the upgrade with Chris Jones to be a factor.

Houston might have the weapons to keep up the pace, but the offensive line has to prove it can move the pile for the ground game. The KC defensive front isn’t a brick wall, but the pass rushers are there to be a problem.

Why Houston Will Win

The Texans still have the firepower to keep up. Forgetting for a moment how the Kansas City machine blew up in the second quarter of the 51-31 win over Houston in the Divisional Playoffs last year, Deshaun Watson and the passing game will keep coming against a Chief secondary that’s shaky at corner – at least to start. Tyrann Mathieu will move around as needed, but a 300-yard Watson passing game is a given.

Fantasy Football Player To Watch

RB David Johnson, Houston
The offense really is all about Watson and his ability to make everyone around him better, but the season might hinge on whether or not Johnson brings a steady presence to the running game. Duke Johnson might be in the mix, but David Johnson is the do-it-all back who could erupt.

What’s Going To Happen

DeAndre Hopkins might be gone, but Watson will bomb away deep over and over and over again with Kenny Stills and Will Fuller stretching the field just enough to keep the Texans in it. But the Chiefs will pick up where they left off, Edwards-Helaire will have a huge game, and they’ll have an answer for every Texan big play.

Kansas City vs Houston Prediction, Line

Kansas City 38, Houston 31
Bet on Kansas City vs Houston with BetMGM
Kansas City -9.5, o/u: 54
ATS Confidence out of 5: 3

Must See Rating: 4.5

5: $54.99 for Missouri State vs. Oklahoma
1: $30 for Mulan

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College Football Week 1 Roundup: 5 Things That Matter, Winners, Losers, Overrated, Underrated

College football Week 1 roundup with the 5 things that matter, winners and losers, overrated and underrated, and what it all means.

College football Week 1 roundup with the 5 things that matter, winners and losers, overrated and underrated parts of the weekend, and what it all means.

– Contact/Follow @ColFootballNews & @PeteFiutak

College Football Week 1 Roundup

CFN 1-76 Rankings | Bowl Projections
Ranking Projections AP | Coaches
Recaps, Ranking All Week 1 Games
Week 2 Schedule

5. Winners & Losers From Week 1

– The One Really Big Thing
– Most Overrated Thing
– Most Underrated Thing
– What It All Means, Week 1

Winner: BYU

And now the Cougars are in the spotlight. With a 55-3 win over Navy, the program gets to become a major national talking point with at Army, Troy, UTSA, at Houston, Texas State, WKU and North Alabama left on the slate. The program might still try to find games to play, but who wants to deal with it after this whacking?

Loser: Navy lines

The lines were overmatched and overwhelmed all game long. BYU ran for 301 yards with big gash after big gash, and the Cougar defensive front destroyed everything Navy wanted to do with its option attack.

Winner: Kalani Sitake

On a bit of a hot seat coming into the season after a 7-6 campaign finished up with two straight losses, his BYU team came out roaring against Navy. In a battle of coaches from Hawaii, Navy’s Ken Niumatalolo was the veteran star, but it was Sitake’s team that showed up ready to ball out.

Loser: Jay Hopson

The former Southern Miss head coach had four winning seasons out of four and went to three bowl games, winning one. One ugly home loss to South Alabama later, and he resigned as the head man.

Winner: Sun Belt

Yeah, the conference went 1-2, but South Alabama went from being the projected doormat of the league this season to a possible threat after looking great in the upset win over Southern Miss.

Arkansas State fought the good fight against a Memphis team loaded with enough talent to push for a New Year’s Six game in a 37-24 loss, and Texas State gave SMU all it could handle in a 31-24 fight.

Loser: Conference USA

The Southern Miss 32-21 loss to South Alabama was a kick in the teeth, but the Middle Tennessee 42-0 blasting to Army was every bit as brutal. Yeah, Marshall was flawless in a blowout win over Eastern Kentucky, and North Texas hung up 57 on Houston Baptist, but those were wins over FCS teams. UAB was hardly sharp against Central Arkansas, and UTEP needed a late score to finally put away Stephen F. Austin.

Winner: Underclassmen Running Backs

At the immediate moment, the nation’s leading rusher is BYU sophomore Tyler Allgeier after his 132-yard day against Navy. In all, ten running backs ran for 90 yards or more, and UAB’s Spencer Brown was the only upperclassman.

Loser: Middle Tennessee and Southern Miss Running Games

To pile on to the misery the two Conference USA programs had, neither one managed to get to 100 rushing yards. Southern Miss at least bombed away to try staying alive against South Alabama. Middle Tennessee never had the ball and came up with 184 total yards against Army.

– The One Really Big Thing
– Most Overrated Thing
– Most Underrated Thing
– What It All Means, Week 1

NEXT: The really big thing was …

Pages: 12345

BYU vs Navy Prediction, Game Preview

BYU vs Navy prediction and game preview.

BYU vs Navy prediction and game preview.

BYU vs Navy Broadcast

Date: Monday, September 6
Game Time: 8:00 ET
Venue: Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, Annapolis, MD
Network: ESPN

[jwplayer DGnF10py]

– CFN Preview 2020: Every Team Preview, Rankings, Predictions

BYU (0-0) vs. Navy (0-0) Game Preview

For latest lines and to bet on college football, go to BetMGM

Why BYU Will Win

The Cougars have the linebackers.

How do you stop the Navy option? You get good play on the defensive front that can hold on after getting punched in the mouth by the fullback, and you have experienced, smart, disciplined linebackers who stay in their lanes and can keep making plays in waves.

The BYU linebackers might be the team’s biggest strength, with the depth to keep a good rotation going and the speed and quickness to handle what’s coming on the outside. That, along with a slew of big 300-pounders on the defensive front should be the right type of formula to at least slow down the machine.

Navy’s offense is the Navy offense – it’s plug-and-play, to a certain extent – but this is the first game after the Malcolm Perry era. Is was supposed to be Perry Olsen under center, but now it’s going to be Dalen Morris, but it could be Olsen at times because Morris hasn’t started a game.

– CFN 2020 BYU Preview

Why Navy Will Win

BYU suffered a crippling blow when star TE Matt Bushman was lost for the season in practice. He didn’t just lead the team in receiving yards, he was a go-to guy for Zach Wilson to keep things moving.

It doesn’t exactly help that the top three BYU wide receivers have to be replaced, too.

The Cougars have a good, veteran offensive front, but the running backs need to emerge after a lackluster season. So now Navy’s big potential weakness – a revamped secondary that lost a few key parts to the transfer portal – might just get a bit of a break.

– CFN 2020 Navy Preview

What’s Going To Happen

It’s going to be a good one on a Monday night.

Navy is going to control the clock, control the tempo, and it should be business as usual with the ground game. However, don’t expect the same explosion the offense had with Perry under center.

The BYU lines will more than hold their own. This is a strong, veteran team with several flaws, but with enough good parts to hold up for a full 60 minutes. The depth at linebacker will be a big deal – the D won’t wear out.

However, Navy will be sharp when it needs to be in the second half. In a back-and-forth game, the Midshipmen will go on a long, long scoring march early in the fourth to take over for good.

– CFN Experts Picks, Week 1

BYU vs Navy Prediction, Line

Navy 27, BYU 23
Bet on BYU vs Navy with BetMGM
BYU -1.5, o/u: 52.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 3

Must See Rating: 3.5

5: Hard Knocks: Los Angeles
1: The Bradshaw Bunch

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Tennessee vs Denver Prediction, Game Preview

Tennessee Titans vs Denver Broncos prediction and game preview.

Tennessee Titans vs Denver Broncos prediction and game preview.

Tennessee vs Denver Broadcast

Date: Monday, September 14
Game Time: 10:10 ET
Venue: Empower Field at Miles High Stadium, Denver, CO
Network: ESPN

[jwplayer pKXThC6e]

Tennessee (0-0) vs Denver (0-0) Game Preview

For latest lines and to bet on the NFL, go to BetMGM

Why Tennessee Will Win

If you really believe that the Ryan Tannehill who ripped up everyone over the late part of 2019 is the real deal, then look out for an offense without a real flaw. The receiving corps could used a bit more help around AJ Brown, but the line is sensational and Derrick Henry has become unstoppable. The Denver D might be stronger, but this should be an air-tight Titan team right out of the gate with all of the parts working.

Why Denver Will Win

Here come the upgrades around second-year QB Drew Lock. Melvin Gordon has to be healthy and back to his 2018 form, but at the very least the Broncos have a strong running back rotation. Getting Jerry Jeudy to go along with Courtland Sutton was a huge step, and the line is better than it gets credit for. If Vic Fangio’s D turns into a Vic Fangio D, Denver has a nice mix if it gets a big season, and first game, out of …

Fantasy Football Player To Watch

QB Drew Lock, Denver
The Missouri grad showed signs of something great late last season, but he’s still going to be developing with the good young receivers around him. He’s got the arm, and he’s got the moxie, but can he start cranking up the consistent big plays with his flashy targets? The Bronco offense will let him turn it loose.

What’s Going To Happen

It’ll be a business-like win for the Titans. Henry will be held in relative check, and Tannehill will look like the Miami version for a few too many drives, but the defense will keep the Denver running game in check and a few key Lock interceptions will get Tennessee out alive.

Tennessee vs Denver Prediction, Line

Tennessee 26, Denver 17
Bet on Tennessee vs Denver with BetMGM
Denver -1.5, o/u: 41
ATS Confidence out of 5: 3.5

Must See Rating: 2.5

5: $54.99 for Missouri State vs. Oklahoma
1: $30 for Mulan

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Pittsburgh at New York Giants Prediction, Game Preview

Pittsburgh Steelers vs New York Giants prediction and game preview

Pittsburgh vs New York Giants prediction and game preview.

Pittsburgh vs New York Giants Broadcast

Date: Monday, September 14
Game Time: 7:15 ET
Venue: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ
Network: ESPN

[jwplayer A2WS95TN]

Pittsburgh (0-0) vs. New York Giants (0-0) Game Preview

For latest lines and to bet on the NFL, go to BetMGM

Why Pittsburgh Will Win

It’s almost like Pittsburgh took a year off to see what it had. As it turns out, it didn’t have the guys it needed to step in and take over. Ben Roethlisberger is back. James Conner is back. JuJu Smith-Schuster is back. They might not all be able to stay healthy for the full season, but they’re all ready to go in Week 1. The Giant secondary is an early concern, and while the pass rush is promising, it’s not enough bother Roethlisberger and throw off the attack with all of its top parts.

Why New York Giants Will Win

The offensive line should be better. It was decent last year – not great – but not it has Andrew Thomas to upgrade the left tackle spot, and the rest of the front five should improve as the season goes on. In Week 1, all that matters is that it can give a fresh Saquon Barkley a little room to move. The Pittsburgh secondary doesn’t have a whole slew of stars – Daniel Jones should take advantage of a D focused on stopping No. 26.

Fantasy Football Player To Watch

QB Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh
How good is he after seeing time in just a few games last year before getting knocked out. His 2018 was his statistical best – with a career-high 5,129 yards and 34 scores – but how quickly can he shake off the rust? If he reverts back to the form of a few years ago, he might turn out to be one of the biggest steals on most fantasy drafts.

What’s Going To Happen

Pittsburgh won’t look like the offensive fun ride of 2018 quite yet, but it’ll look crisper. The Steeler defensive front will turn out to be the story as it wins more than enough battles against the improving Giant front five. Jones and Barkley will come up with a few explosive plays, but not enough of them.

Pittsburgh vs New York Giants Prediction, Line

Pittsburgh 31, New York Giants 20
Bet on Pittsburgh vs New York Giants with BetMGM
Pittsburgh -4, o/u: 47.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 4

Must See Rating: 2

5: $54.99 for Missouri State vs. Oklahoma
1: $30 for Mulan

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Dallas vs Los Angeles Rams Prediction, Game Preview

The Dallas Cowboys vs Los Angeles Rams prediction and game preview.

Dallas vs Los Angeles Rams prediction and game preview.

Dallas vs Los Angeles Rams Broadcast

Date: Sunday, September 13
Game Time: 8:20 ET
Venue: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA
Network: NBC

[jwplayer MjiQG2S0]

Dallas (0-0) vs. Los Angeles Rams (0-0) Game Preview

For latest lines and to bet on the NFL, go to BetMGM

Why Dallas Will Win

The running game should work. As amazing as Aaron Donald is, the rest of the Ram defensive line is just okay. It’s not awful, and there are plenty of big bodies to work into the rotation, but the Cowboys should start out with a steady diet of Ezekiel Elliott to get him into an early lather. On the other side, get ready for a parade of Ram running backs being tried out to see who fits.

Why Los Angeles Rams Will Win

The Dallas secondary is about to be tested in a big, big way. There’s talent, and there’s upside, but the corner situation isn’t anything special. The pass defense overall was fine, but Jared Goff and the passing game should click early on with the mid-range attack eating up yards in chunks. The Ram O line might not be anything special, but watch for Goff to get the ball out of his hands in a hurry. Tempo is everything to the LA offense, and it’ll be surprisingly sharp.

Fantasy Football Player To Watch

RB Malcolm Brown, Los Angeles Rams
Or Darrell Henderson. Or Cam Akers. Todd Gurley might not have been his 2018 self last season, but he was good enough to keep producing enough to come up with 14 total touchdowns. Those scores have to be replaced somewhere, and the hot back will emerge from this game. It’s just a question of who it’s going to be.

What’s Going To Happen

Dallas has the lines, it has the skill parts, and it has the team to step into the shiny new SoFi Stadium and get comfortable. However, Goff will have a big performance, the Ram defensive line will win its share of battles with the Dallas offensive front, and LA will take the first game in its new park.

Dallas vs Los Angeles Rams Prediction, Line

Los Angeles Rams 26, Dallas 24
Bet on Dallas vs Los Angeles Rams with BetMGM
Dallas -2.5, o/u: 52
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2

Must See Rating: 4

5: $54.99 for Missouri State vs. Oklahoma
1: $30 for Mulan

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Arizona vs San Francisco Prediction, Game Preview

Arizona Cardinals vs San Francisco 49ers prediction and game preview.

Arizona vs San Francisco prediction and game preview.

Arizona vs San Francisco Broadcast

Date: Sunday, September 13
Game Time: 4:25 ET
Venue: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, CA
Network: FOX

[jwplayer 4HA4zAPD]

Arizona (0-0) vs San Francisco (0-0) Game Preview

For latest lines and to bet on the NFL, go to BetMGM

Why Arizona Will Win

Let’s see what this offense can do when it really opens it up. It found a groove as Kyler Murray was able to settle in, and now he’s got the offensive line in place, he’s got DeAndre Hopkins as a true No. 1, and he’s got the coaching staff that knows what it’s doing now.

The 49ers can’t let this get into a shootout considering the receiving corps is questionable – Deebo Samuel should go, but he might be limited – however …

Why San Francisco Will Win

Jimmy Garoppolo went off in the two games against the Cardinals, hitting them for over 700 passing yards in the two wins. The Niners would rather dominate the tempo with the ground game and allow Garappolo to get comfortable keeping the chains moving, but the Cardinal secondary is still a question mark.

Fantasy Football Player To Watch

RB Kenyan Drake, Arizona
All eyes will be on Murray and Hopkins, but after going on a tear over the last few games of last season – seven touchdown runs in the final three games – he’s been one of the biggest calls in fantasy drafts. How much will Murray run? How much work with Chase Edmonds and Eno Benjamin get? He hit the great Niners run defense for 110 yards and a touchdown in the first meeting last year.

What’s Going To Happen

Arizona is going to make this fun. The San Francisco defense will own the first half, but Murray will get hot midway through the second to turn this into something interesting. Of course, all of America will be watching Tom Brady and Drew Brees going at it while this is all happening, but this should be just as entertaining as San Francisco holds on late.

Arizona vs San Francisco Prediction, Line

San Francisco 27, Arizona 23
Bet on Arizona vs San Francisco with BetMGM
San Francisco -7, o/u: 47
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2

Must See Rating: 3

5: $54.99 for Missouri State vs. Oklahoma
1: $30 for Mulan

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Tampa Bay vs New Orleans Prediction, Game Preview

Tampa Bay vs New Orleans prediction and game preview.

Tampa Bay vs New Orleans prediction and game preview.

Tampa Bay vs New Orleans Broadcast

Date: Sunday, September 13
Game Time: 4:25 ET
Venue: Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, LA
Network: FOX

[jwplayer 4HA4zAPD]

Tampa Bay (0-0) vs New Orleans (0-0) Game Preview

For latest lines and to bet on the NFL, go to BetMGM

Why Tampa Bay Will Win

Now Tom Brady has weapons. He might be too old, and Rob Gronkowski might be too old, and Leonard Fournette might not be the transcendent star he was supposed to be, but in Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, TB12 has the playmakers to blow up the offense that did everything right but give the ball to the other team like it was handing out M&M’s. The O line is more than good enough to give Brady the time he needs, but …

Why New Orleans Will Win

The Saint secondary might be the best in the league, or close to it. The whole defense is fantastic with the parts – helped by the addition of Malcolm Jenkins – to keep the Buccaneer passing game from getting into a consistent groove. Overall, the two teams are similar in overall talent, but the Saints are just a wee bit better on the lines, a lot better at running back, and are fully formed on defense while Tampa Bay is still just putting it all together.

Fantasy Football Player To Watch

TE Rob Gronkowski, Tampa Bay
He’s only been fantasy-good once in the last four years – of course, he was out all of last season – but will the time off rejuvenate him? How much will he be used in the red zone, and how much attention will he get with so many concerns about the Tampa Bay receivers? One big game wouldn’t mean he’s back to his old form, but there’s no way Brady doesn’t try feeding him at least one score.

What’s Going To Happen

Get ready to have a whole lot of fun. Both quarterbacks will roll for over 300 yards, both defenses will come up with just enough stops to keep it from getting ridiculous, and in the end, it’ll come down to one final drive. Brady will get the ball last.