FRIDAY AFTERNOON QUARTERBACK: NFL WEEK 1 PART 2

BY ADAM GREENE

We’re still rolling with the Week 1 Picks.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES AT WASHINGTON FOOTBALL TEAM (+5.5, O/U: 42)

I can’t remember the last time I’ve seen a coaching hire reflected in an NFL line, but WFT at -5.5 has everything to do with the books’ respect for Ron Rivera and nothing to do with the Disney Channel original movie misfit roster he’s bringing to the field Sunday. Eagles 30, WFT 13

CHICAGO BEARS AT DETROIT LIONS (-3, O/U: 42.5)

Is that right? The Lions favored in a Week One game? That can’t be right. Matt Patricia’s still the coach, isn’t he? Did they fire him and no one tell me? Bears 23, Lions 20

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS AT JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (+8, O/U: 45)

The Jaguars open their “Tanking for Trevor” campaign with the Philip Rivers-led Colts coming to town to make all their draft dreams come true. Colts 34, Jags 19

GREEN BAY PACKERS AT MINNESOTA VIKINGS (-2.5, O/U: 44.5)

I don’t believe in the Vikings. And I don’t mean that like people saying they don’t believe that masks can help prevent the spread of COVID-19. I just don’t think they’re a good team. I mean, the established science behind facemasks and preventing the spread respiratory germs was settled in the 1920s, literally a hundred years ago and no one in their right mind would argue about that, right? Right? Kirk Cousins, can you weigh in? Either way, I think Minnesota takes this one at home. Vikings 27, Packers 23

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS AT CINCINNATI BENGALS (+3, O/U: 41.5)

Something became abundantly clear when watching this season of HBO’s Hard Knocks featuring both Los Angeles teams. There’s a reason that good teams like the Rams aren’t featured on it besides the fact that they usually, when there isn’t a worldwide pandemic, aren’t required to do it. Good teams are boring. Their players are pros, go about their business and make little fuss. Bad teams, on the other hand, offer high drama. You can’t even get a player cut without wondering if the aftermath isn’t going to show up on the news with mugshots. That’s why it would not shock me at all to see the Bengals steal this one right out the gate as Tyrod Taylor grinds the Los Angeles offense into the ground. In fact, I’ve talked myself into it. Bengals 23, Chargers 20

ARIZONA CARDINALS AT SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (-7, O/U: 48)

The Cardinals played the 49ers tight last season in both games, losing by a field goal in their first match up and 10 points in the second. I don’t like that spread and I don’t think Kyle Shanahan likes his quarterback anymore. Kliff Kingsbury loves his and brought him in a new weapon in DeAndre Hopkins to show it. Cardinals 20, 49ers 17

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS AT NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (-3.5, O/U: 47.5)

It’s the game everyone had circled the second Tom Brady turned in his Patriots helmet and headed to the strip club capital of the United States. Which, honestly, explains why Rob Gronkowski wanted to join him for one last Vince Lombardi heist than anything. Here’s what’s weird about the Brady vs Drew Brees match up; this is just the sixth time they’ve ever faced off. They’re both on solid teams, will pitch the ball to three of the best wide receivers in the NFL and, ultimately, somebody’s taking a game back in the NFC South that might sit there most of the season. I like New Orleans at home, but it’ll be tight. Saints 30, Bucs 27

THIS WEEK

Straight up: 1-0

Against the spread: 0-1

LAST SEASON

Overall: 176-90-1

Against the Spread: 150-117

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