NFL Picks Week 1: Predicting Every Game Against the Spread

Week 1 of the NFL season is upon us, and it’s time to make your picks against the spread on who will win.

Here’s a look at each and every game taking place during the opening week and a prediction on who will cover and help you make big money to start the 2012 campaign.

*Home team in CAPS.

**All lines courtesy of ScoresAndOdds.com. 

NEW YORK GIANTS (-4) over Dallas Cowboys

The G-Men are simply the better team here. They have an excellent pass rush and the ability to rattle the Cowboys no matter what the circumstance.

They will be playing in front of a rocking home crowd, which makes spotting one single point extra (on top of the inherent three-point home-field advantage) a no-brainer.

Eli Manning will be just fine with or without his top receiver in Hakeem Nicks, while Tony Romo will be running around in the backfield trying to avoid Jason Pierre-Paul and Justin Tuck.

CHICAGO BEARS (-9) over Indianapolis Colts

I want to pick Andrew Luck to have a Cam Newton-esque performance in his opening game, but he’s playing a tough Bears team that has a rejuvenated offense and stalwart group of defenders.

Chicago is going to show the No. 1 overall pick what the NFL is really like, and I expect it will take at least a few weeks for Luck and Co. to start covering spreads.

Buffalo Bills (+3) over NEW YORK JETS

The Bills are the second-best team in the AFC East after the Patriots. The Jets are pretenders this year with far too many distractions—a shaky offensive line, a lack of solid running backs and a QB controversy that will sink team morale sooner than later.

Don’t be shocked to see the Bills come into MetLife stadium and dismantle this sorry Jets squad.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (-9) over Washington Redskins

The Saints may have lost a few defenders and coaches due to the bounty scandal, but they won’t miss a beat against the upstart ‘Skins.

Drew Brees can practically coach the offense himself and likely will be a true general out on the gridiron in 2012. He’s got enough weapons around him to just pile up the points on anyone, while the 'Skins will be lacking the firepower to move the chains enough to keep their defense rested.

I love Robert Griffin III’s professional prospects, but he’s simply not ready to hang and won’t be able to win a shootout with the Saints in his first game.

New England Patriots (-6) over TENNESSEE TITANS

The Patriots are too good to not cover this minuscule spread. They have more offensive weapons than they have had since their record-setting 2007 season and a major chip on their collective shoulder from losing a Super Bowl.

Tennessee will be starting a second-year QB that just earned the gig in the offseason. It would be extremely surprising if he were able to torch a defensive unit that promises to be better than it was in 2011.

Go with the Pats for an easy cover.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS (-4) over Jacksonville Jaguars

This is a tough call, as they are projected to be two of the worst teams in the NFL.

I’d personally stay away from this, but when in doubt, go with the home team.

The Vikes defense should be OK against Blaine Gabbert and the anemic Jags passing attack, and Maurice Jones-Drew isn’t expected to have much of a role on the ground in Week 1.

Even though it’s tough to trust Christian Ponder at this point, hope that the Minnesota ground game can get it done.

HOUSTON TEXANS (-12) over Miami Dolphins

This is one of the best NFL teams, at home, versus one of the worst—with a rookie QB on the road to boot.

There is simply no way you can take the points with the Dolphins, and it would be extremely wise to lay them for what might be the biggest Week 1 blowout.

Matt Schaub is back and the Texans defense is still incredible, while the Dolphins are nothing but question marks and inexperienced players—especially with Ryan Tannehill under center.

St. Louis Rams (+8) over DETROIT LIONS

While the Rams aren’t going to be an elite squad in 2012, they are going to take a step forward from last year’s dismal performance.

If Sam Bradford can regain his rookie form—and possibly show some improvement upon it—the Rams have a decent passing attack and always have a solid rusher in Steven Jackson.

While they aren’t going to beat Matt Stafford, Calvin Johnson and the tough Lions defense, they’ll keep it respectable and within one touchdown.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (+3) over Atlanta Falcons

Arrowhead will be rocking when the underrated Chiefs open up against the Dirty Birds.

You have to love a team that could easily win the AFC West getting three points at home against a squad that tends to struggle on the road, especially in regard to covering a spread.

Take the points here, and don’t look back—this one should pay great.

GREEN BAY PACKERS (-5) over San Francisco 49ers

This is the classic offense vs. defense matchup.

The Packers have the edge in my book, as they are playing at Lambeau against a team that just proved to be legitimate last year.

If the 49ers take a step back in 2012, it’ll be noticeable right out of the gate, and the Pack will take advantage.

Carolina Panthers (-2.5) over TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

Cam Newton and the Panthers are going on the road in Week 1, but they shouldn’t have an issue pulling out the victory against a Tampa team that might struggle a bit to start the year.

While I believe the Bucs will be respectable this season (over 5.5 wins is a lock), they aren’t going to pull the opener out and will lose by at least one touchdown.

ARIZONA CARDINALS (+3) over Seattle Seahawks

John Skelton is actually a decent QB and went 6-2 as a starter in 2011. He got the nod to run the offense in 2012 and should lead this team out of the gates hot.

With Arizona getting points at home against a sketchy Seattle squad that just paid its best offensive weapon big bucks, this shouldn’t leave much room to debate.   

Take the home team with the points in this NFC West matchup.

DENVER BRONCOS (-2) over Pittsburgh Steelers

Never bet against Peyton Manning in prime time.

That’s been a rule throughout his entire career on the Colts, and that will not change in Denver.

The guy simply shines under the brightest lights and will dominate the Steelers on Sunday Night Football. Expect the Broncos to win by at least a touchdown behind Manning’s elite play.

BALTIMORE RAVENS (-6) over Cincinnati Bengals

The Ravens had the Bengals' number in 2011, and that won’t change this season.

Baltimore is the class of the AFC North and will make that abundantly clear in the first regular-season contest.

While Andy Dalton and A.J. Green will be a dangerous combination, the Ravens will shut it down and come away with the seven-point victory behind a monster Ray Rice performance and solid defense.

OAKLAND RAIDERS (+1) over San Diego Chargers

Some of Carson Palmer’s best performances as a Raider came against the Chargers last year.

The Raiders QB now has a full training camp under his belt and could be in for one of the best seasons of his career now that he’s firmly entrenched in Oakland.

This should be one of the best games of the week and a back-and-forth battle, but the home team will pull out the victory against the spread.