NFL Picks Week 1: Last-Minute Predictions Against the Spread

Week 1 of the 2012 NFL season begins in earnest on Sunday afternoon, which means time is scarce to get those final wagers in.

After watching the Dallas Cowboys defeat the New York Giants as a four-point underdog on Wednesday night, it just goes to show that anything could happen in professional football this year.

If you aren’t sure exactly how to play some of the games against the spread, here’s a look at three favorites that should have no problem covering, even though they are laying major points to the underdog.

New England Patriots (-6) over TENNESSEE TITANS

This line seems like it could be a trap, but the fact is that the Patriots are an absolute lock to cover if they are laying less than a TD.

We’re going to see Tom Brady and a high-powered NE offense (once again run by Josh McDaniels) go up against an unproven Titans D that lost some key players in the offseason.

On the other side of the ball, second-year QB Jake Locker will be under center, starting the first game of his career. He’s going to have to outwit the Pats defense, which will be called by one of the greatest coaches of all time—Bill Belichick.

Even though the Titans are at home, they don’t have a shot against New England to open the season.

DETROIT LIONS (-9) over St. Louis Rams

This line was less than seven this week, but the public realized the extreme value and bet it up to the Lions spotting St. Louis nine points.

Both teams are used to playing in domes, but Detroit will be far more successful at Ford Field on Sunday.

The combination of QB Matt Stafford and WR Calvin Johnson alone is worth at least one TD, and the rest of the weapons on offense—including RB Kevin Smith—will help the Lions win this by at least 10 points.

While the Rams might be somewhat competitive in 2012, they’ll need some time at home to sort things out. They will not come out firing on the road against a superior team.

HOUSTON TEXANS (-13) over Miami Dolphins

It’s going to be near-impossible for the Dolphins to score points in this contest.

Highly inexperienced rookie QB Ryan Tannehill may be the worst starting signal-caller in the NFL and that is a large reason why the ‘Phins will not be able to cover this massive Week 1 spread.

The Texans are hoping to repeat as AFC South winners and once again make the playoffs, this time with health and momentum in order to have a real shot at making the Super Bowl.

Expect the franchise to make a statement on Sunday by absolutely destroying Miami defensively and putting up as many points as possible with their high-powered offense.