NFL Picks Against the Spread Week 1: Best Teams to Bet Big

Those of you still on the fence about which way to lean during Sunday’s slate of action need to look no further, as we have you covered.

Keep reading to find picks for every game, the top matchups, and best bets of Week 1.

New England Patriots (-10.5) at Buffalo Bills

It’s almost always inadvisable to take a road team giving a double-digit amount of points, but break the rule on this one.

The Pats are simply a better team and will be anxious to prove that their offseason hasn’t slowed them down one bit. Although the team will be without practically all of its top receivers from the 2012 campaign, Tom Brady will be able to carve this mediocre Buffalo defense to shreds and put points on the board.

On the flip side, rookie quarterback EJ Manuel is going to have quite a rough introduction to the NFL against head coach Bill Belichick’s defense and the various defensive looks and ever-changing schemes that the hooded genius will throw out there.

This contest is going to get out of hand quickly, with the Pats likely walking away from Ralph Wilson Stadium with a victory by two or more touchdowns.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-4.5) at New York Jets

The Bucs have greatly improved their passing defense, which ranked as the worst unit in the league last year. These upgrades are going to be evident when rookie signal-caller Geno Smith attempts to throw against them on Sunday.

Tampa traded with the Jets in the offseason to acquire Darrelle Revis—arguably one of the top cornerbacks in the game—and brought in veteran safety Dashon Goldson to bolster a young, up-and-coming secondary.

If the third week of the preseason was any indication, the Bucs are going to feast on Gang Green’s mistakes—especially in the passing game. Smith tossed three interceptions that night and even ran out of the back of the end zone for a safety.

Unless Smith somehow improved greatly while sitting out the following exhibition contest, he’s just not ready for his NFL debut and will get devoured when he’s thrown to the wolves this weekend.