Free NFL Picks: Week One

About two months ago it looked like the state of Delaware was going to hit the jackpot with sports betting.

They were in line to have single-game betting cards for the two most lucrative sports entities: The NFL and the NCAA.

It was a win-win for everyone involved.

The state was going to rake in the money while the local degenerate was going to get legitimate lines, easy payouts, and the safety from any bookies that might go a little nuts if they don't get paid on time.

But then everyone sued and in the end everyone lost.

Ultimately the state of Delaware was told they could have three-team parlay cards only involving NFL games.

This is even worse because a parlay is the biggest sucker bet known to mankind. It is even worse than the teasers that are available from your local “guy.”

In fact, if there is one piece of advice you take away let it be this: Don't parlay bets and don't tease them.

If you like a game, bet it. If you think you need points to make it a good bet then it is not worth putting money on in the first place. Parlays are the recipe for disaster. If you're going to go 2-for-1 you better make money.

I won't have a set number of games I take per week. If I like it, I bet it. It's really that simple. The team I am taking appears first in the  match up with the points in parentheses. I am going to keep it short and to the point.

Pittsburgh (-6) vs. Tennessee

The Steelers are playing with a ton of revenge on their minds. The Titans put a beat down on the 'Burgh 31-14 in Week 16 as Titans players trashed the Terrible Towels on the sideline, blah, blah, blah.

In the end I love the Steelers defense going up against a very poor Titans offense. Look for a lot of three and outs, which will cause the Titans defense to wear down late in the game.

The Titans hang around for a half and then get blown out.

Pittsburgh 31, Tennessee 14

Dallas (-5.5) @ Tampa Bay

The Buccaneers have the worst team in the NFL. Bet against them early because they are going to be double digit dogs once everyone realizes how bad they are.

Dallas 37, Tampa Bay 13

Washington (+6.5) @ N.Y. Giants

Neither team is going to move the ball as both teams boast some of the best defenses in the NFL.

The Redskins secondary should feast on Eli Manning without a legitimate passing threat while the Giants defensive line should get pressure against a revamped offensive line that may struggle at times early in the year.

Washington 17, N.Y. Giants 16

Seattle (-8.5) vs. St. Louis

The Seahawks swept the series last year and even tuned up the lowly Rams 37-13 in Seattle in Week Three.

History repeats itself two weeks ahead of schedule.

Seattle 37, St. Louis 13

Green Bay (-3.5) vs. Chicago

Aaron Rodgers is the real deal. The kid will get sweet revenge when he embarrasses Favre twice this season.

For now, he will show the entire country how good he is when he picks up a huge win for the Packers on Monday Night Football.

Green Bay 27, Chicago 20

Houston (-5) vs. N.Y. Jets

Mark Sanchez makes his rookie debut on the road against what I believe is going to be the surprise team of the NFL.

This is a tough spot for Sanchez because he is going to be asked to do a lot as he will be asked to try to outscore a potent Texans offense.

Sanchez will make some plays, but he is also going to make too many mistakes.

Hang in there Jets fans, Sanchez is going to be good.

Houston 38, N.Y. Jets 20

New Orleans Saints (-13.5) vs. Detroit

You can take what I said about the Jets and Sanchez and put it down here.

Rookie QB Matt Stafford at least gets to face an easier defense in the Saints, but it won't matter in the end.

New Orleans 42, Detroit 21