I am back for another season and taking on the oddsmakers and helping you try to take down whatever type of football pool you’re in. Here are my Office Pool Picks for Week 1.
CONFIDENCE
16 Ravens vs. HOU
15 Commanders vs. ARI
14 Vikings vs. TB
13 Seahawks vs. LAR
12 Jaguars at IND
11 Broncos vs. LV
10 Eagles at NE
9 Falcons vs. CAR
8 Chiefs vs. DET
7 Saints vs. TEN
6 Chargers vs. MIA
5 Bills at NYJ
4 49ers at PIT
3 Bengals at CLE
2 Giants vs. DAL
1 Bears vs. GB
Season Record: 0-0-0
+++
Get ready for this week’s NFL action with Dan Clasgens & James Adams…
LISTEN NOW: The Fantistics Insider Football Podcast
+++
SURVIVOR
Each week I will pick two games, my “Play it Safe” selection as well as my “Out on a Limb” pick:
Play It Safe (0-0): Ravens vs. HOU
Don’t overthink the Ravens are the biggest spread of the week for a reason. Lamar is healthy and happy and with the best weapons of his career at his disposal he’ll be chomping at the bit here. I am intrigued by the 10 points the Texans are getting here and will likely bet on it, but I am still expecting a Baltimore victory in this contest.
Out on a Limb (0-0): Seahawks vs. LAR
No Cooper Kupp equals nothing to worry about for the Seahawks’ defense. This is definitely a pick to make in larger-field contests as most will be on bigger favorites. The only downside is if you take Seattle you won’t have them for either matchup this season vs. the Cardinals, who will struggle to win any games.
THURSDAY NIGHT SPECIALS
Look for my “Against the Spread” plays in a separate article that will run each Saturday this season. Here I will look at my Thursday night betting recommendation.
The Pick:
$100 Lions +5 (-113 BetRivers)
Season total: (0-0 on season)
I was leaning towards the Lions and the points before the Kelce news and jumped on the spread at +6 as the news broke earlier this week. I would play Detroit all the way to +4.5. That said, I am not counting out Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs. I expect a battle to the finish in the season opener.
Same Game Parlay Prop Bet (DraftKings)
$20 (+700 DraftKings)
Season total: (+$0)
Sky Moore OVER 39.5 ReYd
Isaiah Pacheco OVER 44.5 RuYd
David Montgomery Anytime TD
Jahmyr Gibbs 4+ receptions
