The NFL season is back and so too are my Office Pool Picks. Week 1 is always a tough challenge for handicappers, but don’t let that stop you from playing. There are still some games I really like and some I don’t.
Here are my Week 1 picks for all your favorite office pool formats – Confidence Pool, Survivor and Against the Spread:
CONFIDENCE POOL
16 Ravens vs. BUF
15 Saints vs. TB
14 Vikings vs. SF
13 Lions vs. NYJ
12 Patriots vs. HOU
11 Panthers vs. DAL
10 Rams at OAK
9 Steelers at CLE
8 Packers vs. CHI
7 Chargers vs. KC
6 Jaguars at NYG
5 Bengals at IND
4 Titans at MIA
3 Seahawks at DEN
2 Falcons at PHI
1 Redskins at ARI
SURVIVOR PICK
Each week I’ll offer up my “playing it safe” and my “out on the limb” pick for your elimination pool:
Playing it safe – Ravens
Buffalo is a train wreck and could struggle to move the chains against a tough Ravens’ D at home. Baltimore is a touchdown favorite, but this one could get ugly if Joe Flacco and the offense can get anything going. With a total hovering barely over 40 points don’t expect to see many trips to the end zone for either side.
Out on a limb – Lions
The Jets seem to be a better team than they were a year ago, but new Lions’ head coach Matt Patricia knows them very well. Expect the Lions’ offense to move the ball enough to keep the visitors at a comfortable distance.
AGAINST THE SPREAD
Pick of the Week
Ravens -7
Other Plays to Consider
Falcons +3
Saints -9.5
Bengals +3
Over 45 DET/NYJ
Rams -4
Follow me on Twitter @DanClasgens for more NFL and fantasy conversation.
