By Bob Gaughan
2023 Record 0-0
2022 Record 68-41-2
2021 record 62-49
2020 record 52-52-4
2019 Record 62-41-2
2018 Record 72-50-3
Total: 316-233-11=57%
Mr. Over/Under: Philadelphia -4 over New England WELCOME BACK. Hope all of you had a wonderful off season. Now let’s make some money to pay those bills. The first & last week in the NFL are the most dangerous when it comes to picking winners. Last year in week 1, the favorites only won outright 9 of the 16 games and only covered in 7 of them. It’s a fact that early on in the season, the defense usually has an advantage, as the offense needs more time to work with things like a new quarterback, new receivers, new coordinators & coaches and timing. Last year in week 1, only 5 games went over. I think Phily may have the best offensive line in the NFL and they want desperately to go back to the Super Bowl. They have a tough schedule, but their opener in New England should not be tough. I think this line should be 7 or 8 and it’s only -4. Grab the Eagles before this line changes
Man in Stripes: Utah and Baylor Under 47.5
Two stout defenses going most likely against two back-up QB’s. Cam Rising still doubtful to go along with the starting TE for the Utes. Baylor will be without Blake Shapen as their starting QB. Look for a heavy dose of running in this contest. Baylor will struggle to score against an excellent Utes defense. Baylor will be motivated coming off a bad loss to Texas State. I think Utah will keep it vanilla for the 11am kickoff. The clock keeps churning and the new clock rules help us get the under.
Mano: Bears -1 over Green Bay
Justin Fields has some new weapons and some added protection too. He will finally have some time in the pocket to show off his arm talent everyone is talking about. This is Jordan Love’s debut as a starter. I expect Love to struggle a bit. Let’s remember this receiving group made Aaron Rodgers look bad last year. I’m going with the young quarterback with the better defense at home and laying just a point.
Brutal: Iowa State +4.5 over Iowa
This game wasn’t played from 1935-1977 because Iowa wouldn’t even take the phone calls from Iowa State. There is no love loss between these two rivals. I like the home team getting points. These two teams aren’t known for quick scores. The under is usually a good play when these two meet. I wasn’t impressed with Iowa last week. Their new QB Cade McNamara came over from Michigan and he’s not 100 percent. His hamstring injury seems to be bothering him. In a game full of hatred I’ll take the home dog and the points.
Philly: Colorado -2.5 over Nebraska
You can say I’m sipping the Kool-aid by taking Colorado but this is more about Nebraska. Transfer Jeff Sims was 11 for 19 for 114 yards as the Cornhuskers had only 10 points in their loss to Minnesota. They will not keep pace with this Colorado offense. I expect Coach Prime to keep things rolling with a massive home win. By the way the cheapest tickets are going for $400. Give me the Buffaloes in their home opener -2.5.
Bob: Atlanta -3.5 over Carolina
Still a believer in the old first road start for a rookie QB can be trouble. Bryce Young is going to be good but think he will struggle against an under-rated Falcons defense. The Falcons offense is loaded now around Desmond Ridder. Bijan Robinson is a stud at RB to go along with Drake London and Kyle Pitts. The Falcons offensive line is above average as well. I bet them over 8.5 wins on the year, so count me as a believer in Atlanta this year.
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