NFL Week 1 picks against the spread

LAS VEGAS, NV - JANUARY 26: Some of the more than 400 proposition bets for Super Bowl LI between the Philadelphia Eagles and the New England Patriots are displayed at the Race & Sports SuperBook at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino on January 26, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

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Jacksonville Jaguars (-3) @ New York Giants

Finally, Tom Coughlin returns to New York after taking his position with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The man who brought two Super Bowls to the big city (actually New Jersey, but who’s counting) will make his triumphant return. That will be the storyline coming into this game.

That, and the first game ever for Saquon Barkley. The Giants new stud could be the key to a great season, or a massive overstep when the team could have picked Eli Manning’s heir apparent. In fact, the only quarterback with any future for Big Blue was cut.

Meanwhile, the Jaguars are coming off quite possibly the luckiest season. They didn’t deal with any major injuries. They overcame a terrible Blake Bortles season to make the playoffs. The team almost went to the Super Bowl. Things are going really well in Jacksonville.

There’s an issue with that. This isn’t the Ben McAdoo Giants. This is Pat Shurmur’s Giants. He will get them hyped for the season. The team took car of Odell Beckham Jr. Things are peachy keen at MetLife Stadium. That’s why taking three points at home against a team that may not have everything fall perfectly again is the move to make.

New York 21, Jacksonville 17

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ New Orleans Saints (-9.5)

This is a HUGE number. This is the biggest spread of the week. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers did not do enough to compete in an insane NFC South, but it’s not like they stood pat. They traded for Jason Pierre Paul, who still has some pass rush left in the tank. He joins an extremely underrated front seven. The Bucs also have Mike Evans and DeSean Jackson catching passes (along with Chris Godwin who could do good things).

Sure, Ryan Fitzpatrick is starting for Jameis Winston, but how big a drop off is that? My point is, there are things to like about this Bucs team.

The Saints, on the other hand, are one of the NFC favorites. Along with the Vikings and Eagles, they seem to be one of the betting favorites. They have Alvin Kamara to help Drew Brees into his twilight years. The defense has been rebuilt through the draft. There are stars at almost every position. Still, is that worth betting for a 10-point win? It’s close, but this will be a game they really miss Mark Ingram. Relying on Kamara more may take away some of his best assets, his element of surprise.

New Orleans 21, Tampa Bay 16