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) /

5 of 9

(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

Houston Texans @ New England Patriots (-6.5)

The Houston Texans had all the injuries last season. Deshaun Watson was hurt in practice, ending his season. J.J. Watt saved Houston after Hurricane Harvey, and then had to sit out most of the season with a back injury. Whitney Mercilus went on IR after week five. All in all, 21 players ended the season in injured reserve.

Most of those players claim they are 100 percent. Watson is once again under center after playing close to perfect football as a rookie. The defense looks like it could be the best in the division. So many things are going this team’s way.

However, this is the New England Patriots. Yes, I know it’s September. This is when we freak out about this team. They’ll lose a game, and we’ll all be up in arms. The team has no-names starting at wide receiver. They have questions at running back. The offensive line has no depth. With any other team, this eliminates them. However, this team has Tom Brady. He doesn’t want to lose another big game in the season opener. He will do what he can to make this a big win.

New England 31, Houston 24

Tennessee Titans (-1.5) @ Miami Dolphins

The Tennessee Titans made the playoffs last season. Not only that, but they won a game. It seems like so long ago some of us may have forgotten. Meanwhile, the Miami Dolphins made some interesting moves after missing the postseason.

This game may not end up being too exciting. The Dolphins need to figure out their offensive identity with Ryan Tannehill returning from injury. They rid themselves of Jarvis Landry and Ndamukong Suh. This is a team without an identity period.

Meanwhile, the Titans are playing under new head coach Mike Vrabel. He rocketed up the ranks and became a head coach faster than anyone expected. How will he do in his first year?

Oh, and there’s the question about whether Marcus Mariota is a good quarterback. We have a whole season to figure that out, but this week no questions will be answered. The Fins may be really bad, while the Titans will at least be mediocre. Go with the away team here.

Tennessee 16, Miami 14