Week 1 NFL Picks Highlight Rams, Steelers and Several Upset Opportunities
Analyst predictions for opening NFL games focus on the Rams' advantage in Australia, the Steelers covering the spread, and several potential upsets across the league.
Analyst Jason Starrett released his Week 1 NFL spread predictions, noting the Los Angeles Rams as a strong pick against the San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne, citing the addition of Myles Garrett and new cornerbacks as key factors. He favored the Seattle Seahawks over the New England Patriots, pointing to a stronger defensive outlook for Seattle and potential improvement for quarterback Sam Darnold.
The safest survivor-pool choice, according to Starrett, is the Pittsburgh Steelers against the Atlanta Falcons, while he selected the New York Jets to beat the Tennessee Titans based on coaching match-ups. He recommended the Houston Texans to cover against the Buffalo Bills, referencing the Bills' struggles in Houston last season and the impact of new receiver DJ Moore.
Other picks include the Detroit Lions over the New Orleans Saints, the Baltimore Ravens at the Indianapolis Colts, and the Jacksonville Jaguars against the Cleveland Browns. Starrett also identified the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Carolina Panthers, Philadelphia Eagles, Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Chargers, Green Bay Packers, Dallas Cowboys, and Denver Broncos as viable selections, highlighting specific player additions and recent performance trends.
Starrett highlighted the Steelers, Ravens, Panthers, Jaguars and Broncos as his best bets and noted the Buccaneers as an upset special with a +170 spread.