The Baker Mayfield addition to the Panthers having him secure the job as the starter and the coincidence that Carolina hosts Mayfield’s old team, the Cleveland Browns in NFL Week 1 already generated a good deal of interest in this game.
Apparently, that wasn’t sufficient for the former No. 1 overall pick, who has decided to give the Browns good bulletin-board material while giving the NFL media something to ponder.
Cynthia Frelund of the NFL Network was recapping her time at the Panthers’ final preseason game against the Bills, mentioning a give-and-take she had with Mayfield after the game. She told him, in her words, “Go kick some butt. Especially Week 1.”
She then revealed that he said in return, “I’m gonna f- them up.”
It was an off-the-cuff remark, and not like Mayfield made the statement in a presser. He was talking to a member of the NFL media, and thus had to know it would see the light of day.
To silence Mayfield in the opener, we offer Browns’ defensive end Myles Garrett. “I’m not mad at him using that fire and that chip on his shoulder to help him play to the level he has. We’ll take it, and we’ll use it. I don’t think any less of him because of it.”
The city of Cleveland did take offense, at least on social media, even though Mayfield has been very gracious in the things he said about the city and the fans as he left them for Carolina.
Cleveland is currently favored by a field goal, according to NFL odds.
Buffalo Bills vs. Los Angeles Rams – Thu, Sept. 8th NFL Odds by BetUs
| Team | SP/RL | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bills | -2½ ( -110 ) | 53 ( -110 ) | -135 |  |
| Rams | +2½ ( -110 ) | 53 ( -110 ) | +115 | |
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It’s the Super Bowl game from a year ago that might have been, had the Bills only been able to stop Patrick Mahomes for 13 seconds.
Instead, this is the title game that might be, MVP choice Josh Allen leading the Super Bowl betting-favorite Bills (+600) into Los Angeles to take on the champs. The Rams are currently tied for third on the board at +1100. Those, per Super Bowl odds.
We didn’t see any of Matthew Stafford in the preseason, as he dealt with elbow tendonitis throughout training camp. All of the reports suggest he’s ready to go. We saw Allen, only briefly, but in that short time on the field, he looked just as good as he did last season.
The Bills are favored by three points in this game, a final-minute finish is what’s been expected.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Dallas Cowboys – Sun., Sept.11th NFL Odds
| Team | SP/RL | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buccaneers | -1½ ( -110 ) | 50 ( -110 ) | -125 | |
| Cowboys | +1½ ( -110 ) | 50 ( -110 ) | +105 | |
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So, not only are these two first-place teams from 2021, they did open the NFL schedule in Tampa Bay last season? It was one of the better games of the season.
The final score was Bucs 31, Cowboys 29, in a game featuring 54 first downs, 882 yards of offense and 108 pass attempts.
We are more than looking forward to an encore, with even juicier storylines leading to this game. Start with Tom Brady’s mid-camp vacation, then the press conference where he looked more exhausted than he does after the season.
Cowboys’ sensational linebacker Micah Parsons is now a known quantity, looking to make an impact in this game. He will need to, as the Dallas offense is now down tackle Tyron Smith.
The Bucs are favored by a point in the Sunday night game that has a little bit of everything.
Las Vegas Raiders vs. Los Angeles Chargers – Sun., Sept. 11th Odds
| Team | SP/RL | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raiders | +3 ( EV ) | 52 ( -110 ) | +150 | |
| Chargers | -3 ( -120 ) | 52 ( -110 ) | -180 | |
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In last season’s Week 18, all that needed to happen was for the Raiders and Chargers to tie, then both teams would go to the playoffs. However, the Chargers called a timeout in overtime- as if they were trying to win-so Vegas kicked a long field goal to win, Thus, the Raiders moved to the postseason while the Chargers moved to the offseason
: Perhaps lost in the final result was the incredible play of Charger quarterback Justin Herbert, 34-of-64 for 383 yards and three touchdowns (6-of-6, 106 yards on fourth down, as well).
Vegas has since added Davante Adams, while the Chargers now have Khalil Mack.
Who wouldn’t want to see this game? (Bolts are favored by three).
