The first week of the 2016 season begins on Thursday, September 8th as the Carolina Panthers visit the Denver Broncos in a Super Bowl rematch on NBC. That contest is one of the best games in Week 1. Let’s look at five of the top matchups in the NFL for Week 1 including the Panthers at the Broncos.
Carolina Panthers at Denver Broncos
The Carolina Panthers are getting a lot of respect from the oddsmakers as they are listed as 3-point road favorites with the total at 42.5 at top online sportsbooks.
The Broncos have a major problem at quarterback as gone are Peyton Manning who retired and Brock Osweiler who went to Houston. The Broncos now have a mess at the position with Mark Sanchez, Trevor Siemian and rookie Paxton Lynch.
NFL Picks
I will take this game under the total.
Green Bay Packers vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Packers get a healthy Jordy Nelson back this season and his return is expected to boost the Green Bay offense this season. With Aaron Rodgers throwing it to his favorite receiver and a slimmed down Eddie Lacy in the backfield, the Packers figure to be very good on offense.
The Jaguars are getting some respect from the oddsmakers in this game as they are listed as just 4.5 point home underdogs. The total in this contest is listed at 47.5
NFL Picks
I will lay the points with Green Bay and also play the game over the total.
New York Giants vs. Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys are listed as 3.5 point favorites at the best online sportsbooks with a total of 49. This NFC East rivalry matchup should be exciting as the Giants have an offense led by Eli Manning and Odell Beckham Jr. while the Cowboys have Tony Romo, Dez Bryant and rookie running back Ezekiel Elliott.
Oddsmakers think this game is going to be a shootout as the total is listed at 49. Oftentimes this matchup takes place on Sunday night but that is not the case in Week 1 NFL in 2016 with the game in the afternoon on FOX.
NFL Picks
I will take the Giants and the game over the total.
New England Patriots vs. Arizona Cardinals
The late game on Sunday on NBC has the Cardinals favored at home. The Patriots will be without quarterback Tom Brady who is suspended and they will also be without running back Dion Lewis who is injured.
The Cardinals feature a potent offense that should be better than what the Patriots have early in the season as New England will be starting Jimmy Garoppolo in place of Brady while the Cardinals have Carson Palmer. Almost all of the action in this game has been on the Cardinals as they are listed as 6.5 point favorites with the total at 47.5.
NFL Picks
I will lay the points and take the Cardinals in this game.
Los Angeles Rams at San Francisco 49ers
The final game in Week 1 NFL action takes place on Monday, September 12th as the Rams visit the 49ers. The Rams are getting some respect from the oddsmakers at the best sportsbooks as they are 3-point road favorites with the total at 44.5.
The Rams took Jared Goff in the NFL Draft but he may not begin the season as the starter as Case Keenum could start until Goff is ready. On the other side the 49ers have a new head coach in Chip Kelly and an offense that should be much better with Blaine Gabbert at the helm.
NFL Picks
I will take the 49ers and the game over the total.
