*NFL(1.5u): Panthers -4(-110) vs Jets–Sunday Noon CT
The verdict is still out on whether Zach Wilson is the man for the job for the Jets, but it’s clear that this is a tough spot for the rookie QB. With Christian McCaffery back healthy, I think the Panthers are a sleeper team that is being undervalued by the betting markets. Matt Rhule has a season in Carolina under his belt, and his OC Joe Brady now has a highly skilled QB to work with in… that’s right, former Jets QB Sam Darnold. I expect Darnold to fit in much better in Carolina under Brady than he did in New York, and you know he wants nothing more than to stick it to his former organization that set him up for failure. The Jets have a better coaching regime that sets them up for long-term success, but it’s unrealistic to expect Zach Wilson to go win on the road in his first career start with what’s still a below average roster. I think the Panthers jump out to an early lead and control this game from start to finish. This is my play of the week for the Week 1 NFL slate.
*NFL(1.5u): Steelers/Bills UNDER 48(-110)–Sunday Noon CT
Because the Steelers had a rough finish to the 2020 season following an 11-0 start, many people aren’t very high on them this year. I am not one of those people; this line(Bills -6.5) is a slap in the face. However, rather than play the Steelers side, I’m going to go heavy on the Under. Led by DE TJ Watt, this Steelers defense is going to give Josh Allen and the Bills all they can handle; being that it is Week 1, I don’t expect the Buffalo offense to be at their sharpest. Ben Roethlisberger has slimmed down almost 30 pounds since last season and figures to be a bigger asset for the Pittsburgh offense, but the Steelers will have nothing handed to them playing in a hostile environment. Pittsburgh’s issues last year stemmed from not being able to establish the run; while rookie RB Najee Harris figures to help change that narrative, this is not the matchup you’re going to see them start running the ball effectively. This total is simply too high given that it is just Week 1 and the environment expects to be pretty electric.
