College Football Week 2 and NFL Week 1 Preview: 9/7 - 9/11

College Football Week 2 and NFL Week 1 Preview: 9/7 - 9/11

The first weekend of the Shield and Texas heads to Tuscaloosa. Life is good in the football world. Below are some things I will be watching and picks I will be playing.

Thursday, September 7th

What to Watch For

Game of the Day: Detroit Lions at Kansas City Chiefs

The NFL is officially back on Thursday night as the defending Super Bowl champions take on everyone's darling Lions. I am excited to see how the Chiefs' offense looks with a new left tackle and new weapons on the outside. Never bet against Mahomes. The Lions finished hot last year, but does it mean anything? I can't wait to find out.

A Game for the Football Crazies: Murray State at Louisville Cardinals

So the Cardinals looked a lot better last week than I thought they would. They'll stay hot, but throw the game on your second tv if you need something to watch during commercial breaks in the Chiefs vs Lions game.

Picks of the Day

Pick: Lions at Chiefs u54.5 (-108)

The clock just burns faster in the NFL. I know the Lions have a propensity to put up points, and so do the Chiefs, but this is a rich total. All it takes is a couple long drives that don't end up in points and it will not be anywhere close. I'll live with watching a super entertaining game if my bet does not hit.

Edit: I made this pick before the Travis Kelce news. I would still make the play at 52.5.

Friday, September 8th

What to Watch For

Game of the Day: Illinois at Kansas

A fun game that we all probably think is a border war but it is not (I bet you didn't know this was a geography blog). Both teams have a physical brand of running; I love watching Kansas' modern option attack. Illinois has had to replace a lot this year with Ryan Walters leaving and losing a first round corner and their leading rusher. Bielema has things going now that he is back in the Midwest, so don't count out the Illini.

A Game for the Football Crazies: Indiana State at Indiana

You're a real sicko if you watch this game. Indiana looked impressive on defense last weekend, holding Ohio State to a lackluster day. Maybe the letdown coming off the game against the Buckeyes keeps the Sycamores in this one.

Picks of the Day

Not betting either game and likely not watching either. Enjoy some of the last of summer.

Saturday, September 9th

Game of the Day: Texas at Alabama

This is the game we have all been waiting for. Texas didn't look amazing last week against Rice, and Alabama's defense is a lot better. Milroe looked awesome for Alabama, but he has been turnover prone in big spots (see: Texas A&M game) and this is a big test for him. Texas never has a talent deficit and they feel like they belong with the Alabama's of the world, so I think it is closer than the touchdown spread.

Most Entertaining Game: Ole Miss at Tulane

It was a coin flip between this one and Appalachian State vs UNC 2.0 (the second best game of last year). Tulane has built a unique program identity and is not afraid of the big boys. Ole Miss will always be fun as long as Lane Kiffin's visor is in Oxford and they can RPO anyone to death. Is this the first inflated Ole Miss points total of the year (64.5)? I hope the track meet beats it.

A Game for the Football Crazies: Texas State at UTSA

UTSA faltered last week but Texas State balled out against Baylor. Can they do it again as an encore? The Alamo Dome hits different and UTSA will be ready to show that the loss at Houston was a fluke, let's see if the Bobcats respond.

Picks of the Day

First Pick: u36.5 (-108) Iowa vs Iowa State

The Cy-Hawk rivalry game is usually really... weird, but often not high scoring. I love betting Iowa unders. I know they scored more last week, but the thrill of a college line in the 30's is too fun. Let's have a day.

Second Pick: Texas +7.5 (-115) vs Alabama

I know Texas needs to shore up their offensive line and they looked really bad at Arkansas a few years ago. But I think Texas believes they belong with the big boys and I think they play Alabama close. I love that it is a night game, get your popcorn ready.

Third Pick: Nebraska +3 (-108) vs Colorado

I love what Colorado did last week. I also think Nebraska won't be dumb enough to throw 45 times and will play keep away from Shedeur Sanders (who turned heads this week saying there wasn't much difference between FCS and FBS football). Big Noon kicks things off, I hope it's a close one.

Sunday, September 10th

What to Watch For

Game of the Day: Miami Dolphins at Los Angeles Chargers

Tua vs Herbert is always a great matchup. This is also a great uniform game, and both teams end up playing... weird games. I am excited to see how Kellen Moore dials things up for the Chargers and I think Miami will set all types of offensive records this year. Buckle in for this late afternoon game.

Most Entertaining Game: Dallas Cowboys at New York Giants

Two teams with high expectations, and with how big the markets are of course this game will be in prime time. Micah Parsons is an absolute game wrecker and I am excited to see Daniel Jones with his new contract. Can the Giants break free of the best defense in the NFL? Collinsworth will let us know.

A Game for the Football Crazies: Tennessee Titans at New Orleans Saints

I love the Saints this year, I think Carr will be good and that defense will be fun in the dome. But I also think the Titans have a top five coach who pulls wins out of thin air. It may not be a head liner matchup, but this will be a really fun game.

Picks of the Day

First Pick: Titans +3 (-110) at Saints

I love Mike Vrabel, he draws up awesome game plans (remember when they went to OT at KC last year with Malik Willis?). Picking against the Saints at home is risky, but I am here for it.

Second Pick: Steelers ML (+114) vs 49ers

You can't win a boxing match if you don't spar. I love the mentality of the Steelers under Tomlin, and I think the reps in the preseason payoff with an early win against the 49ers, who's QB is coming off a torn UCL.

Monday, September 11th

What to Watch For

Game of the Day: Buffalo Bills at New York Jets

9/11 anniversary with two AFC East rivals in New York City (really New Jersey, but you get the point). I cannot wait for the Jets' offensive debut with Aaron Rodgers. A lot of people are really high on them and cooling off on the Bills, something that is dangerous with Josh Allen at the helm. Joe Buck and Troy Aikman on the call, and if you don't like them you can listen to Peyton and Eli. Football is so back.

Picks of the Day

I have no idea what happens on Monday night, but I can't wait to watch. Will be in it for the story lines, not the bets.

Season Totals

College Football Picks: 4-7 (-3.36 units)
NFL Picks 0-0 (+0.00 units)


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