Editor’s note: The following column is an excerpt from the latest episode of Press Breakers. Listen to our latest podcast episode now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.
Like the great Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson finally said (taking a deep breath through his nose):
Week 1 in the NFL kicked off with a Chiefs win on Thursday night, but what about the rest of the weekend? Leave it to the Daily Press sports editors to tell you. “Big Dog” Mitch Vosburgh might help you out and win some money in the process.
In this new weekly series, The Big Dog will take a look at his top five NFL games from the weekend, including his killer moves. Will he succeed? Will he fail? There’s only one way to find out, and it starts now.
All odds provided by Bet ESPN. Please gamble responsibly.
Arizona Cardinals @ Buffalo Bills
Line: Buffalo -6.5
Over/Under: 47.5
Moneyline: Cardinals +240, Bills -290
Big Dog Plays: Arizona +6.5
Description: There are a lot of questions surrounding the Buffalo Bills. Many of the veteran mainstays on defense are gone, and the receiver options are relatively unknown.
The Arizona Cardinals have made considerable progress in 2023, now featuring a true No. 1 receiver in Marvin Harrison Jr. and a hungry quarterback in Kyler Murray.
The Bills found a way to win, but the Cardinals made this game closer than you might think.
Bills 26, Cardinals 21
New England Patriots @ Cincinnati Bengals
Line: Cincinnati -8.5
Over/Under: 40.5
Moneyline: Patriots +320, Bengals -400
Big Dog Plays: New England +8.5
Description: The biggest talking point coming out of this game is whether Ja’Marr Chase will play. I believe the Bengals can be AFC contenders if they stay healthy, but I feel like something weird is going on in Cincinnati. It’s not Skyline Chili. Cincinnati will be tough to pull away, but they’ll win by a touchdown.
Bengals 26, Patriots 20
Minnesota Vikings @ New York Giants
Line: Minnesota -1.5
Over/Under: 41.5
Moneyline: Vikings -120, Giants tied
Big Dog Plays: In New York
Description: Why would a team led by quarterback Sam Darnold be a road favorite in 2024? Seems like an easy win to me. The Vikings have a solid offense, but their defense leaves a lot to be desired, especially compared to the Giants, who boast defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence and the edge rushing duo of Brian Barnes and Kayvon Thibodeau. This game will be a bad look, but with questions and uncertainty starting to swirl about Minnesota’s quarterback situation, the Giants will cover and win.
Giants 24, Vikings 16
Tennessee Titans @ Chicago Bears
Line: Chicago -3.5
Over/Under: 44.5
Moneyline: Titans +155, Bears -185
Big Dog Plays: Titans +155
Description: The Bears may be on the verge of fielding their most potent offensive line ever. But with a rookie quarterback, a questionable offensive line and running back spacing, and no compliments on edge rusher Montez Sweat, what have they done to honestly qualify to be considered a championship contender? Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams is now playing in a legitimate NFL game against a legitimate NFL defense with a legitimate game plan.
With Williams facing off against Jeffrey Simmons, Rujarius Snead, Chidobe Awuzie, Jamal Adams and Kwandre Diggs, it looks like it could be a bad time for Chicago.
Tennessee was a shocker and disappointed the Bears, who still have a long way to go before they can become legitimate contenders in a crowded NFC.
Titans 27, Bears 16
Week 1 Mortal Rock
Los Angeles Rams @ Detroit Lions
Line: Det -4.5
Over/Under: 52.5
Moneyline: Rams +180, Lions -215
Big Dog Plays: Lions -4.5
Description: Name one team that suffered a major blow this offseason when the Rams lost Aaron Donald. That’s impossible, because as football fans, we put him on the same level as Reggie White.
Now, the young Rams defense will travel to enemy Ford Field to face the NFL’s best offensive line and two bona fide running backs capable of a 1,000-yard season, and Detroit will have a chance to not only win this game, but make a huge statement and beat the Rams for good.
Lions 41, Rams 20
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