NFL Week 1 Picks Against The Spread: Predictions For Every Game In The Opening Week Of 2013 ATS

On Thursday night, the Denver Broncos opened up Week One of the 2013 NFL season with 49-27 win over the Baltimore Ravens. Peyton Manning and his seven touchdown passes easily helped the home team cover the betting line of 7.5 points.

Fifteen games remain for the opening week. Below are picks against the spread for each one.

New England Patriots (-9.5) at Buffalo Bills

The Bills won’t be forced to start undrafted quarterback Jeff Tuel, now that EJ Manuel has been cleared to play. The first-round pick has looked good in limited action, but Patriots head coach Bill Belichick will put together a game plan to stop a rookie with just two games of preseason experience.

Pick ATS: New England

Tennessee Titans (+7) at Pittsburgh Steelers

After finishing 2012 at 8-8, the Steelers have a number of question marks heading into Week One. Ben Roethlisberger is healthy, but he’s lacking in weapons at wide receiver and running back. It might be tough for Jake Locker to lead the Titans to a road victory in Pittsburgh, but Tennessee should be able to keep it close.

Pick ATS: Tennessee

Atlanta Falcons (+3) at New Orleans Saints

The Falcons have been selected by many experts as the favorites in the NFC, but they face a tough task in the opener. The Saints will have head coach Sean Payton back on the sidelines in a regular season game for the first time since 2011. Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan has one of the best receiving corps in the NFL with Roddy White and Julio Jones at his disposal, but Drew Brees could have a field day at home against a questionable Atlanta defense.

Pick ATS: New Orleans

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-3) at New York Jets

With Geno Smith at the helm, the Jets could have more trouble scoring in Week One than any other team. Santonio Holmes will likely suit up on Sunday, but he’ll only be used in a limited role, according to ESPN.com. That leaves Jeremy Kerley and Stephen Hill as the rookie’s top options. Former Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis could have a big day in his return to New York.

Pick ATS: Tampa Bay

Kansas City Chiefs (-4) at Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars have a rough season ahead of them and it all starts on Sunday. It’s unknown how effective running back Maurice Jones-Drew will be coming off a foot injury, and quarterback Blaine Gabbert has shown few signs that he can lead a winning team. The Chiefs have questions of their own, but adding Alex Smith should give them a stabilizing force on offense.

Pick ATS: Kansas City

Cincinnati Bengals (+3) at Chicago Bears

The Bengals have become a trendy pick by many to be one of the best teams in the AFC. However, they could have some trouble in Week One. The Bears have won three straight home openers and may be improved in 2013 with an offensive minded head coach. Last year, they led the league in forcing turnovers, and should be able to force Andy Dalton into a few mistakes.

Pick ATS: Chicago

Miami Dolphins (+1) at Cleveland Browns

The new-look Dolphins could be one of the most improved teams in 2013. Despite losing Reggie Bush, they upgraded their offense with wide receiver Mike Wallace, tight end Dustin Keller and rookie running back Lamar Miller. The Browns defense looks to be improved with additions like Paul Kruger, Quentin Gloves and Desmond Bryant, but it won’t be enough to get their first win of the season.

Pick ATS: Miami

Seattle Seahawks (-3.5) at Carolina Panthers

As quarterback Russell Wilson enters his second year in the NFL, the Seahawks have become one of the most popular picks to win the 2014 Super Bowl. The Panthers, however, are no pushover. Seattle might have the best secondary in the league, but Cam Newton can use his legs to move the ball. Carolina may not pull out the win, but they’ll keep it very close.

Pick ATS: Carolina

Minnesota Vikings (+5) at Detroit Lions

The game will feature the two best skill players in the NFL. Christian Ponder is in the lower echelon of quarterbacks in the league, but Detroit won’t have an easy time stopping Adrian Peterson. In the last meeting between the two teams in 2012, Calvin Johnson registered 207 receiving yards against Minnesota. Assuming both players have good performances, the Lions edge in other offensive weapons and home-field advantage could be the difference.

Pick ATS: Detroit

Oakland Raiders (+10) at Indianapolis Colts

There is very little reason to have any faith in the Raiders. Terrelle Pryor will start at quarterback, even after a mediocre preseason. Andrew Luck is looking to improve on a successful rookie campaign, and he should start against one of the worst teams in the league. Indianapolis shouldn’t have much trouble winning by at least two scores.

Pick ATS: Indianapolis

Arizona Cardinals (+4.5) at St. Louis Rams

The Rams showed signs of improvement last season and their biggest obstacle in 2013 will be playing in the NFC West. The Cardinals, though, are the one weak link in the division. New Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer hasn’t been a winning quarterback in recent years, and Arizona could have a tough time in their season opener.

Pick ATS: St. Louis

Green Bay Packers (+4.5) at San Francisco 49ers

Sportsbooks in Las Vegas have made the 49ers the favorite to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl, with a top defense and emerging star at quarterback. The Packers, though, can’t be discounted as a contender, and they can prove just that on Sunday. Aaron Rodgers should get a measure of revenge from last year’s playoff loss to the defending NFC champs.

Pick ATS: Green Bay

New York Giants (+3.5) at Dallas Cowboys

The Giants have still yet to lose at AT&T Stadium, since it opened up in 2009. Dallas will be facing a banged up New York team that has lost key players on the offensive line, and is unsure about Jason Pierre-Paul’s status. Despite the injuries, the extra half-point makes it difficult to go against Big Blue.

Pick ATS: New York

Philadelphia Eagles (+3.5) at Washington Redskins

It’s hard to predict how Washington quarterback Robert Griffin III will perform in his first game back since January. Behind an improved offensive line, Philadelphia quarterback Michael Vick could be ready to have a bounce-back year. Playing against a defense that ranked 28th in the league last year, the Eagles have enough to win the contest outright.

Pick ATS: Philadelphia

Houston Texans (-4) at San Diego Chargers

The Chargers, much like the Cowboys, seem to fall short of expectations every year. In 2013, it appears that they finally aren’t expected to go very far. The Texans are a top Super Bowl contender in the AFC, but they won’t have an easy win in Week One. San Diego lost a lot of close games in 2012, and their luck should improve this season.

Pick ATS: San Diego