The NFL regular season is ready to kick off. Here are some of the interesting match ups for the first weekend. Note that Power Ranking Indicator is from the end of last season.
Tennessee Titans versus Miami Dolphins
The Titans should be in the mix for top spot in the AFC South, while the Dolphins look to be a factor in the AFC East. Tennessee is a one-point favorite on the road. The two teams met last season and the Dolphins won as the home favorite. Tennessee is +23 on the Power Ranking Indicator compared to +9 for the Dolphins. With their preseason play, the Titans are “ice cold up” on the Team Strength Oscillator, while the Dolphins are “dead”. I think the Titans will get their revenge atoning for last season’s defeat. Tennessee will win by a touchdown.
San Francisco 49ers versus Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota looks to move to the top of the NFC this season after losing last year in the NFC Championship game. The 49ers hope to get back into the playoff mix and come in as six-point underdogs on the road. Minnesota has a +31 to +9 advantage on the Power Ranking Indicator and “average up” to “average” status on the Team Strength Oscillator. The teams haven’t met in the regular season since 2012, so past performance in head to head match ups shouldn’t be considered. The 49ers should put forth a solid performance, but on the road against a better team, will come up short. Take the Vikings minus the six.
Kansas City Chiefs versus Los Angeles Chargers
The two teams battled last season for honors in the AFC West. The Chiefs won both head to head battles last season and won the division thanks for a four-game winning streak to close the season. Despite holding a +26 to +12 advantage on the Power Ranking Indicator, the Chiefs are three-point underdogs. The Chargers are “average down” on the Team Strength Oscillator, as are the Chiefs. In what should be a back and forth, look for the Chargers to take care of home field advantage and narrowly escape with a win.
Dallas Cowboys versus Carolina Panthers
The Cowboys enter the season trying to fill the holes vacated by Jason Witten and Dez Bryant. Hoping to get back into the post season this year, they start with a tough test against the Panthers, who come in a 2.5-point favorite. Carolina holds a +24 to +18 advantage on the Power Ranking Indicator and “burning hot” versus “ice cold down” on the Team Strength Oscillator. In the last meeting between the teams in 2015, the Panthers won as a road favorite. Dallas doesn’t have enough firepower to take care of the Panthers in Carolina. Go with Carolina -2.5.
Chicago Bears versus Green Bay Packers
The Bears should be improved over last season, however they face the Packers with a healthy Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay. The Packers enter as eight-point favorites and hold a +13 to +7 advantage on the Power Ranking Indicator. With their preseason play, the Bears are “burning hot”, while the Packers are “ice cold down”. However, preseason often means nothing in terms of how teams will play when it matters. The Packers took both meetings last year as a road dog and home favorite. Perhaps the Bears can cover the spread, but the Packers certainly should win the game.
Los Angeles Rams versus Oakland Raiders
The Rams enter the season with high hopes in the NFC, while the Raiders figure to battle in a very tight and competitive AFC West. The teams met in the preseason this year and last, but haven’t played in the regular season since 2014. Los Angeles holds a +30 to +8 advantage on the Power Ranking Indicator and “burning hot” versus “ice cold up” on the Team Strength Oscillator. Despite what appears to be a mismatch, the Rams are only one-point favorites. The line is telling me something and that is to go with the home underdog. In a close game decided by perhaps a field goal, go with the Raiders to start the season 1-0.
P.S. Upgrade to Zcode VIP Club and Unlock All Winning Picks. Instant Access.
