Week 1 NFL free picks abound. Here are winners from Bill Tanner, Grandmaster Sports Handicapper Joe Duffy of GodsTips, and the Canadian Crew of the premier handicapping site OffshoreInsiders.com. We start out with GodsTips. It's an NFL total:
Detroit-St. Louis OVER 41.5
Both teams have somewhat erratic, but potentially very good offenses. With a low total, it's too high of a percentage play to not expect at least one to explode. Both teams will have more success with the big play then slowly marching down the field.
Josh Freeman a fine threesome to throw to in Arrelious Benn, Kellen Winslow and Mike Williams. He also has LeGarrette Blount at RB to keep everyone on Detroit's defense honest.
Detroit has weapons with Calvin Johnson and Jahvid Best. Detroit has a defense that's more anointed than proven. Tampa's offense improved when Josh Freeman started. Look for 47 points to be scored.
Now to the The Canadian Crew:
Atlanta Falcons @ Chicago Bears
Sunday, September 11, 1:00 p.m. ET
NFL betting line: Falcons -3
We see this every year. A team gets hyped like crazy in the offseason, so much that it winds up a road favorite against a reigning division champion. Yes, the Falcons' offense looks like it will be very exciting in 2011, as Matt Ryan airs it out to Roddy White, Julio Jones and company. Flying under the radar, however, is the fact that this team's so-so defense isn't improved entering this season. We can't underestimate the power of a home crowd in Week 1, either. The Bears may regress this season but they still have a great defense and some playmakers on offense.
People are acting like Atlanta already has this game locked up. It doesn't. Look for the Bears to surprise, with Matt Forte leading the charge in the backfield.
The pick: Bears +3
Finally, the super consistent Bill Tanner:
Carolina Panthers at Arizona Cardinals
Tanner's Tip: The Panthers are rebuilding around rookie quarterback Cam Newton, who must make his first career start on the road at Arizona. Newton did nothing in the preseason to earn the starting job except show up and play, which was good enough to beat out Jimmy Clausen.
Meanwhile, the Cardinals have a legitimate QB who is ready to become a star in Kevin Kolb. Unlike Newton, Kolb played great at times during the preseason and will shine against Carolina. The Panthers are 2-8 against the spread in their last 10 games, and that trend will continue in a negative direction.
The pick: Cardinals -6.5
For more information: All the week 1 NFL picks are onOffshoreInsiders.com
