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  • expert headshot
    R.J. White
    #1
    +400
    (100%)
    4-0-1 in Last 5 NFL Picks
    HOU +1.5
    -115
    Spread
    Picked: Aug 18 @ 1:50pm

    Analysis

    The Bills have a tough matchup to open the season, and I'm not sure why they're favored at some books. I make this line Texans -2.5 and believe Houston might be the better team this year. The Texans offense added David Montgomery and several offensive line pieces, while the defense remains one of the best in the league. The Bills are going through a defensive overhaul and the offense struggled against this defense in a loss last year started by Davis Mills. I'd take Houston up to -2 here.
  • expert headshot
    R.J. White
    #1
    +400
    (100%)
    4-0-1 in Last 5 NFL Picks
    TEN -2.5
    -110
    Spread
    Picked: Aug 18 @ 1:57pm

    Analysis

    We're probably not going to see the Titans as favorites often in 2026, but I think they're being a little undervalued in this matchup. That's because I think the Titans are just a little bit better than the Jets basically everywhere you look, whether it's on offense, defense or coaching. The Jets have a lot of new talent to integrate on both sides of the ball after making three first-round picks, and it should take time for it to come together, whereas Tennessee has a better shot at getting out to a strong start. I think this should be on the other side of 3.
  • expert headshot
    R.J. White
    #1
    +400
    (100%)
    4-0-1 in Last 5 NFL Picks
    JAC -7.5
    -110
    Spread
    Picked: Aug 31 @ 1:22pm

    Analysis

    A new Browns era begins with Myles Garrett dealt in the offseason, and Cleveland is a team I'm looking to fade early in the season as I think they're overvalued. I have no confidence in Deshaun Watson and think the young Cleveland receiver corps will take time to make an impact. On the other side of the ball, a Garrett-less defense with questions on the back end should have a tough time containing the Jaguars' diverse set of weapons in the passing game. I expect the Jags to build an early lead and I don't see the Browns as capable of back-dooring a cover. I'd make this line double digits.
  • expert headshot
    R.J. White
    #1
    +400
    (100%)
    4-0-1 in Last 5 NFL Picks
    IND +3.5
    -109
    Spread
    Picked: Aug 31 @ 1:28pm

    Analysis

    It seems far-fetched but Daniel Jones appears to be healthy heading into this game after tearing his Achilles late last season. With that being the case, I have to back the Colts at this excellent value. Alec Pierce appears trending in the right direction as well, and with a strong run game and O-line in place, the Colts have an above average defense. That may also be true on the other side of the ball with their strong corner pairing the highlight of the unit. I have Baltimore's rating suppressed in Week 1 to account for a new coaching staff, but either way I don't think this line should be above 3.
  • expert headshot
    R.J. White
    #1
    +400
    (100%)
    4-0-1 in Last 5 NFL Picks
    CHI -2.5
    -118
    Spread
    Picked: Aug 31 @ 1:32pm

    Analysis

    The whole world (including Ben Johnson) expects regression from the Bears in 2026, but this is a great first matchup for Chicago. The Panthers made two expensive additions to the defense in free agency but also lost a key edge rusher to injury, and I'm bearish on the unit overall. That's also the case on offense with the team already down its top two tackles and with questions about Bryce Young's ability to elevate the unit. I see a lot of points for the Bears here and think the number should be 4.

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