Post sports gambling editor/producer and digital sports editor Matt Ehalt kicks off his first season in the Bettor’s Guide.
CINCINNATI BENGALS (-8.5) over New England Patriots
It doesn’t matter if the Bengals have Ja’Marr Chase, David Chase or Chase from “Paw Patrol” starting Sunday.
We’re confident Cincinnati can cover the highest Week 1 spread for one simple reason: The Patriots’ offense is dreadful.
Sure, perhaps Ja’Lynn Polk is a rookie sleeper and Rhamondre Stevenson has his flashes.
Just remember, Jacoby Brissett is leading this offense, which tied for last in points per game last season.
There’s a reason the Patriots have the lowest Week 1 projected team total. Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo may hold them to single-digit points.
The Bengals don’t need to score in the 30s to cover, but it doesn’t hurt that they’re facing a Patriots’ defense lacking a stout pass rush with Matthew Judon now in Atlanta.
BUFFALO BILLS (-6.5) over Arizona Cardinals
Buffalo is tied for the highest projected team total and welcomes an Arizona team that is historically bad on the East Coast.
Arizona used its first pick to grab star receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. and may be a fun fantasy team, but that won’t help contain Josh Allen.
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The Cardinals ranked 31st in points allowed per game last season.
The Bills’ offense found its groove in the second half last year while diminishing Stefon Diggs’ role, and youngsters Dalton Kincaid and James Cook should take the next step this season.
The Cardinals went 2-7 in road games last season, losing five times by at least 10 points and scoring no more than 16 points in those seven losses.
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