Expert NFL Picks for Week 1: Cardinals Favored to Cover Spread, Cowboys vs Browns Expected to Yield Low Scoring Game

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ICARO Media Group
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08/09/2024 22h27

Week 1 of the NFL season brings excitement and anticipation for football fans across the country. As the action kicks off, bettors are eagerly seeking expert predictions to guide their wagers. In this regard, NFL betting expert Sean Koerner has weighed in with his top picks against the spread and over/under for Sunday, September 8.

Koerner's first pick focuses on the matchup between the Arizona Cardinals and the Buffalo Bills. He advises bettors to place their money on the Cardinals to cover the spread. Koerner highlights the significant turnover the Bills have experienced, losing their entire starting secondary from last season in addition to LB Matt Milano, who is currently on the injured reserve. This defensive vulnerability opens up an opportunity for the Cardinals' offense, which is expected to show considerable improvement this year. The addition of top WR prospect Marvin Harrison Jr. is predicted to provide an immediate boost to the Cardinals' offensive capabilities. Koerner also emphasizes the full recovery of Cardinals' QB Kyler Murray from his ACL tear, increasing his mobility and overall effectiveness on the field.

While the Cardinals' defense might still pose challenges, Koerner acknowledges that the team has made notable acquisitions through free agency and the draft to reinforce their defensive lineup. On the other hand, the Bills' offense has undergone significant changes with the departure of their top two wide receivers, Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis. Koerner believes that this adjustment, combined with the potential for a slower start to the season, could negatively impact the Bills' performance. With these factors in mind, he expresses optimism for the Cardinals' potential and their ability to cover the spread.

Moving on to Koerner's over/under prediction, the focus shifts to the clash between the Dallas Cowboys and the Cleveland Browns. Koerner advises bettors to take the under in this game, suggesting that it is likely to be a low-scoring affair. He cites the Browns' weakened offensive line due to injuries, with LT Jedrick Wills ruled out and RT Jack Conklin questionable with a knee injury. These hurdles pose a challenge as they face the Cowboys, who boasted the highest pressure rate in the league last season. Considering that Browns QB Deshaun Watson has struggled under pressure, Koerner predicts a tough start for their offense.

Furthermore, the Cowboys' offense is expected to encounter difficulties this year, having lost key player Tyron Smith on the offensive line. The responsibility now falls on rookie Tyler Guyton, who will face the formidable Myles Garrett in his debut. Additionally, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb's late arrival to training camp due to a holdout might limit his impact on the game. With the Browns' strong defense, ranked second in DVOA last year and particularly formidable at home, Koerner anticipates a slow start for the Cowboys' offense.

To add to the equation, weather conditions could also influence the game, with winds of around 15-20 mph expected, potentially impacting the passing game.

As fans prepare for the start of the NFL season, Koerner's expert picks provide valuable insights for bettors seeking an edge in Week 1. His confidence in the Cardinals' ability to cover the spread against the Bills and his prediction of a low-scoring matchup between the Cowboys and Browns offer valuable guidance for those looking to place wagers. As always, it's important for bettors to analyze all relevant factors before making their final decisions, but Koerner's expertise provides a great starting point to inform their choices.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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