Post Sports Gambling Editor/Producer and Digital Sports Editor Matt Ehrhardt kicks off his first season with Bettor's Guide.
Cincinnati Bengals (-8.5) beat New England Patriots
It doesn't matter whether the Bengals use Ja'Marr Chase, David Chase or Chase from “Paw Patrol” on Sunday.
I'm confident Cincinnati will be able to cover the best spread in Week 1 for a simple reason: the Patriots' offense is terrible.
Sure, Jalyn Polk could be a rookie sleeper and Ramondre Stevenson could be talented.
Remember, Jacoby Brissett leads an offense that was tied for last in points per game last season.
There's a reason the Patriots have the lowest projected team point total for Week 1: Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo might hold the Patriots to single digits.
The Bengals don't need to score in the 30s to cover, but it won't hurt them to face a Patriots defense that lacks a strong pass rush with Matthew Judon leaving for Atlanta.
Buffalo Bills (-6.5) beat Arizona Cardinals
Buffalo is tied for the top spot in team projected point totals and will host a historically weak Arizona team on the East Coast.
Arizona used their first pick to acquire star receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., which could make for an interesting fantasy team, but it won't help them hold down Josh Allen.
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The Cardinals were 31st in runs allowed per game last season.
The Bills' offense hit its stride despite Stefon Diggs' reduced role in the second half of last year, and youngsters Dalton Kinkaid and James Cook should take the next step this season.
The Cardinals were 2-7 in road games last season, losing five times by 10 or more points and failing to score more than 16 points in any of their seven losses.
