We are blessed to have two #MondayNightFootball games tonight. New Orleans head to Carolina to take on the Panthers, and the Cleveland Browns are in Pittsburgh to take on the Steelers. Two early season divisional games to help us ease into the work week. It's a double edge sword, because everyone knows Tuesday is the worst day of the week. Now I have to stay up late to watch MY Cleveland Browns and be a tired sad boi on the train ride to the city tomorrow.
Here is my gambling card for tonights games:
New Orleans at Carolina Panthers:
New Orleans -3 (-106):
Carolina allowed just 115 passing yards in Week 1 but that was due to Desmond Ridder and an ultra-conservative Atlanta offense. The Falcons threw the ball just four times to wide receivers in that contest and Derek Carr who passed for 305 yds in his NO debut will test them downfield. With Carr and an explosive group of wideouts, the Saints will score enough to stay ahead of a Panthers offense that will suffer plenty of growing pains this year as Bryce Young acclimates to the NFL behind a shaky line.
Jamaal Williams o55.5 Rushing Yards (-110):
My first bet is based on the New Orleans Saints' Pokemon-loving running back Jamaal Williams, who is in a great position to succeed with the continued absence of Alvin Kamara. With Kamara still out and the rookie Kendre Miller questionable, this really feels like a player we can exploit. Last week we saw Williams featured heavily for the Saints against the Titans, going for 18 carries and two receptions. It’s worth noting that Williams only managed 45 yards, just 2.5 yards per carry, however, the Carolina Panthers allowed both Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allegeier to get Over five yards per carry last week.
Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers:
Deshaun Watson o24.5 Rushing Yards (-110):
Pittsburgh is an aggressive defense that registered three sacks last week against San Francisco. Cleveland has offensive line issues, as starting tackle Jack Conklin was lost for the season last week, and rookie Dawand Jones replaces him. Tackle Jedrick Wills has been inconsistent, and that’s not a good thing with TJ Watt looking to disrupt Watson’s night. With the questionable status of top wideout Amari Cooper, Deshaun Watson may call his own number more often. The Horny MAN!
George Pickens o42.5 Receiving Yards (-120):
Pickens finished the 2022 campaign with a 72-yard showing against the Browns, catching three of six passes, including a 31-yard touchdown strike. He and Pickett picked up where they left off in the preseason this summer, with Pickens catching just three total passes in three exhibition games but two of those receptions going for 33 and 35 yards. His Week 2 player projections are calling for a bigger day from Pickett and Pickens against the Browns. My number comes out north of 58 receiving yards for the former Georgia star while some models call for 60+ on Monday night.
Browns -2.5:
Pittsburgh is a prideful team and head coach Mike Tomlin will be damned if the Steelers get embarrassed in front of the Black and Yellow faithful again. During his tenure in the Steel City, Pittsburgh has been a SuperBall for bettors, bouncing back off a loss to the tune of 50-39-1 ATS (56%) since 2007. But it’s going to take more than sexy NFL trends to get the Steelers inside the field goal in Week 2. Especially with the roster missing some pieces on both sides of the ball. The MNF date helps with an extra day to recover and honestly, as long as T.J. Watt is standing, Pittsburgh has a shot. My brain says take the Steelers from the data, but my heart and fandom says take the Browns because they're hungry. Do with this information as you see fit.