By Zach Alvira
Head of Content
We did it, football fans.
At the time of writing this, it’s been 207 days since we had the pleasure of watching a meaningful NFL game on TV. No, preseason doesn’t count.
We got through it together. The wait is finally over.
In honor of the new NFL season kicking off Thursday night with the two-time defending Super Bowl champions Kansas City Chiefs and the Baltimore Ravens, we here at Hypamark decided to bring a new piece of weekly content called “From the Couch: Five NFL games I’m excited to watch this week,” written by yours truly.
As many of you know, I’m a football junkie. From high school to college (go Irish) to the NFL, I very much look forward to weekends in the fall when I can sit on the couch and take in as much football as I can – much to my wife’s displeasure (sorry, honey).
So, here’s what you can expect. I’ll briefly breakdown five games I’m looking forward to every week. I’ll also include the bet I like the most for each game – money line, point spread, etc. Tail at your own risk.
Full disclaimer: You will see A LOT of Detroit Lions games every week. I’m a lifelong fan, sue me.
Let’s get the games.
Green Bay Packers vs Philadelphia Eagles (-2.5) – Friday
While I won’t be watching this game because I’ll be on a high school sideline, the matchup is still intriguing. The Eagles took a step back last year, but they still return an elite receiving core led by A.J. Brown. Add Saquon Barkley to the mix and all of a sudden the Eagles have an offense that is capable of gouging teams in every facet of the game.
Of course, Jalen Hurts is still one of the top dual threats in the game. But what intrigues me the most is how the Packers defense will fare. They played very well down the stretch, nearly knocking off the 49ers in the NFC Playoffs last year. Jordan Love has a full year under his belt now and is already being regarded by some as one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks. I’m not quite there yet, but his young receiving core can take the top off a defense.
My favorite bet: Over 49.5 points
Arizona Cardinals vs Buffalo Bills (-6.5)
I had to throw in the local team. The Cardinals have lofty expectations this season. And perhaps for good reason. They have a generational talent in Marvin Harrison Jr. at wideout. They have one of the best tight ends in the NFL in Trey McBride. James Conner has established himself as a workhorse back and Kyler Murray is back for a full season and, per reports, looks very good.
I saw the Cardinals in their first preseason game against the Saints. Of course, most starters didn’t play. Harrison Jr. had three snaps and no targets. The defense looked solid against the Saints starters. Of course, the pass rush will be a major question with B.J. Ojulari sidelined for the season. They have a tall task right out of the gate trying to stop Josh Allen and the Bills offense. But with the loss of Stefon Diggs, I wonder just how potent the Bills will be, making this an intriguing matchup.
My favorite bet: Cardinals +6.5
Tennessee Titans vs Chicago Bears (-3.5)
I think everyone is excited, or at least is interested, for this matchup. And let’s be honest, it’s because of Caleb Williams. He’s a generational talent, according to just about every media site out there that covers the NFL. He’s has an elite group of receivers around him, a vastly underrated tight end in Cole Kmet and a defense that should give him plenty of opportunities to show his skills on the field on offense.
The Titans, meanwhile, are a question mark. How will Will Levis do this season? Tony Pollard is added to the offensive mix and Tyjae Spears seems to be the best option at wideout. This should be a win for the Bears, and perhaps it’ll come with a performance from Williams that sends the national media into a frenzy.
My favorite bet: Bears -3.5
Detroit Lions (-3.5) vs Los Angeles Rams
I warned you. The Detroit Lions are coming off one of, if not the best seasons in franchise history. They were just a few stops away from heading to the Super Bowl. But that’s all in the past. Head coach Dan Campbell has changed the culture of the club, embracing the pride of representing Detroit. That’s resonated with the players.
Jared Goff has revamped his career with the Lions. He has elite wideouts, an very good offensive line and great tailbacks around him. The defense was much improved last year and looks to only get better. There’s a reason the Lions are up there in regard to Super Bowl odds. They open the season against Matt Stafford and the Rams. No need to explain ths history. The Rams are a bit of a mystery, however. They have a good running back in Kyren Williams (go Irish) and other young stars such as Puka Nacua. Many believe the Rams will be better than advertised.
My favorite bet: Lions -3.5
New York Jets vs San Francisco 49ers (-4.5)
All that drama has only led to the 49ers retaining every star player that was due for a new contract, once again making them favorites to win the NFC. Brock Purdy returns for another year under center, taking command of the offense and all of its weapons. Defensively the 49ers should be just as stout. This game is another opportunity for Purdy to establish himself as an elite quarterback. He knocked off Tom Brady in his first-ever start in the NFL. Now he has a chance to take down Aaron Rodgers, another future Hall of Fame QB.
The Jets are talented, no doubt. They have athletes all over the field, which makes me believe this game will be as close as advertised. All eyes will be on Rodgers, though, as he returns after missing all of last season with a torn Achilles.
My favorite bet: 49ers -4.5
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