2025 is off to a great start, and no, I’m not talking about the Packers. A winning week is all you can ask for, and I feel really good about the three puppies I’m riding this week.
Titans +5 ½ vs. L.A. Rams
Tennessee was good to us last week, and we’re riding them again, expecting a fired-up crowd for Cam Ward’s home opener. His Week 1 performance was up and down, but he faced a really good defense on the road in his first career start and still had his team in a position to win.
The defense is strongest where the Rams are weakest, up the middle, led by Jeffery Simmons. L.A. is dealing with injuries on the offensive line, and the Titans could make things tough for workhorse Kyren Williams. I expect the Rams to win this one, but it feels like a field goal game to me.
N.Y. Jets +6 ½ vs. Buffalo
I’m behind another home dog here, this time a division game, and I love this spot for the Jets. The Bills are coming off a crazy comeback win over a great Ravens team and could easily look past the Jets with a Thursday night game looming.
New York will need to play a lot better defensively than they did last week, but the offense may be able to put up 30 points again, like they did against the Steelers. Buffalo’s defense is horrendous, and they’re facing a QB who presents a lot of the problems Lamar Jackson does, on a slightly different level, of course. Justin Fields looked in command against a solid Steelers defense, and I think he’s in line for another big day.
It wouldn’t shock me if the Jets won this game. 6 ½ points feels like a gift.
Raiders +3 ½ vs. L.A. Chargers
I doubt I’ll be able to stay awake till the end of the second Monday Night game, but I hope I can because this is a fun matchup. My third home dog is also a divisional game with Las Vegas facing a Chargers team on extra rest, but probably a little travel-weary. L.A. is getting its flowers for knocking off the Chiefs in Saõ Paulo, but the early Xavier Worthy injury helped them get there. Justin Herbert was outstanding; it just feels like they may be in store for a bit of a letdown.
The Raiders’ defense worries me for sure, but I’m sold on Geno Smith and Chip Kelly’s offense. Not having Brock Bowers would be a blow, but Mike Mayer should be able to step in if needed. Ashton Jeanty will undoubtedly feel more comfortable in his second game.
Herbert is much more profitable as an underdog than as a favorite, and the extra half point swings this to the home team for me.
Last Week: 2-1
Season: 2-1
