It’s the first Sunday on the new NFL regular season, and subscribers have the chance to play with their winnings after Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Rob Gronkowski scored a touchdown, as predicted, in Thursday’s opening match.
The opening televised game today sees the Buffalo Bills hosting the Pittsburgh Steelers, and subscribers who read Thursday’s piece will know we think the Bills will score an abundance of points this season.
That said, they struggled to stop the run all last year, giving up the sixth-highest number of rushing touchdowns. The Steelers had difficulty running the ball last year, but have responded by recruiting rookie running back Najee Harris to take the pressure off veteran quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.
We think the Steelers will rely heavily on the youngster, especially with rain a distinct possibility, and see the 10/1 on offer than he scores a brace of touchdowns as offering value.
The late game sees the Kansas City Chiefs, the losing finalists at the Super Bowl in February, hosting the Cleveland Browns. The two teams met in the divisional round of the playoffs last year, with the Chiefs clinging on for a 22-17 victory having lost quarterback Patrick Mahomes to injury in the first half.
Both teams strengthened in the off season – the Chiefs boosting their offensive line to protect Mahomes and the Browns to tighten up a leaky defence. That defence is likely to be severely tested this evening, particularly if Mahomes has time in the pocket.
The Chiefs’ dynamic duo, Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce, demand double teaming, which means there is likely to be space elsewhere. Last year’s no. 2 wide receiver Sammy Watkins is no longer with the Chiefs, which means the spot is up for grabs. We’re going to take a punt that Bryon Pringle comes in to fill the role, and will take the 9/2 on offer that he scores a touchdown this evening.
Recommendations:
Harris (Steelers) to score two touchdowns, 1 pt, at 10/1, Paddy Power
Pringle (Chiefs) to score a touchdown, 1 pt, at 9/2, SkyBet
