Monday Night Hard Knocks

Ravens @ JETS (-1) 7 PM

This is one of the most highly anticipated games of the first week. Both teams enter the game with their mouths flapping and egos exploding. Ray Lewis has been testing Sanchez's psyche all week, pointing out that when he throws a lot, the Jets usually don't come out on top. I don't think the Jets are entering this game with the intention of having Sanchez put on a show. This will be a low scoring game with the Jets pounding the ball on the ground and the Ravens attempting to go deep with new weapons Boldin and Houz.

While both defenses come in highly touted, the Jets have the edge. The Ravens come in with more reputation supporting their defense than performance. Ed Reed is out and the Ravens secondary in general is anonymous for the first time in a long time. When CB Dominique Foxworth went down during training camp, the secondary became even thinner. The Ravens go into tonight with 18 players listed on the injury report, with only 3 of those 18 even possibly playing tonight. DT Mount Cody is out as well, putting a lot of pressure on Ngata, Ray Lewis and Terrell Suggs to stop the run. Even with the Ravens new offensive attack, I cannot see them defeating the Jets in their New Meadowlands debut. Watch for the Jets to make a statement to live up to all the talking done during Hard Knocks.


New Hard Knocks (-1) over the original Hard Knocks

Chargers @ CHIEFS (+6) 10:15 PM

The Chargers enter this season as a favorite to win the AFC West. The Chiefs enter their second season with Matt Cassel and Jamaal Charles. Both teams are offensive minded, but the Chargers enter with more questions than the Chiefs. Vincent Jackson has gone AWOL and the San Diego backfield is going to be relying on a rookie to carry the load on the ground. The Chiefs need to start the year off right. They haven't had success in the last few years and what better way to start the season than with a win on Monday night. Win may be too much to ask, but covering +6 could be attainable.

If you stick with trends, the over is an easy play. The Chiefs have hit the over in 15-5-2 over their last 22 home games. The Chargers have hit the over in 8-3-2 of their last 13 games against the AFC West. Small play on the over could be the smartest play.


Chiefs +6 and OVER 45

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