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Are you looking for a vote of confidence when picking winners, spreads and over/ unders? Let me be that football wizard who has seen the prophecies of victory and has the ability to put your wagering soul at ease. In this weekly column, I'll go over every match up and let you in on the deciding factors which will lead me to my winning visions for the week ahead. I'll also throw in the occasional article and words of advice on wagering strategies. But hey, if for some reason any of Nick's picks let you down, I'm cool with you telling your bookie it was all my fault.

'CRACKING THE NUT' IN WEEK 2: - This is one week to keep the kids' college funds safe and secure in the bank. Sure, you want to make some wagers, football is here! I know I'm going to seek a little action, but TEMPER, TEMPER, TEMPER all expectations of winning big in week 2. The match-ups are just insanely terrible and the odds of your favorite tickets winning, just won't be there. Normally, I start each new season with a limited bankroll anyway, and then gradually increase my confidence week to week, as teams reveal to me their true identities. It's an okay week for single game wagers, not-so-hot for parlays. GREAT week for voodoo, good luck charms, ancient amulets, talismans(no, the plural is not 'talismen'), trinkets, jujus and zemis. But not rabbit's feet... it's the 21st century and carrying fur-lined animal bones around in your pocket is a little too 'serial killer' for today's scene.

WEEK 2 PICKS:

HOUSTON TEXANS 20 @ CINCINNATI BENGALS 16 - Going against public opinion here, I actually think Houston will pull this off on the road. The Texans are on the rise, albeit slowly, and will be facing a Cincinnati team in disarray... especially with the confusion in the running attack. Take Houston and the 6 points they're given with the 37.5 under.

CLEVELAND BROWNS 13 @ BALTIMORE RAVENS 27 - Cleveland almost pulled off a victory at home against Pittsburgh in week one. With Deshone Kizer at the helm, they were kind of exciting to watch, especially when compared to the Browns of every season I can ever remember. Now even though they will continue to evolve and get better as a team, they will fall short this week on the road against the Ravens. Baltimore simply has more skill and experience on offense. In addition, their defense will create huge problems for a Cleveland team that's perpetually rebuilding. Snag the Ravens with the -8 points and cautiously consider the 39 over.

BUFFALO BILLS 20 @ CAROLINA PANTHERS 30 - It's the Panthers' home opener and Cam Newton will most likely be sharper than he was in week 1. The Bills have McCoy, which should keep Carolina's defense busy, but they are a great squad and should hold their own. Other than TE Charles Clay, I don't see many other Buffalo players, besides Shady and a decent defense, that will be a factor. Go with Carolina and the -7.5 points and the 43 over. 

ARIZONA CARDINALS 23 @ INDIANAPOLIS COLTS 13 - What's there to say? David Johnson won't be playing for the Cardinals any time soon and there will be a running back by committee. But, they have Larry Fitzgerald, experience, defense and coaching. The Colts still suck in a major way, especially without Andrew Luck, so this shouldn't be much of a contest. I would give more points to Arizona, but I want to see how efficient they are running the ball with their new personnel first. Definitely take the Cardinals and the -7, but lean towards the 44 under.

TENNESSEE TITANS 20 @ JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS 16 - The Jaguars lost their best receiver for the season in Allen Robinson due to injury and Blake Bortles is not that great. The only bright spot is rookie RB Leonard Fournette. The Titans looked a little rough around the edges last week at home, but the Raiders seemed like they had something to prove with the return of Marshawn Lynch to the NFL. I think Marcus Mariota will find more consistency with his receivers and hopefully the running game can find the holes. They should eke this one out in the end, so prudently take the Titans and the -2 along with the 43.5 under.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES 19 @ KANSAS CITY CHIEFS 37 - I don't need the Chiefs to beat the Patriots to let me know they're a quality team. This one should be an easy victory for Kansas City. They don't give up many points to opposing teams at home and Alex Smith has new toys to play with. I'm also not an Alshon Jeffery fan of the Eagles and think Nelson Agholor's week 1 performance was fluky. I'm a fan of Philly RB L. Blount, but not this week. Take K.C. and the -5.5 with a sh*t-eating grin on your face and go with the 47.5 over.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS 37 @ NEW ORLEANS SAINTS 27 - A lot of people are thinking 'shootout' in this match-up of legendary gunslingers. All I know is that Bill Belichick, Tom Brady and the Patriots probably don't lose two in a row. There should be many points scored, especially against the Saints' horrible defense. It would be safe to put the flow down on the Patriots and -6.5 they're given, and there shouldn't be a doubt going with the 55.5 over.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS 27 @ PITTSBURGH STEELERS 34 - Another game worthy of the 'shootout' classification. The Vikings proved they have a legitimate RB in Dalvin Cook, even though he played against that spongy line of the New Orleans Saints. QB Sam Bradford, along with wideouts Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen, seem to have found a rhythm. However, Ben Roethlisberger is one of the winningest QBs at home over the last handful of years and has weapons galore in Antonio Brown, Le'Veon Bell and Martavis Bryant. Not only that, the classic Steel Curtain defense is on the rise, especially with the addition of rookie linebacker T.J. Watt. This contest will most likely be a close one, but go with Pittsburgh and the -5.5 paired with the 45.5 over.

CHICAGO BEARS 20 @ TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS 30 - The Bears now have the exciting play of rookie RB Tarik Cohen added to the mix. But unlike Atlanta who didn't expect to see that much of him, Tampa Bay will definitely prepare for a possible 'heavy' workload. Other than the running game, Chicago has nothing worth putting money on and I just see Jameis Winston and the rest of the Buccaneers rolling on the Bears. No brainer going with Tampa and the -7 matched with the 43 over.

MIAMI DOLPHINS 16 @ LOS ANGELES CHARGERS 37 - The Chargers are going to whoop some Jay Cutler and Dolphin ass this coming Sunday. Even though Miami's new QB has a very good receiving core, he has to face a tough defense that includes the pass rushing tandem of Melvin Ingram and Joey Bosa. Not only that, Jay Ajayi was just added to the injury report. Even though he is expected to play, his usage might be limited, affecting how well they can move the ball with the ground game. Los Angeles has Philip Rivers, great receivers and a Melvin of their own: pass catching stud RB Melvin Gordon. Contain the party in your pants when you grab the Chargers and -4.5 points. The 45 over should be a pleasure walk as well.

NEW YORK JETS 9 @ OAKLAND RAIDERS 44 - This is one game I feel very confident throwing some green on. The hapless Jets have no chance at all and the Raiders will give them a west coast beat-down. All I need to say is Josh McCown/ Matt Forte vs. Derek Carr/ Marshawn Lynch/ Amari Cooper & Michael Crabtree. Double down on the black and silver this week. Taking Oakland and -14 is as good as a nocturnal emission, while the Raiders should hit the 43.5 over all on their own.

DALLAS COWBOYS 16 @ DENVER BRONCOS 20 - Even though Dallas beat the Giants last week, they didn't put up that many points, especially with New York's defense being on the field for a lopsided amount of time. Now going into Denver and having to face the 'No Fly Zone' secondary, I just don't think Dak and Dez have the chemistry to get it done, especially since Bryant will be matched against CB Aqib Talib. With the passing game shut down, the Broncos pass rush should have an easier time handling Ezekiel Elliot. On the other side we have young QB Trevor Siemian and the receiving duo of Thomas/ Sanders. C.J. Anderson is running the rock and should keep Dallas' D on their toes. I'm going against the critics on this one and suggesting you take Denver and the +2.5 points. Pull the lever on the 42.5 under.

WASHINGTON REDSKINS 20 @ LOS ANGELES RAMS 26 - I'm liking the new Wade Phillips' Rams defense. Sure, they looked amazing against the sorry Colts last week, but they are a ferocious group, and only going to get better as the season moves on. The QB play of Jared Goff is coming together as well as that of target Cooper Kupp. This will be a sloppy game but the Rams should pull it off. I would have no problems taking Los Angeles and the -2.5 but would stick with the 46 point under.

SAN FRANCISCO 49ers 6 @ SEATTLE SEAHAWKS 37 - I'd only want to watch this game if I was a Seahawks' fan. It's going to be ugly and one-sided. Seattle didn't score many points against Green Bay last week, but they played an Aaron Rodgers'-led team in Lambeau Field. This week will be different as they are home against one of the worst teams in the NFC... in which the acronym this game means NO F*CKING CONTEST. The Seahawks all day with the -13.5 but take the 42.5 over with a grain of salt.

GREEN BAY PACKERS 34 @ ATLANTA FALCONS 30 - Another game including premiere quarterbacks. Definitely a lot of points will be had and it will come down to the wire. Emotions will be running high in Atlanta because of the first game in their new stadium, but I'm going against public opinion again and siding with the Pack to pull this one out of their ass(that kinda rhymed). Green Bay with the +2.5 points their given is my vote along with the 54 over.

DETROIT LIONS 20 @ NEW YORK GIANTS 27 - I'm not believing the Lions' hype and not giving up the Giants just yet. Eli will get it going, even though it may take a few star players(you know who I'm talking about) to help chip in. He is a two-time Superbowl champion, so I have faith in him at home on Monday Night Football. I really don't see any highlight reel action in this game, so going to bed early and missing the fourth quarter shouldn't be an issue. All day Giants and the -3.5 points stitched to a 43.5 quilted under. 

LAST WEEK'S RESULTS: 

WINNERS: 9-6

SPREAD:   7-8

U/O:         6-9

Are you looking for a vote of confidence when picking winners, spreads and over/ unders? Let me be that football wizard who has seen the prophecies of victory and has the ability to put your wagering soul at ease. In this weekly column, I'll go over every match up and let you in on the deciding factors which will lead me to my winning visions for the week ahead. I'll also throw in the occasional article and words of advice on wagering strategies. But hey, if for some reason any of Nick's picks let you down, I'm cool with you telling your bookie it was all my fault.

WEEK 1 PICKS:

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS 23 @ NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS 30 - The Chiefs are getting better, but the Patriots still have Brady and Billy B. Plus, New England is at home and going to raise the banner. It will be great to see the top two tight ends in the game as well as explosive players like Hill and Hunt on the Chiefs in this contest. Take the Patriots to win but I would avoid the spread... too evenly matched for 9 points. Go with the over(48).

NEW YORK JETS 16 @ BUFFALO BILLS 27 - Not much to say here other than the Jets are in a state of disarray and the Bills have Shady running the rock. I really am not expecting either offense to look 'crisp'. I'd take the Bills and the 9.5 points as well as hitting the over.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES 27 @ WASHINGTON REDSKINS 34 - Half the football experts have the Eagles pulling this one out, so looks like I'm going to have to go against half the grain. Kirk Cousins has stellar numbers against Philadelphia in his short career against them and the Redskins are at home in this game. Even though Philly's defense is ranked in the top ten, I don't feel they will match last year's numbers, especially since I believe they will finish last in the NFC East this season. Additionally, I think Washington upgraded their receiving core as well as getting key players healthy the last couple weeks. I also haven't seen much continuity in the Eagles running game yet. Definitely go with the Redskins and the point they're given as well as the over of 47.5 points.

ARIZONA CARDINALS 37 @ DETROIT LIONS 20 - This is another game I think a lot of experts are way off on. First off, there is no way the Lions are going to be able to stop the top fantasy player in the league. The Arizona D also upgraded in the off-season and allowed a season-low, two TD total to tight ends in the 2016 season. A couple reasons I bring this up is because Detroit's current TE, Eric Ebron, had one TD all of last season, and the Lions are probably the team in the league most dependent on the pass, especially since they haven't had a hundred-yard runner in a hundred-years. Actually, it was only 46 games ago(Thanksgiving 2013) by Reggie Bush for 117 yards, but it does seem like a generation could of passed since a Detroit RB had triple digits. I just see no way the Lions have any sort of chance in this one and the point and a half they're given is just comical. Roll with the Cardinals and the over of 48.

ATLANTA FALCONS 40 @ CHICAGO BEARS 13 - Hey, this guy was born and bred in Chicago, but even I'm not biased enough to think that the Bears don't suck. Are they going to be better than last year? Well, probably. I mean, most wine and cured cheese get better just by sitting there and aging, so why shouldn't the Bears get better by pulling off a few half-ass, off-season moves? They are obviously starting the wrong quarterback to boot and most of the NFL knows it. No need to break down strategies here. Atlanta is bringing back everyone, except with a new offensive coordinator in tow. All the weapons will be there at Matt Ryan's disposal, so watch out Chicago. Since it will be a beat-down, feel comfortable taking the Falcons and the 7 points as well as the 49.5 over. After all, Atlanta will be putting 40 of those points on the board.

OAKLAND RAIDERS 34 @ TENNESSEE TITANS 27 - Another game with me fighting the system. I'm close to winning my confidence and survivor pools every year, so why not think of myself as an expert? I mean, my competition does. HAHAHA Anyway, Lynch is back running the rock and Carr is back throwing the rock from last year's devastating injury. Cooper and Crabtree hauling in passes and TD's. Great story-lines for Oakland. Mariota also had a devastating injury late last-year, but hasn't looked too accurate in the preseason. I know that's not a 'judge-all' for how the season will play out, but until I see results, I'm tempering beginning-of-season expectations. Take Oakland to win with the 2 points they're given and the 50.5 point over with confidence.

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS 16 @ HOUSTON TEXANS 20 - A contest of two strong defenses and mediocre QB play. Points will come at a premium but the Texans should have more big plays in the game due to having big play makers, such as the likes of Hopkins, Miller and Watt. Comfortably take Houston and the 5.5 points. First game so far of week one to consider the 39.5 under.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS 30 @ CLEVELAND BROWNS 20 - A bunch of people are thinking this game is going to be closer than it really is. Hey, the Browns made some upgrades recently, but don't let alcohol or drug addiction ever influence your decision on taking Cleveland over Pittsburgh... especially since the Steelers now have the '4' B's: Bell, Brown, Ben and Bryant. So go with Blitzburgh and the 8.5 points, but don't put too much on the over(47) if you need to wager point totals on this one.

BALTIMORE RAVENS 20 @ CINCINNATI BENGALS 27 - I expect this one to be a divisional grind and an average amount of points being scored. Other than Danny Woodhead, I don't see a lot of improvements on Baltimore's end. The Bengals have an all-around, better team and should have no problem with the Ravens at home, especially since Baltimore might be fighting Cleveland for last in the AFC North this season. Have no worries taking Cincinnati and the 3 points, but cautiously take the 42.5 over.

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS 0 @ MIAMI DOLPHINS 0 - Game cancelled due to weather.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS 13 @ LOS ANGELES RAMS 27 - No Andrew Luck, so guess who is sh*t out of luck? You guessed it, the Indianapolis Colts. I'm thrilled to have the Rams' defense on my high dollar fantasy team. Another game with not much strategy to break down other than, A. Luck is out and the Rams' Defense smells blood. Smile all day taking the Rams and the 3.5 point spread but go with the 41.5 under.

CAROLINA PANTHERS 24 @ SAN FRANCISCO 49ers 20 - A game that should end up closer than both teams want, so don't flash all the cash on this one. The Panthers have more pieces of the puzzle than the 49ers do, but Cam's arm is still a question mark, even though he will be getting the start. I just don't know how well I can trust it. San Fran isn't a powerhouse by any means but is making quick enough strides to make this a close contest. Go with the Panthers and the -5.5 but stick with the under of 48 points.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS 24 @ GREEN BAY PACKERS 34 - I like Green Bay's track record at home against Seattle and think they should have no problem pulling this game off. I also don't think the 'Legion of Boom' will be as big of a problem for Rodgers and his receiving core these days. It should be some exciting football, but with Packers prevailing in the end with the -3 spread. Also feel comfortable taking the 51 point over.

NEW YORK GIANTS 27 @ DALLAS COWBOYS 31 - Even though the Giants have had success lately against the Cowboys, as well as on the road in Dallas, doesn't mean I automatically think this year will be a repeat. Remember, Prescott and Elliott were rookies in both of those games. Now, both players will have a little more 'seasoning on the meat' and will provide even more value to Cowboys' offense, if you can believe that. This will be a close, divisional game and Eli will have a lot of toys to play with, but in the end, Dallas will prevail due to youth. The Cowboys and -3.5 is safe, but don't go crazy with the amount on this game. Definitely safe to take the 47.5 over.

Are you looking for a vote of confidence when picking game scores, spreads and over/unders? Let me be that football wizard who has seen the prophecies of victory and has the ability to put your wagering soul at ease. In this column, I'll go over each match up and point out why I'm leaning a certain direction as well as predicting the point total. I will also tell you who I'd pick when it comes to point spreads and over/unders.

WEEK 11 PICKS:

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS 34 @ CAROLINA PANTHERS 31 - I believe this game will be decided by a field goal with the underdog pulling out a road victory. Even though New Orleans' defense is flimsy, I just can't trust what the Panthers are selling me on a weekly basis. And how can you not trust Drew Brees? Division games come down to big plays and I think the Saints have more in the bank than Cam Newton and friends. So I'd take New Orleans and the points, go low on the confidence points and take the over.

TENNESSEE TITANS 33 @ INDIANAPOLIS COLTS 27 - This game could easily have more points scored in it. Both the starting QBs have been putting up excellent fantasy numbers and obviously Murray and Gore owners are not allowed to complain. The Titans' stronger run/pass attack, combined with a defense much more capable than Indy's, leaves a 'close, but not close enough', defeat for the home team. Take the Titans and the points, think low with confidence points and take the over, but don't go crazy with it.

BUFFALO BILLS 27 @ CINCINNATI BENGALS 31 - The Bengals will have a rebound game after their close loss against the Giants in week 10. They have all the pieces on both side of the ball to get the job done, yet lack consistency. Buffalo has the makings of a really good football team if they can get healthy. I like both defenses to keep it under control while the offense boxes the clown enough to combine for fifty-plus.  The Bengals and the spread, low to mid confidence points and definitely take the over.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS 37 @ CLEVELAND BROWNS 17 - The Steelers are angry and probably won't lose another consecutive game, especially since they're playing the Browns. On the other hand, they better not think the victory is a given and maintain their focus. If they can play to their strengths, Pittsburgh should keep the upper hand throughout the game and pull off a sizeable victory. Grab the Steelers and the spread, high confidence points and take the over.

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS 23 @ KANSAS CITY CHIEFS 29 - This is one of those games that I stay clear of as far as picking the spread. I have no problem picking KC just to win, but when points are concerned, I get a bad feeling when it comes to Jekyll/Hyde teams like Buffalo- they can put up a mountain of points one week and trip over their dreams the next. I would stay away from the spread but if was forced to choose, I'd take Tampa Bay and points. Low confidence and take the over.

BALTIMORE RAVENS 23 @ DALLAS COWBOYS 34 - This should be a good game with the Cowboys ending up pulling away, earning a hard fought win. I believe the play of the rookie stars, offense line and defense of Dallas will hold down the fort and and wrangle them a victory.  Jeesh. The Ravens are too hot and cold for me when it comes to putting up big points so I'm taking the Cowboys and the spread, medium confidence points and take the over.

CHICAGO BEARS 13 @ NEW YORK GIANTS 31 - The Bears are the Browns of the NFC and the Giants are going to remind them of that. Their defense looked really good this past week against the Bengals and will be way too much for Jay Cutler and the rest of the Bears to handle. I'd take the Giants and the spread, high confidence points and take the over.

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS 23 @ DETROIT LIONS 30 - This game will be close with a lot of garbage time production on both ends if you can believe it. Both of these offenses are slow starters bit usually end up putting up decent production. I like the Lions at home. Stafford has some good weapons and isn't afraid to use them. The Jags are too streaky for me and I don't like the flow of their offense. I would take Jax and points on this one even though I think the Lions will win. Low to mid confidence and take the over.

ARIZONA CARDINALS 27 @ MINNESOTA VIKINGS 16 - I'd like to think that the Vikings have their act together after playing like garbage for the last few weeks, but regardless if they made some corrections, Arizona will be too much for them. The offense of the Cardinals has an identity, something Minnesota lacks. This will be the difference of the game. The Vikings' above average defense won't be able to score points for Sam Bradford and company. Safely take Arizona and the spread, high confidence points and stay away from the over/under.

MIAMI DOLPHINS 27 @ L.A. RAMS 20 - The Rams have a great defense... but that's about it. Miami is more of a complete team and should have no problem getting a win. Take Miami and the spread, low to mid fantasy points as well as the over.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES 16 @ SEATTLE SEAHAWKS 30 - Russell Wilson is healthy and the Seahawks are rockin' out with their neon socks out. The one-two punch of Seattle's offense and defense will create confusion and bad decision making for the Eagles. Seahawks and the spread, high confidence points and the under.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS 45 @ SAN FRANCISCO 49ers 20 - Tom Brady doesn't lose two games in a row and will probably make a statement this week against the Niners' crappy D. The Patriots' defense isn't perfect and will most likely give up some points, so that bodes well for making the over. Also go with New England and the spread and high confidence points.

GREEN BAY PACKERS 30 @ WASHINGTON REDSKINS 33 - I'm going against the grain on this one and taking the Redskins. The Packers' secondary has been awful and they just can't get it together as of late. Kirk Cousins and the rest of the kin folk are getting it done and look stronger and stronger every week. I would go with the Redskins and the points, low confidence and grab the over.

HOUSTON TEXANS 20 @ OAKLAND RAIDERS 34 - The Raiders have too much power for the Texans and even though defensive statements aren't made by the home team in Oakland, they should have no problem stifling the struggling play of Houston. Easily take the Raiders and the spread, medium confidence points and go with the over.