Well well well my time has finally come. Sure this isn’t how I thought I’d be thrust into the spotlight but I won’t shy away from it. Like Hakeem Olajuwon and the Rockets I’m here to capitalize on the absence of Michael Jordan and much like Hakeem I’m here to do some winning. Unlike things at JT’s here at Bick’s Picks we’re all about arbitrary biases, picking with our plums and having a real short memory. Sure we might lose some but much like a drunken Rob betting UFC fights we don’t focus on the bet we just lost, we focus on winning the bet that will cover our losses. Also at Bick’s Picks we love a good themed pick so we’re picking an Over, a Dog and Locks are back people plan accordingly. So without further delay let’s get into the picks and win some money.

Life’s Too Short to Bet the Under

Broncos @ Bears (46.5)

Frankly I’ve been trying to think of something witty to put in here about the Broncos/Bears being the opposite of an immovable object but I’m just not that clever. The point is the Broncos and Bears gave up a combined 111 points to their opponents last week. These defenses are simply so inept that points are bound to be scored. Russ will cook and the Ohio State Peanut will actually show up for a game.

Dogging It

Patriots(+6) @ Cowboys

Now I realize my predecessor won’t like me taking this pick and I’m sure he’ll call me a Mush but dammit I like the pick. Sure Dallas is looking to bounce back after a bad loss to the Cardinals but honestly I don’t care. Dak is a phony and the Patriots defense is legit. Big Zeke game makes too much sense. Depending how the 1pms go this could be an impulsive straight moneyline bet on the Pats but for now +6 seems real nice.

Bick’s Stone Cold Lock of the Century of the Week

Raiders vs Chargers (-6.5)

I’ve often been on record slandering Herbert and the Chargers. Gutless losers that always come up short and find a way to lose. But not today! I don’t care their past history or the fact that half their roster is dead I’m betting against whoever the hell Aidan O’Connell is. Chargers might make us sweat it out but they win by a TD no doubt.

The Antithesis – Lions @ Chiefs -4.5

In an off the record conversation, a man known as Jake told me "I don't look at no dang trends" as he put his money on the Chiefs with no Chris Jones, no Travis Kelce. So I said that disrespect will get you an antithesis for the very first game of the year.

Here are a few of those trends, against the spread.

• Jared Goff is 6-0 in week 1. He is the most profitable QB in the past 5 years at 48-32-2.
• Patrick Mahomes is 14-25 when favored over a field goal since 2020.
• The Lions have never lost a week 1 Thursday night game.

Detroit has a solid run game that will shred the KC defense without Jones. Expect 12th overall pick Jahmyr Gibbs to have a heavy work load in his debut. Jones also held the third highest pressure rate for interior linemen last year. This bodes well for the other rookie Sam LaPorta. He is the only tight end I drafted, so that brilliant insight will be on full display tonight.
Finally, I have on good authority from one of the sharpest bettors who works in or around Boston that Goff will throw for 4 TDs this game. I do still see the Chiefs winning on a late drive in an absolute barn burner but give me the Lions to cover. Chiefs 37-34