Expert NFL Picks and Predictions for Preseason Week 1: Rams as Underdogs vs Chiefs

The highly anticipated NFL preseason is finally here, with Week 1 kicking off on Saturday, featuring seven exciting games across the league. This week's matchups are expected to provide a glimpse into the teams' strength and weaknesses, as well as their overall readiness for the upcoming season. As we delve into the world of football, we're going to focus on three of the most highly anticipated games, including the interconference showdown between the Los Angeles Rams and the Kansas City Chiefs.

But first, let's take a closer look at the Rams and their head coach Sean McVay. McVay is no stranger to being an underdog, with a 12-16 straight up record but a 15-11-2 against the spread as a head coach in the NFL. This tells us that McVay consistently sets his team up to be underdogs, but then finds a way to keep the game close despite facing stronger opponents. History suggests that this trend will continue, making the Rams an attractive pick for those looking to bet on underdogs. With the absence of key starters playing for the Chiefs in this game, it's likely that McVay will see an opportunity to take his team to victory.

The Chiefs, on the other hand, will be without their starters, which could weaken their attack to the point where the Rams' defense can take control. Andy Reid's record against the spread in preseason games is just 47-50-2, and I have some concerns regarding the depth of the team's roster. The lack of chemistry between players could ultimately be the deciding factor in this game. Additionally, the absence of key players means that the Rams' defense will face a weakened Chiefs offense, giving them an opportunity to shine.

In the Ravens vs Eagles game, we can expect an exciting matchup with neither team playing their established players. But I like the young core depth pieces the Ravens have, and with them playing at home, I believe they'll be able to manage the game without any major issues. The Eagles, on the other hand, have historically not played to form in preseason games, with a poor record under coach Sirianni. This could be the opportunity for the Ravens to pick up a win.

The Dallas Cowboys made some crucial moves in the offseason to strengthen their defense, but they'll likely rest their starters for most of the game. This leaves them vulnerable against the Seahawks' offense, which has the best defense in the NFL. With Drew Lock and Jalen Milroe leading the charge, the Cowboys may find it difficult to slow down the Seahawks' attack. If the Cowboys allowed 30+ points per game last year, just imagine how the backups will fare against such a dominant defense.

The Seahawks, on the other hand, are looking to build on their Super Bowl win, and their depth at every position, including quarterback, will give them an edge in this game. Their offense will be well-equipped to take on the Cowboys' defense, with plenty of talent to choose from. The Seahawks' offense will be led by Drew Lock and Jalen Milroe, who have a history of putting up points against the Cowboys' defense. With their strong squad and the Cowboys' starters sitting out, the Seahawks are well-positioned to take the win.

As the NFL preseason continues to heat up, we can expect more exciting matchups and surprises. With our expert knowledge and analysis, we'll be keeping a close eye on the games and providing you with the best picks and predictions available. Stay tuned for more updates and analysis, and don't forget to check out our latest odds and promos.

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Originally from Nova Scotia, Iain MacMillan is a senior editor covering betting, with a focus on NFL, NHL, and golf. He hosts the Bacon Bets Podcast and has been featured on VSIN, BetQL, and Monumental Sports Network. He is a member of the Metropolitan Golf Writers Association and his beloved Falcons and Maple Leafs break his heart on a yearly basis.

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