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Doc's Sports
passRobert Ferringo
SUNDAY NFL SELECTIONS****CHECK BACK SUNDAY AT 11:30 A.M. EST FOR THE REST OF MY NFL SELECTIONS****
7-Unit Play. Take #462 Pittsburgh (-4.5) over Atlanta (1 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 13)
I think that this is a great spot for the Steelers to go rip shit riot. The Steelers are one of the proudest, most successful organizations in the NFL. They are moving on from the Mike Tomlin Era and there is going to be a lot of emotion in the building for this one. Mike McCarthy is a really good coach. His teams have won 10+ games in 10 of the last 15 years he’s been at the helm, having success at both Green Bay and Dallas. I think McCarthy will revitalize the Steelers offense, which has been bolstered by a new scheme and the additions of Michael Pittman and Rico Dowdle. I also think Pittsburgh’s defense will get a jolt after massively underachieving last year. Atlanta has nearly completely overhauled its roster. They have a new coach, new schemes, a new quarterback and a lot of new players. The Steelers have seven rookies and 22 offseason acquisitions on their 53-man roster. Despite that, Atlanta has the second-oldest roster in the NFL so this isn’t some young, up-and-coming group. Atlanta is 2-8 ATS in its last 10 season openers, losing at home to Tampa Bay last year, and they are grudgingly starting Tua at quarterback (their sixth different opening day starter in six years). Their only hope is that Bijan Robinson goes off for 150+ total yards and three touchdowns. The Steelers are 10-0 SU against teams from the NFC South and the Falcons are 1-12 SU against teams from the AFC North. Atlanta is not a good road team and not good outdoors. I think they are going to get lit up here.
4-Unit Play. Take #474 Las Vegas (-3) over Miami (4 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 13)
I think the Dolphins are the worst team in the NFL. Their roster only cost them around $120 million this season. That is over $70 worse than the Jets, $75 million worse than the Saints and $85 million worse than the Browns, the three next cheapest teams. Miami has 11 rookies, 9 second-year players, and 15 new additions. They also have a rookie head coach, Jeff Hafley, that was not a good college coach. He has rookie coordinator and we have no idea if they know what they are doing. These guys are going on the road to face a Vegas team that is also turning itself over. But I am bullish about Klint Kubiak and think the Raiders have the edge at quarterback. Vegas is also better in the trenches, has better, more experienced skill position players, and has more difference makers (Maxx Crosby, Brock Bowers, Quay Walker, Tyler Linderbaum, etc.) and high-end players. They are just the better team and I think they will lay into the young Dolphins here.
Carpe diem. Good luck.
Craig Trapp
NFL5-Unit Play. Take #454 LA Rams (-3.5) over San Francisco (8:35 pm, Thursday September 10) **DK Odds**
The Rams have bolstered their roster, adding two more Defensive Player of the Year winners to our #3 power-ranked team for the 2025-26 season. With last year’s MVP, Stafford, leading the offense, we can expect improvement on that front as well. Meanwhile, the 49ers are facing challenges with an aging squad and several players returning from injuries. I believe they will be a step behind tonight. Take the LA Rams to win and cover the spread.
4-Unit Play. Take #477 Green Bay (+1.5) over Minnesota (4:25 pm, Sunday September 13) **DK Odds**
The Packers have a significant advantage in terms of offense, and we see comparable defensive ratings for both teams. Vikings QB Kyler Murray is a wildcard, but ultimately, we believe he'll make mistakes that willl cost Minnesota the game. Take the Packers with the points to cover the spread.
7-Unit Play. Take #479 Dallas (-2.5) over NY Giants (8 pm, Sunday September 13) **FD Odds**
The Cowboys have had an impressive offseason, notably starting with the trade of star DE Micah Parsons last season. Dallas has invested that money into improving their depth, which we believe will be crucial for a double-digit win season. While the Giants are improved, they aren't quite enough to compete with this talented Dallas team. Take the Cowboys to win and cover the spread.
3-Unit Play. Take #481 Over (43.5) Denver vs Kansas City (8 pm, Monday September 14) **FD Odds**
With the Chiefs reloading after a missed playoff season, Coach Andy Reid and QB Patrick Mahomes are poised to showcase their trademark offensive magic. Meanwhile, the Broncos' offense is expected to improve too. Take the over in the Chiefs vs. Broncos game on Monday Night Football.
CRAIG
Scott Rickenbach
2-Unit Play. Take #454 Los Angeles Rams -3.5 vs San Francisco (8:35 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 10)The Rams are the favorites to win the Super Bowl this season. Of course I realize Aaron Donald is out for this game but that adds even more intrigue to the fact that the Rams are still favored by more than a field goal on a neutral field against a quality 49ers team. Why is this? Exactly! Don't let this line fool you. The fact is the Rams look very strong entering this season and while certainly San Francisco commands respect, there is a reason they are pegged as the 3rd best team in the NFC West behind the Rams and Seahawks. There are still some question marks about SF along the offensive line and defensive line. Also, overall some of the key players for the Niners are aging and then you have a guy like Bosa coming back with his knee still being a concern. I realize the Rams have some concerns in pass protection for Stafford entering the season and also that they overhauled special teams after that was a glaring weakness last season. However, overall up and down both rosters I feel strongly that the Rams are the better team by enough that there is value in this line. This is a key divisional game right out of the gate and the Rams will be ready. Look for MVP Stafford and defensive POY Garret to lead the way and I also love the additions LA made at cornerback. I know LA got some revenge with a 42-26 win at San Francisco later last season but I have doubt they still have not forgotten that their only home loss last season was to the 49ers in OT. They will be fully focused here after also getting knocked out of the playoffs by divisional foe Seattle last season. A key divisional game begins the season and I am backing, arguably, the best team in the NFL. 2* LOS ANGELES RAMS -3.5
6-Unit Play. Take #478 Minnesota Money Line -120 vs Green Bay (4:25 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 13)
Going money line here as I would rather lay a -120 price than lay 1.5 points and potentially get burned if the Vikings win this game by just a 1-point margin. I like to look for teams that can win the battles in the trenches and the Packers offensive line is banged up as of Thursday and guys have missed practice, etc. The Vikings offensive line is healthy and looking strong entering the season opener. I look for the move at QB to Kyler Murray to pay immediate dividends for Minnesota and his dual threat capability will give this Packers defense some issues. The defense is hurting right now too with the absence of Micah Parsons. On the offensive side of the ball they are without RB Josh Jacobs. Remember the defense really struggled after Parsons got hurt last season and this Jacobs situation is impacting the offense in more ways than one right now. This is a GB team that is starting the season on the wrong foot as they appear to be a bit out of sorts at the moment with all that is going on. That said, and considering this is a key divisional game right out of the gate, I expect the Vikings to take advantage! Minnesota did win 5 straight to end last season and I feel there will be some carry from that right into the new season. The Vikes did go 4-2 SU in divisional games this season. Lay the small money line price here and grab the team that is in a better place right now (at least as of entering the new season). 6* MINNESOTA Money Line -120
3-Unit Play. Take #476 Philadelphia -5.5 vs Washington (4:25 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 13)
Divisional game right out of the gate. New offensive coordinator for the Eagles so there could be some growing pains early in the season but I actually expect them to benefit immediately as Philly absolutely needed a jolt for the offense after some questionable play-calling seemed to drag them down. On the the side of the field for this one, Commanders head coach Dan Quinn now has David Blough as his offensive coordinator and he is really happy with him as he has come up through the ranks within the organization but this is still a big step up as Blough has never functioned in this role. Even though Jayden Daniels is expected to do well continuing to operate in his system I still do not trust the offensive line of Washington. Additionally, on the other side of the ball their secondary is a concern and I expect the Eagles to really open up the passing game here. Also, the Commanders have a new DC with Daronte Jones so that will be an adjustment on that side of the ball as well. Back to the offense for a moment and I just want to mention the Commanders loss of LT Laremy Tunsil to injury for at least the first 4 games of the season is also not helping this team. Washington has beaten the Eagles a couple times in recent seasons but Philly still has had the upper hand and each of the Eagles last 4 wins over Washington have been by 7+ points! The average margin of those victories was 14.5 points! More of the same here as Eagles make an early NFC East statement in this game Sunday afternoon. 3* PHILADELPHIA -5.5
2-Unit Play. Take #481 Denver Broncos +2.5 (-105) at Kansas City (8:15 p.m., Monday, Sept. 14)
The Chiefs are expected to improve a lot this season. However, I am still not totally sold on this. Is Mahomes really going to be the same player after the injury? Also, I don't trust the offensive line and also the secondary has been rebuilt and could have some early season growing pains. I know the Broncos have to regress some after last year's big season but QB Bo Nix keeps finding a way to win and now he has another weapon with Jaylen Waddle. The Broncos have a strong defense and their offensive line also certainly looks stronger than that of the Chiefs entering the season. Truly Denver has a solid offensive line and I believe they will win this game thanks in part to winning the key battles in the trenches. So we will grab this solid underdog value here in a key divisional game. I truly believe the Chiefs are set at 2.5 (even though they are at home) with good reason here. Don't let the line fool you. 2* DENVER +2.5 (-105)
Arun Shiva (Indian Cowboy)
7-Unit Play. #472. Take Los Angeles Chargers -9.5 over Arizona Cardinals (Sunday @ 4:25pm est)Did you know the Chargers have lost 3 straight regular season games coming into this contest. They lost 16-20 to Houston, 3-19 to Denver, 3-16 to New England. This made Harbaugh go out and get Mike McDaniel as their OC and he is ready to work with Herbert and turn this team into an offensive success. We also like that the Chargers only scored 17 and 18 points in their last 2 pre-season games facing defensive juggernauts of the LA Rams and Niners. Look for them to bust out here. Look for them to score and keep scoring against an Arizona team who has some talent but who is nowhere near as complete and deep as the Chargers are. Remember, McDaniel and LaFleur worked together for many years for Kyle Shannahan and I think the Chargers are going to take some frustration out here.
Raphael Esparza (VSI)
NFL FOOTBALL WEEK #13 Unit Play. #462 Pittsburgh -4.5 over Atlanta (1:00p.m., Sunday, September 13)
As of Thursday, late Afternoon the Falcons have QB questions as Tua hurt his back at practice. Michael Penix has been rules out so if Tua doesn’t play that means Cooper Rush gets the start, and I see the Steelers defense has a field day. Aaron Rodgers has won 5 out 8 starts at home as the starting QB and the Falcons are 2-8 ATS in Week #1 games.
2 Unit Play. #478 Minnesota -1.5 over Green Bay (4:25p.m., Sunday, September 13)
Not sold on the Green Bay Packers this year and wouldn’t shock me to see the Vikings win the division. I believe Kyler Murray outplays Jordan Love and it’s the Vikings defense that wins this game and the Vikings start the season with a big divisional home win.
5 Unit Play. #479 Dallas -2.5 over New York Giants (8:20p.m., Sunday, September 13)
Last year the Dallas Cowboys won their 7 games on their offense but this year I see the Boys defense being much improved and winning games on the ‘D’ side. This betting number opened Dallas -2.5 as a road favorite and I’m shocked that this number isn’t a solid 3. Yes, John Harbaugh is now the HC of the NY Giants, but their young QB can’t stay healthy, and I see the Boys defense stopping Cam Skattebo and the Giants run game. Look for the Cowboys to score quickly and make the Giants abandoned the run. Right now the Giants are not a throwing team and this could produce a lopsided score. Don’t forget Week #18 last year at MetLife Stadium the Giants beat Dallas 34-17 and I see redemption being served.
Tony George
NFLSunday
9/13/26
4 Units
Take #478 Minnesota (-1) over Green Bay
*4:25 EST
Not sold on Green Bay on the road Game 1 in a divisional game. Minny has the vastly better defense and are home here. Tough home field for them and worth a couple of points in my opinion. Not to mention Green Bay is without their starting RB and Parsons is out on defense at least 4 weeks – huge blow to them as he is a game changer. Kyler Murray a huge upgrade at QB for Minny and despite his size and ect, he has weapons all over the place and Minny’s head coach is a QB whisperer, he turned around Sam Darnold and then let Seattle have him and they won a Super Bowl with him. I am not saying Murray is an elite QB, but he can manage a game here and make some throws on the move and avoid pressure. I like Minny by a TD here. Moneyline -125 but I think this is a 3-7 point win.
3 Units
Play #461 / #462 Atlanta / Pittsburgh (UNDER 42.5)
*1 EST
What does ATL do with a bad QB situation? They run Robinson 25+ times and use possession receivers to move the chains and eat clock. What does Pitt do with aging Aaron Rodgers? He averaged less than 200 yards a game throwing last year. Short passes and run the ball for Pitt as they are limited at WR outside of Metcalf, and who knows what McCarthy is going to dial up. 2 clock eating offense, and I see some field goals here as well. I do not see a fireworks show here.
2 Units
Two Team / 6-Point Teaser (-120) *1 EST
Tease #456 Jacksonville DOWN to (-2.5) and Tease #464 Houston UP to (+7)
Monday Night Football
9/14/26
3 Units
Denver / Kansas City (Under 43.5)
*8:15 EST
Divisional Game bears huge meaning out of the gate here. A chess match by 2 good coaches and all good coordinators. Two very good teams locking horns in week 1. Mahomes playing but not his old self, at least not yet and the coaching staff will not risk him. RB Walker came over from Seattle and KC will lean on him and short routes to WR’s as not to endanger Mahomes being exposed in the pocket. Denver’s defense one of the best in the NFL. Denver has a solid stable of RB’s and they will use them as KC’s defense suspect to good ground games. I like the Under, as the side play is coin flip and not sure KC should be favored. Right now at least, Denver should dominate the line of scrimmage and dictate pace.
Vernon Croy
4-Unit Play: #460 Indianapolis +3.5-110 over Baltimore (Sunday, September 13, 2026, 1:00pm ET)Take Indianapolis as my top NFL Pick for Sunday. This pick falls into one of my top NFL systems and I really like Indianapolis in this spot. They did not do much in the off-season and did not need to do anything. I expect their defense to be one of the best in the NFL this season. Indianapolis has a dual threat and will run the ball all day long against this Baltimore defense that I think is actually pretty weak coming into this season. Baltimore has too many transitional elements coming into this game, including a new offensive coordinator and offensive line. Play Indianapolis ATS
4-Unit Play: #456 Jacksonville -8.5-110 over Cleveland (Sunday, September 13, 2026, 1:00pm ET)
Take Jacksonville ATS as my top NFL pick for Sunday. This pick falls into one of my top NFL systems and Jacksonville is hands down the superior team here that will contend for their division this season. Cleveland simply has too many holes, and this Jacksonville defense is one of the best in the NFL, I believe coming into this season. Play. Jacksonville ATS
5-Unit Play: #465 Chicago -3-110 over Carolina (Sunday, September 13, 2026, 1:00pm ET)
Take Chicago ATS as my top NFL pick for Sunday. This pick falls into one of my top NFL systems and I really like the Bears coming into the season. I really like what the Bears have done offensively and defensively coming into the season and I expect them to dominate the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. Play Chicago ATS
6-Unit Play: #464 Las Vegas -3-120 over Miami (Sunday, September 13, 2026, 4:25pm ET)
Take Las Vegas ATS as my top NFL pick for Sunday. This pick falls into one of my top NFL systems and I really like Las Vegas a lot in this spot. Miami is going to have extremely difficult times offensively this season and defensively I do not like them at all. This is actually going to be a very big up year I believe for Las Vegas. Las Vegas made several key moves in the off-season to bolster their offense along with their defense, including the number one thing at the quarterback position and they have a very good offensive line which is something they lacked last season. Play Las Vegas! ATS
7-Unit Play: #481 Denver +2.5-110 over Kansas City (Monday, September 14, 2026, 8:15pm ET)
Take Denver ATS as my NFL pick for Monday night. This pick falls into one of my top NFL systems and I really like Denver a lot on the road in this spot, especially being an underdog against this Kansas City team that I think will have a down year. Denver did not make many moves at all in the off-season which I believe they did not have to do as this is a Super Bowl contending team. Kansas City comes into this game a little bit banged up on their offensive line and I do not trust them defensively. Play Denver ATS
Scott Spreitzer
5-Unit Play: Take 462 Steelers -4.5 over Falcons (1 p.m., Sunday, September 13)Aaron Rodgers is reunited with Mike McCarthy for his final season and Rodgers was certainly not the problem with Pittsburgh in Mike Tomlin’s last season. Rodgers completed over 65% of his passes with 24 TD and only 7 INTs. He has a strong receiving corps this season and a nice RB tandem who will attack an Atlanta defense that allowed 4.6 yards per carry in 2025. The Falcons also enter the season with a new HC along with their sixth different week-one starting QB in as many seasons. Tua Tagovailoa might be sidelined by an injury suffered this week, but I don’t mind if he plays or not. The Falcons have a serious issue at QB. Cooper Rush might start this week, while eventually Michael Penix will end up being the starter (out this week). Pittsburgh might be a worn out team late in the season but I’m laying the points with the Steelers in week-one. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.
2-Unit Play: Take 482 Chiefs -2.5 over Broncos (8:15 p.m., Monday, Sept. 14)
Kansas City enters Monday night with triple revenge on their minds. Interestingly, Denver is 0-4 ATS when going for their fourth straight win against an opponent. The Broncos also failed in each of their last four divisional road games. Kansas City is going to have to fend off the Broncos’ defensive rush – but they’ve had all summer to spend at least some time on how to buy Patrick Mahomes time. Adding Kenneth Walker to the offensive backfield will help, giving something KC didn’t have last season. Defensively, only five teams allowed fewer points than KC did last season and they’re still directed by Steve Spagnuolo. Finally, Denver was a fortunate team last year. They won 12 one-score games (including the postseason). The Broncos won three games in the final two minutes, and two games on the final play. Abnormalities like that typically regress to the mean the following season. Just ask the Chiefs after going 12-0 in one-score games two years ago. I’m laying the points with the Chiefs. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.
August Young
7-Unit Play (482) Kansas City Chiefs -140 (ML) over Denver Broncos (9/14 @ 8:15PM EST) We’re backing Kansas City on the moneyline at -140. Denver deserves respect after sweeping this series last season, but both victories came by one score. Kansas City’s 6-11 record creates a strong buy-low opportunity. The Chiefs outscored their opponents by 34 points and produced an expected record of 10-7. Close-game variance was the major difference: Kansas City went 1-9 in one-score games, while Denver went 11-2. More importantly, the Chiefs performed like the NFL’s fourth-best offense in EPA per play when Patrick Mahomes was available. Their biggest weakness was an explosive-run rate of only 5.5%, ranking 29th. Kenneth Walker directly addresses that problem after recording 10 runs of at least 20 yards last season, tied for third in the league. Mahomes is expected to start here and is close to 100%, and although we believe they take care of business ATS, we would rather pay -140 and simply ask for the SU win at Arrowhead.Strike Point Sports
NFL Plays will be released Sunday at 11:30 EST.Jason Sharpe
Sunday September 13th 2026-NFL-
5 Unit Play Take #460 Indianapolis +3.5 over Baltimore (1:00pm est):
This is a tough spot to ask a 1st year head coach with Baltimore to go on the road here and win by a margin. The Ravens were overvalued all last season posting one of the worst against the spread records in the entire NFL in 2025. They face off here against an Indianapolis team that played solid football last year before collapsing down the stretch and losing all of their last 7 games. Keep in mind a lot of that had to do with them losing starting quarterback Daniel Jones to a season ending injury when he basically missed all of their last five contests.
Take Indianapolis and the points.
4 Unit Play Take #478 Minnesota -1.5 over Green Bay (4:25pm est):
Money has poured in all summer on Minnesota in this matchup and I agree with that. The Vikings rattled off five straight wins down the stretch drive last year to finish the season with a decent 9-8 record. Minnesota defensive coordinator Brian Flores was brilliant last year especially during that five game winning streak as the Vikings allowed an average of just 10 points per game during that stretch to close out the campaign. Flores has had all summer to put together a plan here for this contest and I think he will give this bad Packers offensive line fits in this contest. Minnesota added quarterback Kyler Murray to their team this year and he should give them much improved QB play. The home team in this series has been very good when these two teams face off winning 7 of the last 10 head to head battles plus the Vikings have one of the better home field edges in the NFL and this place should be rocking for the season opener against their long time hated rivals in this one.
Play Minnesota.
3 Unit Play Take #457 Tampa Bay +3.5 over Cincinnati (1:00pm est):
I like to back NFL underdogs that are getting more than a field goal if they have an average or better quarterback/passing offense and we have a great example of that here with Tampa Bay. There are two big reasons for this as first off these guys can get hot and win a game outright if they have a good day but most importantly they also have the ability to get a backdoor cover against a team in a prevent defense if they're down by 10 points or so. The Bucs were awful against the spread down the stretch last year but those are the kind of teams you want to look to bet early the following season as they tend to be undervalued in the betting markets.
Take Tampa Bay plus the points.
3 Unit Play Take #466 Carolina +3 over Chicago (1:00pm est):
I think Chicago might be the most overrated team in the NFL coming into this season. The Bears were an average team at best last year despite the fact they somehow went 11-6 last season. They caught tremendous breaks all year long from playing an easy schedule, a low injury rate and incredible turnover luck while also winning a majority of their games after trailing with less than 2 minutes left in regulation. This year the Bears look worse to me on paper and especially early on the defensive side of the football.
Carolina was a great underdog last year covering 11 of the 16 games that they were getting points including going 6-2 against the number when they were a home dog.
Take Carolina plus the points.
Griffin Murphy
1 Unit Play - Take #465 Chicago (-3) Over CAR Panthers. (1:00p.m, Sunday, September 13th)This is a game where we believe Chicago bettors are going to scratch their heads and say, "I can't believe I didn't bet on the Bears." It’s the first game of the season, and Chicago laying 3 points is scary when dealing with a well-improved Carolina team that has played better over the last year. Chicago has been a huge hype over the off-season, but we do believe the hype. Williams has looked incredible and always finds a way to put the ball in the end zone with the last possession. We do not believe Carolina is going to have Chicago against the ropes with no time left. We think the Bears make a statement and punch Carolina in the mouth. With this being said, we do not believe a blowout is coming here, as Carolina is definitely going to give pushback. A small number at 3 with one of the biggest upcoming teams in football is a number we are comfortable laying. Take the Bears in this one—the points.
Griffin Murphy
6 Unit Play - Take #472 LA Chargers (-9.5) Over ARI Cardinals. (4:25p.m, Sunday, September 13th)
This is definitely the cleanest NFL game on the board this week. Sunday 4:25 starts, and the Chargers are at home with Justin Herbert at the helm. Herbert is a very good QB who has missed a lot of time due to injuries. Herbert is ready to go in the one, and we are huge on this Chargers team this year. Hampton does a great job carrying the load at RB, and Ladd McConkey should break out in the flats Sunday. Books put an ugly 9.5-point spread here, and we love it. We see another wipeout coming with this game. If you tease Arizona up from 9.5 to 15.5, you'll have over 2 touchdowns, which feels safe with Brissett leading Arizona. Tease the Chargers down from 9.5 to 3.5, and you're still looking at an ugly number. Teasers live on getting over key numbers, and that's the trap the market wants you to believe. This has zero key numbers in the Chargers' favor yet gives Arizona bettors a much prettier look. We believe the Chargers absolutely pound Arizona in this one as the biggest ATS differential of the week. Lay the points with LA in this one.
Griffin Murphy
Nick Menken
1-Unit NFL: Take #456 Jacksonville Jaguars (-9) over CLE Browns (-110) (Sunday, September 13th, 1:00p.m)This spot comes down to trusting a proven track record. Last season, Jacksonville made a habit of absolutely suffocating tier-two teams, beating lesser opponents by an average margin of 14 points. When the Jaguars get a favorable matchup on home turf, they don't just win, they run up the score and put teams away early. Cleveland comes into this opener with massive structural holes, most notably on defense after losing their elite star edge rusher off the line. Without that game-disrupting pass rush up front, Jacksonville's offense will have clean pockets, time to set up play-action, and endless opportunities to stretch the field vertically. There's no reason to overthink Week 1 here. Last year, Jacksonville dominated weaker teams, and against a significantly weakened defense, the Jaguars are expected to control the game from the opening kickoff and secure a double-digit victory.
Nick Menken
3-Unit NFL: Take #479 DAL Cowboys ML (-160) over NY Giants (Sunday, September 13th, 7:30p.m)
Paying the juice on the straight-up moneyline is the sharp play to erase any potential backdoor variance. While the media builds up New York's young offense under second-year signal-caller Jaxson Dart, Dallas quietly assembled a terrifying passing attack that is primed to make a massive statement. Pairing George Pickens alongside CeeDee Lamb gives this offense two elite physical weapons who can win individual matchups at every level of the secondary. For a Giants secondary still figuring things out, picking which top option to bracket is a nightmare. This spot represents a massive urgency angle for Dak Prescott to prove he remains the premier passer in the division. Dallas has historically dominated this rivalry, winning 16 of the last 20 meetings, and they consistently elevate their execution in high-profile, primetime division games. When Prescott works out of clean pockets and targets his dynamic wideout tandem, Dallas can sustain long drives, generate big chunk plays downfield, and force New York out of its game plan early. With an elite receiving corps, historical divisional control, and a quarterback out to establish dominance on a national stage, backing Dallas straight up on the road is the ideal play to kick off the NFL season.
Nick Menken
Expert NFL Picks History:
DOC’S SPORTS is the gold standard of sports handicapping, having been one of the most well-regarded and successful handicapping services for over 56 years (yes, we started in 1971). Doc’s has posted three of four winning seasons, and 2026 will be no different. We dominate our top plays in football, including our world famous Big 10 Game of the Year. Doc’s has also hit the Super Bowl winner seven of eight years. Now is the time to jump on board with a full-season package for just 749, as this will give you every college and NFL play that we make through the Super Bowl. Sign-up now and let 56 years of handicapping experience work for you.
ROBERT FERRINGO has posted seven of 11 winning football seasons and has been among the top football handicappers in the country over the past two decades, banking nearly +40,000 in profit between 2010-2019. That is a 10-year average profit of nearly +4,000 per season and he has tallied 11 of 17 winning football years overall. Robert has been good for 72 of 120 winning months – including three straight to open 2025 – and that works out to two of three profitable months for 17 years! Robert is also one of the top football futures bettors in the country, hitting 70% of futures rated 5.0 or higher (27-10) in his career, and one of the best Super Bowl handicappers in the nation (17 of 20 winning years). Claim your spot on The Victory Train today!
VERNON CROY is coming off the best football season of his career, devastating the sportsbooks for +9,140 in winnings. He went 72-50 in college and NFL combined and finished No. 19 in the Circa Millions football contest in Las Vegas. Croy has rung up 10 of 11 winning NFL regular seasons and is setting up for his 12th season at Doc’s Sports. Croy went 51-36, +6,830 with his plays rated 5.0+ last season and has taken home +10,530 the past two seasons with these prime picks. Croy is looking for that big play success to translate again this year. Get on board today and don't miss out as he continues his outstanding work on the gridiron!
SCOTT SPREITZER enters the 2026 football season on a steady 129-95 (58%), +12,050 winning football run. That includes an impressive +5,710 winning run from Sept. 13 to the close of last season. Spreitzer has been has hammered home a 23-11 (68%) mark with his football plays rated 5.0+ and he is 6-1 over the last two seasons with his 8-Unit Game of the Year Plays. Spreitzer is 35-21 (63%) with his college bowl and playoff predictions and he plans on another big season. Spreitzer is the only two-time winner of the Las Vegas OV Football Invitational, the all-time wins champion in the Station Casinos Invitational, and he's cashed Top 20 checks in the world-famous Westgate NFL SuperContest. Get on board with a proven winner!
GRIFFIN MURPHY is an expert when it comes to college football and NFL betting profits. Murphy posted a winning season in 2025, going 49-38, +2,550 with his service overall. Murphy aced his top plays, going 22-14 on 6- and 7-Unit Plays, and closed out the season on a 12-5, +4,550 run with his 7-Unit Football Plays. Murphy got off to a great start to the 2024 season, securing +4,680 over the first three months of the campaign. Murphy is looking to produce a consistent success rate throughout this coming season and you can sign up and check him out today!
STRIKE POINT SPORTS is known as “Mr. Saturday” for their dominating college football work, burning the books for 9 of 11 winning college football years (including 2025). They ended last season on a 28-14 (67%), +6,200 college football rush. SPS has also posted 9 of 12 winning NFL seasons. In 2024 they banked +7,300 in November-February and in 2025 closed on a 50-34 (60%), +5,270 run. SPS has gone 33-20, +6,760 with their football picks rated 5.0+ and is 11-4 on their last 15 plays rated 7.0+ overall. They have tallied two of three winning football seasons and racked up 8 of 12 winning years for nearly +22,000 in profit, consistently finishing among our top producers. Expect 2-3 college picks and 2-3 NFL picks each week and SPS's selectivity is perfect for bettors who like focused action. Get on board with one of the best in the business!
AUGUST YOUNG has been with Doc’s Sports for four football seasons and posted three of four winning years on the gridiron. Young has racked up +10,870 with his football service over that four-year period and is 46-26 (64%) with his 7-Unit Plays across college and the NFL. Young is also 13-5 (72%) with his 8-Unit GOTY Plays and has hit at least 62% on his plays rated 7.0+ in all four seasons with Doc’s. Young and his team are experts at identifying the largest value across all markets. They use cutting-edge data science to make their decisions in these instances to remove all bias. Over the last three years they release an average of between 6-8 plays per week and he has posted multiple big streaks (8-0, 9-0 and 10-0) over that time. Sign up and put him to work for you now!
CRAIG TRAPP is going into his 22nd football season and has earned 14 out of 21 profitable seasons on the gridiron. Trapp has posted three of four winning NFL seasons, including a 61% campaign in 2024. He also released 64% college winners in the regular season and 54% in the bowls and playoffs in 2024. You can expect 5-7 college and 3-5 NFL predictions each week. Trapp is known for his 18-year run on YouTube providing free plays every day and you can jump on the winners as Craig shows you the money again this season.
TONY GEORGE has over 30 years of football handicapping experience, and the NFL has always been his top sport. George has 70 documented Top 10 awards across all sports and he is looking for another dominating season in 2025. George hit 64 percent of his NFL plays in 2016, and in 2021 he hit 80 percent of his college football picks rated 5.0+. George is looking for another big year with a low-volume approach. He is well known for his national radio shows over the past 15 years. Put 30 years of experience and a long-standing reputation to work for you today.
RAPHAEL ESPARZA has more than 13 years’ experience as a Las Vegas sportsbook manager and is now one of the most well-connected handicappers on The Strip. This fall, Esparza will dial in and look for a monster season on the gridiron. As in all sports, Esparza is one of the best big-play handicappers in the country, and he is one of the few handicappers in the country that releases picks on every single bowl game each winter. Esparza hit his 8-Unit NFL Total of the Year each of the past two seasons and will do it again this year.
SCOTT RICKENBACH joined Doc’s Sports in 2025 and is looking forward to his second full football season. Rickenbach got off to an excellent start to the 2025 season, winning six of his first plays in August, including all three top games rated 5.0+. Rickenbach won 11 of his first 14 7-Unit College Football Plays and earned +3,865 overall prior to Dec. 21. Rickenbach has over two decades of sports betting experience and you can take advantage of that experience this season.
NICK MENKEN has years of experience and a deep understanding of both college football and NFL betting, Menken has built a reputation for delivering consistent, profitable results. In 2025 his 5-Unit Plays went 7-3, +1,675 and his 6-Unit Plays generated +1,195. His focus is always on providing his clients with the most accurate and informed picks to maximize their returns. Menken is primed to deliver serious wins and can’t wait to share his insights with you. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or just getting started, now is the perfect time to join a winning team.
JASON SHARPE has beaten the books for six of 10 winning football seasons and banked nearly +11,000 in 2022 and 2023 combined. Sharpe is known for his incredibly fast starts to the season and is one of the top NFL Preseason bettors in the country, going 18-12 in Week 1 of NFLX over the past 13 years. He is 92-55 (63%) with his college football picks the first two weeks of the year and a jaw-dropping 58-28 (66%) with his Week 2 college football picks! Sharpe has earned seven of 11 winning college football years and is set to do it again. Sign up now.
ARUN SHIVA posted the best football season in his career in 2021, banking +5,000 with start to finish winners. Shiva went 64-46 (58%), +5,305 in the NFL in 2021 and wants to do it again. There is no doubt Shiva is one of the most popular handicappers year after year on Doc's Sports site, and his winning predictions and entertaining daily videos make him one to watch for during every season of every sport he handicaps. Sign up now to join him!
