Welcome to the 2026 season, and congratulations to you, because out of all the picks columns you could click on at CBS Sports, you chose the one featuring the analyst that was the company's top against-the-spread artist in 2025. I went 148-122-2 ATS in 2025 to capture the CBS Sports crown, and now I have a target on my back like the Seattle Seahawks. Week 1 in the NFL is probably my favorite betting week of the year.
It's your preconceived notions vs. the sportsbook, and sometimes, you can rake in the dough. There are other years where you can be humbled, but it's all part of the experience. This is one of three gambling pieces you'll see from me every week this year.
I go head to head with my friend and coworker Jared Dubin on the biggest games of the week. That comes out every Thursday morning. Then, every weekend I post a column on anytime TD scorers.
Here's a look at what I'm thinking this week. As always, credit to the CBS Sports research team for making me sound smart. 2025 ATS record: 148-122-22025 straight up record: 181-90-1 Top five picks ATS record: 0-0Overall ATS record: 0-0Straight up record: 0-0 Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (Fox, Stream: Fubo, try for free) The Atlanta Falcons rushing to sign Tua Tagovailoa was one of the weirdest moments of the offseason.
I mean, they POUNCED on him. To the surprise of very few, the former Dolphin has not looked great through preseason and in practice. I think Michael Penix Jr. would be starting if he were healthy.
The Falcons have a great cast of weapons with Bijan Robinson, Drake London and Kyle Pitts, but if you don't have a quarterback, does it even matter? On Thursday, Tagovailoa suffered what was described as an oblique injury in practice, and Cooper Rush could be in line to start in his place. I'm not sure that helps the Falcons' case very much.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
