Nat Coombs' NFL Week 1 Tips Including Ravens @ Bills

Nat Coombs is an NFL writer and broadcaster who has been anchoring TV and radio coverage in the UK for over 15 years, working with a range of networks including BBC, TalkSPORT, FIVE, ESPN and Channel 4. 

He writes a column for The Times and also hosts his own NFL podcast The Nat Coombs Show, which has been nominated for the best American Football podcast in the Sports Podcast Awards.

Nat joined The Panel last year to share his three best tips for the weekend’s NFL action using the best prices from the leading NFL betting sites.

The treble would pay 10/1 with BetMGM.

Nat Coombs' NFL Week 1 Predictions:

• Nat Coombs' Panel Pick 1: Cardinals -6.5 Vs Saints - 22/25 With BetMGM
• Nat Coombs' Panel Pick 2: Keon Coleman Anytime TD - 2/1 With BetMGM
• Nat Coombs' Panel Pick 3: Bucs -2.5 Vs Falcons - 19/20 With BetMGM

Cardinals @ Saints Prediction: Arizona To Pull Through

I’m big on the Cardinals this year, so much so that I’ve made them one of my sneaky inside rail playoff picks – a team that didn’t make the postseason last year, but should this year - on the Nat Coombs Show podcast. 

The upside for Arizona is predicated on balance, with some elite starters on both sides of the ball. 

I think sophomore receiver Marvin Harrison Jr will have a huge year, Kyler Murray, when he’s in flow state is a Top 10 QB in the NFL, and James Conner is part of the veteran running back crew (along with Saquon Barkley and Derek Henry) that are shutting down the widely-held belief that Running Backs fall off a cliff once they hit 28. 

But it’s the defense that I think could be particularly effective this season under Jonathan Gannon. 

Some returning top-tier vets including Budda Baker are complemented by both impressive free-agency signings – Josh Sweat from the Eagles for example – and high-round Draft picks, including Michigan corner Will Johnson. 

And talk about a soft landing in Week One. In contrast to the Cards, the Saints are in disarray, particularly after the off-season retirement of QB Derek Carr left them with a big problem, one that Spencer Rattler is unlikely to answer. 

Sure, New Orleans came out blazing last time around – and with talent like Chris Olave, Alvin Kamara, and on the defense Cam Jordan – they’re not a complete dumpster fire, but under a TD is way too tempting to give to a team (Arizona) that were 11-6-1 against the spread last season. 

Nat Coombs' Panel Pick 1: Cardinals -6.5 Vs Saints - 22/25 With BetMGM

Baltimore @ Buffalo Prediction: Coleman Can Deliver

The most compelling match-up of Week One involves two bona fide Super Bowl contenders. The Ravens are in revenge mode, Mark Andrews in particular looking for his own personal redemption arc after throwing the divisional round game away against the Bills last season. 

There’s versatility and balance with both offenses. 

Buffalo’s is an unsung collection of supporting characters around superstar QB Josh Allen, from RB James Cook finally delivering a consistent tag-team partner for dual-threat Allen on the ground, to a receiving corps that includes Khalil Shakir (a slight injury doubt going into this one, so check his status), TE Dalton Kincaid and another player I’ve got down for a breakout season that will elevate him into a Top 10 - WR Keon Coleman. 

Lamar Jackson – criminally underrated as a passer – is as equally effective as Allen with his legs, and alongside Derek Henry ensures the Ravens have the post potent ground game in the NFL. 

Henry went well last season against the Bills – his longest TD of the year was against Buffalo in Week 4 – although that was a Buffalo Run D without Matt Milano, who will feature on the night. 

Zach Orr is a second-year defensive co-ordinator for Baltimore, a D that steadily improved over the season, especially in the secondary. 

Week One is always a tricky look, so rather than spread or money line, I’m looking at Coleman anytime TD as my main pick here. 

Nat Coombs' Panel Pick 2: Keon Coleman Anytime TD - 2/1 With BetMGM

Buccaneers @ Atlanta Preview: Tampa Pay To Prevail

There's been a lot of pre-season buzz around the Tampa Bay Bucs this season and you can see why. 

A playoff team from last year largely returned, a rookie WR (Emeka Egbuka) that is hyped to hit the ground running to complement an already impressive offensive cast of characters including the evergreen Mike Evans (though fellow vet tag-team partner Chris Godwin is doubtful) and a reborn Baker Mayfield who has found his mojo.

However, Mayfield will have to contend without Liam Coen, his offensive co-ordinator from last year who has moved into the top job in Jacksonville. 

The Falcons have upside too, if their young defensive high-draft picks from the last few years, including two edge rushers taken in the first round this year, can impress.

But, there are too many unknowns about whether the young unit can step up quickly and there are questions about whether the untested QB Michael Penix is the real deal to feel confident backing them in Week One against a team that know their identity and are serious Super Bowl contenders. 

Nat Coombs' Panel Pick 3: Nat Coombs' Panel Pick 3: Bucs -2.5 Vs Falcons - 19/20 With BetMGM