Jason White, Special to the Courier & Press Published 11:36 a.m. CT Sept. 11, 2020 | Updated 11:39 a.m. CT Sept. 11, 2020

Editor's note: We're glad to welcome back Jason White (aka "The Commish") for a regular look at gambling each week.

Last year, Jason's picks were correct 59 percent of the time (50-34-3). This season, with limited college football schedules, he will be focusing on the National Football League.

His first picks of the season, along with a couple of prop bets, follow.

BUCCANEERS (+3 ) @ Saints: In 2019, Tampa Bay was able to win seven games despite the fact that quarterback Jameis Winston threw a mind boggling 30 interceptions. But six-time Super Bowl Champion Tom Brady is now running the show, and he has no shortage of offensive weapons at his disposal. Its usually not a good idea to pick against the Saints at home, but the pandemic protocol fan restrictions will take away some of the home field magic. Take advantage of one of the few times this season when Brady and the Bucs will be getting points.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws a pass during an NFL football training camp practice Monday, Aug. 17, 2020, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)(Photo: Chris O'Meara, AP)

BEARS (+3) @ Lions: When you think of the Chicago Bears, you think defense. Despite injuries to key defensive players, the squad performed at an extremely high level in 2019. Now healthy, this defense is ready to wreak havoc once again. But the offense of the Bears will have to contribute. In 2017, the Bears moved up to the No. 2 overall pick in the draft to select Mitchell Trubisky. In a draft where both Patrick Mahomes and Deshaun Watson were available, the decision to take Trubisky has been widely criticized. Its make or break time for both Trubisky and head coach Matt Nagy, and I think they get off to a great start in Week 1 while riding the coattails of their stellar defense. Lions quarterback Matt Stafford will be running for his life on Sunday.

OVER (39 ) - Jets @ Bills: This is the lowest point total on the board and I think its too low for this Week 1 matchup. The number is primarily based on the fact that the Bills went 4-12 against the point total last season. And while the Jets defense (led by defensive guru Gregg Williams) is stout, the addition of Stefon Diggs to the Bills offense is going to open things up for quarterback Josh Allen this year. I look for Allen to have a great day in the air and with his legs to get enough points to push this pick over the top.

Bills quarterback Josh Allen during practice. (Photo: JAMIE GERMANO/ROCHESTER DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE)

GIANTS (+6) vs. Steelers: This Monday night matchup opened with the Steelers favored by 3 points and has ballooned to a six-point spread at the end of the week. Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is returning from an injury, and the Steelers are led by one of the best head coaches in Mike Tomlin. But Daniel Jones gets to hand the ball off to Saquon Barkley, and the offense will be productive with new offensive coordinator Jason Garrett calling the plays. Despite the heavy money being placed on Pittsburg, I think the line has moved too far and the Giants will stay within the spread.

14. Colts If Philip Rivers has anything left in his arm, the Colts will make the playoffs.(Photo: Michael Conroy, AP)

Prop bets:

OVER (2 ) - Total touchdowns scored by COLTS vs. Jaguars (-165): Despite not getting a great rate of return, this is a classic bet to help with bankroll management. I trust Frank Reich and the Colts offense to make this happen by early in the 3rd quarter.

OVER (51.5) - Total rushing yards by Todd Gurley (Falcons) vs. Seahawks (-110): While theres still a mystery surrounding the health of Todd Gurley, he continues to be productive on limited touches. Dont be discouraged when he limps back to the huddle after his first run. I expect him to rip off enough productive runs to win this pick.

See the original post:

The Commish's gambling picks for Week 1 of the NFL season - The Gleaner