NFL Week 1 is Here: Dive into Our Expert Betting Lines Analysis

Previous Betting News

Thanks to the recently released 2020 NFL schedule, football fans and betting aficionados across the globe are now eagerly awaiting the start of the new football season – coronavirus be damned!

With that thought in mind and a handful of intriguing matchups on tap for Week 1, let’s take a look at the best, must-see matchups on the opening slate of games and their NFL betting odds.

Week 1 NFL Games Analysis

Houston at Kansas City

The Texans won the AFC South last season, but head coach and now, GM Bill O’Brien as the architect behind the dumbest move of the offseason as he traded Pro Bowl wide receiver Deandre Hopkins for almost nothing. Sounds like a recipe for disaster against Patrick Mahomes and company if you ask me.

Date: Thursday, September 10

Seattle at Atlanta

Russell Wilson and the Seahawks have some legitimate Super Bowl hopes heading into 2020, but they’ll have to be on guard against Matt Ryan and a Falcons squad that won four straight and six of eight to close out the 2019 campaign.

Green Bay at Minnesota

Minnesota will be out for revenge in this one after getting swept by the Pack a year ago. Green Bay failed to give Aaron Rodgers any elite weapons this offseason and now, I believe the handwriting is on the all in this one!

Miami at New England

Miami smacked the Patriots around in their sensational 27-24 Week 17 road win over the Pats last season – and that was when New England had the incomparable Tom Brady under center.

Philadelphia at Washington

Washington made a great hire in naming former Panthers head coach Ron Rivera their new leading man while Philadelphia had one of the most perplexing drafts of any team in the league.

Indianapolis at Jacksonville

The Colts are turning to longtime former Chargers franchise signal-caller Philip Rivers to get them back in the postseason, but the Jaguars had a stupendous draft that was undeniably one of the best in the league this year.

Tampa Bay at New Orleans

Tom Brady and the revamped Tampa Bay Buccaneers are getting a ton of hype, but there’s this other future Hall of Famer lying in wait as Drew Brees and the high-scoring New Orleans Saints look to let everyone know they are the best team in the NFC South.

Date of the matches: Sunday, September 13

Tennessee at Denver

The Broncos are hoping that second-year Denver Broncos quarterback Drew Lock is the answer to their now, longstanding issues at quarterback. Denver’s stout defense will be severely tasted against powerful superstar running back Derrick Henry.

Date: Monday, September, 14

Previous Betting News

On Thursday, Sep. 9, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers host the Dallas Cowboys to kick off what’s guaranteed to be another great season of NFL action. Check out strong trends for the top games from Thursday to Monday so you can get ready to bet against the NFL odds.

NFL Week 1 Trends Every Bettor Should Be Aware Of

2021 NFL Week 1

When: Thursday, Sep. 9 – Monday, Sep. 13

Tampa Bay Buccaneers -7.5 vs. Dallas Cowboys

When: Thursday, Sep. 9

In their season opener, the Super Bowl winner is 8-3 SU and 6-3-2 ATS in the past 11 years. The line has fallen from Tampa Bay -8 to Tampa -7.5. Unless you’re a believer in Dallas, lean towards backing Terrific Tom and his mates.

Jacksonville Jaguars -3 at Houston Texans

When: Sunday, Sep. 12

Players are lining up to back the Jags. Why not? Jacksonville is 5-1 ATS in their last 6 September games. Houston is 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games in September.

Pittsburgh Steelers at Buffalo Bills -6.5

When: Sunday, Sep. 12

There are conflicting trends in this one. Both teams rock it in September. The Bills are 5-2 ATS in their last 7. Pittsburgh is 4-1 ATS in their last 5. Handicap further before backing either.

New York Jets at Carolina Panthers -5

When: Sunday, Sep. 12

If you go by trends, Carolina should cover. The Jets are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 road games and 1-8 ATS in their last 9 games in September.

Arizona Cardinals at Tennessee Titans -3

When: Sunday, Sep. 12

The Cardinals are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games on grass. But Tennessee is 1-5 ATS in their last 6 in September. On Sunday, something will give.

Minnesota Vikings -3 at Cincinnati Bengals

When: Sunday, Sep. 12

The Vikings are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 games on field turf. Minnesota is also 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games in Week 1. Cincinnati is 5-2-1 ATS in their last 8 games in Week 1.

San Francisco 49ers -7.5 at Detroit Lions

When: Sunday, Sep. 12

San Francisco is 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games in September. The 49ers are also 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games in Week 1. Detroit is 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games in September.

Philadelphia Eagles at Atlanta Falcons -3.5

When: Sunday, Sep. 12

The Eagles are 1-9 ATS in their last 10 games in September. The Falcons are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games in Week 1. Both teams went through a lot of changes during the offseason. Take that into consideration while you handicap this matchup.

Seattle Seahawks -2.5 at Indianapolis Colts

When: Sunday, Sep. 12

Seattle is 0-6 ATS in their last 6 on the road. The Seahawks are also 1-4-1 ATS in their last 6 games in Week 1. The Colts are 1-11-1 ATS in their last 13 games in Week 1.

Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots -2.5

When: Sunday, Sep. 12

The Dolphins are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games in Week 1. The Patriots are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games in Week 1. Which Alabama quarterback do you prefer? New England’s Mac Jones or Miami’s Tua Tagovailoa? Start your handicapping by answering that question.

Cleveland Browns at Kansas City Chiefs -6

When: Sunday, Sep. 12

Cleveland is 5-15-1 ATS in their last 21 games in Week 1. KC is 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games in Week 1. That’s a strong trend against backing Cleveland. Consider how much you really believe in Baker and the Browns before going against the trend.

Green Bay Packers -4.5 at New Orleans Saints

When: Sunday, Sep. 12

In their last 6 games in Week 1, the Packers are 5-1 ATS. The Saints are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games in Week 1. Don’t forget that this contest happens in Jacksonville because the Superdome suffered damage after Hurricane Ida.

Baltimore Ravens -4.5 at Las Vegas Raiders

When: Monday, Sep. 13

The Ravens are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games in Week 1. Las Vegas is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games in Week 1. The Raiders are also 5-1-1 ATS in their last 7 games on a Monday night.

I have read enough, I need to place my bet now. What to do?

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MyBookie Betting Lines for the Game

Previous Betting News

Last week, we released the NFL underdogs to bet in Week 1. This week, it’s all about NFL Week 1 betting favorites. After much handicapping, we’ve settled on the chalk in five Week 1 games: Tampa Bay versus Dallas, Tennessee versus Arizona, Denver on the road agianst the Giants, San Francisco against the Lions, and the Falcons hosting the Eagles. Check out analysis for each game and why we believe these five NFL Betting favorites get it done in NFL Week 1.

NFL Betting Favorites To Wager On in Week 1

When: Thursday, Sep. 9 – Monday, Sep. 13

Dallas Cowboys at Tampa Bay Buccaneers -8

When: Thursday, Sep. 9

A lot has been written about the Dallas Cowboys and how they have a bounce back season after a terrible 2020. Sure, the Cowboys defense should be better this year. But, let’s be honest, there’s no way to go except up.

Teams shredded the Cowboys D. So if Dallas fans are hanging their hopes on the Boys’ defense to improve, they may be disappointed. There’s also been a ton of discussion about quarterback Dak Prescott returning from an injury.

As of NFL Preseason Week 3, though, Dallas coach Mike McCarthy hasn’t confirmed if Prescott will be ready for the Cowboys’ first game. We hear a lot of “he should be” and “we hope he is” statements coming from McCarthy.

Tampa is ready to roll. Tom Brady hasn’t let his team slide back to mediocrity. If anything, the Buccaneers should send a better team to the gridiron this season than the one we saw in 2020. The doesn’t mean Tampa repeats the Super Bowl victory. It does mean that on Sep. 9 they squash the Cowboys.

Arizona Cardinals at Tennessee Titans -3

When: Sunday, Sep. 12

Arizona is another team with a lot of buzz. But the Titans are better. That’s all there is to it. Tennessee averages over 30 points per last season and that was before Julio Jones bought a house in Nashville.

Jones plays opposite one of the fastest rising superstar wide receivers in the league, A.J. Brown. Running back Derrick Henry is the best in the league. The defense should be much better than it was last season.

The Cardinals will be a good team. This is a bad matchup. Arizona faces a squad with a better offense. The Cards must outscore teams this season and they won’t outscore the Titans.

Philadelphia Eagles at Atlanta Falcons -3

When: Sunday, Sep. 12

If the Eagles were happy with Jalen Hurts and Joe Flacco at quarterback, why did they ship a sixth-round pick to the Jacksonville Jaguars for Gardner Minshew II? Philadelphia won’t be a good football team this season.

Atlanta will be much improved from last season. New head coach Arthur Smith brings an offensive system that will make the Falcons one of the higher scoring teams in the league. New defensive coordinator Dean Pees has had multiple success with various teams, including coaching the Baltimore Ravens’ defense in the 2012 Super Bowl, a game the Ravens won.

San Francisco 49ers -7 ½ at Detroit Lions

When: Sunday, Sep. 12

Detroit is a mess of a football team. San Francisco may not be as good as advertised, but the 49ers should have no trouble beating Detroit by at least 10 points.

Jimmy Garoppolo will get the start at quarterback. Trey Lance will be there to back him up. Raheem Mostert, Greg Kittle, tackles Trent Williams and Mike McGlinchey are healthy. Nick Bosa should play. Javon Kinlaw will. It won’t surprise us if the Niners win by 17 or more points.

Denver Broncos -1 ½ at New York Giants

When: Sunday, Sep. 12

The Denver Broncos have fallen to +2200 to win the Super Bowl. If you play in the same division as the Kansas City Chiefs, and you’re less than a +3000 choice to win the Super Bowl, don’t you think you should dominate a team like the New York Giants?

The Giants won’t be the worst team in the NFL. But they should have no shot against the Denver Broncos.

First, Denver will likely start Teddy Bridgewater, a legit QB1 who knows how to win. Second, the Broncos might field the best defense in the league. In Week 1, the Ponies stampede the G-Men.

NFL Betting News

Previous Betting News

The National Football League’s new season is almost here. Often, Week 1 is the perfect time to score money on underdogs. Check out the list of this season’s top Week 1 underdog plays so you can make your bets against the NFL lines for the rapidly approaching 2021-22 Season.

NFL Underdogs To Bet On in Week 1

2021 NFL Week 1

When: Thursday, Sep. 9 – Monday, Sep. 13

Pittsburgh Steelers +7 at Buffalo Bills

When: Sunday, Sep. 12

Buffalo should beat the Steelers, but this feels like a lot of points. Yes, the Bills are at home, but the Steelers could be underrated. Not only that, but Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin is a master at developing a game plan for a specific opponent. Tomlin will ensure Pittsburgh keeps this closer than the spread.

Jacksonville Jaguars at Houston Texans +3

When: Sunday, Sep. 12

Is it us, or is everyone reading too much into the Jaguars’ drafting Trevor Lawrence and hiring Urban Meyer to coach? College coaches usually struggle in the NFL. Houston will start either Deshaun Watson or Tyrod Taylor. Either way, the Texans have an edge at the quarterback position because Lawrence faces a decent Houston defense. Consider backing the Texans on the moneyline.

Minnesota Vikings at Cincinnati Bengals +3 ½

When: Sunday, Sep. 12

The Vikings showed no heart in their first preseason game. Kirk Cousins refuses to get the vaccine, and coach Mike Zimmer looks tired. Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow is fired up after spending the second-half of his rookie season on the bench. Cincinnati’s defense should also be much improved and the Bengals play this one on their field. Cincinnati could upset Minnesota straight up.

Cleveland Browns +6 at Kansas City Chiefs

When: Sunday, Sep. 12

Sure, the Chiefs are loaded. But KC faces the best rushing team in the NFL in Week 1. Cleveland is a solid squad with a defense on the rise, two starting running backs, and a quarterback in Baker Mayfield who should take the next step. The Browns can win this SU.

Miami Dolphins +2 ½ at New England Patriots

When: Sunday, Sep. 12

The Dolphins are better than the Patriots. Yes, New England signed a couple of strong tight-ends and quarterback Mac Jones has played well in a couple of preseason games. But Miami should have one of the better defenses in the league and the offense should be much improved now that Tua Tagovailoa can throw to his favorite target from Alabama, Jaylen Waddle.

Green Bay Packers at New Orleans Saints +3

When: Sunday, Sep. 12

Green Bay looks like the much better squad. However, Aaron Rodgers doesn’t seem fired about playing this season. Both Jameis Winston and Taysom Hill are decent quarterbacks and NFL analysts aren’t giving the Saints’ defense enough credit. In the Superdome, New Orleans can upset the Packers on the moneyline.

Chicago Bears +7 at Los Angeles Rams

When: Sunday, Sep. 12

With Matthew Stafford, the Rams should contend for the conference title. But this line gives LAR too much credit. NFL handicappers haven’t noticed that Bears’ quarterback Andy Dalton is miles better than Mitch Trubisky. Chicago’s defense remains one of the better units in the league. So even though Da Bears may not win this one, they should cover the spread.

NFL Betting News

Previous Betting News

The first week of the NFL preseason is in the books, but the truth of the matter is that we have learned very little about any team at this point. The guys who will be starting in Week 1 have seen very little, if an, playing time, but the important thing is that there are no major injuries to speak of right now. Let’s forget that for a moment and look ahead to some NFL Betting picks for Week 1, knowing that these may change as we get closer.

NFL Week 1 Full Game Winning Picks and Predictions

Dallas Cowboys at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – The Bucs have covered the spread in each of their last 4 home games, so let’s take them at -7.

Philadelphia Eagles at Atlanta Falcons – With changes to both teams, it’s tough to know what to expect. I am leaning towards the UNDER 48 here.

Pittsburgh Steelers at Buffalo Bills – Two very good defenses clash here. 5 of their last 6 meetings have gone UNDER, so let’s take the UNDER 50.

Minnesota Vikings at Cincinnati Bengals – In this matchup, the favorite has covered 4 in a row, so let’s take the Vikings -3 ½.

San Francisco 49ers at Detroit Lions – The 49ers have covered the spread in 7 of their last 10 Week 1 games. Let’s go with the 49ers at -7 ½.

Arizona Cardinals at Tennessee Titans – The Cardinals are 8-3-2 ATS in their last 13 games as a road dog. I’m taking them at +3.

Seattle Seahawks at Indianapolis Colts – It looks as though this one is off the board for now as we wait to see who will start for the Colts now that Carson Wentz is injured.

LA Chargers at Washington Football Team – Washington has seen 9 of their last 10 games played on grass go UNDER. The UNDER 44 ½ looks good here.

New York Jets at Carolina Panthers – In their last 4 meetings, the favorite has going 3-0-1 ATS, so let’s take the Panthers at -4.

Jacksonville Jaguars at Houston Texans – With the DeShaun Watson situation still up in the air, and the road team 13-6-1 ATS in the last 20, let’s take the Jags -3.

Cleveland Browns at Kansas City Chiefs – While I like the Chiefs to win here, the Browns have covered in 4 of the last 5 versus KC. I’m taking the Browns +6.

Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots – The Dolphins have only covered once in their last 9 visits to Foxboro, so let’s take the Patriots -2 ½.

Green Bay Packers at New Orleans Saints – The favorite has covered in 6 of the last 8 meetings between these two, so that would mean the Saints +3 here.

Denver Broncos at New York Giants – The Broncos have covered the spread in 4 of their last 5 games versus the Giants, so let’s take them again here.

Chicago Bears at LA Rams – A pair of teams with new QB’s. The UNDER has hit in 6 of the last 8 between these two. Let’s go with the UNDER 45.

Baltimore Ravens at Las Vegas Raiders – The Ravens offense is great, but the UNDER has hit in 6 of the Ravens last 7 games on the road. I’m playing the UNDER 51.

NFL Betting News

Previous Betting News

It’s never too early to think about the NFL. With mini-camps starting this week, now is the perfect time to consider early bets on NFL Week 1 games. Check out NFL odds, analysis, and free picks for every NFL Week 1 contest.

Complete Betting Guide for NFL Week 1

NFL Week 1 of the 2021-22 Season

When: Thursday, Sep. 9 – Monday, Sep. 13

Thursday, Sep. 9th Games

Dallas Cowboys / Tampa Bay Buccaneers -6 ½

The Buccaneers are loaded, but Dak Prescott should be one-hundred percent for the Cowboys. Dallas’ defense came on towards the end of last season. We’re taking the points.

NFL Pick: Dallas Cowboys

Sunday, Sep. 12th Games

Jacksonville Jaguars -2 ½ / Houston Texans +2 ½

The Texans have no clue if DeShaun Watson will be their quarterback in their opening game. Watson didn’t show up to voluntary workouts. He won’t show up to mini-camps and 22 lawsuits continue to hang over Watson’s head. But if Watson doesn’t play, Tyrod Taylor will. He’s good enough to lead the Texans to a straight up win.

NFL Pick: Houston Texans moneyline

Pittsburgh Steelers / Buffalo Bills -6

Buffalo is a Super Bowl contender. Pittsburgh isn’t.

NFL Pick: Buffalo Bills

New York Jets / Carolina Panthers -4

Former Jets’ quarterback Sam Darnold is now a Carolina Panthers. With Darnold under center and an improved defense, Carolina has the makings of a borderline playoff squad. They should easily cover this.

NFL Pick: Carolina Panthers

Arizona Cardinals / Tennessee Titans -2 ½

Man, this should be awesome! Kyler Murray and DeAndre Hopkins on one-side. Ryan Tannehill, A.J. Brown, and Julio Jones on the other. Think over for sure. Also, consider backing the Cardinals on the moneyline. Arizona’s defense should be slightly better than the Titans’

NFL Pick: Arizona Cardinals moneyline

Los Angeles Chargers -1 / Washington Football Team

Yes, Justin Herbert and the Chargers are a playoff contender. The Washington Commanders is a playoff squad. The WFT’s defensive line should punish Herbert even though the Bolts drafted Northwestern left tackle Rashawn Slater.

NFL Pick: Washington Football Team

Minnesota Vikings -3 / Cincinnati Bengals

The Vikings should cover. If Minnesota hands the ball off to Dalvin Cook 40 times and doesn’t throw a pass, the Vikings should still cover.

NFL Pick: Minnesota Vikings

San Francisco 49ers -7 ½ / Detroit Lions

Mini-camps just began and already the unlucky San Francisco 49ers have lost a couple of key players, offensive lineman Justin Skule and safety Tarvarius Moore. If you’re playing this one early, take the points.

NFL Pick: Detroit Lions

Philadelphia Eagles / Atlanta Falcons -3 ½

Really? The ATL is a -3 ½ chalk over the Philadelphia Eagles? If MyBookie shows similar odds, consider backing the Eagles. Philadelphia should beat the rebuilding Falcons on the moneyline.

NFL Pick: Philadelphia Eagles moneyline

Seattle Seahawks / Indianapolis Colts -2 ½

We’re not sold on Carson Wentz, Indianapolis’ starting quarterback. We are sold on Russell Wilson, Seattle’s starting QB.

NFL Pick: Seattle Seahawks moneyline

Miami Dolphins / New England Patriots -2

Why are the Patriots favored? Oh, we forgot. Mac Jones has impressed everyone during OTAs. Okay. But Jones couldn’t beat out Tua Tagovailoa at Alabama and Tua had a decent rookie season. Miami looks solid on the moneyline.

NFL Pick: Miami Dolphins moneyline

Cleveland Browns / Kansas City Chiefs -6

On paper, the Chiefs’ newly restructured offensive line looks great. The Browns defense, though, should be much improved and Cleveland will field the best rushing attack in the league. Cleveland can win this straight up.

NFL Pick: Cleveland Browns moneyline

Denver Broncos -1 / New York Giants

If the Broncos trade for Aaron Rodgers, the line will dramatically shift. Even if the Broncos don’t trade for Rodgers, Drew Lock is good enough to lead the Ponies past the Giants.

NFL Pick: Denver Broncos

Green Bay Packers / New Orleans Saints -2 ½

Oddsmakers expect the Packers to trade Aaron Rodgers. Why else make the Drew Brees less Saints a favorite? New Orleans could run a more dangerous offense with Taysom Hill at quarterback. If Jameis Winston wins the Saints’ starting QB job, we know Sean Payton has taught him something new. Either way, New Orleans is the play.

NFL Pick: New Orleans Saints

Chicago Bears / Los Angeles Rams -7

The Rams should be good enough to cover, but before dumping on LAR, realize that Chicago knows Rams’ starting quarterback Matthew Stafford well. This feels like too many points.

NFL Pick: Chicago Bears

Monday, Sep. 13th Games

Baltimore Ravens -4 ½ / Las Vegas Raiders

Eventually, a team no longer is as scary as they used to be. The Ravens’ offense took a huge blow when Orlando Brown asked for a trade. Without their starting right tackle from 2020, Baltimore could have trouble running the ball as effectively in 2021. Las Vegas isn’t a great football team. But Derek Carr is a good quarterback. We’re taking the points.

NFL Pick: Las Vegas Raiders

NFL Betting News

Previous Betting News

It’s August. For sports handicappers that means a single thing. Football is around the corner! Check out our early NFL betting guide. Be aware that the NFL may decide to go to a two to four city bubble concept depending on how things shake out in Major League Baseball. For now, we must assume that teams will host opponents in their cities. Check out analysis and free picks for every game in NFL Week 1, along with some of their NFL odds!

Early Betting Guide for NFL Week 1

2020 NFL Week 1

When: Thursday, Sep. 10 – Monday, Sep. 14

2020 NFL Week 1 Odds

Houston Texans / Kansas City Chiefs -10

Quarterback DeShaun Watson doesn’t have DeAndre Hopkins to throw the pigskin to anymore. That’s a bummer for the Texans and their fans. Chiefs should cover.

When: Thursday, Sep 10
NFL Week 1 Pick: Kansas City Chiefs -10

Miami Dolphins / New England Patriots -6 ½

At least eight Patriots have opted-out of the season. More could follow before the deadline. Still, it’s hard to see the Dolphins covering. That’s because Cam Newton and Pats’ offensive coordinator Josh McDaniel will be a football marriage made in heaven.

When: Sunday, Sep 13
NFL Week 1 Pick: New England Patriots -6 ½

Cleveland Browns / Baltimore Ravens -8 ½

This is a massive number. Sure, the Ravens are the better team. But in 2019 Cleveland split with the Ravens. They beat Baltimore 40-25 in Week 4. Take the points.

When: Sunday, Sep 13
NFL Week 1 Pick: Cleveland Browns +8 ½

New York Jets / Buffalo Bills -6

Bills are Super Bowl contenders. The Jets most definitely aren’t. Lay it.

When: Sunday, Sep 13
NFL Week 1 Pick: Buffalo Bills -6

Las Vegas Raiders -1 ½ / Carolina Panthers

The Raiders should play much better in their new digs. 2019 was a throwaway season for LVR. They have an identity now, which means they start the season off with a win and cover against a Panther squad with a lot of new players who don’t yet know each other.

When: Sunday, Sep 13
NFL Week 1 Pick: Las Vegas Raiders -1 ½

Seattle Seahawks -1 / Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons should be much improved, but Atlanta doesn’t have a rushing attack. Sure, new RB Todd Gurley could prove to be exactly what the Falcons require to challenge for the NFC South. But in Week 1, they play a team that’s proven. Seattle wins and covers.

When: Sunday, Sep 13
NFL Week 1 Pick: Seattle Seahawks -1

Indianapolis Colts -6 ½ / Jacksonville Jaguars

The Colts are solid. The Jaguars are a mess. Indianapolis should cover this even if it’s a tough spread.

When: Sunday, Sep 13
NFL Week 1 Pick: Indianapolis Colts -6 ½

Green Bay Packers / Minnesota Vikings -3

This could be a tough game for Minnesota. More than likely? It will be a tough game for the Green Bay Packers. The Pack drafted quarterback Jordan Love. Aaron Rodgers is not happy. Vikings cover.

When: Sunday, Sep 13
NFL Week 1 Pick: Minnesota Vikings -3

Los Angeles Chargers -3 / Cincinnati Bengals

The Chargers went from Super Bowl contenders to a Super Bowl underdog after Philip Rivers left. LAC will start a decent quarterback in Tyrod Taylor. Cincinnati will start a rookie at quarterback. Bengals’ signal-caller Joe Burrow is a Heisman Trophy winner. Go with the home team with the Heisman winner.

When: Sunday, Sep 13
NFL Week 1 Pick: Cincinnati Bengals +3

Arizona Cardinals / San Francisco 49ers -7 ½

This a ton of points to give up to a Cardinals squad that added DeAndre Hopkins. The Cardinals should be much improved. They can challenge the Niners for the NFC West.

When: Sunday, Sep 13
NFL Week 1 Pick: Arizona Cardinals +7 ½

Tampa Bay Buccaneers / New Orleans Saints -3 ½

Tom Brady will make a difference in Tampa Bay. More importantly, history tells us that the Saints struggle with the Bucs. Even if New Orleans wins, it could be by a field goal or less.

When: Sunday, Sep 13
NFL Week 1 Pick: Tampa Bay Buccaneers +3 ½

Dallas Cowboys -2 ½ / L.A. Rams

The Rams didn’t shore up their offensive line. Dallas should contend for a Super Bowl. No reason Mike McCarthy won’t improve the Cowboys.

When: Sunday, Sep 13
NFL Week 1 Pick: Dallas Cowboys -2 ½

Pittsburgh Steelers -3 ½ / New York Giants

Is there any reason to back the Giants? Not really. Big Ben returns for a solid Pittsburgh team that almost made the playoffs last season without him. The Steelers defense should be a top 5 unit.

When: Monday, Sep 14
NFL Week 1 Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers -3 ½

Tennessee Titans / Denver Broncos -1 ½

It’s difficult to understand why last season AFC Championship participant Tennessee gets points versus the Broncos. The Titans are solid on both sides of the football. They should win straight up.

When: Monday, Sep 14
NFL Week 1 Pick: Tennessee Titans +1 ½

Previous Betting News

It was a long wait until the first official Sunday of the 2022 NFL season, and although things started off a bit slow in week one, the league eventually showed why football is the most popular sport in the United States.

We had upsets, we had duds, and we even had a good old-fashioned tie (almost two of them). Here’s a week one recap so you can continue betting against the NFL Odds.

NFL Rumors, Trades, Free Agents & Betting News | September 12th Edition

Trouble in Green Bay?

He was missing two starting tackles, so there’s that excuse, but Aaron Rodgers had one of his worst games in recent memory, going 22/34 for 195 yards and an INT while also adding a fumble. The Packers lost 23-7 in Minnesota, but maybe there should be more concern with the Green Bay secondary that gave up a 9-catch, 184 yards, two TD day to the Vikings’ Justin Jefferson.

Upsets on the Menu

It can be hard for oddsmakers to set lines in week one because there’s nothing but preseason action to go off of, but they were clearly wrong in a few spots:

Bears beat 49ers – It was a rainy day in Chicago in a game with two relatively inexperienced QBs, but the Bears picked up an ugly 19-10 win over the 49ers as +6.5 home underdogs. Some would say San Francisco lost the game more than the Bears won it, but Chicago will still take the 1-0 start.

Steelers get the road win – Neither Pittsburgh nor Cincinnati seemed like they wanted this game; the Bengals had the game-winning extra point blocked with no time on the clock in regulation, and Chris Boswell’s 53-yard FG as time expired gave the Steelers a 23-20 road win as +7.5 underdogs

ltimately the win.

Week One Injuries

A couple of big-name players may be lost for an extended period of time after their week one injuries. Reigning defensive player of the year, T.J. Watt, couldn’t finish the team’s win over the Steelers, coming off the field with what looks like a torn pectoral injury that might have him out until December or January.

Dallas QB Dak Prescott will need surgery on his right thumb following the team’s anemic 19-3 loss to Tampa Bay on Sunday night. Prescott might not want to return with the way the Cowboys’ patchwork offensive line played, and indeed he will be out a reported six to eight weeks. Dallas now turns to Cooper Rush to run their offense, so it could be a long season in Dallas.

There were seven game-tying/go-ahead scores with under two minutes left in week one, so the parity definitely seems to be there in the NFL this season. We will see what week two brings.

I have read enough, I need to place my bet now. What to do?

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MyBookie Betting Lines for the bout

Previous Betting News

NFL teams will begin reporting to training camp in a little over a month and Week 1 of the regular season is less than three months away. One of the most interesting opening matchups is Cleveland at Carolina, with the Browns as 3-point favorites. here everything for your NFL Odds.

Betting Guide for NFL Week 1

Who will be the Browns’ starting quarterback? Baker Mayfield is still on the team but it’s only a matter of time before the former Heisman winner and No. 1 overall pick is traded – perhaps to the Panthers. Mayfield is owed just under $19 million for the 2022 season, and how much of his salary Cleveland is willing to pay has been a huge roadblock when it comes to potential trades. The latest rumors are that the Browns are willing to eat half his salary.

The Panthers continue to be a potential landing spot for Mayfield because of the uncertainty surrounding Sam Darnold, while the Seattle Seahawks — which are still figuring out their situation at QB between Drew Lock and Geno Smith — are also in the mix.

Of course, the Browns traded for Deshaun Watson this offseason and handed him the largest guaranteed contract in NFL history but there’s no way that Watson isn’t suspended for at least four games for all his off-field issues – he could be suspended the entire season. Two grand juries in Texas declined to indict Watson on criminal charges but the number of cases has since grown to 24. A league suspension could come soon for violation of its personal conduct policy.

Thus, the Week 1 starter likely will be Jacoby Brissett. Brissett came to the Browns after a season with the Miami Dolphins, in which he went 2-3 as a starter in place of Tua Tagovailoa. He completed 141-of-225 (62.7%) of his passes for 1,283 yards with five touchdowns and four interceptions.

“I do have confidence in Jacoby,” Coach Kevin Stefanski said during minicamp. “He has played a lot of football for a young player. He is a smart player. He takes care of the football. Good size, can make all of the throws and those type of things.”

The marquee game of Week 1 is the Thursday night Kickoff Game as the Buffalo Bills visit the Los Angeles Rams in a possible Super Bowl 57 preview. The Rams of course are defending Super Bowl champions. It’s the first time Buffalo and the Rams will take part in the league opening Thursday game.

It will be the first meeting between the two clubs since the 2020 season when the Bills beat the Rams in a barn burner of a game 35-32. Josh Allen threw a game-winning touchdown pass to Tyler Kroft with 15 seconds left in regulation. This game also marks the first for Buffalo free agent signing Von Miller in a Bills uniform. And Miller will do it against a Rams team he helped win a Super Bowl on their home field. The game is a pick’em.

The biggest Week 1 spread is Indianapolis giving 8 points at Houston in what will be the Colts debut of former Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan. In his final season with the Falcons, Ryan had 3,968 passing yards, 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Ryan’s résumé is loaded with plenty of individual career success: 59,735 pass yards, 367 touchdowns, four Pro Bowls and 2016 NFL MVP.

For Coach Frank Reich, adjusting to a new quarterback is nothing new, because he has had a different Week 1 starter each season since he was hired by the Colts in 2018. Ryan had only three head coaches in his 14 seasons with the Falcons.

“I’ve really enjoyed spending time with [Reich] in the meeting room, getting a feel for his philosophy as a coach and the things that he believes in,” Ryan said. “Getting to know him as a person, you’re not going to find a better person than him. I really feel like we’ve made a lot of good strides in the last two months in terms of getting on the same page and communicating.”

Week 1 concludes on Monday night with Denver visiting Seattle in Russell Wilson’s return to the Pacific Northwest. Wilson wanted to win another Super Bowl, which is why he chose the Broncos in the first place. He wouldn’t have facilitated a trade to Denver if that wasn’t the case.

The Broncos are one of the prestigious franchises in the NFL, but their six-year playoff drought is the second-longest in the league. During the stretch, the Broncos have posted only one winning record (9-7 in 2016) and they are mired in a stretch of five straight losing seasons. Denver is a 4-point favorite. Seattle will have a training camp battle between Drew Lock and Geno Smith for its QB job.

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One of the marquee Week 1 matchups to kick off the 2021 NFL regular season is the Green Bay Packers at New Orleans Saints, but the game will not be played in New Orleans because of the damage the city suffered by the recent Hurricane Ida, which devastated most of Louisiana. It likely will be played at AT&T Stadium in Dallas on Sept. 12, an obvious break for the Packers. They are 3-point favorites on the NFL odds.

Week 1 matchups 2021 NFL regular season

Saints coach Sean Payton said this week that he doesn’t expect the team to return to New Orleans for the entirety of September. The entire Saints contingent is in Dallas currently and practicing there, and the stadium would be open on Sept. 12 because the Cowboys play on Sept. 9 in the Kickoff Game at the defending Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Bucs.

The only events scheduled at AT&T Stadium in the next two weeks are the All-State Kickoff Classic featuring Kansas State and Stanford on Sept. 4 and the Latin band Los Bukis on Sept. 15.

“That’s certainly possible,” Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said this week about his stadium hosting Packers- Saints. “We’re having discussions. There’s a lot of moving parts, but we certainly have a kinship with the Saints because of our proximity to Louisiana. It’s a natural for us.”

Lambeau Field will be open that weekend, too, but Payton does not want to give the Packers homefield advantage for what is supposed to be a Saints’ home game. The Saints’ next two games are on the road vs. the Panthers (9/19) and Patriots (9/26). New Orleans next home game is scheduled for Oct. 3 against the New York Giants and there’s a good chance they could host that one.

While Caesars Superdome was not badly damaged, as it was by Hurricane Katrina 16 years ago, it may take New Orleans weeks to recover from Ida, which knocked out power to more than 1 million people in Louisiana and Mississippi.

New Orleans will be without Pro Bowl receiver Michael Thomas for the first six weeks as he will be placed on the PUP list following ankle surgery in June. Players on the PUP list cannot begin practicing until the first six weeks of the regular season have passed, but Thomas is required to miss only five games since the Saints have a bye in Week 6. The first game he could possibly play is at the Seattle Seahawks on Monday Night Football in Week 7.

Thomas missed a total of nine games last year after he originally suffered the ankle injury in the final minutes of Week 1. He finished with 40 catches for 438 yards in seven regular-season games and didn’t catch his first touchdown pass until the playoffs.

Green Bay will be without All-Pro left tackle David Bakhtiari, who also will open on the PUP list. Bakhtiari tore his ACL during practice on Dec. 31, knocking him out of the Packers’ postseason run. The five-time All-Pro — and the only tackle in the NFL to earn either first- or second-team recognition in each of the last five seasons (2016-2020) — was never likely to be ready for the season opener against the Orleans Saints. The Packers signed Bakhtiari to a four-year contract extension last November, putting him under contract through 2024.

The one glimmer of hope for the Packers is that Elgton Jenkins, who earned Pro Bowl honors as a guard last year, has looked good at left tackle in place of Bakhtiari this offseason. Jenkins is no stranger to the left tackle spot, having spent time there in both 2019 and 2020. Through his first two NFL seasons, Jenkins has shown he is one of the most versatile players not only in Green Bay but the entire league.

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We are now just a few days away from the opening preseason game of the NFL season. From this point forward, we are going to have football every Sunday until February, so it’s the perfect time to start looking ahead. Let’s start with Week 1 of the regular season and some picks that we like, keeping in mind that NFL odds and picks could change depending on how teams look at the end of the preseason.

NFL Week 1 Full Game Winning Picks and Predictions

Dallas Cowboys at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – The Buccaneers have covered the spread in each of their last 4 home games, so let’s take them at -6 ½.

Philadelphia Eagles at Atlanta Falcons – With changes to both teams, it’s tough to know what to expect. I am leaning towards the UNDER 48 here.

Pittsburgh Steelers at Buffalo Bills – Two very good defenses clash here. 5 of their last 6 meetings have gone UNDER, so let’s take that again.

Minnesota Vikings at Cincinnati Bengals – In this matchup, the favorite has covered 4 in a row, so let’s take the Vikings -3.

San Francisco 49ers at Detroit Lions – The 49ers have covered the spread in 7 of their last 10 Week 1 games. Let’s go with the 49ers at -7 ½.

Arizona Cardinals at Tennessee Titans – The Cardinals are 8-3-2 ATS in their last 13 games as a road dog. I’m taking them at +3.

Seattle Seahawks at Indianapolis Colts – It looks as though this one is off the board for now as we wait to see who will start for the Colts now that Carson Wentz is injured.

LA Chargers at Washington Football Team – Washington has seen 9 of their last 10 games played on grass go UNDER. Looks like a solid trend.

New York Jets at Carolina Panthers – In their last 4 meetings, the favorite has going 3-0-1 ATS, so let’s take the Panthers at -4.

Jacksonville Jaguars at Houston Texans – With the DeShaun Watson situation still up in the air, and the road team 13-6-1 ATS in the last 20, let’s take the Jags -3.

Cleveland Browns at Kansas City Chiefs – While I like the Chiefs to win here, the Browns have covered in 4 of the last 5 versus KC.

Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots – The Dolphins have only covered once in their last 9 visits to Foxboro, so let’s take the Patriots -2 ½.

Green Bay Packers at New Orleans Saints – The favorite has covered in 6 of the last 8 meetings between these two, so that would mean the Saints ATS here.

Denver Broncos at New York Giants – The Broncos have covered the spread in 4 of their last 5 games versus the Giants, so let’s take them again here.

Chicago Bears at LA Rams – A pair of teams with new QB’s. The UNDER has hit in 6 of the last 8 between these two.

Baltimore Ravens at Las Vegas Raiders – The Ravens offense is great, but the UNDER has hit in 6 of Raven’s last 7 games on the road.

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We are in the way too early phase to start making picks for the NFL season, but how awful would it be if we didn’t try at all? I am going to take a look at all the games in Week 1 to see if I can pick a few winners. While all the odds are up for the games, I am strictly going to stick with straight up picks at this time. We will get into more detail with point spread and O/U as the season gets closer. Let’s get right to the picks so you can get all set to bet against their NFL odds.

NFL Week 1 Picks – Early Predictions for Every Game

Dallas Cowboys at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – The Thursday night game on Week 1 will see the champs hoist their banner and kick things off against the Cowboys. I’m sticking with the Buccaneers at home.

Philadelphia Eagles at Atlanta Falcons – I’m not really sure what to expect from either of these teams this season, so this is tough. I am taking Atlanta to win a close one.

Pittsburgh Steelers at Buffalo Bills – The Bills come into the early season as one of the early favorites to win the Super Bowl, and while this is a tough start, I think they open the season with a win.

Minnesota Vikings at Cincinnati Bengals – It is going to be fun to see Joe Burrow back from injury, but I still think this is going to be a long season for the Bengals. I’m on Minnesota here.

San Francisco 49ers at Detroit Lions – The 49ers may still have some indecision at the QB spot, but they are miles ahead of Detroit and should get off to a winning start.

Arizona Cardinals at Tennessee Titans – I am looking at the Cardinals as a definite dark horse pick this season, but this is a tough opener. I have to go with the Titans at home.

Seattle Seahawks at Indianapolis Colts – The Colts look like a team ready to challenge in the AFC, but is Carson Wentz the man to lead them? I have Indy winning a tight one.

LA Chargers at Washington Football Team – This is another tough one, but if the Washington D is anything like it was last year, they might surprise a few teams. I’m taking them as a slight underdog.

New York Jets at Carolina Panthers – A pair of different QBs for each of these teams from last season. I have a little more faith in the Panthers here.

Jacksonville Jaguars at Houston Texans – No real word on the DeShaun Watson situation in Houston, which has me leaning towards the Jags in Week 1.

Cleveland Browns at Kansas City Chiefs – Two teams expected to be in the race to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl meet in Week 1. Gotta go with the Chiefs at Arrowhead.

Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots – This is another matchup that is tough to predict. I expect a close one, but I like the Patriots to eke out the win.

Green Bay Packers at New Orleans Saints – UGH!! I’m not really sure what to do here given the current Aaron Rodgers situation. Leaning towards the Saints, but that might change.

Denver Broncos at New York Giants – This is a bout as close to a pick ‘em play as it gets. I am taking a shot with the slight underdog and going with the Giants.

Chicago Bears at LA Rams – For me, the Rams look like a legitimate threat this season, which is why I have them opening with a win over the Bears.

Baltimore Ravens at Las Vegas Raiders – Speaking of threats, we also need to mention the Ravens. I think they open with a comfortable win on the road.

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Sometimes the best way to start your handicapping is to figure out which teams are sure to lose. With that in mind, check out a list of NFL squads that are almost guaranteed to lose their first game of the season. Let’s get right to it so you can continue planning your bets against their NFL odds.

Sure Losers for Week 1 of the 2021 NFL Regular Season

2021 NFL Season – Week 1

When: Thursday, Sep.9 – Monday, Sep.13

Sure NFL Losers for Week 1

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers won’t be a terrible team, but because they’ve got the toughest schedule in the NFL, they may not win enough games to make the playoffs. A Week 1 loss is all but assured because Pittsburgh plays the Bills in Buffalo. NFL MVP favorite Josh Allen should dominate Pittsburgh’s defense.

Detroit Lions

One of the favorites to win the NFC, the San Francisco 49ers, head to Motor City to take on the Lions in Week 1. Detroit breaks in a new quarterback, Jared Goff, and is in rebuild mode. The Lions have no shot.

Seattle Seahawks

Surprised? Don’t be. Seattle has a big advantage with quarterback Russell Wilson. But the Colts aren’t in dire straits with Carson Wentz. More importantly, the Seahawks allowed 285 passing yards last season. Wentz should dominate the Hawks’ secondary.

New York Jets

In Week 1, the Jets face the Carolina Panthers and former quarterback Sam Darnold. Panthers’ coach Matt Rhule believes Darnold is the answer. If he’s right, Sam should light up a bad Jets’ defense. Yes, Zach Wilson should become a good pro. But he’s a rookie facing an underrated defense on the road in his first NFL start.

New England Patriots

Sure, New England takes on rival Miami at home. And, yes, the Patriots made some big changes on both offense and defense. But New England will either start Cam Newton or Mac Jones at quarterback. Jones is a rookie and Newton failed in 2020. Miami starts Tua Tagovailoa, who should play better in his second season because the Fins drafted one of Tua’s favorite targets at Alabama, Jaylen Waddle.

Green Bay Packers

Even if for some strange reason Aaron Rodgers and the Packers decide to get copasetic before the season starts, the Pack will fall to the Saints in Week 1. Sean Payton will have no trouble coaching Taysom Hill or Jameis Winston or both. The Saints’ defense should be just as good this season as last season, the offensive line didn’t change, and Alvina Kamara and Michael Thomas should both be one-hundred percent.

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National Football League teams head to training camps in July. Although it’s early, now’s the time to start preparing for NFL Week 1. Who knows? While preparing you might see an out of whack line that deserves a bet right now, today, well before the first NFL Preseason game. Check out a strategy that’s sure to help you handicap NFL Week 1 games as well future prop options. Let’s jump right into action so you can plan your bets against their NFL odds.

Optimal Handicapping Betting Strategy for Week 1 of the 2021 NFL Season

2021 NFL Season – Week 1

When: Thursday, Sep. 9 – Monday, Sep. 13

Top 4 NFL Week 1 Betting Strategies

Find overlays by selling the rumor and buying the news

“Sell the rumor and buy the news” is an old Wall Street saying. On Wall Street, investors love nothing more than to take advantage of amateurs who jump on the latest, greatest, investment vehicle like Bitcoin or GameStop stock.

The same thing happens in betting markets. For example, in NFL Week 1, the New England Patriots are -2 ½ favorites over the Miami Dolphins.

Now, maybe, after you handicap the game you’ll find that, yes, the Patriots should be favored. But before handicapping, think about it for a moment.

Miami’s quarterback is Tua Tagovailoa who already has experience starting in the NFL. The Patriots’ starting quarterback will be either Mac Jones, a rookie, or Cam Newton, who was awful last season.

The “rumor” is that Mac Jones looked great during mini-camp. Experienced NFL handicappers know that how a player looks during mini-camp, or even training camp, doesn’t always translate to how a player performs on Sundays.

Stick with 2020 NFL ATS winners

Teams that played well against the spread last year don’t always perform well against the spread the following year. In Week 1, though, the trend could hold.

Buffalo went 13-3 last year. They’re a -6 chalk against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 1. Miami went 11-5 ATS last season. We already know they’re a decent bet, at least right now, at +2 ½ versus the Patriots.

Consider coaching changes before player changes

Why is Jacksonville a -2 ½ favorite over the Houston Texans? Is it because Urban Meyer is their coach? Or is it because the Jaguars will start Trevor Lawrence at quarterback?

Either way, think about the coaching changes before player changes. The reason? Coaches set their team’s strategy.

So a coach like Texans’ HC David Culley, who has 27-years of experience in the NFL, may have an edge over Meyer. If you don’t believe us, think about the blowback Meyer and the Jaguars got for signing Tim Tebow to play tight-end.

Culley would have looked for a current NFL tight-end instead of signing someone who hasn’t played football in 2 years.

When in doubt, go with the better rushing team

This one is so obvious, we forget. The top rushing teams often outperform their opponents against the spread.

Other factors matter, of course. Don’t just blindly back the better rushing team. If nothing else affects your opinion, though, think about backing the team with a better ground attack.

Cleveland should end up a +6 underdog against the Chiefs in Week 1. The Browns are a much better rushing team. So think hard if Kansas City can cover the spread knowing the Browns will control the clock with their run game.

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Crazy weekend of trades and surprise roster moves around the NFL over the weekend, led by the Seattle Seahawks landing Texans defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, the former No. 1 overall pick. Yet Houston also got better by getting offensive lineman Laremy Tunsil and receiver Kenny Stills from Miami for draft picks. Here’s a look at every game on the Week 1 schedule, NFL odds and picks against the spread.

2019 NFL Week 1 Odds, Overview & Predictions

Green Bay at Chicago

NFL Week 1 Odds: Bears -3

Thursday night game. The Packers have largely dominated this series over the past decade but Chicago should have swept the Packers last year. They did win late in the season at Solider Field but blew a big third-quarter lead in Week 1 at Green Bay and lost. The Bears have covered their past seven games against NFC North foes and we think they do here. Pick: Bears.

Atlanta at Minnesota

NFL Week 1 Odds: Vikings -4

Two teams who disappointed last year but are good enough to win a Super Bowl this year is they stay healthy and catch the right breaks. Atlanta made a late change in the preseason at kicker in re-signing Matt Bryant to a one-year, $3 million deal. Bryant was released in February and went unsigned through training camp. The Falcons didn’t like what they saw from Giorgio Tavecchio and Blair Walsh this preseason. Atlanta has failed to cover the past four in the series. Pick: Vikings.

Washington at Philadelphia

NFL Week 1 Odds: Eagles -9.5

The Redskins aren’t likely going to be very good this year with Jay Gruden one of the favorites to be the first head coach fired. In a bit of a surprise, Gruden told reporters Monday that Derrius Guice will get more carries than Adrian Peterson this year. Guice missed all of last year with an injury. Pick: Redskins.

Buffalo at NY Jets (-3)

NFL Week 1 Odds: Jets -3

Pair of second-year quarterbacks face off in Josh Allen of Buffalo and Sam Darnold of the Jets. Both showed promising signs last year. Buffalo surprised many over the weekend in releasing veteran running back LeSean McCoy. That means rookie Devin Singletary likely will take over, although the team still has veterans Frank Gore and TJ Yeldon. Pick: Jets.

Baltimore at Miami

NFL Week 1 Odds: Ravens -7

Miami is probably the worst team in the NFL, especially after trading two starters, offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil and receiver Kenny Stills, to Houston over the weekend. The team also shipped out linebacker Kiko Alonso in a salary dump. The Fins are tanking my friends. Pick: Ravens.

San Francisco at Tampa Bay

NFL Week 1 Odds: PK

The 49ers have lost their past 12 games in the Eastern Time Zone. This will be the Bucs head coaching debut of Bruce Arians, the former Cardinals coach. Fifth-round rookie Matt Gay has won the Bucs’ kicking competition. Veteran Cairo Santos was released at final cuts Saturday. Pick: Bucs.

Kansas City at Jacksonville

NFL Week 1 Odds: Chiefs -4

Last year, the Chiefs beat the visiting Jaguars 30-14. Patrick Mahomes threw for 313 yards and ran for a score. The Chiefs defense picked off Blake Bortles four times and sacked him five. Kareem Hunt ran for 87 yards and a touchdown, and Travis Kelce hauled in five catches for 100 yards. Hunt’s gone now. Pick: Jaguars.

Tennessee at Cleveland

NFL Week 1 Odds: Browns -5.5

The Browns are a chic pick to win reach the first Super Bowl in franchise history this season; they are one of four active franchises to never make the game. The Titans have failed to cover the past four in this series. Pick: Browns.

LA Rams at Carolina

NFL Week 1 Odds: Rams -3

The Panthers will have quarterback Cam Newton. He injured his foot in Week 3 of the preseason but is good to go. For Newton, battling through injuries has become the norm. While he’s only missed five games in his career, he’s dealt with ankle issues, a fractured rib, a broken back suffered in a car accident, a torn rotator cuff and shoulder ailments in general. Pick: Panthers.

Cincinnati at Seattle

NFL Week 1 Odds: Seahawks -9.5

Top Bengals receiver AJ Green will miss this game and probably at least a few more. He’s still in a walking boot. The 31-year-old Green missed seven games last year and had career lows of 46 catches for 694 yards. He’s heading into the final year of his contract. Pick: Bengals.

Indianapolis at LA Chargers

NFL Week 1 Odds: Chargers -6.5

This matchup looked like one of the best of Week 1 until the Colts saw star QB Andrew Luck retire. The Chargers, meanwhile, remain without Pro Bowl running back Melvin Gordon as he continues his holdout. Indy is 2-7 ATS in the past nine meetings. Pick: Chargers.

Detroit at Arizona

NFL Week 1 Odds: Lions -2.5

It’s the NFL debut of Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray, last year’s Heisman Trophy winner at Oklahoma.

New Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury believes Murray will be the perfect quarterback to lead his air raid offensive system. The Cards are just 1-4 ATS in their past five at home. Pick: Lions.

NY Giants at Dallas

NFL Week 1 Odds: Cowboys -7

Will the Cowboys have star running back Ezekiel Elliott? He continues to hold out for a new contract but the sides reportedly are close to a deal. If it doesn’t happen in the next 24 hours, it will be hard to envision Elliott being ready to play by Sunday. The Giants have failed to cover the past four in the series. Pick: Cowboys.

Pittsburgh at New England

NFL Week 1 Odds: Patriots -5.5

Sunday night game. New England’s last loss in a game that counted was Week 15 of last season, 17-10 in Pittsburgh. Jaylen Samuels rushed for a career-high 142 yards for the Steelers. The Steelers had dropped five straight to New England and only beaten Tom Brady twice in his storied career. Pick: Patriots.

Houston at New Orleans

NFL Week 1 Odds: Saints -7

First Monday night game. Could be a Super Bowl preview, especially as Houston got better over the weekend with the trades for Miami’s Tunsil and Stills. Tunsil will protect Deshaun Watson’s backside, while Stills will immediately slot in as the No. 3 wideout behind DeAndre Hopkins and Will Fuller. Pick: Saints.

Denver at Oakland (pick’em)

NFL Week 1 Odds: PK

Second Monday night game. It’s the Broncos debut of quarterback Joe Flacco and coach Vic Fangio. It’s the Oakland debut of former Steelers All-Pro receiver Antonio Brown. Pick: Broncos.

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The 2019-2020 NFL Regular Season starts on Thursday, September 5, when the Chicago Bears host the rival Green Bay Packers. September 5 sounds like a long way from now. It’s not! Check out a complete betting guide to NFL Week 1!

2019 NFL Week 1 Complete Betting Guide

Really consider the big change that some NFL squads went through

Some big changes will help teams cover the spread in Week 1. Other changes might hurt a team’s chances to cover the spread. Let’s take Packers-Bears as an example.

Chicago is a -3 ½ home favorite. The Bears are one of the betting choices to win the Super Bowl. Green Bay is the second choice to win the NFC North Division after Chicago. The Packers went through, arguably, the biggest change of the offseason when former L.A. Rams and Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Matt LaFleur became their head coach.

Will LaFleur’s system flatter quarterback Aaron Rodgers? How will Rodgers play against Chicago with the new system?

Those are the questions to ask. Think about another team that went through a massive change, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Tampa is a -1 home favorite versus San Francisco in Week 1. Tampa Bay’s new head coach, Bruce Arians, turned the Arizona Cardinals into an NFC West contender. Arians has made big moves already. He wants to put his stamp on the Bucs. Does that mean Tampa is vulnerable in Week 1? Or, does that mean Arians makes Tampa Bay a contender right away?

Don’t discount NFL squads that stayed consistent

Consistent NFL teams should prevail against the spread in Week 1. The New Orleans Saints battle the Houston Texans in Week 1 as a -7 home favorite. That seems like a lot of points, but the Saints are a cover darling. They have been for the past couple of seasons. They should cover again.

The Patriots take on the Pittsburgh Steelers as a -6 favorite. Talk about big changes! The Steelers will play for the first time in years without wide receiver Antonio Brown and running back Le’Veon Bell. New England, even without Rob Gronkowski, has the edge.

Going back to Green Bay versus Chicago, the Bears should have the edge based on consistency. LaFleur’s offensive system isn’t easy to grasp. Rodgers will do it, but unless his supporting cast does as well, forget it. The Bears should cover.

NFL Week 1 Full Betting Game Guide

Check out a full run down of the NFL Week 1 games!

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Are you ready for some football?! We here at Mybookie Sportsbook sure are. Get up to a $1,000 sign-up bonus to get your bankroll started for the NFL season. Here’s a quick glance at every NFL Week 1 Odds alongside some predictions.

2018 NFL Week 1 Odds & Predictions for Each Game

NFL Week 1 Odds: (-2.5)

The annual Thursday night Kickoff Game, which the defending Super Bowl champions have largely dominated. However, that wasn’t the case last year as the New England Patriots were stunned at home as heavy favorites against the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Eagles won’t have either star quarterback Carson Wentz or No. 1 receiver Alshon Jeffery for this one. Thus, we’ll take Atlanta to avenge last season’s Divisional Round loss in Philly.

Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns

NFL Week 1 Odds: (+6)

Cleveland enters on a 16-game losing streak and almost never beats Ben Roethlisberger. The Steelers QB is 22-2 in his career against the team he grew up rooting for.

The Steelers also will have the services of RB Le’Veon Bell after he sat out the preseason before signing his franchise tag. Go Pittsburgh even though Cleveland will be a lot better this year.

San Francisco 49ers at Minnesota Vikings

NFL Week 1 Odds: (-6)

It’s the Minnesota debut (in a game that counts) of quarterback Kirk Cousins, the biggest offseason free-agent signing on the market. The 49ers are a chic playoff pick after winning their final five games last year under rising star QB Jimmy Garoppolo. Bet Vikings.

Cincinnati Bengals at Indianapolis Colts

NFL Week 1 Odds: (-3)

It’s Andrew Luck’s first regular-season game since Week 17 of the 2016 season. The Bengals are without top linebacker Vontaze Burfict do to suspension. Still like Cincinnati.

Buffalo Bills at Baltimore Ravens

NFL Week 1 Odds: (-7)

Coach Sean McDermott chooses Nathan Peterman over Josh Allen as the Buffalo Bills starting QB. Don’t forget AJ McCarron was traded to Oakland, so there’s no experimented backup at all. Go Ravens.

Jacksonville Jaguars at NY Giants

NFL Week 1 Odds: (+3)

The Jaguars are road favorites!? What year is this? It’s our first look at the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year favorite, Giants running back Saquon Barkley. He barely played in the preseason due to injury. Go with the Giants.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New Orleans Saints

NFL Week 1 Odds: (-10)

Biggest spread on the board because the Bucs are without suspended starting QB Jameis Winston. The Saints, though, are without starting running back Mark Ingram. They’ll win but that’s too many points.

Houston Texans at New England Patriots

NFL Week 1 Odds: (-6.5)

Per usual, the Patriots enter the season as Super Bowl favorites. Houston welcomes back QB Deshaun Watson, so good as a rookie before hurting his knee. Take Pats.

Tennessee Titans at Miami Dolphins

NFL Week 1 Odds: (+1.5)

Miami probably isn’t going to be very good this season. The Titans might take a step back after making the playoffs last season. Go with the home side.

Kansas City Chiefs at LA Chargers

NFL Week 1 Odds: (-3.5)

Now we find out if Kansas City was wise to trade away QB Alex Smith and hand things over to young Patrick Mahomes. The Chiefs have won eight straight in series but that ends here.

Seattle Seahawks at Denver Broncos

NFL Week 1 Odds: (-3)

It’s the Denver debut of Case Keenum, who helped lead Minnesota to last season’s NFC title game but was cast aside. The Seahawks seem to be a team in transition with the Legion of Boom broken up.

Hawks could be one of NFL’s worst teams if Russell Wilson were to get hurt. Take Denver.

Dallas Cowboys at Carolina Panthers

NFL Week 1 Odds: (-3)

Hard to know what to think of the Cowboys this year. Are they as good as they were in 2016 when they were 13-3? Probably not. A 9-7 team like last year? Hard to say.

They are a bit banged up on the offensive line. The Panthers go as Cam Newton goes. Go Panthers.

Washington Redskins at Arizona Cardinals

NFL Week 1 Odds: (pick’em)

Alex Smith makes his Redskins debut under center. So does Sam Bradford for Arizona, although it’s only a matter of time before he gets hurt because he always does. This is the only pick’em on the board. Take the Cards.

Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers

NFL Week 1 Odds: (-8)

The Sunday night game and NFL’s oldest rivalry. The Bears stunned the NFL over the weekend by trading for Raiders star end/linebacker Khalil Mack, the 2016 NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

That won’t be enough to beat Green Bay but Chicago can hang within a TD.

NY Jets at Detroit Lions

NFL Week 1 Odds: (-6.5)

The Jets’ Sam Darnold becomes the NFL’s youngest-ever Week 1 starting quarterback. Alas, I don’t think it’s going to go well for him in Motown. Take the Lions.

LA Rams at Oakland Raiders

NFL Week 1 Odds: (+4.5)

No way the Raiders are better than they were before trading Khalil Mack to Chicago. The Rams are a chic pick to win the Super Bowl and are absolutely loaded. They win.

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As of this writing, there are only 72 days until the 2017 NFL season kicks off! Teams will start reporting to training camps in just a few weeks. No reason to wait, however, as you can bet on NFL Week 1 games right now at MyBookie – although lines will certainly change should there be a major injury. Here are some notes for Week 1.

Complete NFL Week 1 Betting Guide for 2017 Season

Biggest Spread & Total

First of all, NFL Week 1 kicks off on Thursday, Sept. 7 with New England at -7.5 vs. Kansas City. The Patriots last hosted the Chiefs in the divisional round of the playoffs after the 2015 regular season. New England posted a 27-20 victory in that game, with tight end Rob Gronkowski’s two touchdown receptions helping the Patriots open a 21-6 lead in the third quarter in a game in which they weren’t really threatened.

Another storyline will be commissioner Roger Goodell’s presence at the game. He hasn’t been to a New England home game since Deflategate. The biggest opening line favorites for Week 1 are the Pittsburgh Steelers who opened as 9-point chalk on the road against the Cleveland Browns.

The highest total on the early betting board is between the Oakland Raiders and the Tennessee Titans, which opened at 52.5.

What Happened the Last Time Oakland and Tennessee Met?

Oakland played at Tennessee in Week 3 last year and won 17-10. Derek Carr threw for 249 yards and a touchdown. Oakland took control in the second quarter, scoring 10 points and outgaining the Titans 129-40 to take a 17-3 lead into halftime. Carr recently became the NFL’s highest-paid player, signing a five-year, $125 million extension.

Despite missing the 2017 regular-season finale, Carr finished tied for third in NFL MVP voting. He passed for 3,937 yards with 28 TD passes, six interceptions and set an NFL record with five winning touchdown passes in the fourth quarter or overtime last season.

Debuting On New Teams

Some big-name free agents changed teams this offseason. Perhaps the biggest is the greatest running back in Vikings history, Adrian Peterson. He signed with the New Orleans Saints… who opens 2017 at Minnesota.

Minnesota are 3.5-point NFL betting favorites. Peterson is 32 and coming off a meniscus injury that sidelined him for three months last season — and limited him to just 37 carries, a 1.9 yards-per-carry average and zero touchdowns. During offseason workouts, Peterson’s new teammates were amazed at him.

“He’s a stud, man. He looks the part,” Saints quarterback Drew Brees. “There’s something about handing the ball off to that guy and watching him run through the hole and take on anybody who tries to tackle him.” Peterson, though, isn’t even expected to be the featured back. That would be Mark Ingram.

Was Adrian Peterson Used Much in Minnesota?

The Vikings didn’t use Peterson much out of the backfield in recent years but says he can be a weapon in that regard. Peterson — who has 11,747 career rushing yards and 97 rushing touchdowns vs. 1,945 receiving yards and five receiving TDs – said that he just wasn’t used in that role much with the Minnesota Vikings.

But he pointed out that he had his two best receiving seasons in the two years that he played with quarterback Brett Favre (436 yards in 2009 and 341 in 2010). “So it's all about having a guy that’s gonna get the ball to you. And without a doubt, I know Brees will be doing that,” Peterson said.

Other big names moving were Marshawn Lynch from retirement/Seahawks to Oakland, the Saints trading Brandin Cooks to New England, the Eagles signing Alshon Jeffrey and LeGarrett Blount, and the Redskins signing Terrelle Pryor.

Who Will Be Browns QB?

Since the Cleveland Browns returned to the NFL in 1999, they have started an amazing 26 quarterbacks. Who will it be in Week 1 against Pittsburgh? That’s to be determined There are three guys, none of whom would seem to have a huge advantage. Second-year Cody Kessler knows the system and seems intent on improving.

Trade addition Brock Osweiler is a mystery and was awful last year in Houston. DeShone Kizer is the draft pick who has a lot of work to do. Kizer took a lot of his reps with the starters during OTAs and minicamp, so he must be a real threat to be the starter for the Browns when they open up the season.

Taken in the 2nd round of this year’s draft, Kizer was the 52nd overall pick. Looking at all four quarterbacks on the roster, that makes Kizer the highest pick on the team, since Osweiler was taken 57th overall back in 2012 by the Denver Broncos. Kessler was a third-round pick last year.

Will Cody Kessler Be the Starting QB?

“What I see in him is a big, strong, guy which is defined in this division by Ben [Roethlisberger] and by Joe Flacco, and this kid’s in that mold,” said QBs coach David Lee. “He’s 6-4 3/4, he’s got a 10-inch hand, he’s smart, he can run, he move.”

Last season, Coach Hue Jackson was quick to name Robert Griffin III the starter, but he might take a little more time to name the starter this year. I believe it will be Kessler in Week 1

Upcoming NFL Week 1 Schedule

Thursday, September 7th

Kansas City Chiefs at New England Patriots. 8:30pm ET. NFL Odds: Patriots at -7½

Sunday, September 10th

Monday, September 11th

New Orleans Saints at Minnesota Vikings. 7:10pm ET. NFL Odds: Vikings at -3½
LA Chargers at Denver Broncos. 10:10pm ET. NFL Odds: Broncos at -3½

Final NFL Week 1 Betting Predictions

With the time frame that’s left for the season to start, much can change and the odds can vary as well. The preseason will give us an idea where the teams are focusing on this year. But until then, be sure to check out upcoming NFL Week 1 game previews and predictions within the following weeks leading to the 2017 season. Lastly, start getting ready for a great season.

Previous Betting News

One of the NFL’s quarterback battles already has been decided as the Las Vegas Raiders will start journeyman Gardner Minshew over second-year Aidan O’Connell when the Silver & Black open the season as the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 1 with the Bolts as 3-point favorites on the NFL odds.

Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce had said that he planned to name the regular-season starter immediately after his team’s second preseason game. The Raiders fell to 0-2 this preseason on Saturday with a 27-12 home loss to Dallas.

My Analysis

O’Connell, who started a large chunk of last season as a rookie for Las Vegas, completed 14-of-20 passes for 96 yards, one touchdown and one interception in the loss. O’Connell entered the game after the first drive of the second quarter and played into the fourth quarter. He ended on a sour note as he threw a pick six on his final pass of the game.

Minshew drew the start after O’Connell started the team’s first preseason game but largely struggled against Mike Zimmer’s Dallas defense, leaving after the first drive of the second quarter with just three points to show for his work. Minshew completed 10-of-21 passes for 95 yards, adding five yards on his lone carry.

Asked specifically what went into the decision, Pierce pointed out the “experience” of Minshew, who is entering his sixth NFL season, as well as the totality of the competition.

“A lot of things went into it,” Pierce said. There’s a lot of factors. So, we feel like Gardner gives us the best opportunity to get off to a fast start, and that’s what we’re going with. We support him, our team’s behind it, our staff’s behind it, the organization’s behind it. … The operation, the process and just everything we saw in practice. Some of it showed up in the games. A lot of stuff we can get better at. I don’t think anything here is a finished product but based off of where we want to go in the first quarter of the season, we feel like Gardner gives us the best opportunity.”

Neither QB has had the entire first-team offense around him this preseason yet. Superstar WR Davante Adams hasn’t played this preseason while left tackle Kolton Miller also has yet to practice in training camp while recovering from an offseason shoulder surgery.

In two preseason games (one start), Minshew has gone 16-of-33 for 212 yards and one touchdown. He earned a 2023 Pro Bowl selection with the Colts, where he played in all 17 games (13 starts), completing 305-of-490 passes (62.2%) for 3,305 yards, 15 touchdowns, nine interceptions and an 84.6 passer rating. He also rushed for 100 yards and three touchdowns on 34 attempts.

However, Minshew also had 14 turnovers last year. Using expected points added per dropback, Minshew was the 18th-best quarterback in the league, slightly ahead of O’Connell (23rd). Over five seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Philadelphia Eagles and Colts, Minshew has started 37 games, posting a 15-22 record.

O’Connell started 10 games in total last year, given the starting spot by Pierce for the remainder of the season over Jimmy Garoppolo following then-head coach Josh McDaniels’ ousting. O’Connell was given ample chance to retain the QB1 spot this year because he had “earned” the chance to compete.

“Aidan is a young player that has tremendous upside,” Pierce said. “I think (he) will be a starter at some point in this league, whether it’s this year or next year. He will play in games.”

Going strictly by salary, Minshew ending up atop the depth chart isn’t unexpected. Now with his fourth NFL team, Minshew inked a two-year, $25 million contract this offseason to join the Silver and Black. O’Connell, a 2023 fourth-round pick, is due $915,000 in base salary.

The Raiders will be breaking in a new offense under new OC Luke Getsy, formerly of the Bears. Expect plenty of run-heavy sets with multiple tight ends in rookie Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer. Also Plenty of play-action set up by feeding running back Zamir White. And short and intermediate strikes to wideouts Adams and Jakobi Meyers as Getsy continues installation of his version of the West Coast offense.

What’s moderately interesting about this decision is that O’Connell did at least start twice against the Chargers last season and was 1-1 against them, including a stunning 63-21 win in Week 15 on a Thursday night after which the Chargers fired their head coach and GM.

O’Connell threw all four of his touchdown passes in the first half, and he finished with 248 yards passing. Minshew’s Colts didn’t face the Chargers last season. Bolts QB Justin Herbert was hurt early in 2024 training camp and will not play in the preseason but the expectation is he will be ready for Week 1 – otherwise, LA wouldn’t be favored.

Previous Betting News

If you’re getting ready for the start of the 2017 NFL regular season and you want to get your new betting season off to a positive start, (who doesn’t?) then you need to know the NFL Las Vegas odds for each and every Week 1 matchup and just how Las Vegas oddsmakers are viewing each pairing. To that end, this expert look at the Las Vegas betting odds for every NFL Week 1 matchup will both, inform and entertain.

Analyzing the NFL Las Vegas Odds 2017 Week 1 Matchups

Week 1

Kansas City Chiefs at New England Patriots

NFL Las Vegas Odds: Patriots -9 Total: 48.5

Oddsmakers are apparently expecting Tom Brady and the the New England Patriots to beat the hell out of every team they face in 2017, but I’m thinking that’s not gonna’ happen this coming season and that Kansas City and the Under are both looking good in this regular season opener.

New York Jets at Buffalo Bills

NFL Las Vegas Odds: Bills -6.5 Total: 42

The Bills are a near touchdown home fave, but things have changed since they jettisoned their top wide receiver and cornerback for a bag of trinkets.

Atlanta Falcons at Chicago Bears

NFL Las Vegas Odds: Falcons -7 Total: 51

Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons are touchdown road favorites which clearly shows oddsmakers expect them to be far superior to Chicago in 2017. I’m thinking a double-digit road win is in the works here.

Jacksonville Jaguars at Houston Texans

NFL Las Vegas Odds: Houston -4.5 Total: 40.5

The Jacksonville Jaguars changed everything – except they forgot that Blake Bortles is atrocious. The Houston Texans will enter the 2017 regular season with a real quarterback for the first time in the Bill O’Brien era and look like locks to cover the spread in Week 1 if you ask me.

Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Redskins

NFL Las Vegas Odds: Washington -1 Total: 48

Kirk Cousins and the Washington Redskins are only 1-point home favorites in their NFC East divisional showdown against Carson Wentz and the Philadelphia Eagles which says that oddsmakers believe the Skins lost too much in the offseason. This one should be a classic field goal finish people.

Arizona Cardinals at Detroit Lions

NFL Las Vegas Odds: Lions -1 Total: 48

Matthew Stafford and the perennially underachieving Detroit Lions are slight 1-point home faves against Carson Palmer and an Arizona Cardinals team I’m expecting to bounce back in a big way in 2017.

Oakland Raiders at Tennessee Titans

NFL Las Vegas Odds: Raiders -1 Total: 51.5

Make no mistake about it, there won’t be a whole lot of defense being played in this Week 1 matchup of playoff hopefuls. Whatever the Over is…I say, take it.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Miami Dolphins

NFL Las Vegas Odds: Buccaneers -2 Total: 45.5

Miami’s foolish move to acquire cry-baby quitter Jay Cutler after Ryan Tannehill was injured say a lot to me. Like, maybe Adam Gase isn’t nearly as smart as he looked in leading the Fins to 10 wins last season. The Bucs are looking good as slight road faves to me.

Baltimore Ravens at Cincinnati Bengals

NFL Las Vegas Odds: Cincinnati -3 Total: 43

Joe Flacco will likely miss this AFC North divisional clash for Baltimore, making the Bengals the ‘super easy’ pick to win and cash in at home as surprisingly low 1-point home faves.

Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns

NFL Las Vegas Odds: Pittsburgh -9 Total: 47

I don’t know what’s gotten into me, but suddenly, I’m thinking the Browns could cover the spread at home in this AFC North showdown as they keep the final score closer to a touchdown finish than a double-digit one.

Indianapolis Colts at Los Angeles Rams

NFL Las Vegas Odds: Indianapolis -3 Total: 47

Andrew Luck is likely going to miss this one for the Colts and if he does, the rams could not only cover, but win outright.

Seattle Seahawks at Green Bay Packers

NFL Las Vegas Odds: Packers -3 Total: 49.5

You can fully expect another knock-down, drag-out thriller that ends in a field goal finish when the Seahawks and Packers stage their latest ‘Instant Classic.’

Carolina Panthers at San Francisco 49ers

NFL Las Vegas Odds: Panthers -6 Total: 48

Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers look like easy pickings in this regular season opener.

New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys

NFL Las Vegas Odds: Cowboys -3.5 Total: 47.5

The Cowboys lost to the Giants twice last season and I don’t look like they should be a 3.5-point home favorite against the G-Men in their regular season opener, but hey, that’s just me!

New Orleans Saints at Minnesota Vikings

NFL Las Vegas Odds: Minnesota -3.5 Total: 48

I like the Minnesota Vikings and their outstanding defense, but I’m thinking future Hall of Fame signal-caller Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints are looking good with the extra half-point.

Los Angeles Chargers at Denver Broncos

NFL Las Vegas Odds: Broncos -3.5 Total: 44

Denver was much better than Los Angeles last season, but I’m thinking the Broncos could fail to cover in an AFC West divisional showdown that looks like a three-point finish to me.

Previous Betting News

In the grand scheme of things, NFL betting favorites often rule the in Week 1, so it comes as no surprise that the majority of the early money coming in on Week 1 NFL odds is on the favored teams. But the NFL being the crazy surprise-filled league that it is, anything can always happen, so you are better off locking your NFL picks based on dependable analysis rather than some ‘subjective’ numbers from our friends in Las Vegas.

Speaking of numbers, here are all the opening lines (spreads and game totals) for NFL Week 1, as released by CG Technology.

Kick Your NFL Betting Action With These Sure Winners for Week 1

Thursday, September 8, 2016

Carolina Panthers at Denver Broncos (-1, 43.5)

Monday, September 12, 2016

• Pittsburgh Steelers (-3, 50.5) at Washington Redskins
• Los Angeles Rams (-2, 46) at San Francisco 49ers

And as far as dependable analysis is concerned, here are our sure winners for NFL Week 1:

Carolina over Denver

After Denver got us handsomely paid by in Super Bowl 50, it is really tempting to ride with them once again, hoping the defense can bring it on once again. But this is team that is missing both of its starting QBs from last year’s campaign and it’s hard to trust Mark Sanchez or rookie selection Paxton Lynch, so the offense is likely to be in shambles. On the opposing camp, Cam Newton and his offense will have a plan ready to go against Denver’s defense in this revenge mission, while Carolina’s Luke Kuechly-led defense proved more than capable of taking care of its own last year. With all that considered, Carolina should be due for a win over Denver, as the Broncos kick-start their predicted let-down season.

Kansas City over San Diego

Looking at the manner in which the Chiefs finished the 2015-16 campaign (including a strong run in the playoffs), there is simply no way the disarrayed Chargers (who’ve barely done anything to solve their defensive decencies from last year) will be able to hang with KC in Kansas City.

Green Bay over Jacksonville

Aaron Rodgers may be a self-absorbed QB and Green Bay’s excuse-filled futility in the playoffs is starting to become a bore, but that doesn’t change the fact that Rodgers is baaaad man to f*** with! This guy threw two crucial Hail Mary’s last season (one in the regular season and one in the playoffs) and led his team to a 10-6 season, despite the fact that his key offensive weapons weren’t available for most of the season and Green Bay’s defense was not even among the top-10 in the league. With a healthy offense, an improved defense and a Jacksonville team that is led by the erratic Blake Bortles; I will take Green Bay on any given Sunday.

Indianapolis over Detroit

At fast glance, this looked to me as a trap game, considering the Colts are coming off an injury- laden and largely disappointing season yet Detroit saw Mathew Stafford give a couple of strong performances on the season. But then, I remembered that, Andrew Luck is miles better than Stafford, and had this game come at the start of the 2015-16 season when everyone was talking about Indy’s playoff-bound season; the Colts would have been favored by at least a touchdown. In short, expect Stafford to account for a s score or two, and Detroit’s D to make a couple of key stops; but when all is said and done, expect Luck to do anything and everything to lead Indianapolis to a win as he seeks to remind the league that he is still a top-5 QB in the league.

Pittsburgh Steelers over Washington

The Steelers favored over Washington by just three points? C’mon… You all know better than that! A healthy Ben Roethlisberger, along with fully-loaded offensive unit that includes Le’Veon Bell and Antonio Brown will lay down a massacre on the Redskins. And don’t even hope that Pittsburgh’s defense will be messing this one up; last I checked, the Steelers were among the top- 5 most-improved defensive teams in the league last year, thanks to a significant investment on the defensive side of the ball over the last couple of seasons.

Previous Betting News

The gang’s all here gridiron gamblers! That’s right…thanks to the NFL Week 1 picks and predictions that you’re about to get on each and every game on the 2016 docket, you’re going to have a great opportunity to cash in early and often this coming season. Okay, let’s rock and roll!

In Depth Analysis On The 2016 NFL Week 1 Expert Predictions

Thursday, September 8, 2016

Carolina Panthers at Broncos (-1.5, 43.5)

Simply put, I’m going with Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers to extract some revenge against the Denver Broncos and mediocre veteran Mark Sanchez!

Sunday, September 11, 2016

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Falcons (-3,46)

Matt Ryan and the Falcons will ‘hold it down’ at home against Jameis Winston and the Bucs after falling completely apart following a perfect 5-0 start a year ago.

Minnesota Vikings at Tennessee Titans (+3, 43)

I like Marcus Mariota and all, but the Tennessee Titans are not close to being ready to take down Adrian Peterson and a Minnesota Vikings squad with very real postseason plans.

Cleveland Browns at Philadelphia Eagles (-7.5, 45.5)

Go ahead and laugh, but I like RG3 and the rebuilding Browns to cover the spread as7.5-point road against Sam Bradford and the similarly rebuilding Eagles.

Cincinnati Bengals at New York Jets (+1, 43)

I love Jets’ head coach Todd Bowles, but the J-E-T-S are going D-O-W-N against Andy Dalton and a Cincinnati Bengals team that has reached the playoffs in five straight seasons.

Oakland Raiders at New Orleans Saints (PK, 50)

Derek Carr and the Oakland Raiders are a sexy pick to improve in a big way in 2016, but I’m going with the old dog, Drew Brees and the explosive Saints to get ‘er done as a home pick ‘em in this one!

San Diego Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs (-7, 43)

I like Alex Smith and the Kansas City Chiefs to roll to their fourth straight win that comes by more than seven points over Philip Rivers and the uninspiring San Diego Chargers.

Buffalo Bills at Baltimore Ravens (-3, 43.5)

I like Joe Flacco and the Ravens to get the home win against Tyrod Taylor and he Bills, but I think this Week 1 matchup is likely going to go down to the wire in my estimation, making the Over 43.5 points the pick for me!

Chicago Bears at Houston Texans (-5, 44.5)

J.J. Watt is going to be all up in cry baby Jay Cutler’s face all day while leading the Texans to the touchdown win as 5-point home faves.

Green Bay Packers at Jacksonville Jaguars (+3.5, 47)

Seriously? Aaron Rodgers and the Packers are going to cruise to victory over a Jacksonville Jaguars team that is heading in the right direction, but not quite ready for prime time!

Miami Dolphins at Seattle Seahawks (-8.5, 44.5)

As a Dolphins lifer, I’m hoping new head coach Adam Gase figures out that Ryan Tannehill will get him fired if he stays the starter in Miami for more than this coming season at most. Seattle wins in a double-digit rout!

New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys (-4, 50)

The Cowboys have pretty much owned the Giants recently, but I’m thinking this is going to be a field goal finish the G-Men cover.

Detroit Lions at Indianapolis Colts (-4, 50)

I’m thinking Andrew Luck and Matthew Stafford are going to light up the scoreboard in a high-scoring matchup that plays just over the high, 50-point total!

New England Patriots at Arizona Cardinals (-1, 51.5)

No Tom Brady means the Patriots have no chance to beat an Arizona Cardinals team with legitimate Super Bowl hopes!

Monday, September 12, 2016

Pittsburgh Steelers at Washington Redskins (-3, 50.5)

I know Kirk Cousins and the Redskins won nine games to win the NFC East and reach the playoffs, but they’re not in the same class of contenders as Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers. Pittsburgh wins and covers with room to spare!

Los Angeles Rams at San Francisco 49ers (-2, 46)

The Rams have an elite defensive line and running back in Todd Gurley, but I’m going with Chip Kelly’s high-scoring offense to lead the Niners to the narrow home win and ATS cover in his debut!

Previous Betting News

Let’s take an early look at the National Football League. And if by early, you are ready to make some bets in May for the games that start in September, here you go. Here are a trio of National Football League Week 1 online odds predictions.

2016 NFL Season Week 1 Betting Predictions

Cleveland Browns vs. Philadelphia Eagles

The Cleveland Browns are starting the season, and Robert Griffin III is the head man behind center. Will Griffin III stay healthy until this game? For Philadelphia, the big question will be Carson Wentz or Sam Bradford? Philadelphia is paying Bradford a ton of money, so it’s got to be him, right? Look for Philadelphia to get off to a fast start in this game. The Eagles are glad to be facing one of the worst teams in the league to start the season. Philadelphia comes into this game as a touchdown favorite, and that’s not enough in this game. The bet for NFL Week 1 is the Philadelphia Eagles -7 over the Cleveland Browns.

San Diego Chargers vs. Kansas City Chiefs

In a battle of AFC West teams, this will actually be one of the best games of the opening week. San Diego has hopefully for their sake taken care of some of their defensive woes, and also their inability to have a top receiver. The Chargers are going to want to run the football, and take care of it. Kansas City is a question mark this season, as Andy Reid’s team will try to run the football as well. Alex Smith is still under center for the Chiefs, and Phillip Rivers is with San Diego. This game has too many points in Vegas. The Kansas City Chiefs are a touchdown favorite over the San Diego Chargers, and we want the underdog. Bet the San Diego Chargers +7 over the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 1.

Miami Dolphins vs. Seattle Seahawks

The Miami Dolphins went out on a little bit of a limb in their draft by getting Laramy Tunsil from Ole Miss, but they are excited about him protecting Ryan Tannehill. The Dolphins must have a monster season from Tannehill for them to compete in the AFC East. Seattle is going to once again be a great team, but are going to have to figure out their running game. In this opening game, the travel for the Dolphins is going to catch up with them right away. Look for a great first half game, but in the second half, Seattle runs away with it. Bet the Seattle Seahawks -7 over the Miami Dolphins in Week 1 of the NFL season.

There you have it. Some early season predictions out of the National Football League for Week 1. The countdown is on!

Previous Betting News

While most quarterback battles around NFL training camps currently ongoing are between a rookie and a veteran player, that’s not the case for the Las Vegas Raiders as second-year Aidan O’Connell and veteran journeyman Gardner Minshew fight for the No. 1 job.

Reports are that Minshew perhaps has slightly pulled ahead, with both set to play Saturday when the Raiders visit the Minnesota Vikings in the preseason opener for both. Las Vegas is a 5-point favorite on the NFL odds.

My Analysis

O’Connell finished as Purdue’s all-time leader in completion percentage (66.7), passer rating (141.8) and 500-yard passing games (two) and ranked fourth in program history in career completions (826), fifth in touchdown passes (65) and sixth in passing yards (9,219). Impressive numbers, as Purdue has had a lot of good QBs over the years, led by Drew Brees. O’Connell was a fourth-round pick by the Raiders in the 2023 draft.

He equipped himself well as a rookie last season, leading the Raiders to a 5-5 record in his 10 starts. He threw for 2,218 yards on 213-for-343 passing (62.1%) with 12 touchdown passes, seven interceptions and a 40.5 QBR – he had eight touchdown passes to zero interceptions in the final four games. Mobility and pocket awareness were issues on occasion, as he was sacked 24 times.

However, O’Connell basically had to start over this year given that Las Vegas has a new scheme in place authored by new offensive coordinator Luke Getsy.

“It is a change because it’s a new offense, so it’s a little bit like starting over,” O’Connell said. “But at the same time, it is now my second year in the NFL. I think all the extra rookie stuff I don’t have to do anymore is really a weight off my shoulders. And so, yeah, definitely feeling more comfortable … it’s obviously a competition, so [I’m] trying to put my best foot forward every day.”

Required Points

Las Vegas coach Antonio Pierce said he wanted a “minimum 24 points” out of a new offensive coordinator, after the Raiders averaged 19.5 points per game under former coach Josh McDaniels and interim offensive coordinator Bo Hardegree in 2023 To average 24 points, the Raiders would need to score 408 points, a mark they have hit only three times since their 2002 Super Bowl season.

NFL Draft

The Raiders wanted to take their future QB in the first round of this year’s draft, but a whopping six were off the board when Las Vegas picked Georgia All-American tight end Brock Bowers. The team wanted to trade up and try for 2023 Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels of LSU, as Pierce originally recruited Daniels at Arizona State, but Washington stayed put at No. 2 and took Daniels. Raiders general manager Tom Telesco said after the draft that no trade opportunity to move up arose in the first round, and that they had no interest in drafting a quarterback after Day 1.

The Raiders have used a first-round draft pick on a quarterback only five times in their history — Roman Gabriel (1962), Eldridge Dickey (1968), Marc Wilson (1980), Todd Marinovich (1991) and JaMarcus Russell (2007).

The Contract

Minshew signed a two-year, $25 million free agent contract with the team this off season. Last year, he was only on a one-year, $3 million deal with the Colts but had a strong season, starting 13 games in place of injured starter Anthony Richardson and throwing for 15 touchdowns and a career-high 3,305 yards. Minshew, 28, became a Pro Bowler for the first time, standing in as an alternate for the AFC.

Pierce indicated Monday that he expects both Minshew and O’Connell to play “a legit quarter” in Saturday’s preseason opener against the Vikings but didn’t reveal who’ll take the first snaps.

“Who goes out first and who goes out second really doesn’t matter. [They will] get hopefully an equal amount of snaps and opportunity to showcase,” Pierce said.

Throughout the off season, Pierce has allowed O’Connell to get the initial reps, but equaled out the opportunities with Minshew. And reports are that Minshew has looked better in camp and might have taken the lead after outplaying O’Connell in Saturday’s intrasquad scrimmage.

Minshew has more mobility than O’Connell and looks more comfortable throwing off rollouts or scrambles. But it has been his in the pocket, when he stayed put and went through his progressions, that has stood out of late.

Getsy’s West Coast offense is predicated on throws made with timing and precision. The goal is to quickly and accurately get the ball out to the playmakers. By all accounts, the Raiders offense has struggled regardless of who has been under center during camp.

“They’re going against a very good defense,” Pierce said. “I think they’re feeling that. I think that’s good for our team, the competition part. But obviously, somebody again has to just step up.”

McCarthy’s Debut

Saturday also should be the NFL debut of Vikings rookie QB JJ McCarthy, the No. 10 overall pick out of Michigan, as he battles veteran Sam Darnold for the Minnesota starting job – Darnold should win that for Week 1 of the regular season. Had McCarthy been there at No. 13 in this year’s draft, the Raiders almost surely would have taken him.

Preseason Game Preview

The Raiders and Vikings played one of the worst offensive games in recent NFL history in Week 14 last year, with Minnesota winning 3-0 in Las Vegas. It was the league’s lowest scoring regular-season game in 16 years. Greg Joseph’s 36-yard field goal with 1:57 left was the winner. It was the first 3-0 game since Pittsburgh beat Miami on Nov. 26, 2007. O’Connell completed 21 of 32 passes for 171 yards with an interception in the loss.

Raiders vs Vikings

Saturday, August 10, 4:00 PM at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, MN | NFL Net/NFL+

Previous Betting News

Let’s look ahead at the National Football League. Skip passed the preseason, and move right to the Week 1 action. Bets are coming in on a daily basis regarding the opening week of the National Football League. Let’s take a look at Week 1 NFL betting odds analysis.

2016 NFL Season Week 1 Odds Analysis

Carolina Panthers vs Denver Broncos

The first game of the season is the Carolina Panthers at the Denver Broncos. This is a rematch of the Super Bowl from a season ago. The Carolina Panthers are favorites in this game, but barely. Carolina comes into this game as -1.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Atlanta Falcons

On Sunday, out of the NFC South, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are on the road at the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons are a small favorite in this game. Atlanta is listed at -3 for NFL Week 1.

Minnesota Vikings vs Tennessee Titans

The Minnesota Vikings go on the road to the Tennessee Titans. The Vikings are coming off their postseason run of a season ago. In this game, the Vikings are on the road, but a small favorite. Minnesota is favored by a field goal over the Tennessee Titans.

Cleveland Browns vs Philadelphia Eagles

The Cleveland Browns are on the road at the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 1. The Eagles like their Week 1 opponent, which should allow them to get off to a good start. Philadelphia is a 7.5 point favorite over the Browns in Week 1.

Cincinnati Bengals vs New York Jets

The Cincinnati Bengals and New York Jets should be a great game. The Bengals are looking to get back to the postseason, but have a tough first round match up. Cincinnati is favored, but barely in week 1. Cincinnati is listed at -1 over the Jets.

Oakland Raiders vs New Orleans Saints

The Oakland Raiders and New Orleans Saints will be another game that should be competitive. The Raiders are a slight underdog, but just by a point. New Orleans comes into this Week 1 affair at -1.

Buffalo Bills vs Baltimore Ravens

The Buffalo Bills are a three point underdog on the road at the Baltimore Ravens. Both these teams are looking to improve upon their frustrating season of 2015.

Chicago Bears vs Houston Texans

The Chicago Bears meet up with the Houston Texans in Week 1. The Bears roster is going to look different, and younger. They will struggle in this road game against Houston. The Houston Texans are -4.5 over the Chicago Bears in Week 1.

Green Bay Packers vs Jacksonville Jaguars

The Green Bay Packers face a tough test, taking on the young, improved Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 1. The Packers are a small favorite in this game. Green Bay is listed at -4 over Jacksonville for their opening game.

Miami Dolphins vs Seattle Seahawks

The Miami Dolphins are on the road at the Seattle Seahawks. The Seahawks are expected to be one of the best teams in the league again in 2016. Seattle comes into this Week 1 game at -7.5 over the Dolphins.

New York Giants vs Dallas Cowboys

The New York Giants are an underdog on the road at the Dallas Cowboys. When these two play, it’s always a big game. The Dallas Cowboys are at home, and they are the favorite in this game. Dallas is listed at -4 in Week 1.

Detroit Lions vs Indianapolis Colts

The Detroit Lions are on the road at the Indianapolis Colts. This could be an ugly Week 1 game, as the Lions are going to be one of the worst teams in the NFL, and the Colts are due for a large comeback season. The Indianapolis Colts are -5 over the Lions.

The New England Patriots are on the road at the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1. What a great Week 1 matchup. Tom Brady is out, as of right now, but will he be back? Right now, the Patriots are -1 over the Arizona Cardinals.

Pittsburgh Steelers vs Washington Redskins

The Pittsburgh Steelers are a field goal favorite over the Washington Redskins. We will see if Kirk Cousins can continue his magic, now the main man at quarterback for Washington. Pittsburgh is -3.

Los Angeles Rams vs San Francisco 49ers

The Monday Night Football game is the Los Angeles Rams at the San Francisco 49ers. It’s the first game for the Los Angeles Rams. They are just a small favorite. The Rams are -1 over the San Francisco 49ers for Week 1.

There you have it. The NFL Week 1 Odds Analysis. Best of luck with your betting, stay tuned for more NFL talk as the summer moves in and out!

Previous Betting News

Let’s take an early look at the National Football League. And if by early, you are ready to make some bets in May for the games that start in September, here you go. Here are a trio of National Football League Week 1 lines predictions.

2016 Pro Football Season Week 1 Betting Odds Preview

New York Giants vs. Dallas Cowboys

This is going to be an awful Week 1 game. This is one of the games fans in the National Football League are looking forward to the most. What a rivalry game. If Eli Manning and Tony Romo remain healthy through the pre-season this will be fun to watch. Manning will look to toss the football all over the field on the Cowboys defense. Dallas will use their rookie running back Ezekiel Elliott in this one, but the Giants will have enough to slow him down. In the first game without Tom Coughlin as head coach, the New York Giants find a way to win this game. The bet for Week 1 of the NFL season is the New York Giants +4 over the Dallas Cowboys.

Detroit Lions vs. Indianapolis Colts

We are expecting a monster season out of Andrew Luck and the Indianapolis Colts. Of course, many predicted that last season, and ineffective play, and injuries put him back. The Colts didn’t make the postseason a season ago. They will advance this season. Look for the Indianapolis Colts to get off to a great start in this game, and roll to a win over one of the worst teams in the National Football League in 2016. The bet for this game is the Indianapolis Colts -6 over the Detroit Lions in Week 1.

Chicago Bears vs. Houston Texans

The Chicago Bears are a younger team, but they are still not super talented. There is a reason, the Bears were bad a season ago. Jay Cutler is back at quarterback, and if he is healthy will have Alshon Jeffrey back in action. For Houston, Brock Osweiler is back, and that Texans defense is really good. The Texans will battle with the Indianapolis Colts at the top of the AFC South once again. Look for the Houston Texans to start strong in this game, and win. The bet in Week 1 of the National Football League is the Houston Texans -4 over the Chicago Bears.

Are you ready for some football? We know we are! It’s never too early to start talking about the National Football League. There is a best look at the National Football League Week 1 predictions! Enjoy!

Previous Betting News

As the summer days continue to slip away, we get ever closer to the start of the 2016 NFL season. Training camps will soon be in full swing, and the pre-season will give us a tiny glimpse into what we might expect from each team in this league. The online NFL betting odds for Week 1 are up, other than the morning line, of course, so let’s take a look at all the games, and what might be some solid betting picks for the opening week of the season.

Analyzing The 2016 NFL Week 1 Expert Picks

Panthers at Broncos

Things get rolling on Thursday, September 8 with a rematch of Super Bowl 50. The Panthers come into this one as a 2.5-point road favorite. That’s a little too tight for my tastes, and I would probably be happier going with the UNDER 43 points.

Buccaneers at Falcons

These are two teams who are probably looking down the barrel of losing seasons, so a Week 1 win might be essential to build some confidence. Gotta like the Falcons at home -3 in this one.

Vikings at Titans

Two of the best young QB’s in the game will be on display in this one, but I think it will be Teddy Bridgewater who get the edge here. I have to go with the Vikings -3 on the road, and would not be surprised if the OVER 42 points hit here.

Browns at Eagles

Not really sure what to expect from either of these two teams this season, but given that the Browns are routinely bad, the -6.5 odds for the Eagles looks pretty tempting.

Bengals at Jets

It’s likely going to be Cincinnati and Pittsburgh going for the AFC North crown, and the Bengals will be looking for a winning start against a tough Jets team. I like the Bengals -1.5, and I also like the OVER 41.5.

Raiders at Saints

Oakland could well be one of the dark horse teams this season, and this is a chance for them to get off to a winning start. I like the Raiders +1.5 as a surprise road winner here.

Chargers at Chiefs

Kansas City Chiefs are notoriously tough to beat at Arrowhead Stadium, and they look as though they are going to have a good defense again this season. That said, I think the -7 is a little too much, and I like the Chargers to cover.

Bills at Ravens

One of the trickier Week 1 match-ups, in my opinion. The Ravens are a 2.5-point home favorite, but I am leaning more towards the UNDER 43 here.

Bears at Texans

Houston is once again considered a dark horse, but that is where they seem to start every season. Still, I think they are good value at -6 in this one.

Packers at Jaguars

This Jacksonville team has a real chance to compete this season, but this I a tough way to start the season. I like the Packers -4, and the OVER 47.

Dolphins at Seahawks

Seattle are always a good bet at home, but I have to say that the -8.5 does not sit well with me. I like the Dolphins to cover here.

Giants at Cowboys

This screams field goal game to me, which is why I like the Giants +3.5. The UNDER 49 also seems very tempting.

Lions at Colts

This is where life without Calvin Johnson begins for the Lions, and that period of adjustment will probably have them falling to the Colts who are a 5-point betting favorite.

Patriots at Cardinals

No Tom Brady in the line-up versus what is likely to be one of the best defenses in the league equals an Arizona win on Sunday night.

Steelers at Redskins

Tough road game for the Steelers, but I still like them at -3, and I also like the chances of the OVER 50.5.

Rams at 49ers

Todd Gurley is going to go off in this one, IMHO. I like the Rams as a 2-point road favorite, and I also like the UNDER 46.