If you started reading this article, a buck gets ten you’re going to bet on the NFL this season. You might already even have some of your Week 1 picks; if not, then perhaps we have something to help you make up your mind.
Here are some suggestions on how to bet (and win) of NFL’s Week 1 games:
NFL Week 1 Betting Predictions
Kansas City Chiefs vs New England Patriots
Thursday, September 7, 8:30 PM
Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
Spread: Patriots -8 -115
Analysis: As the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Patriots aren’t the surprise favorites. They’ve also bulked up the roster that turn them into an even more formidable squad. However, nobody can say the Chiefs can’t hold their own even as a big underdogs. In fact, the line seems high and I smell value on taking it.
Pick: Chiefs +8 -105
New York Jets vs Buffalo Bills
Sunday, September 10, 1:00 PM
Ralph Wilson Stadium, New York
Spread: Bills -7 -110
Analysis: It should surprise you that the Jets end up once more as one of the worst teams in the league this year. Both Josh McCown or Christian Hackenberg aren’t exactly stellar quarterbacks. And, their defense will be as porous as ever, especially against the pass. That’s not to say the Bills are a Super Bowl worthy team, but they are a head above the Jets.
Pick: Bills -7
Jacksonville Jaguars vs Houston Texans
Sunday, September 10, 1:00 PM
NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas
Spread: Texans -5½-110
Analysis: Jacksonville shored up its defense which should keep them in games. However, their offense led by Blake Bortles won’t amount to much. The Texans also face problems in the quarterback position but are far better both on offense and especially defense.
Pick: Texans -5½-110
Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cleveland Browns
Sunday, September 10, 1:00 PM
FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio
Spread: Steelers -9 -105
Analysis: The Steelers are among the favorites to make it to the Super Bowl this year. The Browns, well, can’t even smell the sweet taste of victory. But, Cleveland’s offense should be able to keep this game somewhat close and I don’t see it turning into a blowout.
Pick: Browns +9 -115
Arizona Cardinals vs Detroit Lions
Sunday, September 10, 1:00 PM
Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan
Spread: PK -110
Analysis: The Lions could make a deep run into the playoffs this year given their offensive qualities. Led by Matthew Stafford, who is at the top of his game, Detroit can scare whomever they face. Meanwhile, Arizona has lost some key defensive players that should hamper their abilities to dominate as they did in previous years.
Pick: Lions SU
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Miami Dolphins
Sunday, September 10, 1:00 PM
Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens
Spread: Buccaneers PK-110
Analysis: This is another game where the teams are evenly matched. Though the Dolphins have the home field advantage, given the opened at 2.5 and now is at PK, it doesn’t make too much of a difference.
Pick: Buccaneers SU
Atlanta Falcons vs Chicago Bears
Sunday, September 10, 1:00 PM
Soldier Field, Chicago
Spread: Falcons -6.5 -115
Analysis: The Bears come into this season as an underrated squad. Their defense is solid and have a strong running game backed up by its capable inside offensive line. Though there are some questions surrounding Mike Glennon’s effectiveness leading the offense, Chicago should be able to stay in the fight.
Pick: +6.5 -105
Oakland Raiders vs Tennessee Titans
Sunday, September 10, 1:00 PM
LP Field, Nashville
Spread: Titans -2 -115
Analysis: These two teams are at the top of the AFC. Oakland is slightly better than the Titans though they head into this game as the underdogs. Given the home field advantage, Tennessee gets the edge.
Pick: Titans -2 -115
Baltimore Ravens vs Cincinnati Bengals
Sunday, September 10, 1:00 PM
Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati
Spread: Ravens -2.5
Analysis: Given how both of these team’s offseason went, it would be surprising that either have a successful season this year. This will be an evenly matched game, but the home field advantage might give the Bengals the edge.
Pick: Bengals +2.5
Philadelphia Eagles vs Washington Redskins
Sunday, September 10, 1:00 PM
FedExField, Hyattsville, MD
Spread: Redskins -1-103
Analysis: Lane Johnson made the Eagles a formidable threat on offense. This year, they added more talent to the roster during the offseason which should give Philadelphia an even better chance of making a deeper run into the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Redskins had a tough offseason which I believe affect them this year.
Pick: Eagles +1-117
Indianapolis Colts vs Los Angeles Rams
Sunday, September 10, 4:05
A. Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles
Spread: Colts -3-115
Analysis: Jared Goff didn’t amount to much last year, in fact, the Rams didn’t cover the spread in any of last year’s games (not once!). It doesn’t matter that the Rams have a good defense because when the offensive line gets on the field, they suck as much as Goff does.
Pick: Colts -3-115
Carolina Panthers vs San Francisco 49ers
Sunday, September 10, 4:25 PM
Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, California
Spread: Panthers -6 -110
Analysis: San Francisco won’t be competitive any time soon, even with Kyle Shanahan’s voodoo magic. Meanwhile, Carolina is due to bounce back this year after last year’s horrid campaign, that is, depending on Cam Newton’s health.
Pick: Panthers -6 -110
Seattle Seahawks vs Green Bay Packers
Sunday, September 10, 4:25 PM
Lambeau Field, Green Bay
Spread: Packers -3½ EV
Analysis: Seattle didn’t do anything to shore up their offensive line this year, which will land them in hot water on many occasions. Against a top team like the Packers, Seattle will struggle to put up points even if Green Bay’s secondary is weak.
Pick: Packers -3½ EV
New York Giants vs Dallas Cowboys
Sunday, September 10, 8:30 PM
AT&T Stadium, Arlington
Spread TBD
Analysis: The Cowboys lost a few key players including some who were vital to their offensive effectiveness. They also don’t have much of a home field advantage.
Pick: Giants
New Orleans Saints vs Minnesota Vikings
Monday, September 11, 7:10 PM
U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis
Spread: Vikings -3½-110
Analysis: The Vikings hit the ground running last year and flew through the first five games. But, they then fell to pieces at the latter part of the season. Minnesota’s offensive line was mostly to blame and they didn’t do anything to fix it. The Saints are a under-performing team; however, Drew Brees is one of the leagues premier QB’s and almost always finishes at the top of most offensive categories.
Pick: Saints +3½-110
Los Angeles Chargers vs Denver Broncos
Monday, September 11, 10:20 PM
Sports Authority Field, Denver
Spread: Broncos -3½-105
Analysis: The Broncos will be treading through mud on offense this year because of how bad their blocking unit is. The Chargers were hobbled by injuries last year and most likely it’ll be the same in this campaign. However, until Los Angeles is crippled by injuries, they’re a good bet.
Pick: Chargers +3½ -115
