The NFL season is finally upon us. As we get into the first week everyone is preparing. Fantasy football drafts are beginning, fans are breaking out their jerseys. But more importantly, betting lines have opened. That’s what we’re here for, to give insight on NFL Week 1 betting.
San Francisco 49ers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
San Francisco and Jimmy G, they will be the show this year no question for me and will come into Week 1 strong. Jimmy G with the preseason under his belt will continue to improve after the injury. Having Kittle back and adding Deebo Samuel in Week 1 will only help him more. One of the big players to watch will be Deebo, he has played hard through preseason and training camp, and will become Jimmy’s No. 2 target behind Kittle of course. In whole the 49ers’ lineup looks very good, but there is some worries in a couple spots. Questionable players have us worried, Nick Bosa, Trent Taylor, Dante Pettis and Center Winston Richburg are all listed as questionable for Week 1. My main worries are the Center and Defensive pass rusher Nick Bosa, the WRs I can deal with being questionable.
Tampa Bay, I have some worries about. Jameis Winston, in my opinion shouldn’t be starting and wouldn’t be if there was a better option for them. Adding for that their top targeted WR in Mike Evans is questionable. Which will lead to Winston forcing passes to the other receivers and the Bucs Offense running the ball more than they are used to. Although i would trust Peyton Barber with the ball on average. I can’t expect for him to perform over average for being over worked throughout the game. Another problem with Tampa Bay is the Defense is hurt and the backups are hurt. Now for a hurt Defense to go up against an Offense that put up at least 20 point in all 4 preseason games. Leading into the season is a huge turn away for me.
–Take the 49ers at +1 here, can’t bet on a hurt Defense
New England Patriots vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Beginning with the Steel Curtain, coming over to New England. Big Ben, Juju and James Conner are under a hard microscope this season. Big Ben is coming into this season with a chip on his shoulder, playing the last couple years with the best RB and WR in the league. Although they have helped Big Ben thrive in the Steelers offense. Emotions have been indifferent with the teammates after their departures. Juju Smith-Schuster is the new WR1 in Pittsburgh and is being questioned if he can handle the spotlight. Although it worries me as well Juju has put up better stats while AB was off the field in the past. So I don’t think he will have an issue with the spotlight. James Conner should be no concern for anyone, but will he put up the same or better stats as last year? I don’t believe he will exceed the points that he put up last year. For the Defense, I’m not looking at anything big from them and expect to see an average performance.
Transitioning to the Reigning Champs, The Patriots have added some new weapons around Brady. Jakobi Meyers, D. Thomas and Josh Gordon are some notable receivers to watch for Week 1. Jakobi Meyers is a rookie for the Patriots, having a huge impact in the preseason and impressing alot of analyst with his ability. Josh Gordon is returning from a suspension and hopefully will be on the straight and narrow under Bill Belichick. He looks to be in good shape coming into practice fast after being reinstated. Brady needs some big targets in the absent of Gronk, D. Thomas and Gordon will be those WRs for the Patriots this year. A big concern is C David Andrews, who will be out with blood cloths in his lungs. The Defense looks like a mostly returning squad from last year but in better shape, which is a huge plus for New England.
–Take New England here as the Patriots are never a bad bet in Week 1 at -6
Miami Dolphins vs. Baltimore Ravens
Ravens are looking great coming out of preseason 4-0 and won every game by double digits. Lamar Jackson is my guy this year, he will greatly improve on last years stats and performances. Baltimore has kept on 6 receivers on the 53-man roster, which will leave Jackson with lots of options. So, to stray away from the Offense, the Ravens has been a force on defense since I can remember. Tony Jefferson had 53 tackles last season with 1 INT and a sack, he will only continue to stun the opposing offenses. This will be a Top 2 Defense by the end of the regular season.
The Miami Dolphins are starting QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, now that isn’t to much of a shock after preseason but I like it. Fitzpatrick has had some sort of magic in the first 4 games of the regular season in the past, after that he disappears. That being said you can’t bet on magic against a Defense like Baltimore. As of other players the Dolphins traded away WR Kenny Stills and veteran G Laremy Tunsil to Houston for Draft Picks, which doesn’t help them here.
–Take the Baltimore Defense against the Fitz-magic in this one at -7.
Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Bears
Bears defense No.1 last year, adding multiple new additions and with the new shiny pieces comes high expectations. Tubisky has another year under his belt, but I’m still not sold on his consistent ability. Aaron Rodgers, a stud in the Green Bay offense, but his new head coach and playbook are rolling well. Rodgers and the new head coach have not been getting along per sources from around the league. The Bears are the better team here with their powerhouse Defense and new additions on the offense. Green Bay is too tippy for me to take trust in the new Head Coach.
-Take the Bears in Week 1, they will cover at -3.5 and go under holding the Packers to little points.
Cleveland Browns vs. Tennessee Titans
Cleveland Browns, who would think to see the day they could become a playoff threat. I’m excited to see this frat house succeed, and it looks promising. Last year they looked like a typical Cleveland team, even under the frat leader Baker Mayfield. Finishing 7-8-1 last season was nothing for the average NFL fan base but it got Cleveland moving. Adding OBJ as the new shiny One-handed WR, trading Duke Johnson to Houston to free up space for Kareem Hunt when he’s ready. Browns also acquire WR Taylor from the Titans, he had 37 catches for 466 yds. Tennessee looks a lot less promising, I still have low hopes for Mariota. At the RB position they have Henry and Lewis, 2 great players but can they share the ball? The Browns are inviting the Titans to Frat Country in Cleveland and should be your easy pick for Week 1. All the Defense is there for the Browns, as well as the O-Line is mostly returning.
–Take the Browns against Mariota in Week 1 at -5.
