The NFL Season opens up this Thursday with the Kansas City Chiefs hosting the Detroit Lions. Player props aren’t currently available for every matchup but they’ll become available as the week goes on. We will look at the matchups that have value and provide you with some financial opportunity.
Odds provided by Fanduel Sportsbook
NFL Week 1 Best Bets Against the Spread
Tennessee Titans vs New Orleans Saints
Best bet: Tennessee Titans +3 (-105)
The Titans travel to New Orleans in week 1 for a matchup against the Saints. The Saints added Derek Carr with the hopes of upgrading the quarterback position. The Titans bring back most of the roster with the addition of Deandre Hopkins. These are just two even teams, the Saints home field advantage isn’t what it used to be. There is a huge coaching mismatch, with a game that close take the team with the better coach.
San Francisco 49ers vs Pittsburgh Steelers
Best Bet: Pittsburgh Steelers +2.5 (-110)
This game is a dog fight between two great defenses, points in this game will be hard to come by. Mike Tomlin as a home underdog has been a successful bet over time. The 49ers have had some losses on the offensive line that will take time to figure out. The Steelers front seven should be able to take advantage of that in week 1.
Jacksonville Jaguars vs Indianapolis Colts
Best Bet: Jacksonville Jaguars -4.5 (-114)
This is a number with not much value, it was at -3 most of the summer but we are still confident with this hitting. The Colts drafted Anthony Richardson who will make his first career start. A freak athlete who should do plenty of running as a rookie, but this is tough for his first career game.
With #Colts RB Jonathan Taylor on the PUP list and veteran RB Zack Moss dealing with his forearm injury, it is Deon Jackson that is expected to start against the #Jaguars on Week 1.
Jackson ran the ball 81 times in his career for a low 3.3 yards per carry, but he did catch 30… pic.twitter.com/4YnOAErMxt
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) September 3, 2023
A inaccurate and inconsistent passer, who we know wont have Jonathan Taylor to take pressure off of him. The Colts defense could keep it close but the Jaguars shouldn’t have an issue covering this number.
Las Vegas Raiders vs Denver Broncos
Best Bet: Denver Broncos -4 (-115)
Given the way the 2022 season went for the Denver Broncos this should be considered a risky bet. But the Broncos are historically elite at home in September. The Broncos are 83-31-2 all time at home in September. They also have a huge coaching advantage with Sean Payton vs Josh McDaniel. The Raiders one strength is with Davante Adams but the Broncos have Patrick Surtain II who wont make it easy for the Raiders passing game.
Green Bay Packers vs Chicago Bears
Best Bet: Green Bay Packers +1
The oldest rivalry in the NFL, the Packers travel to Chicago for a matchup against the Bears. This line makes no sense, the Packers have better weapons on offense and more talent on defense. The Bears added DJ Moore but the Packers have Jaire Alexander along with a solid secondary. Justin Fields needs to prove he has gotten better as a passer and this isn’t a great matchup, Packers win this one outright.
Miami Dolphins vs Los Angeles Chargers
Best Bets: Los Angeles Chargers -2.5, OVER 50.5
The Chargers offense will be much improved with Kellen Moore in 2023, more deep passing and faster pace. The Dolphins already play that way so this projects as a high scoring game. Chargers playing with a lead will lead to the Dolphins going pass heavy and in catchup mode, with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle they could put points up fast. Waddle is currently injured and it is unclear on if he’ll play this week but that would only help out the Chargers -2.5 play.
