Predictions for NFL Week 1
Week 1 of the 2023-24 NFL season is about two months away. The oddsmakers wasted no time providing odds for the opening weekend. The sportsbook is locked and loaded with point spreads, moneyline odds, and totals for Week 1.
Let’s look at some of the live NFL odds. Which are the best bets to take?
Lions Roar in Kansas City
The 2023 season begins with the Detroit Lions tabbed as seven-point underdogs against the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday Night Football. The Lions are hoping their defense improves after finishing 28th in allowed points per game last season. The Chiefs’ offense could prove to be too much, led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
Detroit’s pass rushing could have success against Kansas City’s new starting offensive tackles, Donovan Smith and Jawaan Taylor. Smith struggled in the 2022-23 season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This creates a favorable matchup for the Lions’ defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, who recorded 9.5 sacks in his rookie season. Hutchinson posting a sack in the season opener is a favorable prop. Detroit thrived against the spread (ATS) last season, riding a 9-1 stretch to end the season. Look for the Lions to start the season with a cover.
Aidan Hutchinson wants DROY 😤
pic.twitter.com/h3CXvXS9vR— PFF (@PFF) January 9, 2023
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Young Texans Make Noise?
According to NFL odds week 1, the Baltimore Ravens are 10-point favorites against the Houston Texans, which is the largest point spread of opening weekend. The Texans are looking to turn their franchise around after hiring coach DeMeco Ryans. Houston also drafted two potential cornerstone players in quarterback C.J. Stroud and edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. Both rookies have the chance to make a statement on the road against a potential playoff squad.
Baltimore will be looking to show off its new receiving corps, including Odell Beckham Jr. and rookie Zay Flowers. The Texans have a blossoming secondary. Safety Jalen Pitre and cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. come off impressive rookie seasons. Houston is an intriguing pick to cover considering the large point spread.
Rivalries Galore
The Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns will battle in an AFC North rivalry. The Browns have enjoyed a lot of success against the Bengals, winning eight of the last 10 matchups. However, NFL week 1 Vegas odds are favoring Cincinnati. Cleveland is offering solid profits on the moneyline as an underdog. Considering the Browns’ success against the Bengals, this could be worth a pick. Quarterback Deshaun Watson is drawing early rave reviews in offseason practice. If he has returned to form, Cleveland could be a playoff team.
This is the best Deshaun Watson has ever looked on this practice field.
Making throw after throw, not one has hit the ground yet.#Browns pic.twitter.com/ZggVMzqOLF
— Hayden Grove (@H_Grove) June 6, 2023
After losing eight consecutive matchups against the Green Bay Packers, the Chicago Bears will look to turn the tide in this rivalry. The Packers are headed into a new era with quarterback Jordan Love. This could give an advantage to the Bears, who are hoping for a turnaround season. This is one of the lowest point spreads of the week. Chicago’s offense should be improved after it upgraded the receiving unit and offensive line. The Bears could cover their first game against the Packers since the 2018 season.
NFL lines week 1 have the Buffalo Bills as a one-point favorite on Monday Night Football against the New York Jets. This will likely close as the smallest point spread of the week. It could even close as a pick ‘em. Both teams could be contenders in the AFC. This is a highly anticipated clash with quarterback Aaron Rodgers making his Jets debut.
New York’s formidable defense kept the Bills’ offense under wraps last season. The Jets should also have an electric atmosphere behind them. New York is juiced to +105 on the moneyline, offering solid profits.
