The Buffalo Bills (1-0) welcome the Denver Broncos (1-0) to Highmark Stadium Saturday. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET (NFL Network). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Broncos vs. Bills odds, and make our best NFL picks, predictions and bets.
Both teams enter this battle with ultra-high expectations this season. The Broncos added star QB Russell Wilson this offseason. Wilson didn’t play in the team’s Week 1 preseason home win over the Cowboys.
The Broncos won 17-7 with QB Josh Johnson doing most of the heavy lifting, going 16-for-23 for 172 yards and 2 touchdowns. I would expect at least some showing from starting receivers and rushers against Buffalo.
The Bills, on the other hand, won 27-24 at against the visiting Colts in one of the more thrilling Week 1 games. Superstar QB Josh Allen was never going to see the field, and the Bills actually won despite a combined 3 interceptions by their quarterbacks.
QB Matt Barkley was 18-for-24 for 224 yards and 1 interception, while projected backup QB Case Keenum was 11-for-18 for 86 yards and 2 picks. I’d expect see some Allen in this matchup.
Broncos at Bills odds
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 3:50 a.m. ET.
- Money line (ML): Broncos +250 (bet $100 to win $250) | Bills -320 (bet $320 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Broncos +6.5 (-103) | Bills -6.5 (-117)
- Over/Under (O/U): 42.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)
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Broncos at Bills picks and predictions
Prediction
Bills 21, Broncos 17
Money line
PASS.
There’s not much value here either way, especially for Buffalo. I wouldn’t bet a -320 preseason favorite.
Against the spread
BET BRONCOS +6.5 (-103).
The Broncos looked strong on both ends of the field against the Cowboys, and Johnson was fantastic.
Given he should be going against a Bills secondary that doesn’t play its terrific safety duo much, Johnson should be able to see similar success. At almost a touchdown, the value here is on Denver to cover.
The Bills looked awful despite winning their opener. Their quarterbacks threw 3 interceptions, and with Allen not set to play too much, I expect another tough outing for Buffalo.
Backup RB Zack Moss did play, but I would expect the starters to get limit reps Saturday. The Broncos looked stronger in their opener, and I’d back them here.
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Over/Under
LEAN UNDER 42.5 (-112).
The quarterback play in the Bills-Colts game was horrific, which often helps points being scored.
I don’t expect that to continue, and while Buffalo should have one of the top high-powered offenses in the league, it could certainly struggle without Allen.
Buffalo had a fumble return and two 4th-quarter touchdowns against Indy. For 3 quarters, its offense did nothing, and that’s concerning.
With the Broncos also unlikely to play many starters and Johnson having not found a true NFL home given he’s a mid-level backup, they may struggle as well.
Overall, the UNDER 42.5 (-112) feels like the better play.
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