This week if the official beginning of the 2024 big point spreads as the unofficial tanking may or may not begin in the NFL.
The Detroit Lions are this year’s first 14-point favorite over the hapless/hobbled Jacksonville Jaguars. To bet on the Lions to win outright, your investment is 10-to-1 against the return. As franchises start looking more to 2025 while they limp through the remainder of 2024, this won’t be the last time we see a 14-point spread (or higher).
Odds provided by BetMGM Sportsbook
Washington Commanders (+150) at Philadelphia Eagles (-185)
The Eagles are light betting investment favorites (3.5 points at -115 Commanders, -105 Eagles). The Eagles have the chops to make a home statement. If they don’t? Then the temperature changes. Take the Eagles and lay 3.5 points (-105).
Green Bay Packers (-250) at Chicago Bears (+200)
The Packers are healthy favorites (5.5 points at -110 for both teams). This isn’t a rivalry. It’s a statement. Green Bay has dominated since 2019 and by more than 5.5 points every time. Take the Packers and lay 5.5 points (-110).
Jacksonville Jaguars (+650) at Detroit Lions (-1000)
The Over/Under is pretty high (47 points at -110 for both Over and Under). Not touching 14 points on an official bet. The Lions might score 40 out of saltiness, but if the Jags defense shows up, Detroit will run to prevent Jared Goff yips and an easy win. Take Under 47 points (-110).
Minnesota Vikings (-250) at Tennessee Titans (+200)
The Vikings are solid road favorites (6 points at -110 for both teams). The Vikings played down to the competition last week and almost lost – almost. This time, they get it right and dominate. Take the Vikings and lay 6 points (-110).
Las Vegas Raiders (+300) at Miami Dolphins (-375)
The Over/Under is low (44 points at -110 for both). The Raiders give up a lot of points. When the band is together is at home, the Dolphins can score a lot of points. Take Over 44 points (-110).
Los Angeles Rams (-225) at New England Patriots (+180)
The Rams are good road favorites in the early window (4.5 points at -115 Rams, -105 Patriots). Matthew Stafford takes the Patriots to school. Drake Maye will have to keep pace. Stafford wins this one. Take the Rams and lay 4.5 points (-110).
Cleveland Browns (-105) at New Orleans Saints (-115)
The Over/Under is suspicious (44.5 points at -110 for both). These are the two most disappointing offensive teams in the league and suddenly someone is going to light up the scoreboard? Hard pass. Take Under 44 points (-110).
Indianapolis Colts (+170) at New York Jets (-210)
The Over/Under is pedestrian (44 points at -110 for both). Anthony Richardson is back from being benched. Aaron Rodgers is having his legacy questioned. Two guys with a lot to gain and not as much to lose. Take Over 44 points (-110).
Baltimore Ravens (-175) at Pittsburgh Steelers (+145)
The Ravens are given road respect as favorites (3 points at -115 Ravens, -105 Steelers). This has classic trap-game repercussions, but take Lamar Jackson vs. Russell Wilson every day – much less on Sunday. Take the Ravens and lay 3 points (-115).
Atlanta Falcons (+110) at Denver Broncos (-135)
The Broncos are mild home favorites (2.5 points at -110 for both teams). Two teams that don’t beat playoff teams … but, thanks to being in NFC South, the Falcons are a playoff team. Take the Falcons plus 2.5 points (-110).
Seattle Seahawks (+240) at San Francisco 49ers (-300)
The 49ers are robust home favorites (6.5 points at -110 for both teams). For a divisional rivalry, the Niners own this one and being less than a TD favorite will be viewed as insulting. Take the 49ers and lay 6.5 points (-110).
Kansas City Chiefs (+115) at Buffalo Bills (-135)
Anyone who gives Patrick Mahomes points does so at his own peril. Historically, it doesn’t end well. Until further notice, any time you get the Chiefs in addition to points you jump. Take the Chiefs on the moneyline (+115).
Cincinnati Bengals (+105) at Los Angeles Chargers (-125)
The Bengals are on the brink of legitimate extinction as 1.5-point underdogs in LA in prime time. Cincinnati has more firepower than the Chargers, and this isn’t Big Ten football. Take the Bengals on the moneyline (+105).
Houston Texans (-400) at Dallas Cowboys (+310)
The Texans are huge road favorites (7.5 points at -110 for both teams). The Texans haven’t earned being this type of favorite on the road. If the Cowboys don’t cover this point, they should start firing now. Take the Cowboys plus 7.5 points (-110).