Betting the NFL Line: Week 1

Your NFL betting guide for all of the top wagers of Week 1.

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After the long wait since February, every team is starting fresh and looking to make a statement in Week 1. For half the teams, panic will set in as they look to avoid starting 0-2 and digging themselves an early hole. But for now, every fan base is looking for brighter days ahead – starting with a statement win in Week 1.

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NFL Betting Odds and Lines: Week 1

Detroit Lions (+180) at Kansas City Chiefs (-225)

The Lions are the darlings of the prediction crowd and are getting a lot of respect from the gambling crowd, who have made the Chiefs a smaller-than-expected home favorite (4.5 points at -110 for both the Lions and Chiefs). While I agree the Lions are going to likely finish the year as division champs, they’re going to start the season losing to the defending world champs in their yard. Take the Chiefs and lay 4.5 points (-110).

Carolina Panthers (+150) at Atlanta Falcons (-185)

The Panthers went on a fire sale before the trade deadline and a lot has changed since. Both teams made splash picks early in the 2023 draft – Carolina using the first pick on Bryce Young and the Falcons adding All-World running back Bijan Robinson at No. 8. The Over/Under is the second-lowest of the week (39.5 points at -110 Over, -110 Under). It makes sense. Young isn’t going to take chances, and the Falcons are going to run the ball a lot. This game has 20-16 written all over it. Take the Under of 39.5 points (-110).

Houston Texans (+375) at Baltimore Ravens (-500)

The only double-digit point spread favorite of the week are the Ravens (10 points at -100 for both teams). There’s a reason for that. The Texans are in a rebuild, and the Ravens are healthy (which they haven’t been able to say often the last couple years). Healthy Ravens are dangerous Ravens, especially at home. Take Baltimore and lay 10 points (-110).

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Cincinnati Bengals (-135) at Cleveland Browns (+115)

The Bengals have the requirements to win the Super Bowl, but the Battles of Ohio are often bloody. The Over/Under is significant (47.5 points at -110 for both). While both offenses are capable of lighting up the scoreboard, a division battle like this will be more field position and field goals than 60-yard bombs. Take the Under of 47.5 points (-110).

Jacksonville Jaguars (-225) at Indianapolis Colts (+185)

The Jaguars are looking to show they’re ready for the big time, while the Colts are turning the page to a new era. Jacksonville is a solid road favorite (5 points at -110 for both). Anthony Richardson has all the tools to be a great quarterback, but his debut is likely to be a little rocky, and the Colts won’t have Jonathan Taylor. The Jags will take advantage of that. Take the Jaguars and lay 5 points (-110).

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+200) at Minnesota Vikings (-250)

Nobody had the run of luck that Minnesota did last year – winning 11 one-score games. The reason the Vikings couldn’t put away opponents like a 13-4 team should have is that their defense was (and is) brutal. Minnesota is a heavy favorite (6 points at -110 for both). While I believe the Vikings will win, don’t give away that many points. Take the Buccaneers plus 6 points (-110).

Tennessee Titans (+145) at New Orleans Saints (-175)

Most point-spread betting lines when they’re set look to have the same return. The Saints are the biggest investment as a favorite (3 points at -105 Titans, -115 Saints). It won’t be shocking if it goes to 3.5 points before Sunday, because the Saints are the capable of winning by much more than a field goal. Take the Saints and lay 3 points (-115).

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San Francisco 49ers (-135) at Pittsburgh Steelers (+115)

The 49ers are a legitimate Super Bowl contender but are playing a 1 p.m. ET game (10 a.m. local time) against a defense that doesn’t get pushed around. The 49ers should find a way to win, but this one has the potential to be dominated by the defenses. The Over/Under is low (41 points at -110 for both), but it should have been lower. Take the Under of 41 points (-110).

Arizona Cardinals (+240) at Washington Commanders (-300)

The Commanders are viewed as the last-place favorite in the NFC East, but they’re a huge favorite in this one (7 points and -110 for both teams). That’s because, until further notice, the current version of the Cardinals will be a touchdown or larger underdog most weeks. Take the Commanders and lay 7 points (-110).

Green Bay Packers (+100) at Chicago Bears (-120)

The oddsmakers know the story with this rivalry. It’s been like a hammer and a nail for three decades. The faces have changed, but the Packers dominate this series. The Bears are a tepid home favorite (1 point), and it’s because Green Bay’s defense is what will keep them in playoff contention. The dominance continues. Take the Packers on the moneyline (+100).

Philadelphia Eagles (-190) at New England Patriots (+155)

The fact of the matter is that Bill Belichick is a .500 coach without Tom Brady. Yet, he still gets the respect his legacy has earned, which explains why the Eagles are such small favorites (4 points at -110 for both). The Eagles are a bad opponent with which to change that downward trend. Take the Eagles and lay 4 points (-110).

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Las Vegas Raiders (+150) at Denver Broncos (-190)

The Sean Payton era begins with the hopes of improving the expectations that were crushed last season. The Jimmy Garoppolo era in Vegas begins in unfriendly confines. The Over/Under isn’t absurd (44 points at -110 for the Over and Under). Russell Wilson is a game manager, at best, at this point. That gives you the feeling, barring a couple of Wilson bombs dropping out of the thin Colorado air, this is too high an O/U. Take the Under of 44 points (-110).

Miami Dolphins (+135) at Los Angeles Chargers (-160)

This game has the highest Over/Under of the week (51 points at -110 for both). These are two of the most explosive big-play offenses in the NFL and, even if a team gets behind by 17 points, it doesn’t mean the game is over. It may take until late in the game to hit, but take the Over of 51 points (-110).

Los Angeles Rams (+200) at Seattle Seahawks (-250)

The Seahawks are solid favorites and it’s more because the Rams are struggling than Seattle is dominant. The Over/Under is up there (46 points at -110 for both). Without Cooper Kupp, a lot of Rams are going to have to step up. Not enough of them will do their part to score enough points. Take the Under of 46 points (-110).

Dallas Cowboys (-175) at New York Giants (+145)

This rivalry is always a physical battle. The Cowboys are road favorites (3 points at -115 Cowboys, -105 Giants). With everyone healthy to start the season, Dallas has more explosive playmakers on both sides of the ball than the Giants. They will make enough big plays to win the night. Take the Cowboys and lay 3 points (-115).

Buffalo Bills (-140) at New York Jets (+115)

The hype train is going to be crazy for this one. Buffalo has dominated the division but are a minimal favorite (2.5 points at -110 for both teams). Aaron Rodgers makes his Jets debut and will ride the emotion much like Brett Favre did a decade and a half earlier. Buy into the hype … for this game anyway. Take the Jets on the moneyline (+115).

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NFL Picks: Office pool pick’em – Week 1

Use our staff’s weekly pick’em against the spread and straight up for the win.

NFL picks are provided for straight up (moneyline) and against the spread (ATS) NFL pick pools.

Each week’s spread picks are graded by the line as of when the person entered their picks. This will create situations in which a movement of the line can result in two participants having the correct pick but with different teams chosen during an individual game.

BetMGM Sportsbook $1,500 First Bet Offer!

New BetMGM customers can sign up today and get a First Bet Offer up to $1,500 using bonus code USAT. Just download the BetMGM app, deposit at least $10 and place your first wager on any game. If your first bet loses, you will receive bonus bets in the amount of your bet (up to $1,500). Just make sure you use bonus code USAT when you sign up. Bet Now!

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. CO, DC, IL, IN, KS, LA, MD, MS, NJ, NV, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY. Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA). 21+ to wager. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-270-7117 for confidential help (MI), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Visit BetMGM.com for Terms & Conditions. US promotional offers not available in DC, New York or Ontario.

2023 Week 1 picks: moneyline & against the spread

Odds provided by BetMGM Sportsbook


2022 Season-long rankings: moneyline


2022 Season-long rankings: ATS


NFL all-time picks leaderboard: moneyline

Moneyline DMD SG HS CC CJB HCG KH
2022 184-98-2 172-110-2 172-110-2 181-101-2 174-108-2 190-92-2 178-104-2
2021 167-104-1 159-112-1 176-95-1 175-96-1 176-95-1 174-97-1 n/a
2020 161-94-1 161-94-1 164-91-1 174-81-1 166-89-1 172-83-1 n/a
2019 162-93-1 156-99-1 161-94-1 164-91-1 157-98-1 163-92-1 n/a
2018 167-87-2 158-96-2 153-101-2 165-89-2 157-97-2 n/a n/a
2017 168-88 161-95 165-91 180-76 160-96 n/a n/a
2016 157-97-2 149-105-2 152-102-2 156-98-2 139-115-2 n/a n/a
2015 154-102 137-119 155-101 165-91 n/a n/a n/a
2014 166-89-1 158-97-1 163-92-1 177-78-1 n/a n/a n/a
2013 163-92-1 160-95-1 153-102-1 n/a n/a n/a n/a
All-time 1,649-944-11 1,571-1,022-11 1,614-979-11 1,537-801-10 1129-698-9 699-364-5 178-104-2
accuracy (63.3%) (60.3%) (61.9%) (65.5%) (61.5%) (65.4%) (62.7%)

NFL all-time picks leaderboard: ATS

ATS DMD SG HS CC CJB HCG KH
2022 136-142-6 132-148-4 143-136-5 132-150-2 145-136-3 142-134-8 127-152-4
2021 141-130-1 142-129-1 136-135-1 152-119-1 143-128-1 151-120-1 n/a
2020 118-138 122-134 129-127 130-126 143-113 130-126 n/a
2019 121-135 133-123 139-117 121-135 137-119 139-117 n/a
2018 132-124 131-125 133-123 132-124 130-126 n/a n/a
2017 129-127 136-120 132-124 136-120 131-125 n/a n/a
2016 110-146 125-131 124-132 132-124 127-129 n/a n/a
2015 125-131 121-135 123-133 141-115 n/a n/a n/a
2014 122-134 124-132 132-124 123-133 n/a n/a n/a
2013 115-136-5 119-132-5 117-134-5 n/a n/a n/a n/a
All-time 1,249-1,343-12 1,285-1,309-10 1,308-1,285-11 1,199-1,146-3 956-876-4 562-497-9 127-152-4
accuracy 48.0% 49.3% 50.2% 47.7% 52.1% 52.6% 44.9%

DMD – David Dorey, SG – Steve Gallo, HS – Harley Schultz, CC – Cletis Cutts, CJB – Cory Bonini, HCG – HC Green, KH – Kevin Hickey


2023 NFL futures betting guide

Here’s your NFL futures betting primer for all of the smartest wagers to make before Week 1.

Every year the NFL honors the elite players of the league with its annual awards. Thanks to the level of speculation as to who will win the major accolades, you can make futures bets on most of them.

Below we take a look at who we think will win the awards this season as well as a long-shot candidate who could bring you a lot of money if he has the kind of season in which he is capable.

Note: All betting odds come from BetMGM Sportsbook.

The 5 best prop bets for Super Bowl LVII

The five best NFL player prop bets to make for Super Bowl LVII.

We’ve reached the end of the line for the 2022 NFL season with the two top-seeded teams squaring off (as it should be).

We have five props for the final game of the year – giving away too much for a guy to score a touchdown (but he will), a league MVP who won’t hit the Over on a lofty O/U number, two running backs that history says will both go over their projection, and a big-play receiver who can hit his O/U if he just keeps doing what he’s done the last two months.

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook

NFL Picks: Office pool pick’em – Super Bowl LVII

Use our staff’s weekly pick’em against the spread and straight up for the win.

NFL picks are provided for straight up (moneyline) and against the spread (ATS) NFL pick pools.

Each week’s spread picks are graded by the line as of when the person entered their picks. This will create situations in which a movement of the line can result in two participants having the correct pick but with different teams chosen during an individual game.

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook

Super Bowl LVII picks: moneyline & against the spread


Season-to-date rankings: moneyline


Season-to-date rankings: ATS


NFL all-time picks leaderboard: moneyline

Straight Up DMD SG KP HS CC CJB HCG
2021 Record 167-104-1 159-112-1 179-92-1 176-95-1 175-96-1 176-95-1 174-97-1
2020 Record 161-94-1 161-94-1 165-90-1 164-91-1 174-81-1 166-89-1 172-83-1
2019 Record 162-93-1 156-99-1 161-94-1 161-94-1 164-91-1 157-98-1 163-92-1
2018 Record 167-87-2 158-96-2 179-75-2 153-101-2 165-89-2 157-97-2 n/a
2017 Record 168-88 161-95 171-85 165-91 180-76 160-96 n/a
2016 Record 157-97-2 149-105-2 156-98-2 152-102-2 156-98-2 139-115-2 n/a
2015 Record 154-102 137-119 156-100 155-101 165-91 n/a n/a
2014 Record 166-89-1 158-97-1 164-91-1 163-92-1 177-78-1 n/a n/a
2013 Record 163-92-1 160-95-1 170-85-1 153-102-1 n/a n/a n/a
Accuracy entering 2022 1,465-846-9
(63.1%)
1,399-912-9
(60.3%)
1,501-801-9
(64.7%)
1,442-869-9
(62.2%)
1,356-700-8
(65.7%)
955-590-7
(61.5%)
509-272-3
(64.9%)

NFL all-time picks leaderboard: ATS

ATS DMD SG KP HS CC CJB HCG
2021 Record 141-130-1 142-129-1 154-117-1 136-135-1 152-119-1 143-128-1 151-120-1
2020 Record 118-138 122-134 123-133 129-127 130-126 143-113 130-126
2019 Record 121-135 133-123 133-123 139-117 121-135 137-119 139-117
2018 Record 132-124 131-125 145-111 133-123 132-124 130-126 n/a
2017 Record 129-127 136-120 135-121 132-124 136-120 131-125 n/a
2016 Record 110-146 125-131 127-129 124-132 132-124 127-129 n/a
2015 Record 125-131 121-135 126-130 123-133 141-115 n/a n/a
2014 Record 122-134 124-132 143-113 132-124 123-133 n/a n/a
2013 Record 115-136-5 119-132-5 117-134-5 117-134-5 n/a n/a n/a
Accuracy entering 2022 1,113-1,201-6
(48.1%)
1,153-1,161-6
(50.7%)
1,203-1,111-6
(51.9%)
1,165-1,149-6
(50.2%)
1,067-996-1
(51.7%)
811-740-1
(52.3%)
420-363-1
(54.1%)

DMD – David Dorey, SG – Steve Gallo, KP – Ken Pomponio, HS – Harley Schultz, CC – Cletis Cutts, CJB – Cory Bonini, HCG – HC Green


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The 3 best bets for Super Bowl LVII

The smartest wagers to make ahead of Super Bowl LVII.

A lot of people have lost money betting against the Patrick Mahomes-led Kansas City Chiefs. It’s a bet fraught with peril, because he wins at an 80 percent clip – better than Brady. But, he’s an underdog in the Super Bowl against a Philadelphia Eagles team that could deny him (for now) his rightful place in history as a players with chips – not chip – by no fault of his own.

You have two of the league’s top three offenses going against each other, but the Eagles were one 20-yard reception during the regular season from being the NFL’s top-ranked defense. In this game, the key is going to be Philly’s offensive line and its defensive line rotation – where vets like Ndamukong Suh and Linval Joseph are situational backups in it for a ring. The Eagles can hurt you in a lot of ways, and the Chiefs have too many rookies on defense being asked to make big plays against a largely veteran Eagles offense. This war will be won in the trenches.

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook

The 5 best prop bets for Conference Championships

The five best NFL player prop bets to make for the conference title games.

We’re closing in determining who will play in this year’s Super Bowl, and we have selected five prop bets for players who will be critical to getting their teams to the final game of the season. We take three tight ends we’re expecting big things from, a quarterback whose Over/Under may be a bit too high, and an underappreciated running back who has earned his stripes this season.

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook

NFL Picks: Office pool pick’em – Conference Championships

Use our staff’s weekly pick’em against the spread and straight up for the win.

The Huddle staff makes its weekly NFL game picks every Thursday.

NFL picks are provided for straight up (moneyline) and against the spread (ATS) NFL pick pools.

Each week’s spread picks are graded by the line as of when the person entered their picks. This will create situations in which a movement of the line can result in two participants having the correct pick but with different teams chosen during an individual game.

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook

NFL Conference Championship picks: moneyline & against the spread


Season-to-date rankings: moneyline


Season-to-date rankings: ATS


NFL all-time picks leaderboard: moneyline

Straight Up DMD SG KP HS CC CJB HCG
2021 Record 167-104-1 159-112-1 179-92-1 176-95-1 175-96-1 176-95-1 174-97-1
2020 Record 161-94-1 161-94-1 165-90-1 164-91-1 174-81-1 166-89-1 172-83-1
2019 Record 162-93-1 156-99-1 161-94-1 161-94-1 164-91-1 157-98-1 163-92-1
2018 Record 167-87-2 158-96-2 179-75-2 153-101-2 165-89-2 157-97-2 n/a
2017 Record 168-88 161-95 171-85 165-91 180-76 160-96 n/a
2016 Record 157-97-2 149-105-2 156-98-2 152-102-2 156-98-2 139-115-2 n/a
2015 Record 154-102 137-119 156-100 155-101 165-91 n/a n/a
2014 Record 166-89-1 158-97-1 164-91-1 163-92-1 177-78-1 n/a n/a
2013 Record 163-92-1 160-95-1 170-85-1 153-102-1 n/a n/a n/a
Accuracy entering 2022 1,465-846-9
(63.1%)
1,399-912-9
(60.3%)
1,501-801-9
(64.7%)
1,442-869-9
(62.2%)
1,356-700-8
(65.7%)
955-590-7
(61.5%)
509-272-3
(64.9%)

NFL all-time picks leaderboard: ATS

ATS DMD SG KP HS CC CJB HCG
2021 Record 141-130-1 142-129-1 154-117-1 136-135-1 152-119-1 143-128-1 151-120-1
2020 Record 118-138 122-134 123-133 129-127 130-126 143-113 130-126
2019 Record 121-135 133-123 133-123 139-117 121-135 137-119 139-117
2018 Record 132-124 131-125 145-111 133-123 132-124 130-126 n/a
2017 Record 129-127 136-120 135-121 132-124 136-120 131-125 n/a
2016 Record 110-146 125-131 127-129 124-132 132-124 127-129 n/a
2015 Record 125-131 121-135 126-130 123-133 141-115 n/a n/a
2014 Record 122-134 124-132 143-113 132-124 123-133 n/a n/a
2013 Record 115-136-5 119-132-5 117-134-5 117-134-5 n/a n/a n/a
Accuracy entering 2022 1,113-1,201-6
(48.1%)
1,153-1,161-6
(50.7%)
1,203-1,111-6
(51.9%)
1,165-1,149-6
(50.2%)
1,067-996-1
(51.7%)
811-740-1
(52.3%)
420-363-1
(54.1%)

DMD – David Dorey, SG – Steve Gallo, KP – Ken Pomponio, HS – Harley Schultz, CC – Cletis Cutts, CJB – Cory Bonini, HCG – HC Green


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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

The 4 best bets for the NFL Conference Championship Games

A four-pack of wagers to make ahead of the NFL’s conference title games.

And then there were four.

As we reach the NFL conference championship games, a solid case can be made that the best four teams remain. The Cincinnati Bengals are riding a 10-game winning streak, the Kansas City Chiefs have won 11 of their last 12 games (the only loss to the Bengals), the San Francisco 49ers have won 12 straight, and the Philadelphia Eagles have won 15 of 18 games this season.

Something has to give, and we have four betting options for you to consider.

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook

The 5 best prop bets for the Divisional Round

The five best NFL player prop bets to make for the upcoming week.

As we reach the “Elite Eight” round of the NFL playoffs, we take at least one prop bet from each game and mix things up. This week we take the most dynamic young receiver left in the playoffs to score a touchdown, a pair of NFC East players to hit Under their Over/Under numbers and a pair of receivers hitting Over for logical reasons.

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook