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TCU at Houston odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s TCU at Houston odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The TCU Horned Frogs (1-1) square off against the Houston Cougars (1-1) on Saturday at TDECU Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET (FOX). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the TCU vs. Houston odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

TCU defeated Nicholls State 41-6 in Week 2, failing to cover as 42-point home favorites. The Under of 59 points also cashed in the contest. TCU lost 45-42 to Colorado in their season opener.

Houston lost in a shootout against Rice 43-41 in Week 2 despite entering as 7-point road favorites. The Over of 51.5 easily hit with both teams nearly hitting the Over themselves. It was QB Donovan Smith who tried to lead an impressive comeback for the Cougars after going down 28-0 to Rice.

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TCU at Houston odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 7:47 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): TCU -300 (bet $300 to win $100) | Houston +240 (bet $100 to win $240)
Against the spread (ATS): TCU -7.5 (-110) | Houston +7.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 64.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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TCU at Houston picks and predictions

Prediction

TCU 38, Houston 24

Moneyline

The Horned Frogs are favored against a Big 12 newcomer in the Cougars, but I’ll PASS on the moneyline. Taking a team at -300 odds isn’t worth the risk given the return you’ll receive if TCU wins.

Against the spread

BET TCU -7.5 (-110).

Even though the Horned Frogs lost to Colorado in Week 1, they bounced back with a lopsided win against an inferior opponent in Week 2. Meanwhile, Houston narrowly escaped with a win over UTSA in its season opener and lost to Rice last week.

While the Horned Frogs are 0-2 ATS to begin the season, this is the best team the Cougars have faced thus far by a wide margin.

Over/Under

UNDER 64.5 (-115) is the play as neither team has been consistent to begin the season. TCU’s offense has been solid in the 1st 2 weeks, but Houston managed to score only 17 points in Week 1 before exploding for 41 points against Rice in Week 2.

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Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons odds and lines, with expert NFL picks and predictions.

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The Carolina Panthers and the Atlanta Falcons open their 2023 NFL regular seasons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta Sunday. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET (FOX). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Panthers vs. Falcons odds, and make our expert NFL picks and predictions.

The Panthers begin a new era, as head coach Frank Reich takes the reins, and he has No. 1 overall pick QB Bryce Young leading the offense. The results were mixed in the preseason, but Carolina has just as good of a chance as anybody to compete in the NFC South Division.

The Falcons also begin a new era, as the team selected RB Bijan Robinson with the No. 8 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. He’ll likely be leaned upon heavily, not only as a runner, but for his good hands out of the backfield. He was elevated to No. 1 on the depth chart after the preseason, while last season’s explosive rookie RB Tyler Allgeier will also see plenty of run.

These teams split the season series in 2022, with the Panthers covering both meetings. Carolina lost 37-34 in overtime Oct. 30, 2022, and it probably should have won, but WR DJ Moore removed his helmet after a 62-yard dramatic touchdown with :12 left in regulation, and the penalty pushed the team back further for the go-ahead extra point. He is now on the Chicago Bears, as part of the trade to move up to get Young.

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Panthers at Falcons odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 8:45 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Panthers +150 (bet $100 to win $150) | Falcons -185 (bet $185 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Panthers +3.5 (-110) | Falcons -3.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 40 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Panthers at Falcons key injuries

Panthers

WR DJ Chark Jr. (hamstring) out
WR Adam Thielen (ankle) questionable

Falcons

WR KhaDarel Hodge (ankle) questionable
CB Jeff Okudah (foot) out
RB Cordarrelle Patterson (thigh) questionable

Panthers at Falcons picks and predictions

Prediction

Falcons 23, Panthers 16

Moneyline

The FALCONS (-185) are slightly over my personal limit for a singular moneyline bet, but in Week 1 when everyone is feeling things out, it can be excused taking such a heavy favorite.

Atlanta has won 7 of the past 10 meetings straight up, although Carolina has won 2 of the past 3 visits to ATL. Still, with no Chark, and Thielen a question mark, it could be a rough start to Young’s NFL career.

Against the spread

The FALCONS -3.5 (-110) are a decent play on their home field in this NFC South showdown, mainly due to the injuries at key receiver spots for the Panthers +3.5 (-110).

While the Panthers are 3-1 ATS in the past 4 meetings in this series, including both meetings in 2022, the Falcons have the multi-talented Robinson who should have a huge NFL debut.

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Over/Under

UNDER 40 (-115) is a very low number in today’s NFL, but with these 2 ground-based attacks, it’s worth a look.

However, go lightly. The Under has cashed in 6 of the past 9 meetings in this series, and with Young missing Chark, and possibly Thielen, it’s likely this team leans heavily upon RB Miles Sanders, running the clock. The Falcons also are likely to be run-heavy with Robinson and Allgeier, which is music to the ears of Under bettors.

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First look: Arizona Cardinals at Washington Commander odds and lines

Looking at Sunday’s Arizona Cardinals at Washington Commanders Week 1 NFL odds, lines and trends. Here’s what you need to know.

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The Arizona Cardinals and Washington Commanders meet for Week 1 NFL action Sunday. Kickoff from FedExField is at 1 p.m. ET (FOX). Below, we look at Cardinals vs. Commanders odds from BetMGM Sportsbook. Also see: SportsbookWire’s NFL picks and predictions.

The Cardinals begin 2023 looking like a new team, but not a promising one. Former Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon makes his debut as head coach but will do so without QB Kyler Murray, who has not yet recovered from his torn ACL suffered last December. No longer on the roster are WR DeAndre Hopkins, DE J.J. Watt, DL Zach Allen, CB Byron Murphy or S Isaiah Simmons. QB Joshua Dobbs is expected to start at quarterback.

The Commanders are coming off an 8-8-1 season and move forward at quarterback with 2nd-year signal caller Sam Howell, who will make his second career start in the season opener. Ron Rivera returns as head coach but they have a new offensive coordinator/assistant head coach in Eric Bienemy, who spent 4 years as the Kansas City Chiefs’ OC.

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Cardinals at Commanders odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Monday at 8:07 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Cardinals +240 (bet $100 to win $240) | Commanders -300 (bet $300 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Cardinals +7 (-110) | Commanders -7 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 38 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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2022 betting stats

ML: Cardinals 4-13 | Commanders 8-8-1
ATS: Cardinals 8-9 | Commanders 8-8-1
O/U: Cardinals 8-7-2 | Commanders 5-11-1

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Cardinals vs. Commanders head-to-head

This is the first meeting of these teams since 2020 when the Cardinals picked up a 30-15 home win as 7.5-point favorites.

Washington leads the all-time series 76-47-2, but the Cardinals have won 3 of 5 meetings since 2014.

Howell has never faced Arizona; Dobbs has never faced Washington.

The combined 3 career starts between the 2 starting quarterbacks in this game are the fewest of any game in Week 1 this season — and neither is a rookie.

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New England Patriots at Tennessee Titans odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s New England Patriots at Tennessee Titans odds and lines, with expert NFL picks and predictions.

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The New England Patriots (1-1) visit the Tennessee Titans (1-1) Friday in the final week of the NFL preseason. Kickoff from Nassan Stadium is at 8:15 p.m. ET (NFL Network). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Patriots vs. Titans odds, and make our expert NFL picks and predictions.

New England picked up a 21-17 victory over the Green Bay Packers in an abbreviated preseason game on Saturday. The game ended with 10:29 remaining in the 4th quarter as Patriots CB Isaiah Bolden was carted off with an apparent head injury following a collision with a teammate. Bolden remained in the hospital overnight and was released Sunday morning; the team canceled joint practices with the Titans this week and headed home to regroup.

QB Mac Jones made his preseason debut, completing 6-of-9 passes for 52 yards. Newly acquired RB Ezekiel Elliott did not appear in the game; RB Rhamondre Stevenson ran with the starters, picking up 27 yards and a TD on 4 carries.

Tennessee also recorded a victory in its 2nd preseason game, knocking off the Minnesota Vikings 24-16 Saturday. QB Malik Willis played the complete game, connecting of 10-of-17 passes for 85 yards with 1 TD and 1 INT and adding 91 rushing yards on 11 carries. Rookie RB Tajae Spears finished with 57 yards on 7 carries while RB Julius Chestnut paced the backfield with 98 yards on 13 carries. Starters rested on both sides of the ball for both teams.

Patriots at Titans odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 7:25 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Patriots -140 (bet $140 to win $100) | Titans +115 (bet $100 to win $115)
Against the spread (ATS): Patriots -2 (-110) | Titans +2 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 38.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Patriots at Titans picks and predictions

Prediction

Titans 20, Patriots 17

Moneyline

The Packers moved the ball efficiently on the ground against the Patriots in the 2nd week of the preseason, recording 119 yards and a TD on 29 carries. RBs Aaron Jones, AJ Dillon and Emanuel Wilson helped move the sticks comfortably.

The Titans’ primary offense focus is the ground game. Tennessee had 40 carries as a team last week, with Chestnut, Willis and Spears all averaging over 7 yards per carry. If the Titans prioritize the run as they did against the Vikings they should find success against the Patriots reserves.

New England is also likely to feature plenty of QBs Trace McSorley and Malik Cunningham. Either by design, or by the shortened game, neither played in the 2nd week of the preseason. However, neither looked particularly impressive in the preseason opener and could lead to stalled drives for the Patriots.

Given the unknowns of the preseason and the value that can be found with the home side, go with a PARTIAL UNIT PLAY ON TENNESSEE (+115).

Against the spread

There’s no need to get cute here with such a tight spread. The better value is with the underdog on the moneyline, and anything short of 3 and a hook worth of insurance isn’t worth any action. Focus on the moneyline and/or total instead.

PASS.

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Over/Under

I anticipate a slow game considering Tennessee’s penchant for running the ball and the likelihood of both sides struggling to be efficient in the passing game. A few turnovers should be in store on Friday, and that should be enough to keep this one UNDER 38.5 (-110).

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NFL Draft best bets: Who will be the first defensive player drafted?

Breaking down the 2023 NFL Draft odds around the first defensive player to be selected and tabbing the best bets with picks and predictions.

The 2023 NFL Draft begins Thursday night with 31 player selections being made in the 1st round. While a quarterback will be selected No. 1 overall and as many as 4 could go in the 1st 10 picks, many consider the best players in the draft to be on the defensive side of the ball. Below, I analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s draft odds for NFL prospects and tab who will be the first defensive player drafted — just part of SportsbookWire’s many expert picks and predictions among our NFL best bets.

Two pass rushers, 2 conerbacks and a defensive tackle are all expected to be selected in the top 10. The 1st defensive player could be selected as high as the No. 2 overall pick.

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NFL odds: First defensive player drafted

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 7:49 a.m. ET.

Tyree Wilson: -125 (bet $125 to win $100)
Will Anderson: +100 (bet $100 to win $100)
Jalen Carter: +900 (bet $100 to win $900)
Christian Gonzalez: +4000 (bet $100 to win $4,000)
Devon Witherspoon: +4000 (bet $100 to win $4,000)
Lukas Van Ness: +10000 (bet $100 to win $10,000)
Myles Murphy: +10000 (bet $100 to win $10,000)
Nolan Smith: +10000 (bet $100 to win $10,000)

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NFL Draft: Best bets

The pick – TYREE WILSON (-135)

The Houston Texans should select a quarterback. However, it appears they might not and will take a top pass rusher No. 2 overall. Wilson has size, length and is extremely athletic. With new coach DeMeco Ryans coming from the San Francisco 49ers and having had an elite pass rusher in Nick Bosa, Houston is leaning toward the 6-foot-6, 275-pound defensive end from Texas A&M.

Worth a shot – WILL ANDERSON (+100)

Anderson might also be the pick for the Texans. If a team wants a pass rusher, no one makes more sense. The 6-foot-4, 240-pound linebacker had 27.5 sacks over the last 2 seasons, the most in college football. And, he did it for Alabama in the toughest conference in the country. If the Arizona Cardinals don’t trade out of the top pick, Anderson could go at No. 3.

Sleeper – JALEN CARTER (+900)

Seattle, which has the No. 5 pick, has been the team most connected to Carter over the last several weeks. They signed 2 defensive tackles in free agency and tried to add another. The 6-foot-3, 300-pound Carter is the best defensive tackle in this draft, but the Georgia star has had some off-field issues.

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NFL Draft best bets: Who will be the first cornerback drafted?

Breaking down the 2023 NFL Draft odds around the first cornerback to be selected and tabbing the best bets with picks and predictions.

The 2023 NFL Draft begins Thursday evening and one of the more talented positions is cornerback, where there is quality talent for all 3 days. Below, I analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s draft odds for NFL prospects and tab who will be the first cornerback drafted — just part of SportsbookWire’s many expert picks and predictions among our NFL best bets.

As many as 5 cornerbacks could be selected in the 1st round on Thursday. However, there are only 2 top players who will likely get selected in the top 10.

Let’s look at what the odds say.

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NFL odds: First cornerback drafted

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 7:26 a.m. ET.

Devon Witherspoon: -300 (bet $200 to win $100)
Christian Gonzalez: +200 (bet $100 to win $200)
Joey Porter Jr.: +2500 (bet $100 to win $2,500)
Brian Branch: +8000 (bet $100 to win $8,000)
Deonte Banks: +8000
Kelee Ringo: +8000
Cameron Smith: +8000

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NFL Draft: Best bets

The pick – DEVON WITHERSPOON (-300)

This is not a value pick. Witherspoon has been viewed as a guy that is going to be drafted higher than expected. The team most connected to Witherspoon are the Detroit Lions, who have the 6th pick (and the 18th) in the 1st round. They just traded Jeff Okudah, their 2020 first-round selection, to Atlanta. They need help in the defensive backfield.

Worth a shot – CHRISTIAN GONZALEZ (+200)

Gonzalez is longer than Witherspoon at 6-foot-1 and had elite athletic testing at the NFL combine, running the 40 in 4.38 seconds with explosive jumps (41.5-inch vertical and 11-foot-1 broad jump).

Keep an eye on the Seattle Seahawks, who pick in Round 1 right before the Lions at No. 5 (they also have the 20th pick). He played collegiately in the Pacific Northwest at Oregon and Seattle has enjoyed taller cornerbacks in the past.

Gonzalez and Witherspoon are s cut above all the other cornerbacks in the draft. There is no real reason to consider any other. It will be a surprise if any other is selected in the top 10.

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NFL Draft best bets: How many WRs will be drafted in Round 1?

Breaking down the 2023 NFL Draft odds and tabbing the best bet for how many wide receivers will be drafted in the first round.

The 2023 NFL Draft begins Thursday, and there will be 17 players heading to Kansas City expecting to hear their names called among the first 31 picks on Thursday evening.

Below, I analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s draft odds for NFL prospects and tab the Over/Under for the total number of wide receivers drafted in the first round — just part of SportsbookWire’s many expert picks and predictions among our NFL best bets.

The draft is where dreams are realized and teams can be drastically improved. This year is going to be no different. So with the 1st round on Thursday, let’s dive into how many wide receivers are going to come off the board on Day 1.

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NFL odds: Total number of WRs drafted in Round 1

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Tuesday at 10 p.m. ET

Over 3.5: -106 (bet $106 to win $100)
Under 3.5: -125 (bet $125 to win $100)

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NFL Draft: Best bet

OVER 3.5 (-106)

There is too much talent on the board for this few wide receivers to be taken with 2 players widely expected to be 1st-round picks.

Those 2 are Ohio State’s Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who was hurt for much of the 2022 season, and TCU’s Quentin Johnston, who burst onto the scene as the Horned Frogs made a run to the National Championship Game.

The waters get murky after that. WRs Jalin Hyatt (Tennessee), Nathaniel Dell (Houston), WR Josh Downs (North Carlina), WR Zay Flowers (Boston College) and WR Jordan Addison (USC) could all slip into the 1st round. The talent is there, but is the need?

The Vikings hold pick No. 23 and could use a player like Flowers or Addison after losing Adam Thielen. Later in the draft, teams like Buffalo, who won’t have Cole Beasley to rely upon as that third star, could aim for a wide receiver as well.

CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco’s final mock draft and Pro Football Focus’ analyst mock draft both had 4 receivers taken on Day 1. Expect that to be the result, and at this value, take the OVER 3.5 (-106).

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NFL Draft best bets: How many QBs will be drafted in Round 1?

Breaking down the 2023 NFL Draft odds and tabbing the best bet for how many quarterbacks will be drafted in the first round.

The 2023 NFL Draft begins Thursday when some of the top players in college football will hear their names called. Seventeen have already been invited to Kansas City for the event.

Below, I analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s draft odds for NFL prospects and tab the Over/Under for the total number of quarterbacks drafted in the first round — just part of SportsbookWire’s many expert picks and predictions among our NFL best bets.

Many analysts are pegging several quarterbacks to be top-10 picks with most having at least 3 QBs taken in the first 5 picks. There are at least 4 surefire 1st-round locks at the position.

Alabama QB Bryce Young, Ohio State QB CJ Stroud and Kentucky QB Will Levis are the most prolific names ready to be called in the first 31 selections.

With the Panthers having traded into the No. 1 position for a quarterback, expect the 1st overall pick to be at the position. That said, let’s dive into how many to expect taken on Day 1.

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NFL odds: Total number of QBs drafted in Round 1

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET

Over 4.5: -154 (bet $154 to win $100)
Under 4.5: +116 (bet $100 to win $116)

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NFL Draft: Best bet

UNDER 4.5 (+116)

Pro Football Focus, a well-known company that specializes in grading players throughout the season, assigned their analysts a team and mocked the 2023 NFL Draft. They had 4 quarterbacks taken in the first 4 picks. The next taken was at No. 61 to the Raiders.

That was Tennessee QB Hendon Hooker, and his draft position will likely make or break this pick. Levis, Florida QB Anthony Richardson, Stroud and Young are all considered locks to be 1st-round picks.

Hooker is the wild card. Having torn his ACL with Tennessee last season, there is a concern about both his injury history and his ceiling. Those should prevent him from being a 1st-round pick.

CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco also didn’t have 5 QBs in his final 1st-round mock draft. It is the most important position in football, but that doesn’t necessarily mean this is an ultra-deep draft class at quarterback with most not considering it even a good QB class.

While QB Tanner McKee from Stanford and championship-winning QB Stetson Bennett could jump up as well, this bet is made or broken by Hooker, and his injury history and ceiling are too much to overcome.

Given the value and those concerns, back the UNDER 4.5 (+116).

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2023 NFL mock draft: Panthers pick Bryce Young at No. 1 on night full of interesting odds

SportwbookWire’s 2023 NFL mock draft of Round 1 has Alabama’s Bryce Young going No. 1 overall to the Carolina Panthers.

The 2023 NFL Draft begins Thursday night in Kansas City and will continue through Saturday. Thirty-one players will be selected in the 1st round Thursday as the newest additions to the league.

The Carolina Panthers pick 1st overall after trading up from the 9th pick with the Chicago Bears.

They are expected to select a quarterback — as many as 5 QBs could be selected in the 1st round.

Below, we bring you a 2023 NFL mock draft with projections for all 31 1st-round picks. In addition, we share the available pertinent betting odds for players, positions and teams.

Check back throughout the postseason for SportsbookWire.com’s expert NFL best bets, picks and predictions.

Odds provided by FanDuel Sportsbook and BetMGM Sportsbook. Last updated Tuesday at 5 p.m. ET.

NFL Draft best bets: Who will be the first wide receiver drafted?

Analyzing the 2023 NFL Draft odds and tabbing the first wide receiver to be selected Thursday with the best bets, picks and predictions.

This, for many, is the most fun part of the NFL year.

The 2023 NFL Draft is almost here, starting with Day 1 kicking off Thursday in Kansas City. Much like the Super Bowl, this affair is an event made for prop bets. I am going to look at one such bet here.

Below, I analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s draft odds for NFL prospects and tab who will be the first wide receiver drafted — just part of SportsbookWire’s many expert picks and predictions among our NFL best bets.

After years of meteoric receiver drafts, the 2023 group is a bit of a letdown. There are not many big receivers in this draft. The only true big man, Quentin Johnston (TCU), has questions about his hands.

While the little man will reign this season, which one will be the question still to be answered.

Will Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Ohio State) put aside his missed 2022 and get credit for an incredible 2021? Will Josh Downs get propped up after being able to succeed with two different quarterbacks at North Carolina?

All the receivers in the 2023 NFL Draft have issues, which we need to sort through before deciding on which one is best for our favorite team. All we know is that they’ll all be drafted.

So, now we must decide which one goes first Thursday.

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NFL odds: First wide receiver drafted

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Tuesday at 1 a.m. ET

Jaxon Smith-Njigba: -430 (bet $430 to win $100)
Zay Flowers: +650 (bet $100 to win $650)
Jordan Addison: +1000 (Bet $100 to win $1,000)
Quentin Johnston: +1100 (Bet $100 to win $1,100)
Jalin Hyatt: +2900 (Bet $100 to win $2900)
Josh Downs: +10000 (Bet $100 to win $10,000)
Kayshon Boutte: +10000 (Bet $100 to win $10,000)

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NFL Draft: Best bets

The pick – JAXON SMITH-NJIGBA (-430)

Despite only playing 3 games in 2022 due to a nagging hamstring injury, Smith-Njigba is still the consensus No. 1 receiver on the board in this draft.

After an incredible Rose Bowl the previous season as a sophomore with 15 catches for 3 TDs and an FBS bowl record-347 receiving yards against Utah, some felt he would be the top receiver in the 2023 draft even if he didn’t play another college game. Smith-Njigba basically took them at their word and opted to sit out a majority of the season — including skipping Ohio State’s national semifinal game — and train for the NFL.

While do so may seem a bit selfish, this is becoming the new normal for many elite players. If they suffer any form of injury, instead of coming back, the choice has become to milk the injury out and get ready for the next level. No one can blame them with so much money at stake.

This is exactly what JSN did, and it will likely pay off for him with a top-15 to 20 draft selection Thursday.

Although -430 is a large price to pay, the NFL Draft is one arena in which the long shot doesn’t normally pay off. It’s usually safe to bet on the favorite, which is what I would do here.

Worth a shot – ZAY FLOWERS (+650)

While Smith-Njigba is the obvious choice, Flowers would be the only other wideout worth making a small wager on.

Not only do many teams love the Boston College product, but there is talk of some of those teams wanting to trade up to acquire him.

If a team like the Kansas City Chiefs, who has been linked to him, decides to make a move up, Flowers could go earlier than many think possible.

He’s already had a private workout — in Texas — with Kansas City QB Patrick Mahomes. If Mahomes gives the green light, it could just be a matter of how high the Chiefs are willing to move up to get Flowers.

A trade into the top 20 could be needed and this could also mean Flowers coming off the board ahead of any other receiver. Kansas City currently has the last pick in the 1st round.

While it would be a little surprising, Flowers is the one receiver, other than Smith-Njigba, to have a chance to be the first wideout selected in this draft.

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Long shot – JOSH DOWNS (+10000)

This is a 2-horse race between Smith-Njigba and Flowers on who will be the first WR drafted … including Flowers in the race is even a bit hopeful

But if you want to take a long shot, Downs might be your guy at +10000. Small and shifty, Downs was an elite receiver at UNC with QBs Sam Howell (drafted last summer in the 5th round by the Washington Commanders) and Drake Maye, who threw for 4,321 yards and 38 TDs last season as a sophomore.

Downs is a pure slot receiver, but he can be a high-volume receiver for the right team.

It’s not likely that he will go first at the WR position, but as a long shot, he is the only play worth making.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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