Tag: NFL betting odds lines picks best bets predictions winners against the spread over under

Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions odds, picks and best bets

Previewing the Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions Week 1 betting odds and lines, with NFL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Chicago Bears are looking to rebound in 2020 after falling flat in 2019 as the defending NFC North champs. They open the 2020 NFL season by traveling to play the division-rival Detroit Lions at 1 p.m. ET Sunday at Ford Field. Below, we preview the Bears-Lions betting odds and lines and make our NFL picks and best bets.

Bears at Lions betting odds and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 1:45 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: Bears +115 | Lions -134
  • Against the Spread/ATS: Chicago +2.5 (-110) | Lions -2.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 42.5 (O: -110, U: -110)

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Bears at Lions game notes

  • Mitchell Trubisky is a pedestrian quarterback at best, but, not against the Lions. In his last four meetings, he has thrown for 314 or more yards in three of them and has three touchdown passes in the last three – all Bears wins
  • Chicago was 1-6 against the spread in its final seven games of the 2019 season, while Detroit went 2-9 ATS in its last 11 games of the season
  • The Bears and Lions have gone Under the projected point total in six of their last nine head-to-head games
  • In two games last season against the Bears, Lions WR Kenny Golladay owned them – catching 10 passes for 196 yards and two touchdowns
  • Detroit has lost seven straight games against NFC opponents

Bears at Lions key injuries

Bears

  • OLB Robert Quinn (ankle) questionable
  • OLB Khalil Mack (knee) questionable

Lions

  • WR Kenny Golladay (hamstring) questionable
  • RB D’Andre Swift (hip) questionable
  • DE Julian Okwara (knee) questionable
  • S C.J. Moore (hamstring) questionable

Bears at Lions: Odds, betting lines, picks and prediction

Prediction

Chicago 20, Detroit 17

Moneyline (?)

Week 1 divisional games typically get the action on the home time, but, in these crazy times, home-field advantage has largely been taken away. Lions QB Matthew Stafford is making his return and the Lions are as deep at running back as they’ve been in years, but the Bears have the ability to take advantage of a defense that doesn’t make enough game-changing plays.

Take the BEARS (+115).

Against the Spread (?)

If you’re taking the BEARS +2.5 (-110) straight up, you will take them against the spread as well. Getting 2.5 points is big positive because this has all the makings of a one-score game barring a rash of turnovers.

Detroit has to win by 3 or more to cover that spread, so, at -110, you get to hedge your bet a bit. Take CHICAGO +2.5 (-110).

Over/Under (?)

These two teams tend to grind it out and play field position. Bears head coach Matt Nagy would like to change that, but he doesn’t have the horses to get it done.

With all the new faces in Detroit, they could have used a preseason of live action to get the offense rolling. Take the UNDER 42.5 (-110) and look for glimmers of potency from Detroit’s offense.

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Las Vegas Raiders at Carolina Panthers odds, picks and best bets

Previewing the Week 1 matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders at Carolina Panthers betting odds and lines, with NFL picks, tips and best bets.

The Las Vegas Raiders and Carolina Panthers kick off their 2020 regular seasons at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET (on CBS).

Las Vegas Raiders at Carolina Panthers betting odds and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 1:10 p.m.

  • Moneyline: Raiders -162 (bet $162, win $100) | Panthers +135 (Bet $100, win $135)
  • Against the Spread/ATS: Raiders -3 (-110) | Panthers +3 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 47.5 (O: -110, U: -110)

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Las Vegas Raiders at Carolina Panthers game notes

  • The Raiders play their first game officially representing the city of Las Vegas after playing in Oakland from 1960 to 1981, Los Angeles from 1982 to 1994 and again in Oakland from 1995 to 2019.
  • The Raiders ranked 11th in the NFL with 363.7 total yards per game, ninth with 245.4 passing yards per contest and 13th with 118.3 rushing yards per game, yet they ranked 24th with 19.6 PPG.
  • The Raiders turned the ball over just 17 times on offense, ranking eighth, but they were last defensively with only 14 takeaways.
  • The Panthers head into the post-Ron Rivera, post-Cam Newton era, and not much is expected of them. They managed a 5-11 record, going 6-9-1 ATS with 11 overs and just five under results in 2019. QB Teddy Bridgewater takes the reins of the offense, while head coach Matt Rhule makes his debut.
  • The Raiders went 7-9 in their final season in Oakland in 2019, going just 2-6 on the road, 8-8 ATS and hitting the under nine times in their 16 contests.

Las Vegas Raiders at Carolina Panthers key injuries

Raiders

  • WR Nelson Agholor (groin) questionable
  • WR Bryan Edwards (knee) probable
  • OT Trent Brown (calf) probable
  • CB Damon Arnette (thumb, groin) questionable
  • OG Richie Incognito (Achilles) questionable

Panthers

  • DE Yetur Gross-Matos (wrist) questionable
  • OT Russell Okung (ankle) probable
  • WR Curtis Samuel (hamstring) probable
  • DT Kawann Short (shoulder) probable

Las Vegas Raiders at Carolina Panthers: Odds, betting lines, picks and prediction

Prediction

Panthers 26, Raiders 23

Moneyline (?)

PANTHERS (+135) are a solid value as short ‘dogs at home. The Panthers lost a lot on defense, including the sudden retirement of LB Luke Kuechly. Bridgewater is a solid signal caller. The team added WR Robby Anderson to go along with WRs DJ Moore and Curtis Samuel, and they have RB Christian McCaffrey, just the third player in NFL history to surpass 1,000 rushing and 1,000 receiving yards in a single season. The Panthers have a new regime, and the Raiders have absolutely no video to go off to try and game plan. That will lead to a fast start for Carolina.

Panthers Wire: 3 best NFL underdog bets for Week 1

Against the Spread (?)

PANTHERS (+3, -110) is a solid bet, even better if you’re able to get it or buy up to three and a hook. Carolina is playing at home, and while Newton is now plying his trade in New England, and Rivera is in D.C., plenty of talent on the offensive side of the football remains. They’ll surprise the Raiders on Sunday.

Raiders Wire: Raiders RB Josh Jacobs named top-play in fantasy football for Week 1

Over/Under (?)

OVER 47.5 (-110) is the lean here, although it will be a close shave. If you plan to bet the total, go very lightly in this one. It won’t be a defensive battle, but it won’t be a track meet, either.

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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.

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Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Football Team odds, picks and best bets

Previewing the Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Football Team Week 1 sports betting odds and lines, with NFL picks, predictions and best bets.

The Philadelphia Eagles head down to meet the Washington Football Team in their 2020 regular-season opener at FedEx Field. Kickoff is set for Sunday at 1 p.m. ET (on FOX). Below, we preview the Eagles-Washington Football Team Week 1 betting odds and lines, with our NFL picks and best bets.

Eagles at Washington Football Team betting odds and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 1:25 p.m.

  • Moneyline: Eagles -239 | Washington +195
  • Against the Spread/ATS: Eagles -5.5 (-110) | Washington +5.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 42.5 (O: -110, U: -110)

Get some action on this NFL game or others by placing a legal sports bet in CO, IN, NJ and WV at BetMGM Sportsbook. Bet now!

Eagles at Washington game notes

  • The Eagles swept the season series in 2019, winning 32-27 in Week 1 in Philadelphia while taking a 37-27 victory in D.C. in Week 15. They covered the spread in the meeting in the nation’s capital, while the Over cashed in both outings.
  • Washington will be playing its first game under new head coach Ron Rivera. The offense will have a bit of a new look, as the team jettisoned RB Adrian Peterson, the team’s leading rusher from 2019. QB Dwayne Haskins Jr. gets the start under center for Week 1.
  • The Eagles won the NFC East last season, going 9-7 with a 5-1 record inside the division. They covered seven of their 16 games, while the Over/Under split 8-8.
  • Washington won just three games a season ago, including a 1-7 mark at home. It lost all six games inside the NFC East, and went 6-10 ATS while the O/U split 8-8.
  • Washington’s offense ranked 31st in the NFL with 274.7 total yards on offense while ranking last in passing yards per game (175.8) and points scored (16.6).

Eagles at Washington key injuries

Eagles

  • WR Alshon Jeffery (foot) questionable
  • OT Lane Johnson (ankle) questionable
  • WR Jalen Reagor (shoulder) probable
  • RB Miles Sanders (hamstring) questionable

Washington

  • LB Thomas Davis (calf) questionable
  • CB Kendall Fuller (knee) questionable
  • DT Jonathan Allen (knee) probable

Eagles at Washington: Odds, betting lines, picks and prediction

Prediction

Eagles 30, Washington 17

Moneyline (?)

The Eagles (-239) are too heavy of a favorite on the moneyline to risk it, especially on the road. AVOID.

Against the Spread (?)

The EAGLES -5.5 (-110) are a much better play against the number, as long as the number stays under 7. Philly is 5-2 ATS in the past seven as a road favorite, while cashing in five of its past seven in Week 1.

Washington has covered in just two of its past 10 at home and is 0-5 ATS in the past five inside the division. Washington’s also 2-5 ATS in the past seven in Week 1.

Over/Under (?)

OVER 42.5 (-110) is the play here. Washington allowed 27.2 points per game last season, and while they added DE Chase Young with the No. 2 overall pick in the NFL Draft, they still have a lot of leaks in the dam. It’s going to take time for Rivera to institute the kind of defense he wants.

Last season both meetings cashed the Over, and this is a rather low number given the results in 2019.

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Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings odds, picks and best bets

Previewing the Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings Week 1 betting odds and lines, with NFL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Green Bay Packers travel across the Mississippi River for the biannual border battle with the Minnesota Vikings at 1 p.m. ET Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium. Below, we preview the Packers-Vikings betting odds and lines and make our NFL picks and best bets.

Packers at Vikings betting odds and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 12:50 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: Packers +125 | Vikings -150
  • Against the Spread/ATS: Packers +2.5 (-110) | Vikings -2.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 45.5 (O: -110, U: -110)

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Packers at Vikings game notes

  • The Vikings will be without six of their key defensive players from the last several seasons, including three of their starting defensive linemen (Danielle Hunter (injury), Linval Joseph (Chargers) and Everson Griffen (Cowboys)) and their top three cornerbacks (Xavier Rhodes (Colts), Trae Waynes (Bengals) and Mackensie Alexander (Bengals)).
  • The Packers were accused of winning with smoke and mirrors last year, going 9-1 (including the playoffs) in one-possession games.
  • In the battle of quarterbacks, in his last five games against the Vikings, Aaron Rodgers has thrown for more than 216 yards just once and has just four touchdown passes. In his first season with the Vikings, Kirk Cousins threw for 800 yards with seven touchdowns and one interception against the Packers. In two games last year, he threw for 352 yards with two touchdowns and three picks.
  • Minnesota is 12-5 against the spread in its last 17 games as a favorite and 9-1 on the moneyline and ATS in its last 10 September home games.
  • Green Bay is 1-4 ATS in its last five September road games.

Packers at Vikings key injuries

Packers

  • OL Billy Turner (knee) questionable
  • DL Montravius Adams (toe) questionable

Vikings

  • DE Danielle Hunter (IR/neck) out

Packers at Vikings: Odds, betting lines, picks and prediction

Prediction

Packers 23, Vikings 20

Moneyline (?)

Minnesota has the better top-to-bottom roster, but without its top three cornerbacks and three of its longtime defensive line starters, Rodgers is one of the worst quarterbacks to go up against with a new-look defense that hasn’t played a game together. Without the thunderous SKOL-clapping crowd to hinder the Packers offense, it takes away one of the Vikings’ unsung weapons – their vocal 12th man.

Take the PACKERS (+125).

Against the Spread (?)

This will be short and sweet. If you’re taking the Packers straight up, why get less return on your investment to be given +2.5 (-110) points?

PASS.

Over/Under (?)

This is the toughest bet of the bunch. Both Minnesota and Green Bay have proved to be run-heavy teams with Dalvin Cook and Aaron Jones leading the way, respectively.

Additionally, Rodgers and Cousins are pinpoint passers willing to check down to a shorter, safer route rather than risk a downfield interception. All of those things combine to keep the clock moving.

In a game where there may well be more field goals than touchdowns, 45.5 points is a little steep. Not by much, but take the UNDER 45.5 (-110).

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New York Jets at Buffalo Bills odds, picks and best bets

Previewing the Week 1 matchup between the New York Jets at Buffalo Bills betting odds and lines, with NFL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The New York Jets and Buffalo Bills open their 2020 regular seasons at New Era Field on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET (on CBS).

New York Jets at Buffalo Bills betting odds and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 12:30 p.m.

  • Moneyline: Bills -295 (bet $295, win $100) | Jets +240 (Bet $100, win $240)
  • Against the Spread/ATS: Bills -6.5 (-110) | Jets +6.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 39.5 (O: -110, U: -110)

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New York Jets at Buffalo Bills game notes

  • The Jets made some nice improvements along their offensive line, including spending their first-round pick on OT Mekhi Becton out of Louisville. But they traded S Jamal Adams to Seattle, and LB C.J. Mosley opted out due to COVID-19, so the defense is going to struggle.
  • The Bills haven’t won the AFC East division title since 1995, but many talking heads like what they see. A lot of excitement was generated by adding WR Stefon Diggs on offense, as well as DE Mario Addison to strengthen an already impressive defensive unit.
  • The Jets were 7-9 with a 2-4 record inside the AFC East in 2019, including a split with the Bills. Their 13-6 win in Week 7 came in Buffalo, with the home side resting key players with their playoff seeding already locked in.
  • New York also finished 7-9 ATS and hit the over seven times with nine under results.
  • The Bills went 10-6, but were just 4-4 at home and 3-3 inside the division. They ended up 9-5-2 ATS, and they tied with the Pittsburgh Steelers to have the most under results (12).

New York Jets at Buffalo Bills key injuries

Jets

  • LB Tarell Basham (ankle) questionable
  • WR Jamison Crowder (hamstring) probable
  • WR Breshad Perriman (knee) probable
  • S Marcus Maye (calf, ankle) questionable
  • WR Denzel Mims (hamstring) questionable
  • RB La’Mical Perine (ankle) doubtful
  • LB Avery Williamson (hamstring) questionable

Bills

  • DT Vernon Butler (hamstring) questionable
  • CB Josh Norman (hamstring) questionable

New York Jets at Buffalo Bills: Odds, betting lines, picks and prediction

Prediction

Bills 24, Jets 13

Moneyline (?)

Bills (-295) are the play in the regular season opener, but you cannot risk nearly three times your potential return. The Jets (+240), however, will have plenty of problems defensively, and you cannot trust them, either. AVOID.

Bills Wire: Josh Allen, Stefon Diggs temper expectations ahead of Week 1

Against the Spread (?)

The new-look BILLS (-6.5, -110) will get off to a good start, and get in on this before it goes up to a flat seven, or worse, seven and a hook. If Johnny Public jumps in on this and drives this line up, it makes it a bit more perilous. Get on the right side, although I still think Buffalo comes through by double digits.

Jets Wire: Tight end group headlines 4 of Jets’ biggest strengths entering 2020

Over/Under (?)

UNDER 39.5 (-110) is a risky play in this one, as this is the lowest total on the board. But Buffalo’s defense is sick, and they’ll allow very little in the way of points to Gang Green. The Bills are still gelling on offense, and eventually this could be quite the well-oiled machine. But they’re still a work in progress.

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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.

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Cleveland Browns at Baltimore Ravens odds, picks and best bets

Previewing the Cleveland Browns at Baltimore Ravens Week 1 betting odds and lines, with NFL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens begin their 2020 regular seasons at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore Sunday at 1 p.m. ET (on CBS). Below, we preview the Browns-Ravens betting odds and lines and make our NFL picks and best bets.

Browns at Ravens betting odds and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 12:30 p.m.

  • Moneyline: Browns +300 (bet $100, win $300) | Ravens -385 (Bet $385, win $100)
  • Against the Spread/ATS: Browns +7.5 (-110) | Ravens -7.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 47.5 (O: -110, U: -110)

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Browns at Ravens game notes

  • The Ravens went 14-2, including 7-1 at home, but that one loss came Sept. 29 against the Browns, 40-25. Baltimore entered that game favored by 7.5 points like it is Sunday.
  • The Ravens ended up 5-1 in the AFC North, 10-2 against AFC teams and 10-6 ATS, while posting nine Over results and seven Unders.
  • The Browns posted a 6-10 record, including just 2-6 in their eight games on the road. Cleveland ended up 5-10-1 ATS while splitting their Over/Under results 8-8.
  • Ravens QB Lamar Jackson secured the NFL’s MVP with 3,127 yards, 36 touchdowns and six interceptions while running for 1,206 yards and seven more scores. He is listed at +700 to be named MVP again this year.
  • Ravens OT Andre Smith and WR De’Anthony Thomas opted out for the 2020 season, while Browns G Malcolm Pridgeon, G Colby Gossett, DT Andrew Billings, G Drew Forbes and OT Drake Dorbeck elected to skip the season.

Browns at Ravens key injuries

Browns

  • C JC Tretter (knee) questionable
  • CB Greedy Williams (shoulder) questionable

Ravens

  • G Tyre Phillips (ankle) questionable

Browns at Ravens: Odds, betting lines, picks and prediction

Prediction

Ravens 30, Browns 16

Moneyline (?)

The Ravens (-385) are favorites to open the season with a win over their AFC North rivals, the Browns (+300). You cannot risk nearly four times your potential return for the boys from Charm City, nor can you rely on Cleveland to win for a second consecutive season on the road against the Ravens. AVOID.

Against the Spread (?)

The RAVENS (-7.5, -110) have covered just five of their past 16 home games over the previous two regular seasons, but they’re a strong play against Cleveland.

The Browns (+7.5, -110) are just 9-19-1 ATS in the past 29 inside the division, and 5-14-1 ATS in their past 20 regular-season openers. Cleveland also failed to cover in its final six road outings to close out 2019.

Over/Under (?)

UNDER 47.5 (-110) is the way to go in this AFC North battle, cashing in five of the past seven meetings in this series. The Under is also 4-1 in Baltimore’s past five as a home favorite.

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Los Angeles Chargers at Cincinnati Bengals odds, picks and best bets

Previewing the Los Angeles Chargers at Cincinnati Bengals Week 1 betting odds and lines, with NFL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Cincinnati Bengals welcome the Los Angeles Chargers to Paul Brown Stadium in Week 1 for the NFL debut of No. 1 draft choice QB Joe Burrow. Kickoff is set for 4:05 p.m ET Sunday. Below, we preview the Chargers-Bengals betting odds and lines and make our NFL picks and best bets.

Chargers at Bengals betting odds and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 10 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: Chargers -167 (bet $167, win $100) | Bengals +140 (Bet $100, win $140)
  • Against the Spread/ATS: Chargers -3 (-110) | Bengals +3 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 41.5 (O: -110, U: -110)

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Chargers at Bengals game notes

  • Burrow is just one of the new faces who’ll play a key role for the Bengals from Week 1. Fellow rookie WR Tee Higgins and free-agent CB Mackensie Alexander will help improve a team that went 2-14 in 2019. WR A.J. Green is also set to return after missing all of 2019 due to injury.
  • The Chargers begin life without QB Philip Rivers and will go with Tyrod Taylor under center until rookie Justin Herbert is ready.
  • Los Angeles also added DT Linval Joseph and CB Chris Harris Jr. this offseason. LB Kenneth Murray was taken in the first round of the draft. S Derwin James was already lost for the year due to a training camp injury and RB Melvin Gordon III left in free agency.
  • The Chargers beat the Bengals 26-21 in a 2018 meeting. Rivers and Jeff Driskel were the starting quarterbacks, but Bengals RB Joe Mixon amassed 138 total yards with a rushing touchdown and Chargers RB Austin Ekeler totaled 94 yards and a score on the ground.
  • The offensive lines of the Chargers and Bengals ranked 20th and 31st, respectively, last season in pass block win rate. It could be a rough opening night for both Burrow and Taylor.

Chargers at Bengals key injuries

Chargers

  • C Mike Pouncey (hip) questionable
  • WR Mike Williams (shoulder) questionable
  • QB Tyrod Taylor (calf) probable

Bengals

  • DT Geno Atkins (shoulder) questionable
  • DT Mike Daniels (groin) questionable

Chargers at Bengals: Odds, betting lines, picks and prediction

Prediction

Chargers 20, Bengals 16

Moneyline (?)

The CHARGERS (-167) are road favorites, but there’ll be no fans present at Paul Brown Stadium to add to the difficulty of cross-country travel from the Southwest. Burrow is faced with a tough test for his NFL debut as he goes up against Chargers DE Joey Bosa and Harris poses a formidable matchup in the secondary.

While Taylor will make his starting debut for LA in Week 1, he spent the entirety of the 2019 season backing up Rivers and got into parts of eight games. Look for his familiarity with offensive weapons Ekeler and WRs Keenan Allen and Williams to make the difference against the young but promising Bengals.

Against the Spread (?)

The spread will be tight, but CHARGERS -3 (-110) seems like the play. I expect a big night for Bosa against the porous Bengals O-line and Harris should be able to keep Allen in check.

Burrow hasn’t had much time to grow a rapport with his impressive fleet of wideouts. While the Bengals are loaded with talent on offense, they’re likely to be settling for field goals more often than not in the early weeks of the 2020 season.

Over/Under (?)

Take the UNDER 41.5 (-110). Not only is it an early-season meeting between two teams having undergone many changes, but both teams lean heavily on the run. The clock will keep running and points will be slow to accumulate.

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Seattle Seahawks at Atlanta Falcons odds, picks and best bets

Previewing the Seattle Seahawks at Atlanta Falcons Week 1 betting odds and lines, with NFL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Atlanta Falcons and Seattle Seahawks open up their respective 2020 NFL seasons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium Sunday of Week 1. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET. Below, we preview the Seahawks-Falcons betting odds and lines and make our NFL picks and best bets.

Seahawks at Falcons betting odds and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 9:45 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: Seahawks -129 (bet $129, win $100) | Falcons +110 (Bet $100, win $110)
  • Against the Spread/ATS: Seahawks -2.5 (-110) | Falcons +2.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 48.5 (O: -110, U: -110)

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Seahawks at Falcons game notes

  • The Seahawks pulled off a 27-20 win in last season’s Week 8 trip to Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Falcons QB Matt Schaub started in place of Matt Ryan and threw for 460 yards with one touchdown and one interception in the loss.
  • The Falcons made several key offseason additions with the signing of LB Dante Fowler Jr., CB Darqueze Dennard and RB Todd Gurley, and the trade acquisition of TE Hayden Hurst.
  • Seattle’s signing included TE Greg Olsen and WR Phillip Dorsett.
  • The two teams tied for 22nd in the NFL last year with 24.9 points allowed per game. The Seahawks were 26th with 381.6 yards allowed per game. Pro-Bowl S Jamal Adams was acquired from the New York Jets in an offseason trade to help improve on those numbers.
  • The Seahawks tied for third in the NFL with a plus-12 turnover differential last year. The Falcons tied for 24th with a minus-5 differential.

Seahawks at Falcons key injuries

Seahawks

  • WR Phillip Dorsett (foot) probable
  • OT Duane Brown (knee) probable

Falcons

  • WR Russell Gage (groin) probable
  • DT Marlon Davidson (knee) probable

Seahawks at Falcons: Odds, betting lines, picks and prediction

Prediction

Falcons 27, Seahawks 26

Moneyline (?)

The FALCONS (+110) are the play as slight home dogs in the season opener. Both teams made several key changes on the defensive side of the ball to improve on last year’s poorly-ranked units.

The Seahawks are still led by the strong quartet of QB Russell Wilson, RB Chris Carson, and WRs Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf, but look for Atlanta’s improved defensive line to make life more difficult for Wilson than it was in this matchup last year.

Against the Spread (?)

Take the insurance with the FALCONS +2.5 (-110) in what should be a tight-scoring early-season game. I like the value of taking them to win outright, but the two points of insurance are nice to have in the event of missed field goals or extra points.

Over/Under (?)

As a general rule, I’ll be leaning to the Under in Week 1 games, but I’ll take the OVER 48.5 (-110) in Atlanta.

As mentioned above, both teams overhauled their defense this offseason in hopes of improving on last year’s results, while both teams return elite offensive groups. Look for two-experienced QBs in Wilson and Ryan to be able to take advantage of the inevitable early-season defensive miscues.

Want action on this NFL game? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

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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.

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Houston Texans at Kansas City Chiefs odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Thursday’s Kansas City Chiefs and Houston Texans Week 1 sports betting odds and lines, with NFL picks, predictions and best bets.

The Houston Texans travel to meet the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in the first game of the 2020 NFL season. Kickoff is set for Thursday at 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC. Below, we preview the Texans-Chiefs Week 1 betting odds and lines, with our NFL picks and best bets.

Texans at Chiefs betting odds and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 10:50 a.m.

  • Moneyline: Chiefs -455 | Texans +350
  • Against the Spread/ATS: Chiefs -9 (-110) | Texans +9 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 54.5 (O: -110, U: -110)

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Texans at Chiefs game notes

  • The Texans fired out to a 24-0 lead in the AFC Divisional Playoffs Jan. 12, 2020 at Arrowhead. They were outscored 51-7 from there, ending their 2019 season in the very place the 2020 campaign begins Thursday.
  • The Texans play their first game without WR DeAndre Hopkins, who was traded to Arizona. RB David Johnson was the big player coming back to Houston, and he hopes to resurrect his career after being limited to just 30 games (26 starts) over the past three seasons.
  • The Chiefs went 12-4 last season, while going 10-5-1 against the spread (ATS), with eight Over results and eight Unders.
  • The Texans managed a 10-6 record, winning the AFC South Division title. They ended up 7-8-1 ATS, with seven Overs and nine Unders.
  • Reigning Super Bowl MVP QB Patrick Mahomes threw for 321 yards and five touchdowns with 53 rushing yards in the most recent meeting vs. Houston.

Texans at Chiefs key injuries

Texans

  • WR Brandin Cooks (quadriceps) questionable
  • DE Jonathan Greenard (ankle) questionable

Chiefs

  • TE Travis Kelce (knee) probable
  • RB Darrel Williams (hamstring) probable

Texans at Chiefs: Odds, betting lines, picks and prediction

Prediction

Chiefs 34, Texans 17

Moneyline (?)

The Chiefs (-455) are overwhelming favorites in this one, but betting moneylines like this in NFL play is risky business, perhaps riskier than any other sport. Very rarely do I bet moneylines in the NFL, unless the spread is two or fewer points and the number is -150 or lower.

AVOID.

Chiefs Wire: 4 Chiefs players to watch in Week 1 vs. Texans

Against the Spread (?)

The CHIEFS -9 (-110) will not have their usual full house and loud crowd for the home opener, but they will allow up to 16,000 fans at Arrowhead. So there will be a home-field advantage.

The Texans (+9, -110) still have QB Deshaun Watson under center, but they traded away one of the best receivers in the NFL, and the offense didn’t have a ton of offseason time to jell. Look for a slow start offensively.

Texans Wire: Houston Texans’ Super Bowl odds are worse in 2020 than they were same time in 2019

Over/Under (?)

UNDER 54.5 (-110) is not something you want to make a habit betting when the Chiefs are involved, as Mahomes and company can light up the scoreboard, but as mentioned, the Texans will struggle offensively during the early going, as there are some new faces in key places.

Want action on this NFL game? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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

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