Sports blog information from USA TODAY.
The five best NFL player prop bets to make for the upcoming week.
We’ve identified five Week 1 prop bets that look very promising. We have a bruising running back scoring a touchdown, two veteran players hitting under their projection, and two of the top wide receivers in the league going over their projected numbers.
Odds provided by BetMGM Sportsbook
A snapshot look at the NFL betting lines and odds for Week 1 sports betting and DFS action.
A good way to start your weekly homework for DFS (daily fantasy sports) play is to analyze the early Vegas odds around Week 1.
These guys have a long history of making money off of setting the right game spread and points scored. So it can be an early indicator of teams to target due to high-scoring potential, and teams to avoid for the opposite reason.
Odds provided by BetMGM Sportsbook
OFF = No odds currently listed.
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The five smartest wagers to take to the pay window for the Week 1.
All 32 NFL teams enter Week 1 with the hope of a successful season. Unfortunately for half the league, a Week 1 loss will put them in panic mode to get their season back on track and stop piling up losses.
For this week’s bets, we take a pair of home favorites, one Over, one Under, and a road dog with a pretty good pedigree.
Odds provided by BetMGM Sportsbook
A league-wide view into the best wagers to make for NFL Week 1 action.
As is customary in Week 1 of the NFL, because teams haven’t shown much in the preseason, point spreads are tight and home teams are favored.
Of the 16 games on the schedule, 13 of the games have a point spread of four points or less and 14 of the favored teams are the home teams. Don’t get used to it, because after strengths and deficiencies become clear, you won’t see so many close games or home favorites happen later in the season.
Odds provided by BetMGM Sportsbook
The Chiefs are a modest home favorite (3 points at -115 Ravens, -105 Chiefs). Kansas City was caught off-guard in the season-opening game last year against Detroit and fought uphill the entire season. These two could meet again in late-January with the Super Bowl on the line. The Chiefs want that game (if it happens) to be at Arrowhead and they will be ready. Take the Chiefs and lay 3 points (-105).
The Eagles have a “home game” in Brazil and this game has a very high Over/Under (49 points at -110 for both Over and Under). Road trips break up the regimented routine teams are accustomed to, and both teams traveling to another continent will make it difficult to hit on all cylinders offensively with a point this high. Take the Under (-110).
The Bills are the second-biggest favorite of the week (6.5 points at -110 for both teams). I’ve always had a problem with West Coast teams heading east and playing in the early-window games. The game starts at 10 a.m. local time for the Cardinals, and it’s a distinct home-field advantage for Buffalo. Bills Mafia will make things miserable for the Cardinals and get the season off to a strong start. Take the Bills and lay 6.5 points (-110).
The Bengals are the biggest favorite of the week (8 points at -110 for both teams). The Patriots are in complete rebuild mode and a healthy Bengals team has Super Bowl aspirations. With both teams as healthy as they’re going to be, you bet on the more talented team regardless of the point spread. Take the Bengals and lay 8 points (-110).
The Vikings are one of the two road favorites this week (1.5 points at -110 for both). The Giants are undergoing significant change that will take time to mesh on both sides of the ball. The Vikings have the better roster for this game, but it may be the last time in a long time Minnesota is a favorite. Given their schedule, there is a sense of urgency to get a win here. Take the Vikings and lay 1.5 points (-110).
There is optimism in both cities that they’re in a new era with young talent. The Over/Under is high (45 points at -110 for both). With two extremely young quarterbacks likely getting conservative play-calling that requires 10 plays for a scoring drive, this number seems a little too high. Take the Under (-110).
The Saints are a solid home favorite (4 points at -110 for both the Panthers and Saints). These are two franchises that need every divisional win they can get. While the Saints are an aging team, their experience will help defend their yard against a younger team. Take the Saints and lay 4 points (-110).
Both franchises have gone veteran-from-the-outside at quarterback. The Over/Under is low (42 points at -110 for both). The Steelers defense will pressure Kirk Cousins into killing drives, and Russell Wilson isn’t a dynamic point scorer anymore. This game will be more defined by field goals than touchdowns. Take the Under (-110).
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There’s something about the Dolphins in September that screams points. This game has about as high as you get (49 points at -110 for both). Both offenses have the ability to be high-octane and a 14-point deficit doesn’t mean the game over. It may come late, but take the Over (-110).
These division rivals will forever be linked because of the quarterbacks they took in the 2023 draft – C.J. Stroud and Anthony Richardson. The Over/Under is projecting a high score (49 points at -110 for both Over and Under). Eventually, the defenses will find ways to limit the damage of the opposing quarterbacks, but this game has the feel of a back-and-forth barn burner. Take the Over (-110).
This is the lowest Over/Under of the week (40.5 points at -110 for both). The Raiders offense is brutal. Their defense has more than enough talent to keep Justin Herbert in check when he’s replacing his top-three passing targets. History says this game should hit the Over. That last time this matchup hit Under, the Raiders were still in Oakland, but this has the looks of a field-position game. Take the Under (-110).
Seattle is a really big favorite (6 points at -110 for both teams). In Week 1, only two teams are favored by more, and the Seahawks are far from dominant. The Broncos are crawling out of the wreckage of their recent past, but too many scenarios could have Denver finding ways to cover. Take the Broncos plus 6 points (-110).
The Browns are a home favorite (2.5 points), but this bet is based upon a simple premise. Since 2006, the Browns have a Week 1 record of 2-15-1 – by far the worst in the NFL. There’s reason to think that this year could be different, but that’s been said before many times before and been wrong. Take the Cowboys on the moneyline (+120).
The Commanders are turning a page on a new era, and this will be their first test. The Buccaneers are an expected favorite (3 points at -105 Commanders, -115 Buccaneers). Their veteran-laden experience won’t be enough to get the Bucs to the playoffs, but it will be enough to get past a team in formative steps. Take the Buccaneers and lay 3 points (-115).
This is the highest Over/Under of Week 1 (51 points at -110 for both). When healthy, the Rams offense can be lethal – much less with Matthew Stafford coming back to Motown in primetime. The Lions have legitimate preseason Super Bowl aspirations for the first time in forever. If either team gets up by 14 points, they will look to make it 21. Take the Over (-110).
Aaron Rodgers as a Jet was a cute story last year that ended in four plays. The 49ers are a decently sized favorite (4 points at -110 for both the Jets and 49ers). If San Francisco is on its game, a double-digit win isn’t out of the question – even against a very good Jets defense. Welcome back to the NFC, Aaron! Take the 49ers and lay 4 points (-110).
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 BetMGM Sportsbook
DMD – David Dorey, SG – Steve Gallo, HS – Harley Schultz, CC – Cletis Cutts, CJB – Cory Bonini, HCG – HC Green, KH – Kevin Hickey
A snapshot look at the NFL betting lines and odds for Week 1 sports betting and DFS action.
A good way to start your weekly homework for DFS (daily fantasy sports) play is to analyze the early Vegas odds around Week 1.
These guys have a long history of making money off of setting the right game spread and points scored. So it can be an early indicator of teams to target due to high-scoring potential, and teams to avoid for the opposite reason.
Note: Odds provided by BetMGM Sportsbook
OFF = No odds currently listed.
[betwidget_betmgm]
The five best NFL player prop bets to make for the upcoming week.
It’s not just the games that bettors can get a piece of each week of the NFL season. There are more than 1,000 prop bets that can be made each week.
With most teams as healthy as they’re going to be all season, we selected five players to shine the spotlight on. They include one of the league’s best running backs in an in-state rivalry, a pair of quarterbacks with contrasting rushing styles, a quarterback who was most successful mixing in the run a lot, and a wide receiver scoring a touchdown against one of the worst pass defenses in the league.
Note: Odds provided by BetMGM Sportsbook
These bets are among the smartest wagers to make in Week 1.
Our long NFL slumber since the days when winning or losing meant something – on the field or in your online account – is over. This weekend will be the first full-table feast, and we’ve picked out five betting matchups to keep your attention throughout the afternoon – a game to go Over, a game to go Under, a couple of Super Bowl-caliber teams putting their foot on the neck of a lesser team, and a moneyline cash grab.
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.
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.
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).
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).
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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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).
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).
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).
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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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).
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).
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).
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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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).
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).
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).
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).
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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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.
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.
Odds provided by BetMGM Sportsbook
DMD – David Dorey, SG – Steve Gallo, HS – Harley Schultz, CC – Cletis Cutts, CJB – Cory Bonini, HCG – HC Green, KH – Kevin Hickey
