Sports blog information from USA TODAY.
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.
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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.
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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
Looking at the early betting lines for Week 1 of the 2020 NFL season and higlighting four moneyline bets to make.
We take a look at four NFL Week 1 moneyline bets you can make at BetMGM following the release of the 2020 NFL schedule. Get an early edge on the betting odds and lines before rosters begin to finalize.
Also see – Week 1 NFL betting lines up at BetMGM: Chiefs, 49ers among biggest favorites
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Odds last updated Sunday, May 10 at 8 a.m. ET.
One of the strangest lines for Week 1 has the Panthers (-115) favored over the Raiders (-106). While the Raiders were just a 7-9 team in 2019, continuity is going to prove pivotal early in the 2020 season with abbreviated offseason programs around the league. Las Vegas added a ton of talent over the offseason, including wide receivers Henry Ruggs III and Bryan Edwards in the 2020 NFL Draft.
With the Panthers not only bringing in a new coaching staff, but also a new quarterback in Teddy Bridgewater with essentially a whole new defense, don’t be surprised if the Panthers get off to a rough start. Their secondary is also one of the worst units in the league and look for Raiders head coach Jon Gruden and QB Derek Carr to take advantage of the young group. I like the RAIDERS (-106) to win in Carolina.
Place your Week 1 NFL bets at BetMGM, or play in their online casino. Bet now!
The Rams will open the season in their new stadium as they play host to the Cowboys on Sunday Night Football. Despite the home advantage, the Rams are underdogs in this matchup. LA finished the 2019 season slow, but they are still one of the most talented offenses in the NFL and have arguably the best player in the league in DT Aaron Donald on defense.
With Dallas having a new head coach (Mike McCarthy) for the first time since 2010, the Cowboys will need some time to adjust. For that reason, they may look a little sloppy on both sides of the ball until they learn their new schemes. Take the RAMS (+120) and the value here in Week 1.
New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Rams to beat the Cowboys outright will return a profit of $12.
The Steelers will play on the road in Week 1 for the sixth straight year, but they will open with a fairly easy opponent as they will face the Giants (+145). New York has a new coaching staff with Joe Judge, so don’t be surprised if it takes them a while to get up to speed.
Pittsburgh is bringing back nearly its entire starting lineup, including QB Ben Roethlisberger. The Steelers also have one of the best defenses in the NFL, as they created a league-high 38 turnovers in 2019. They return 10 of 11 starters and should start the season off strong. This should be a fairly easy win for Pittsburgh in New Jersey.
The Broncos will play the second Monday Night Football game to open the season as they host the Titans (+130). If you know anything about the Broncos early in the season, they are nearly impossible to beat at home. Since the merger, they are 51-9-2 at home during the first two weeks of the season. Teams just aren’t conditioned enough to play in the thin atmosphere of Denver in September.
While the Titans were able to make it to the AFC Championship in 2019, expect them to start the season 0-1.
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