Underdog Corner: 3 best NFL picks and predictions of Week 1

Real NFL games are back, sellout crowds at stadiums have returned and so has Underdog Corner here for Year 3 at SportsbookWire.com. Our debut season in 2019 was a smashing — and cashing — success with a 30-21 (.588) cumulative record against the spread for our three weekly NFL underdog picks and predictions.

The 2020 season wasn’t as successful (in many ways) as we dipped to 23-27-1 (.461) ATS. The new season, though, brings a clean slate and new opportunities to cash in on some NFL underdog plays. Here goes to kick off the expanded 2021 season …

Also see: NFL team win totals, playoff lines and Super Bowl odds

NFL underdog predictions: Week 1

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 7:15 a.m. ET.

Philadelphia Eagles +3.5 (-125) at Atlanta Falcons

Two former AFC South offensive coordinators — Philly’s Nick Sirianni and Atlanta’s Arthur Smith — will be making their head coaching debuts in this clash of four-win teams from 2020.

The Falcons obviously have the more experienced quarterback with Matt Ryan entering his 14th season and the Eagles’ Jalen Hurts starting his second.

However, this game likely will be decided in the trenches where Philly has edges on both sides of the ball. The Falcons are starting an inexperienced center and left guard while former All-Pro defender Fletcher Cox and the Eagles are coming off a season in which they pressured opposing QBs at the second-highest rate in the league.

That being the case, swoop up the EAGLES +3.5 (-125) and don’t be the least bit surprised if the visitors win outright.

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Houston Texans +3.5 (-122) vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

Sure, the Texans’ heart and soul — i.e. defensive lineman J.J. Watt and QB Deshaun Watson — are now missing in action, leaving behind perhaps the league’s least-talented 2021 roster; however, the Jags are coming off a franchise-worst 1-15 season and certainly aren’t far behind.

Head coach Urban Meyer and QB Trevor Lawrence are total NFL newbies, so expect experienced Houston defensive coordinator Lovie Smith and QB Tyrod Taylor to come up with enough veteran tricks to keep this one within a field goal.

Take the TEXANS +3.5 (-122) at home.

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Miami Dolphins +3.5 (-122) at New England Patriots

Two division rivals who share a host of familiarity, inexperienced young quarterbacks (second-year Dolphins starter Tua Tagovailoa and Patriots rookie Mac Jones) and above-average defenses meet late Sunday afternoon in Foxborough.

That points us to a low-scoring, close contest and a wager on MIAMI +3.5 (-122).

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

Also see:

- Eagles Wire: Keys for Eagles’ offense in Week 1

- Dolphins Wire: Dolphins focused on not underestimating Mac Jones

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