We’re only days away from the first real NFL game of the season and already the betting markets are heating up.
While most money isn’t likely to pour in until right before kickoff, there are a few lines on the board that should have bettors paying attention—if not grabbing them now before they shift at the last minute.
The NFL is still incredibly tough to figure out. Week 1 may be the toughest slate of them all, since we’re mostly going off of preseason action. From home underdogs to contenders who are undervalued, here’s a look at five plays that have our attention.
All odds via Tipico.
Baltimore Ravens (-6.5) at New York Jets
First, the obvious: You cannot be a Super Bowl contender and lose to the Jets. You certainly cannot lose to them in Week 1. And you absolutely cannot lose when they’re likely to start Joe Flacco against you.
Unfortunately, the Jets are likely starting Flacco against the one team that has always given him the benefit of the doubt.
https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/1566822976590417920
But without Mekhi Becton holding down the offensive line, and with Lamar Jackson playing for his next contract, the Ravens should be able to overcome a revenge game to win by more than a touchdown on the road. Anything less and we’re probably asking some serious questions about Baltimore this time next week.
New Orleans Saints (-5.5) at Atlanta Falcons
A rivalry game in Week 1 is always a fun time. It’s less fun when one team is trying to tank. Now, not many expect the Falcons to challenge for an 0-17 season, but the Saints have a legit shot at winning the NFC South if they play their cards right.
That means beating their rival to start the year. Atlanta is looking like it could be without rookie receiver Drake London. New Orleans, meanwhile, will have Michael Thomas lining up alongside rookie Chris Olave.
The Saints should be able to win by a touchdown, let alone two field goals.
Arizona Cardinals (+4.5) vs. Kansas City Chiefs
On one hand, the Chiefs lost their top wideout with Tyreek Hill going to the Miami Dolphins. On the other, Matt Nagy is back as the team’s quarterback coach.
Wait. Actually that doesn’t really balance things. The Chiefs will be great again this year, but give me the home underdog with the quarterback who is was contractually obligated to study more film.
Cincinnati Bengals (-6.5) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Your 2022 Pittsburgh Steelers starting quarterback for Week 1: Mitchell Trubisky.
https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/1566835235073015808
Yes, even with Offensive Rookie of the Year favorite Kenny Pickett (+900) on the depth chart, the Steelers are tossing the, uh, consistent(?) Trubisky out to run their offense. Part of that could just be not wanting to start Pickett’s NFL career in a hostile road environment. Part of it could be they believe he’s not ready yet, in general.
I have Mike Tomlin winning Coach of the Year this season, but it won’t be due to decisions like this.
Bengals by a billion.
Carolina Panthers (-2.5) vs. Cleveland Browns
I refuse to believe this isn’t Baker Mayfield’s Super Bowl—regardless of what he says or didn’t say.
I also refuse to believe this Cleveland team isn’t going to find itself facing a heavy dose of karma this year, but that’s not the point. The Panthers have a healthy Christian McCaffrey an elite wideout in DJ Moore and a defense that ranked No. 2 overall in the NFL last year,
I’ll take Carolina by a field goal.
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