In the first two weeks of the season, there have been more games with both teams scoring 20 or fewer points (eight) than contests where both teams scored more than 20 points.
In a typical week, there may be two or three games with an Over/Under of 40 points or less. This week there are currently six. Is this a sign of things to come or an early-season aberration?
Odds provided by BetMGM Sportsbook
New England Patriots (+220) at New York Jets (-275)
The Jets are a prohibitive favorite (6.5 points at -120 Patriots, -110 Jets). The Patriots have owned this rivalry. While the Jets are clearly better, almost a touchdown is a lot of points to give in a division rivalry on a short week. Take the Patriots plus 6.5 points (-120).
New York Giants (+240) at Cleveland Browns (-300)
The Browns are big favorites (6.5 points at -105 Giants, -115 Browns). The Giants can’t seem to get out of their way, and heading into Cleveland against one of the best defenses in the league isn’t a recipe for changing that dynamic. Take the Browns and lay 6.5 points (-115).
Chicago Bears (+100) at Indianapolis Colts (-120)
The Colts are a minimal favorite (1 point at -110 for both teams). The Bears haven’t figured it out offensively, and Caleb Williams has struggled early. Big plays will determine this game, and Anthony Richardson is capable of making more of them. Take the Colts and lay 1 point (-110).
Houston Texans (-130) at Minnesota Vikings (+110)
The Texans are slight road favorites (1.5 points at -110 for both teams). Minnesota has been a pleasant surprise to start the season, but the Vikings have struggled with mobile quarterbacks who extend plays and make plays Sam Darnold can’t. C.J. Stroud carries this game. Take the Texans and lay 1.5 points (-110).
Philadelphia Eagles (+125) at New Orleans Saints (-115)
The Saints have overpowered their first two opponents but are small home favorites (2.5 points). There is a reason for this number – the Eagles are the better overall team and can win in more ways than the Saints. It may seem blasphemous given New Orleans’ start, but take the Eagles on the moneyline (+125).
Los Angeles Chargers (+105) at Pittsburgh Steelers (-125)
The Over/Under on this game is about as low as a line gets (35.5 points at -110 for both). Only one team likely needs to get past 20 points to go Over and both Justins (Herbert and Fields) are capable of making enough plays to top this. Take Over 35.5 points (-110).
Denver Broncos (+260) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-350)
The Over/Under is low on this one (39.5 points at -110 for both teams). Bo Nix and the Broncos have scored only 26 points in two games, so the Buccaneers know they don’t have to take a lot of risks to win this game handily and will call plays accordingly. Take Under 39.5 points (-110).
Green Bay Packers (+105) at Tennessee Titans (-125)
The Titans are minimal home favorites (1.5 points at -110 for both Packers and Titans). The Packers got away with running the ball 53 times to beat the Colts. Tennessee’s run defense is much stronger, and former Titan Malik Willis will crumble when asked to shoulder more of the burden, assuming, of course, Jordan Love (knee) remains out. Take the Titans and lay 1.5 points (-110).
Carolina Panthers (+200) at Las Vegas Raiders (-250)
The Over/Under is pretty low (40 points at -110 for both). While bringing Andy Dalton in at QB may seem like a solid move, a stationary target against the Raiders defense will result in a lot of drives dying outside of scoring position. Take Under 40 points (-110).
Miami Dolphins (+180) at Seattle Seahawks (-225)
The Seahawks are solid favorites (4.5 points at -110 for both teams). The sentiment is that Miami is hobbled without Tua Tagovailoa. They still have too many explosive weapons to ignore. Giving away that many points seems too high. Take the Dolphins plus 4.5 points (-110).
Detroit Lions (-150) at Arizona Cardinals (+125)
This is the biggest Over/Under of the week (51.5 points at -110 for both Over and Under). The NFL hasn’t seen many back-and-forth shootouts this season, but this one has all the earmarks of what it takes – offenses capable of scoring 30 points and defenses capable of allow enough to go Over. Take Over 51.5 points (-110).
Baltimore Ravens (-115) at Dallas Cowboys (-105)
The Ravens are a road favorite (1 points at -105 Ravens, -115 Cowboys). If the Ravens start 0-3, their season won’t be over, but it will be a huge hole to climb out of that historically doesn’t happen. Take the Ravens and lay 1 points (-105).
San Francisco 49ers (-350) at Los Angeles Rams (+280)
The 49ers are big road favorites (7.5 points at -105 49ers, -115 Rams). The Rams are without both of their top playmaking wide receivers, and the Niners are stinging from a humbling loss to Minnesota. Too many signs point to a potential San Francisco blowout. Take the 49ers and lay 7.5 points (-105).
Kansas City Chiefs (-190) at Atlanta Falcons (+155)
The Chiefs are modest road favorites (3.5 points at -110 for both teams). Kansas City hasn’t put a complete game together yet. If the defensive front can pressure Kirk Cousins, he will make the mistakes that helps the Chiefs roll to a win. Take the Chiefs and lay 3.5 points (-110).
Jacksonville Jaguars (+200) at Buffalo Bills (-250)
The Over/Under is above average (45.5 points at -110 for both teams). Both offenses’ identity early on have been run-first. Both defenses are built to limit the pass, so a run-heavy game will make it difficult to top this number. Take Under 45.5 points (-110).
Washington Commanders (+280) at Cincinnati Bengals (-375)
The Bengals are 0-2 but are big favorites (7.5 points at -110 for both teams). Washington hasn’t found its footing offensively, and the Bengals will take advantage of that in what needs to be viewed as a no-holds-barred desperation game. Take the Bengals and lay 7.5 points (-110).
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