Week 1 of the NFL season is officially here which means that Monday’s, Thursday’s and Sunday’s are reserved for football, or in my case, plenty of sports bets.
To kick things off we have a superstar showdown between Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson in tonight’s Thursday Night Football game. While it seems like a no-brainer to back the defending Super Bowl champs in the Chiefs, the Ravens have proven they thrive as an underdog.
Odds via FanDuel Sportsbook, The Chiefs are currently 3 point favorites:
Chiefs -3 (-102)
Ravens +3 (-120)
Last season the Ravens were 12-7 against the spread (ATS) and 2-0 ATS as road underdogs. The Ravens under Lamar Jackson have been dominant as underdogs. Despite being defending champions, the Chiefs were not as reliable ATS last season. The Chiefs were 13-7-1 ATS last season and 5-4 ATS as home favorites. So who are you backing in this one?
I don’t feel comfortable laying the points with the Chiefs but I do think backing the defending champions is the right side in this one. Let’s hope the Chiefs kick off this season better than they did last year.
Liv’s pick: Chiefs ML (-154)
But that’s not all…we’ve got some Friday Night Football to also ring in the new season. Despite the dangerous conditions, the Philadelphia Eagles and the Green Bay Packers are going head to head overseas in Brazil.
Odds via FanDuel Sportsbook, The Eagles are currently 2.5 point favorites:
Eagles -2.5 (-115)
Packers +2.5 (-105)
Some betting trends to think about before placing your bets, the Eagles have won their last six matchups against NFC North opponents. Also, the over has hit in seven of the last nine Packers games.
Odds via FanDuel Sportsbook, the total is set at 49.5.
Over 49.5 (-110)
Under 49.5 (-110)
If you can’t pick a side in this one, maybe betting on the total points is a safer bet. The expectation for these two defenses is relatively average. And although most offenses have a slower start to their season, anything can happen with Jordan Love and Jalen Hurts slinging the rock.
The Eagles are coming off of a late season collapse going 1-6 straight-up over their last seven games and 0-7 ATS. Meanwhile the Packers finished 2023 4-0 ATS, including the postseason. Additionally, the Packers have a tendency for hot spread starts, as they are 13-4 ATS in September since 2019. I think there will be a large coaching advantage here for the Packers.
Liv’s Pick: Packers ML (+118)
While Thursday and Friday Night Football should give us some pretty exciting football, there is still an entire Sunday slate and Monday Night Football with some odds available for your betting pleasure.
TEN +4.5 (-122) @ CHI -4.5 (+100)
PIT +3.5 (-115) @ ATL -3.5 (105)
JAX +3.5 (-120) @ MIA -3.5 (-102)
NE +8.5 (-110) @ CIN -8.5 (-110)
HOU -2.5 (-120) @ IND +2.5 (-102)
MIN -1.5 (-115) @ NY +1.5 (-105)
CAR +3.5 (-104) @ NO -3.5 (-118)
ARI +6.5 (-110) @ BUF -6.5 (-110)
LV +3 (-105) @ LA -3 (-115)
DEN +5.5 (-102) @ SEA -5.5 (-120)
DAL +2.5 (-110) @ CLE -2.5 (-110)
WAS +3.5 (-120) @ TB -3.5 (-102)
LAR +3.5 (-106) @ DET -3.5 (-114)
NYJ +4.5 (-115) @ SF -4.5 (-105)
Odds via FanDuel Sportsbook as of September 5th at 11 AM MT.
Liv’s other Week 1 bets: Javonte Williams ATD (+200), Under 41.5 DAL/CLE (-114), CAR +3.5 (-104)
