NFL Week 1 Best Bets and Predictions:
We’ve made it to the regular season and were treated to a wonderful game to kick off the season and Week 1. I adjusted both teams in my power rankings off the Chiefs win. They moved up 0.5 points because of what I saw on the offensive side. There are weapons all over the place, and for the first time in multiple seasons, they can effectively stretch the field. Baltimore got a full-point downgrade. That offensive line was offensive, and Lamar Jackson running for 100 yards per game is just not sustainable. I do not love Justice Hill out snapping Derrick Henry in the game, either. Now, on to our Week 1 NFL best bets!
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Tennessee Titans vs. Chicago Bears (-3.5, 44.5)
Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET (FOX)
I am sure you have heard all week about how this is the biggest favorite a rookie quarterback has been in their first start since Terry Bradshaw laced them up for the Steelers. That’s great and all, but this is also the best situation a #1 pick has landed in since well, Terry Bradshaw laced them up for the Steelers.
I’m on the Titans in this spot for other, less narrative-ish reasons. Simply put, they are improved, and the market is a little slow on how much. Will Levis had flashes last season with little help; now you add Ridley and Boyd on the outside, Pollard in the backfield, and, most importantly, the Callahans to run the offense and offensive line. The defense made splashes in the offseason as well, namely the addition of Sneed, and has playmakers on every level.
Combine the Titans’ improvement with the Bears’ expected defensive regression, and it’s easy to reach the window to take the points.
NFL Week 1 Best Bet: Tennessee Titans +3.5
Las Vegas Raiders vs. Los Angeles Chargers (-3, 40.5)
Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET (CBS)
It’s always fun when you have two teams heading into the regular season that you are off market on and they play in Week 1. I’ve played Raiders Over 6.5 wins and Chargers Under 8.5 wins, so it’s not surprising that I will be on the Raiders in this spot.
The floor for this Raiders team is higher than the market is giving credit. I realize that Gardner Minshew is, well, Gardner Minshew, but he is significantly better than what the Raiders trotted out at QB all last season. He’s got an elite weapon in Devante Adams and a defense that added Wilkins on the interior of the defensive line, which should make life a nightmare for opposing Quarterbacks.
The Chargers will be better under Harbaugh, but it will take some time. There is nothing of note at the skill positions, which means the Raiders’ weakness, their secondary, won’t be overly tested. I’ll have some moneyline here as well, and if a 3.5 pops up before game time, take it quickly since it won’t last.
NFL Week 1 Best Bet: Las Vegas Raiders +3
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