Week 1 of the NFL season is finally here and, as you might expect, the Sunday slate is jam packed with loads of top-tier action. Let’s dive into 8 of the matchups from the NFL contest and see if we can’t build a winning entry.
Winner gets 100 PLAYs, 2nd gets 50, 3rd gets 35, anyone in the top 20% gets at least 5.
Texans @ Colts. Who wins?
The Houston Texans surprised a ton of experts in 2023 and I expect them to pick up right where they left off this season. I’m not usually a huge fan of backing a road favorite in a divisional game, but CJ Stroud is simply too good of a playmaker to fade in this spot. Look for Stroud to have loads of fun throwing to his new favorite wideout Stefon Diggs. Give me Houston!
Texans +2
Colts +2
Titans @ Bears. Who wins?
Caleb Williams makes his NFL debut in the Windy City and he and ‘Da Bears’ should get the job done against the Titans. Tennessee has some nice pieces but they are definitely in rebuilding mode after firing head coach Mike Vrabel and choosing not to re-sign Derrick Henry. Betting on a rookie QB is often a scary proposition, but Williams has enough weapons to bring home the W!
Bears +2
Titans +3
Jaguars @ Dolphins. Who wins?
There’s nothing like an intrastate rivalry to get the folks in the Sunshine State fired up for Week 1! The Jags are looking to bounce back after barely missing the playoffs last season, but taking on this Dolphins offense on the road will be a tough task. Look for Tua Tagovailoa to hook up with Tyreek Hill on at least a couple of deep TD passes.
Dolphins +2
Jaguars +3
Steelers @ Falcons. Who wins?
The Russell Wilson era officially gets underway, as the Steelers will hit the highway to take on the Falcons. Everyone is high on Atlanta this season, but I’m not buying into the hype. Sure, signing Kirk Cousins was a big win, but you have to wonder how much he has left in the tank at 36 years old. Let’s ride with Mike Tomlin’s bunch here!
Falcons +2
Steelers +3
Vikings @ Giants. Who wins?
This is arguably the toughest game on the board to pick for Week 1, as the oddsmakers have installed Minnesota as just a 1.5-point favorite. It’s put up or shut up time for both Brian Daboll and Daniel Jones this year and the Vikings are clearly rebuilding. Give me the G-Men as home dogs!
Vikings +2
Giants +2
Raiders @ Chargers. Who wins?
The Jim Harbaugh era officially gets underway in Los Angeles, but I’m not so sure that the Bolts should be favored in this spot. The Chargers have the better QB in Justin Herbert, but it’s not like Gardner Minshew is chopped liver. Let’s roll with Antonio Pierce’s bunch to pull the upset!
Chargers +2
Raiders +3
Cowboys @ Browns. Who wins?
One of the league’s best offenses (Dallas) will take on one of the top defenses (Cleveland) in this fantastic opening week game. A lot of the betting public and most of the state of Texas will be taking the Cowboys here, but this team could take a step back this season. I expect Myles Garrett and this ferocious Browns defense to be the difference in this one!
Cowboys +2
Browns +2
Rams @ Lions. Who wins?
Detroit came a hair away from making the Super Bowl last year, so expectations are through the roof in the Motor City this season. That being said, this is a great revenge spot for the Rams, who lost to the Lions in the playoffs last season. Look for Sean McVay to put together a great game plan for Matt Stafford and Co. in this one.
Lions +2
Rams +3
Pick a running back to score a touchdown:
Sometimes going with the chalk is the best strategy! Jonathan Taylor is finally healthy after missing 7 games last season. It’s tough to go against this Texans defense, but keep in mind that they ranked just 28th in rushing touchdowns allowed per game in 2023.
Jonathan Taylor (IND) +1
Rhamondre Stevenson (NE) +2
Khalil Herbert (CHI) +3
Tank Bigsby (JAX) +4
Pick a pass catcher to score a touchdown:
Forget about what we said above! We’re playing the longshot on this prop! Michael Mayer only caught 2 touchdowns a year ago, but we expect him to develop more chemistry with the veteran Minshew under center.
Amon-Ra St Brown (DET) +1
Amari Cooper (CLE) +2
Ladd McConkey (LAC) +3
Michael Mayer (LVR) +4
Which of these QBs has the most passing yards?
This is probably my favorite play of this entire contest! Josh Allen has lots to prove after yet another early playoff exit in 2023. The former Wyoming star gets a very favorable matchup against Arizona in Week 1. The Cards allowed 7.1 yards per pass a season ago, which ranked 29th.
Caleb Williams (CHI) +2
Josh Allen (BUF) +2
Dak Prescott (DAL) +2
