After the NFL schedule was announced, oddsmakers got to work and put up Week 1 lines. I took a look at FanDuel's odds for Week 1 to find some early value. Betting on Week 1 this far out means you can find some value before the lines start to change. There is also the risk that players become injured or opt-out of the season where that could change a line. You can be on either side of that, so there is some risk. Barring any substantial injury to a team's starting players, these lines shouldn't move a ton with only a month to go before we start.

Week 1

FanDuel Line

Total

Houston at Kansas City

Chiefs -9.5

54.5

Seattle at Atlanta

Seahawks -1

49.5

Cleveland at Baltimore

Ravens -8.5

48

NY Jets at Buffalo

Bills -6

40.5

Las Vegas at Carolina

Raiders -1

46.5

Chicago at Detroit

Lions -2.5

43.5

Indianapolis at Jacksonville

Colts -7

46

Green Bay at Minnesota

Vikings -3.5

46.5

Miami at New England

Patriots -7

43.5

Philadelphia at Washington

Eagles -6.5

44.5

LA Chargers at Cincinnati

Chargers -3.5

44.5

Arizona at San Francisco

49ers -8.5

46

Tampa Bay at New Orleans

Saints -4.5

49.5

Dallas at LA Rams

Cowboys -2.5

49.5

Pittsburgh at NY Giants

Steelers -4

47

Tennessee at Denver

Broncos -1.5

41.5


HOU @ KC

This is an AFC Divisional Round rematch, but the Texans will be without DeAndre Hopkins from now on, and that is a downgrade to the offense. With the Chiefs set to take the field Week 1 with everyone in hand, it is hard to see them not taking advantage of a watered-down Houston defense. The Chiefs beat the Texans in the playoffs by 20 points, and that was after falling behind by three touchdowns. Look for the newly paid Patrick Mahomes to dominate this secondary.

SEA @ ATL

Seattle travels to Atlanta in Week 1, and the Seahawks are small favorites. If this line moves closer to -3 as we get closer, then you can back off Seattle here, but at -1, this is essentially a pick'em. Playing at home has not been great for Atlanta over the past few seasons, and their numbers in September have been slow starting. The Seahawks are the better team, and Russell Wilson is the quarterback I trust to start the team out with a win. I doubt this line will move much, so Seattle around -1 or -2 is a good deal.

CLE @ BAL

While we can point towards some light regression for the Ravens offense, this is still a top-three offense in the game, and the defense improved as well. Baker Mayfield should struggle against this secondary, and while the Browns defense isn't awful, I fear for that front seven having to stop this rushing attack. Being at home won't matter much for me here with Baltimore, but they dominated here last season. Baltimore is 9-2 ATS in the previous 11 games, and they've won 10 out of their last 12 at home against Cleveland.

NYJ @ BUF

The Jets were a team that stole a few games last season, and the 7-9 record is a bit misleading. Defensively they lost their two best players, Jamal Adams and CJ Mosley. Buffalo is a team that is in consideration to win the AFC East, and they have the defense to lead the way. Buffalo should control this game and be able to put up points with some of their newer weapons on offense. Take the Bills here.

LV @ CAR

A couple of young teams square off in Week 1, and the Raiders had another questionable draft reaching on quite a few names. Carolina has a loaded offense, and they spent their draft picks solely on the defensive side. Teddy Bridgewater has been very strong as a starter, and the quarterback play for Carolina will improve greatly. While I don't expect the Panthers to win very many games this season, I do expect them to take care of business at home. This offense should be more than they can handle.

CHI @ DET

The NFC North is tricky this year as all four of these teams are going to likely steal some games as underdogs, but also prove to be letdowns as favorites too. Chicago has the advantage on the defensive side here, but the offense is the big question mark. While a starting quarterback is still to be determined, I would take the Bears here solely due to the defense. Detroit has a horrific defense, and the running game is still something we haven't seen be even league average in years. You can certainly argue the Bears should be a slight favorite or at least a pick'em.

IND @ JAX

Indianapolis is certainly an improved squad on both sides and has upgraded in a few areas. The quarterback should be one of them if Philip Rivers can find some of his old form. However, oddsmakers are jumping on the Colts quickly here. The Jaguars had a good draft, but outside of that, they let defensive playmakers go like AJ Bouye and Calais Campbell. I don't have the confidence in Indianapolis just yet to cover over a touchdown spread. The Jaguars can still put up some points with a good receiving gore and Gardner Minshew under center.

GB @ MIN

These NFC North teams had the opposite offseasons. Green Bay failed to address big needs on their roster while the Minnesota Vikings brought in plenty of draft picks and had a successful draft. The team that is able to stop the opposing ground game is going to be the winner for me, and while Aaron Jones did run wild last season, the Packers defense struggled against the run, ranking 23rd in DVOA. Minnesota has been a strong team against the spread over the last two seasons, and I will bank on them here in Week 1.

MIA @ NE

There has been zero movement on this game since the Cam Newton signing, which isn't a surprise given the Patriots were touchdown favorites at the opening line. Miami has been coy on their starting quarterback, but we should expect Ryan Fitzpatrick to be the starter. I like this better for Miami to cover the spread. If it is Tua, then I am less inclined to bet on Miami to cover here. This is a far better Miami team from the last few seasons.

PHI @ WAS

Philadelphia against Washington just seems like an easy call for the Eagles, but I do not love them to cover a touchdown spread. The offense is still missing a lot of their receivers, and the offensive line has taken some hit in the offseason. This Redskins defense isn't bad, and while the offense is going to struggle, this might just be a low-scoring game that never generates any pull away for the Eagles.

LAC @ CIN

It will be a tough matchup for the number one pick, Joe Burrow. This is a loaded secondary, and the front seven can beat up on this offensive line. Consistency has been the issue with the Chargers and has been a letdown in spots where it seems they are in an easy spot. Now the Chargers offense is going through changes too, and Tyrod Taylor will open up as the starter. I just don't love the three and a half points. If this moves up to three or you can find that, then the Chargers are in play.

ARI @ SF

Arizona was able to score 25 and 26 points in the two meetings against San Francisco last season, which is more than other teams can say. This is a very young Cardinals team who improved on both sides of the ball over the offseason. It is hard to be confident for either side here, and I would avoid the spread for this one. The total is interesting at 46.5. The 49ers offense can put up numbers in bunches and scoring 28 and 36 in the prior two meetings I would expect similar numbers. Arizona should manage to put up the rest and hit the over.

TB @ NO

This is another game where the home field is a bit tarnished. The Buccaneers are underdogs as expected, but they are the team everyone believes will challenge Drew Brees and the Saints for the division. I certainly don't disagree. This game should be a close one with both offenses putting up points. Moving from Jameis Winston to Tom Brady eliminates the turnover bug for the Buccaneers, and I don't find the Saints will be able to run away with this game. Tampa Bay to cover is where I would look.

DAL @ LAR

Dallas is a team that is exciting for 2020. The offense remains intact, and defensively they filled in nicely throughout the draft. They also added CeeDee Lamb to an already loaded offense. The Rams offensively are going in the wrong direction, and it will be hard to trust them in 2020. Defensively they should still be strong, and they will be challenged in Week 1 against this Cowboys offense. As two-point favorites, I still like the Cowboys here even though this should be a closely contested game.

PIT @ NYG

There isn't a ton of love for home teams this season, as the NFL will likely be without fans. If you were someone who weighted home advantage heavily, that shouldn't be the case anymore. Pittsburgh traveling to the Giants at just -4 is a great number to wager on. Pittsburgh was a top-three defense, and with Ben Roethlisberger returning, there is no way they put up the offensive numbers they did last season. The Giants defense is still bad enough to pick on, and they will have a tough time scoring against this Steelers defense, especially with a turnover-prone Daniel Jones.

TEN @ DEN

While Tennessee lost against Denver last season 16-0, that was without Ryan Tannehill and an improved offense. I do expect this to be a close game, but I slightly favor the more experienced Tennessee team, especially on the road in an environment that is usually tough to play in. While I like what the Broncos did this offseason, and the offense should improve, I don't see them being able to cover against the Titans.

FAQ

How Can I Bet On Football?

If you are a resident within one of these states: NY, NJ, PA, NH, PA, RI, WV, OR, IN, IA, NV, AR, DE, MS, NM, you can legally bet on the NFL. Sportsbooks are available, and some of them also offer mobile betting.

What Are Opening Lines?

Opening lines are the very first lines put out to the public by oddsmakers. They are put out early, and then adjustments will be made. Getting in on opening lines is where bettors can have an advantage before the lines change.

When Does Week 1 Start?

Week 1 starts on September 10th, 2020. This is a Thursday game, as the Kansas City Chiefs and Houston Texans kick off the 2020 season. The opening night always features the reigning Super Bowl Champions.

What Is A Game Total?

A total set for a game is the set number. You can bet the over or under on for total points. If a game is set at 54.5, you can bet either over or under the total combined points between the two teams.

Why Do Lines Change?

Lines can change for various reasons. If there is an injury leading up to the game that has a major effect on the potential outcome, the line will adjust based on the news. Weather is another reason why it can change.



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