Week 1 of the NFL season is underway and while the first two games of the season may have underwhelmed a touch, there's nothing quite like that first Sunday slate of games hitting your retinas with an octobox, the rush of Fantasy leagues truly beginning and touchdowns flying all over the place. Bet on the NFL and more at DraftKings, where new users get $200 in bonuses: The first week of the season is always tricky for NFL betting because we're often trying to confirm our priors with bets and there will certainly be surprises along the way. But we've got several good spots to target this weekend, from against the spread bets (we're staying away from totals mostly in Week 1) to player prop betting and, of course, anytime touchdown scorers.
Maybe I'm the sucker here, but the market keeps saying I'm not: I loved this during the offseason when it was mid-teens and still like the Cardinals getting anything north of nine points in this game. Yes, the Chargers are better. No, they are not this much better and it's why the line has kept drifting down all offseason, finally getting under double digits heading into Week 1.
Personally, I think the Cardinals are kind of live to win this game outright. Jacoby Brissett isn't an elite quarterback, but he's got plenty of experience and has a trio of good pass catchers at his disposal with Trey McBride, Marvin Harrison Jr. and Michael Wilson. Even if Jeremiyah Love isn't able to go -- and I think he will -- he'll be splitting carries with Tyler Allegier, a capable back in his own right.
Defensively, I don't have a ton of hope for the Cards this season, but we might get some adjustment from the Chargers on that side of the ball as well, presenting an opportunity for Arizona to put up points and keep this within a touchdown... or better. This line is just simply inflated based on preseason expectations. The Colts' collapse last year has them out of mind, while the Ravens' snazzy new coaching staff has Vegas giving them a robust 11.5-win total.
That also seems high, but this line in particular isn't doing a good enough job baking in the possibility of Jesse Minter and Declan Doyle adjusting to their roles for the first time. We might be toast if Daniel Jones looks really limited from a mobility standpoint, but I don't think the Colts roll him out if he's not ready. I also have concerns about the interior of the Ravens offenisve line and the Colts with DeForest Buckner can really exploit that.
It's Week 1 and I'm more than willing to take a home dog, especially one that was really dangerous out of the gate last year and looks relatively healthy. No one should be excited about fading the Bills, but like the Ravens, Buffalo isn't exactly a bastion of continuity. Yes, Joe Brady remains and just got a promotion.
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