The last time we saw Tom Brady, he was hoisting The Lombardi Trophy up in the air and telling everyone that he is coming back. It’s nice that we had a full off-season where rookies and faces in new places got a chance to develop some chemistry with their teams. These NFL betting predictions highlight ‘everything you need to know’ before placing some bets before the NFL begins. Let’s dive right into these betting lines, spreads and over/under picks
Week 1 NFL Betting Predictions: Thursday Night and Early Sunday Slate
Dallas Cowboys @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-7.5)
Raymond James Stadium | Tampa Bay, Florida
Thursday, September 9, 2021; 8:20 PM EST
The Buccaneers are maximizing their chances of being a dominant force for a second straight season by returning all of their starters. The last time we saw Dak Prescott, he was being carted off the field after his right ankle turned sideways in what was a severe injury in Week 5 of the 2020 season. Prescott was on pace to shatter the passing yardage record, as he was on pace for over 5900 yards in a 16 game regular season, but instead he shattered his ankle. All eyes will be on this prime time NFL matchup and both Dak Prescott and Tom Brady will rack up some huge points.
Pick: Buccaneers win, cover spread
Over/Under: 51.5 [Pick: Over]
[pickup_prop id=”10114″]
Seattle Seahawks @ Indianapolis Colts (-2.5)
Lucas Oil Stadium | Indianapolis, Indiana
Sunday, September 12, 2021; 1:00 PM EST
It’s only Week 1 but with the NFC West looking like on the the strongest divisions in the NFL, the Seahawks have no business losing this game. Carson Wentz will not be playing at 100% and hopefully the pocket in Indianapolis doesn’t break down as easily as it did in Philadelphia last season. If Pete Carroll ‘Let’s Russ Cook’ in this matchup, it could be a blowout and Seattle only needs to win by a field goal to cover the spread.
Pick: Seahawks win, cover spread
Over/Under: 52.0 [Pick: Under]
Arizona Cardinals @ Tennessee Titans (-3.0)
Nissan Stadium | Nashville, Tennessee
Sunday, September 12, 2021; 1:00 PM EST
Look for the Titans to win this game at home. As great as Kyler Murray and the Cardinals passing game seems, the Titans have a good pass defense. The Titans can keep the Cardinals in check by slowing the game down in the run game. It’s no secret that Mike Vrabel likes to run the clock out with Derrick Henry and play solid defense. If this scheme does not work then they have A.J. Brown and Julio Jones to make some game-changing plays.
Pick: Titans win, cover spread
Over/Under: 52.0 [Pick: Under]
Pittsburgh Steelers @ Buffalo Bills (-6.5)
Highmark Stadium | Buffalo, New York
Sunday, September 12, 2021; 1:00 PM EST
When Josh Allen came out of college, a common comparison for him was actually none other than Ben Roethlisberger. These two teams play a similar style on defense as they successfully pressure quarterbacks to make a few big mistakes that change the outcome of the game. Last year when these two teams met, the Steelers only converted on third down 10% of the time, while the Bills converted 50% of the time. With most of the offense coming back for Pittsburgh and replacing James Conner with Najee Harris, look for the Steelers to win a close game.
Pick: Steelers win outright
Over/Under: 48.5 [Pick: Over]
[pickup_prop id=”10162″]
Minnesota Vikings (-3.0) @ Cincinnati Bengals
Paul Brown Stadium | Cincinnati, OH
Sunday, September 12, 2021; 1:00 PM EST
Joe Burrow and the Bengals are ready to set the jungle on fire and completely turn the critics’ heads upside down. The Bengals drafted Ja’Marr Chase in the 2021 draft who was Burrow’s explosive weapon when they lit the NCAA on fire in 2019. Burrow does not have a lot of mobility but that doesn’t matter when you throw the ball up 40 times per game and have Joe Mixon in the backfield to lean on. Outside of Russell Wilson and Steve Young, being a mobile quarterback does not translate to winning Super Bowls.
Pick: Bengals win outright
Over/Under: 48.0 [Pick: Over]
Philadelphia Eagles @ Atlanta Falcons (-3.5)
Mercedes Benz Stadium | Atlanta, Georgia
Sunday, September 12, 2021; 1:00 PM EST
Jalen Hurts had trouble reading the field last year, which was not entirely his fault as that had a lot to do with being a rookie and not knowing what to do when the pocket was collapsing. The Falcons have an extremely weak pass rush so Hurts should have some extra time in the pocket to let plays develop. If Matt Ryan can get some time in the pocket you could see him deliver to Calvin Ridley or Russell Gage on the outside. When they are bottled up that could leave Kyle Pitts open in the middle for big chunks of yardage.
Pick: Falcons win, cover spread
Over/Under: 48.0 [Pick: Over]
San Francisco 49ers (-7.5) @ Detroit Lions
Ford Field | Detroit, Michigan
Sunday, September 12, 2021; 1:00 PM EST
The Lions traded down at quarterback during the off-season and now have Jared Goff as their signal-caller. The Lions will likely lean on their running back D’Andre Swift because that is Dan Campbell’s play style. After some flashes from rookie Trey Lance this preseason, the 49ers are still planning to start Jimmy Garoppolo at quarterback because of Trey Lance’s new day-to-day injury. With all of the speedy options on offense, look for multiple players to get some separation and take it to the house for the 49ers.
Pick: 49ers win, cover spread
Over/Under: 45.5 [Pick: Under]
New York Jets @ Carolina Panthers (-5.0)
Bank Of America Stadium | Charlotte, North Carolina
Sunday, September 12, 2021; 1:00 PM EST
The Jets selected Sam Darnold in the first round, with the third overall selection, of the 2018 NFL Draft. Three years later, the Jets will travel to Carolina to face off against Sam Darnold. Christian McCaffrey, D.J. Moore and Robby Anderson are much better weapons than what Sam Darnold had to deal with in New York. Sam Darnold is going to look comfortable under center and poised to have a great game.
Pick: Panthers win, cover spread
Over/Under: 44.5 [Pick: Under]
Jacksonville Jaguars (-3.0) @ Houston Texans
NRG Stadium | Houston, Texas
Sunday, September 12, 2021; 1:00 PM EST
Trevor Lawrence will be playing his first NFL game on the road in a favorable matchup. Tyrod Taylor will be starting this game for the Texans with a lack of weapons at his disposal to get the ball to. This game will be won by the Jaguars as they will be up against arguably the worst NFL defense in 2020 and that was with J.J. Watt.
Pick: Jaguars win, cover spread
Over/Under: 44.5 [Pick: Under]
Los Angeles Chargers (-1.0) @ Washington Football Team
FedExField | Great Landover, Maryland
Sunday, September 12, 2021; 1:00 PM EST
Ryan Fitzpatrick has some nice weapons in Antonio Gibson, Terry McLaurin, Logan Thomas and Curtis Samuel. This is going to be a statement game for Washington. Justin Herbert earned a lot of respect in his rookie season but it’s tough to see the Chargers coming to the east coast and winning an early morning game. Keenan Allen and Austin Ekeler will make some electric plays but the Chargers will not be able to keep up with Washington.
Pick: Washington win outright
Over/Under: 44.5 [Pick: Under]
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