NFL Week 1 Best Bets: Aaron Rodgers returns to prime-time
The NFL is back with a bang. Thursday night features a heavyweight tilt in the AFC between the Chiefs and Ravens and the action continues until Monday night’s battle between the Jets and 49ers.
Let’s take a look at the best bets in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL season.
Ravens vs. Chiefs
This is a heavyweight battle to open the season and a rematch of last year’s AFC championship game. Reigning regular season MVP Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens missed out on a trip to the Super Bowl last year, while Patrick Mahomes and the Kanas City Chiefs won for a second straight season. Is it time for Baltimore’s revenge?
I like the Ravens’ newest offensive weapon, Derrick Henry to have a big debut. Baltimore led the league in average rushing yards per game last season (156.5) and the game plan will likely be the same in 2024. Henry has rushed for over 1,000 yards in five of the last six seasons (he had 937 in eight games in 2021) and Kansas City has a below-average rush defence that he can terrorize.
Best bet: Derrick Henry Over 63.5 rushing yards
Ravens vs. Chiefs Point Spread: NFL Week 1 Odds, Prediction
Packers vs. Eagles
The NFL’s first game ever in Brazil could be one of the higher scoring affairs of Week 1. Green Bay and Philadelphia’s defences both struggled last season, particularly near the end of the year, costing each defensive coordinator their job. The Eagles are relying heavily on rookie corners and there’s still a hole at linebacker.
It’s not much better for the Packers. Outside of adding safeties Xavier McKinney and Javon Bullard, there’s nothing to suggest this defence will be better this season. Combine all that with the fact both teams have elite-level offences led by Jordan Love and Jalen Hurts and we could see some fireworks in Sao Paulo.
Best bet: Game total Over 49.0
Packers vs. Eagles Point Spread: NFL Week 1 Odds, Prediction
Jaguars vs. Dolphins
This is another Week 1 game that will see two new defensive coordinators try to implement new defensive schemes against elite-level pass offences. Ryan Nielsen is expected to be much more aggressive with Jacksonville’s defence, but there’s no tougher opening test than facing Miami on the road in September.
It will also be a difficult test for a Dolphins defence that is far from full strength right now. The forecast is calling for 88 degrees Fahrenheit (31 Celsius), which should lead to humidity wearing down the pass defences of both teams quickly.
Best bet: First half total Over 24.0
Jaguars vs. Dolphins Point Spread: NFL Week 1 Odds, Prediction
Rams vs. Lions
This is a rematch of the wild-card game last season, which saw Detroit squeak by with a 24-23 win. I like Matthew Stafford to have a big game against the former team he led for 12 years.
Stafford has multiple highly skilled receiving targets in players like Cooper Kupp, Puka Nacua and Demarcus Robinson, and head coach Sean McVay should have no problem cutting through Detroit’s untested secondary.
Best bet: Matthew Stafford Over 273.5 passing yards
Rams vs. Lions Point Spread: NFL Week 1 Odds, Prediction
Jets vs. 49ers
This is a potential Super Bowl preview and it should end Week 1 with a bang. The spread has fluctuated quite a bit, starting at 49ers -6.5 and moving to -4 as of Thursday afternoon. I love the Jets to cover this number, especially if it drops to a field goal. Aaron Rodgers highlights a stacked New York offence that also includes Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall.
San Francisco has a lot of question marks with their offensive line and left tackle Trent Williams only returned to the team on Tuesday because of a contract holdout. Last year the Niners struggled against top-tier defences like Baltimore and Kansas City and now they are facing one of the best defensive lines in the NFL.
Best bet: New York Jets cover at +4
