NFL Week 1 odds: Case to bet every favorite
Football is back, and here we look at the NFL Week 1 odds and how each favorite could cover the spread of its game.
Dallas Cowboys at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-8)
The Cowboys were awful defensively last year and fixed that by drafting a ton of youngsters. Good long-term plan, bad against Tom Brady and the Bucs.
Arizona Cardinals at Tennessee Titans (-3)
The Titans added Julio Jones and revamped their front seven. They should have no problem throwing at will against Arizona’s secondary.
Jacksonville Jaguars (-2.5) at Houston Texans
Have you been following the Texans this offseason?
Los Angeles Chargers (-1) at Washington Football Team
Justin Herbert is already a top-10 quarterback and the defense has Derwin James back. Washington is good, but Herbert trumps Ryan Fitzpatrick all day.
Minnesota Vikings (-3) at Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals are a bottom-five team, while the Vikings have Justin Jefferson, Adam Thielen and Dalvin Cook to weaponize. That’ll be plenty.
New York Jets at Carolina Panthers (-5.5)
Sam Darnold is away from Adam Gase and has some real weapons. The Jets are trotting out first-year men at head coach and quarterback in Robert Saleh and Zach Wilson, respectively. Might be great, but young.
Philadelphia Eagles at Atlanta Falcons (-3)
Atlanta has nowhere to go but up defensively, and the offense should be solid with Matt Ryan throwing to Calvin Ridley and rookie tight end Kyle Pitts.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Buffalo Bills (-6.5)
Buffalo’s offense is scary with Josh Allen under center, and the defense should have no problem holding Pittsburgh in check with stars at every level.
Detroit Lions at San Francisco 49ers (-7.5)
The Lions have the least talent in football, and finally healthy, the Niners are a title contender.
Seattle Seahawks (-2.5) at Indianapolis Colts
The Seahawks have the far better quarterback and weapons. Indy is a solid team, but Seattle should score plenty and do enough defensively to win.
Cleveland Browns at Kansas City Chiefs (-6)
No team is more explosive than the Chiefs, and while Myles Garrett is great, Cleveland doesn’t have the additional pass rush to stop Patrick Mahomes.
Denver Broncos (-3) at New York Giants
Daniel Jones is a walking turnover. If Teddy Bridgewater can simply control the ball and keep the sticks moving, Denver is in great shape.
Green Bay Packers (-4.5) at New Orleans Saints
Jameis Winston is talented, but he throws interceptions like nobody else. Also, the game is now in Jacksonville, so the Saints unfortunately lose their great home-field advantage.
Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots (-3)
Bill Belichick getting a crack at a young quarterback, in his stadium no less, is always a great bet to make.
Chicago Bears at Los Angeles Rams (-7.5)
Andy Dalton.
Baltimore Ravens (-4.5) at Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders are a mess defensively and on the offensive line. The Ravens will run all night and pressure Derek Carr into mistakes.
