NFL: Preseason-Dallas Cowboys at San Diego Chargers
Aug 13, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; A helmet from a San Diego Chargers player in a preseason NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys at Qualcomm Stadium. The Chargers won 17-7. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Home » Blog » NFL Week 1 schedule: 5 best bets on underdogs

NFL Week 1 schedule: 5 best bets on underdogs

Matt Verderame NFL

We take a look at the NFL Week 1 schedule, and find five teams that have a good chance to cover and maybe win their matchup.

5. Las Vegas Raiders (+4) vs. Baltimore Ravens

This wouldn’t have been one of these picks a week ago. However, the Ravens have been crushed by injuries, losing running backs J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards, along with star corner Marcus Peters. While Baltimore is still better than Las Vegas, the Raiders are home on Monday Night Football, and essentially opening up Allegiant Stadium to their fans. Due to a good defense and the special talents of quarterback Lamar Jackson, the Ravens should win, but Las Vegas could cover a decent spread.

4. New York Giants (+3) vs. Denver Broncos

The Broncos haven’t done much winning since Vic Fangio came onto the scene as head coach in 2019. In his third year, Denver must figure it out or likely have a housecleaning. Teddy Bridgewater is a decent quarterback, but the Giants have some of the league’s best defensive personnel. Factor in the weaponry New York possesses, led by receivers Kenny Golladay and Sterling Shepard, and running back Saquon Barkley, and the Giants could win outright.

3. Philadelphia Eagles (+3.5) at Atlanta Falcons

A battle of the birds. The Eagles are trying to find a new era with first-year head coach Nick Sirianni, while the Falcons are doing the same with Arthur Smith. With no true film on what to expect for either side, this becomes a toss-up. Atlanta has the better weapons, but Philadelphia has a superior defense with a pair of corners who can cover in Darius Slay and Steven Nelson. Don’t sleep on the Eagles here.

2. Pittsburgh Steelers (+6.5) at Buffalo Bills

Big spread for the Bills. Buffalo is the better team, but asking it to win by a full touchdown is plenty. Pittsburgh struggled at the end of last season, but the Steelers began 11-0 largely because they have one of the league’s best defenses. Even with the losses of edge rusher Bud Dupree and corner Mike Hilton, Pittsburgh should have another top-end unit. If Ben Roethlisberger can make a few plays, look for Pittsburgh to cover in western New York.

1. Los Angeles Chargers (+1) at Washington Football Team

This is simply good value. The Chargers have the much better quarterback in Justin Herbert and the game is essentially a PICK’EM. Los Angeles is healthy and Washington already has receiver Curtis Samuel dealing with a groin injury which will sideline him a minimum of three weeks. While Washington’s front seven could impact Herbert enough to win, the Chargers are the more talented group.

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