Dalvin Cook, Vikings
Sep 24, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook (33) carries the ball during the first quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Home » Blog » NFL Week 1 schedule: 5 best bets on favorites

NFL Week 1 schedule: 5 best bets on favorites

Matt Verderame NFL

Taking a glance at the NFL Week 1 schedule, we pick five favorites who should cover the spread and make their believes some money.

5. Los Angeles Rams (-8) vs. Chicago Bears

Someone needs to explain how the Bears score 17 points in this game. Chicago’s offensive line is a wreck and quarterback Andy Dalton isn’t mobile. With Aaron Donald and Co. bearing down on him, Dalton could be in for a night which has Chicago fans calling talk radio the following morning, screaming for Justin Fields. Meanwhile, the Rams are unveiling Matthew Stafford in their revamped offense. Los Angeles should have no problem handing the Bears a loss on Sunday night.

4. Green Bay Packers (-3.5) at New Orleans Saints

Tough spot for the Saints, who are without some of their best players and are now playing in Jacksonville instead of the raucous Superdome as a result of Hurricane Ida. New Orleans tries to tame the Packers without star receiver Michael Thomas or defensive tackle David Onyemata, with the former injured and latter suspended. Meanwhile, Green Bay has Aaron Rodgers at the controls and his full arsenal of weapons, led by receiver Davante Adams. It should be a long day for the Saints unless the defense gives a stellar showing.

3. Carolina Panthers (-4) vs. New York Jets

New York brought in first-year head coach Robert Saleh to bring a defensive attitude to Gang Green. However, they have been ravaged by injuries with free-agent signings Carl Lawson being lost for the year with a torn Achilles while linebacker Jarrad Davis is at for at least another six weeks with an ankle injury. This is bad news for the Jets, who have to cover receivers D.J. Moore and Robby Anderson, along with running back Christian McCaffrey. Carolina should put up some points.

2. Minnesota Vikings (-3) at Cincinnati Bengals

This line seems low, almost suspiciously low. The Bengals have a solid offense should rookie receiver Ja’Marr Chase reach his potential, and if quarterback Joe Burrow is fully back from a torn ACL. Of course, those are huge ifs, and we already know Cincinnati has one of the league’s worst defenses. If the Vikings are going to be a contender in the NFC, they must beat teams like the Bengals. With Justin Jefferson, Adam Thielen and Dalvin Cook, they have more than enough firepower to do so.

1. San Francisco 49ers (-9) at Detroit Lions

The 49ers have one of the best rosters in football. From a pure talent perspective, the Lions might have the worst. This is a mismatch on both sides of the ball, and while nine points is the largest of the week, San Francisco should have no issue going into Detroit and winning by double figures.

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