Baltimore Ravens @ Kansas City Chiefs

When the NFL season starts, all eyes are on the Kansas City Chiefs, the reigning Super Bowl champions. They will be hosting the Baltimore Ravens, and fans are torn between supporting the Chiefs or backing the hungry Ravens, who are looking for redemption after a tough loss in the AFC Championship. The opening week of the NFL is like a strategic chess match, with teams cautiously revealing their playbook. Thursday Night Football usually features a tough battle, which could favor the Ravens’ run-focused offense, especially with the addition of Derrick Henry. This matchup could be a wake-up call for Kansas City and set the tone for the season ahead.

Hoov’s Pick: Baltimore Ravens (+3)

 

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Green Bay Packers @ Philadelphia Eagles

Upon analyzing the Week 1 matchup, it became evident that it is a significant game between two teams with different momentum heading into the year. In 2024, Green Bay aims to prove that the success of the second half of last year was not a stroke of luck. Conversely, Philadelphia is determined to demonstrate that their performance in the latter half of the 2023-24 season does not define them as a franchise.

It’s worth noting that both teams directed their attention toward signing top free-agent running backs, which is expected to add another dimension to their respective offenses. With Philadelphia being favored by -2.5 and myself being under the impression that they will win by a field goal, this bet is worth betting on at its current odds. However, if the line shifts to -3, it would be advisable to refrain from placing a bet on this game, especially since it’s being played at a neutral site in Brazil rather than Philadelphia.

Hoov’s Pick: Philadelphia Eagles (-2.5)

 

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Carolina Panthers @ New Orleans Saints

Panthers (+4)

Saints (-4)

Many people are betting on New Orleans based on their previous wins against Carolina and their strong home record. However, as someone cautiously optimistic about the Carolina Panthers this season, I’m worried about the 4-point spread in this matchup. While I think New Orleans could win, Carolina will put up a better fight than expected.

The 4-point margin seems like a trap for most bettors in favor of New Orleans. The margin between the two teams may vary up to 10 points throughout the game, but if Carolina scores late, New Orleans could win by only 3. With New Orleans potentially winning by anywhere from 3 to 10 points, it’s hard to justify betting on Carolina at +4 in case New Orleans pulls ahead at the end and firmly believes that the Saints will win by more than 4 points.

Hoov’s Pick: Alvin Kamara Rec Yards: Over 40+ (+165)

 

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Minnesota Vikings @ New York Giants

Even though I probably won’t be able to deliver a case strong enough to get the audience to be passionate about betting on Daniel Jones and the New York Giants, can I interest anyone in betting against Sam Darnold against an improved Giants Defensive Line? With betting lines this close to a 1.5-point difference, even the sportsbooks are undecided about how this game will play out.

Although I believe New York has a great chance of winning, I want to provide the best insight for our audience. I will be taking a chance on New York at +1.5 at a low cost. I would advise you to stay clear of the close spread and opt for a player bet instead in the scenario that Kevin O’Connell‘s coaching can be the difference-maker in this game, inevitably proving me wrong.

Hoov’s Pick: Wan’Dale Robinson Alt Rec Yards O/U: Over 32.5 (+135)

 

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New England Patriots @ Cincinnati Bengals

It seems like the most surprising upset of all the Week 1 picks, but I want to clarify that I believe this because of the predicted point difference, not because of my prediction of the game’s outcome. This game seems like a potential trap for average sports bettors, but I’m willing to take a chance on it because I think most bettors will underestimate New England’s ability to keep the game close.

Considering that Ja’Marr Chase is still not expected to play in Week 1 due to contract issues, and Jacobi Brissett is an underrated QB who can keep games competitive, I think New England has a good chance of keeping it close and delivering a Week 1 shocker in the NFL.

Hoov’s Pick: New England Patriots (+7.5)

 

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Pittsburgh Steelers @ Atlanta Falcons

When the Steelers face off against the Falcons, it’s uncertain how the game will play out. With Arthur Smith now in Pittsburgh as the Steelers’ offensive coordinator, there are two ways to look at it. Either the Falcons will play harder than ever to prove to their former Head Coach that he was misusing them, or the Steelers will play harder than ever to show their new Offensive Coordinator their support.

If I had to choose, I would bet on Steelers +3.5. However, I will likely go for another player bet, as it seems someone is primed to outperform their prediction from DraftKings Sportsbook.
Now that the Brandon Aiyuk trade to Pittsburgh speculations have been put to rest, it’s time to start waking up to the reality that the passing game goes through George Pickens this season in Pittsburgh. With a list of questionable Wide Reciever 2’s on the Steelers roster, it’s easy to believe that Russell Wilson will be able to create a connection similar to his with Courtland Sutton last season in Denver.

Hoov’s Pick: George Pickens Anytime TD Scorer (+180)

 

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Houston Texans @ Indianapolis Colts

I’m sure most of you have noticed a pattern in this article: I tend to be cautious with close matchups, especially without seeing any team’s offenses at full effect going into Week 1. We’ll likely choose more evenly-matched games as we understand where teams stand in a few weeks. In the meantime, it’s probably better to focus on player bets in the upcoming battle between Houston and Indianapolis.

With the addition of Stefon Diggs, there has been much debate about which Texans’ wide receiver will be the most fantasy-relevant in 2024. However, discounting Tank Dell to under 50 receiving yards would be a mistake. Reports on how much CJ Stroud believes in Tank Dell being a top-tier slot receiver suggest that he will be throwing the ball in Dell’s direction reasonably often in the Week 1 divisional matchup.

Hoov’s Pick: Tank Dell Over/Under Receiving Yards: Over 48.5 (-115)

 

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Arizona Cardinals @ Buffalo Bills

Cardinals (+6.5)

Bills (-6.5)

It seems like a good bet for an Arizona team to go to Buffalo and pull off a road win during this time of year. The passionate Bills Mafia will undoubtedly make their presence felt in the season opener, but there’s no reason to think that the Cardinals can’t keep this game within 6 points or even pull off an upset.

It’s well-known that the Bills typically perform better in the second half of the season, gaining momentum leading into the playoffs. Perhaps an upset in Week 1 could help their offense find its rhythm earlier in the season without relying solely on Stefon Diggs. Whether or not Arizona can secure a win in Week 1, I’d suggest betting on Kyler Murray, giving the Bills a challenge and possibly causing some fourth-quarter anxiety.

Hoov’s Pick: Arizona Cardinals +6.5 (-108)

 

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Los Angeles Rams @ Detroit Lions

Every NFL fan knows it will be hard to watch the Rams/Lions game without hearing about Matthew Stafford‘s history with Detroit on Sunday’s matchup. Rightfully so, Matthew Stafford was one of the bright spots for Detroit through the early 2010s, but in a new era, I think it’s safe to say some fans could do without hearing about it a million times. One of those people ready to move on is probably Matthew Stafford himself.

After being eliminated from the playoffs by his former team last season, what better way to end that chapter of his story than to be the bearer of bad news and start Detroit’s season with a loss?

Hoov’s Pick: Los Angeles Rams (+3.5)

 

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Tennessee Titans @ Chicago Bears

I had the opportunity to attend the 2024 NFL Draft and see Caleb Williams chosen as the first overall pick. It’s difficult not to believe in his potential as a once-in-a-generation talent. However, history has shown that no rookie quarterback selected first overall has won Week 1 since 2002.

Despite whether you believe Caleb can pull off the victory, Tennessee keeping the game within a field goal seems like a promising bet. The Bears and the Titans will likely play conservatively in Week 1, not revealing all their plays. I expect the game to be less flashy than some Bears fans might hope for in Caleb’s rookie showcase, inevitably making this a closer game than some may anticipate.

Hoov’s Pick: Tennessee Titans +4.5 (-112)