As NFL teams head into the final week of the preseason, we decided to take an early look at Week 1 of the regular season, comb through the lines/odds and find our favorite bets.
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- Line: Bills -2.5
- Total: 52.5
The 2022 NFL Season kicks off with the Bills and Rams, a potential Super Bowl preview. The LA Rams look to defend their title as Buffalo looks to avenge their heart-breaking loss against the Chiefs last season.'
Von Miller returns to LA but will wear a Bills uniform as he tries to chase another ring. History is on the Rams’ side; since 1999,'the defending champions are 18-3 SU and 13-6-2 ATS in Week 1.'
The Pick: Rams +2.5 (-105)
- Line: Saints -5.5
- Total: 41.5
The Saints look to write the next chapter after the Sean Payton era. Despite Payton leaving, there will still be a lot of familiarity in the building as the former defensive coordinator will now be the head coach. Also worth noting Payton’s right-hand man Pete Carmichael is still on the coaching staff and is now calling the shots as offensive coordinator.'
The Pick: Saints -5.5 (-110)
- Line: Panthers -1.5
- Total: 41.5
There are many juicy storylines that headline Week 1, and it begins with Baker Mayfield getting a chance at revenge. After an offseason full of unknowns, the Browns traded Baker to the Panthers after acquiring Deshaun Watson. With Watson suspended for the first 11 games, back-up Jacoby Brissett gets the start.
Both starting QBs will take time to get settled with their new team and playbook; I look for this to be slow-paced and run-heavy.
The Pick: Under 41.5 (-115)
- Line: 49ers -7
- Total: 42
2022 could get ugly for the Chicago Bears. They hired a new GM and head coach, and they will lean on a second-year QB with few offensive weapons around him. They traded one of their best defensive players in Khalil Mack, and LB Roquan Smith remains unhappy.'
The 49ers have considerable talent and coaching advantage as Kyle Shanahan will put Trey Lance in a position where he can succeed and not ask too much of him.'
The Pick: 49ers -6.5 (-115)
- Line: Bengals -6.5
- Total: 45
Both the Steelers and Bengals were surprise teams to make the playoffs. The Bengals got hot at the right time and rode the foot of Evan McPherson to the Super Bowl.
I expect some regression from the Bengals last year as they go from the third-easiest schedule in 2021 to the sixth-toughest in 2022. Plus, I like taking divisional underdogs in Week 1.
The Pick: Steelers +6.5 (-110)
- Line: Eagles -4
- Total: 49
The Philadelphia Eagles have a lot of preseason hype and are considered a dark-horse Super Bowl contender. During the offseason, they upgraded their biggest weakness, the defense. Philly brought in Haason Reddick and James Breadberry while drafting DT Jordan Davis and LB Nakobe Dean.
The Pick: Eagles -4 (-110)
- Line: -9
- Total: 44
The Colts will have a new starting QB for the fifth straight season. Matt Ryan will make his Indy debut against a rebuilding Houston Texans team. It’s a nice way to ease Matty-Ice into action.
The Pick: Colts -9 (-110)
- Line: Dolphins -2.5
- Total: 44.5
The Miami Dolphins and new HC Mike McDaniel loaded up with offensive weapons to surround Tua Tagovailoa. Players like Tyreek Hill, Raheem Mostert and Chase Edmonds will give this offense a nice dose of speed.'
The Patriots’ defense is their biggest weakness, and they did not change that this offseason. At least they attempted to upgrade their defense by bringing in Mack Wilson, Jabrill Peppers and Terrance Mitchell, all of whom are role players at best.'
Since 2013 Bill Belichick has only won in Miami twice.'
The Pick: Dolphins -2.5 (-110)
- Line: Ravens -7
- Total: 45
The Jets won the 2022 NFL Draft, Selecting Ahmad Gardner, Garrett Wilson, Jermaine Johnson II and Breece Hall. But they are still a few years away from being a legit contender.
The Ravens were decimated with injuries in 2021 and look to begin the season fully healthy.
This line opened at 4.5 and moved to 7 after the Zach Wilson injury.
The Pick: Ravens -7 (-110)
- Line: Commanders -3
- Total: 44
The coaching change from Urban Meyer to Doug Pederson will do wonders for Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars.'