2018 NFL Week 1 Odds & Betting Guide

On Thursday, September 6, the 2018 regular season in the National Football League gets underway, as the Atlanta Falcons visit the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles are fresh off winning their first Super Bowl as a franchise, and their first NFL title since 1960. The Falcons almost did the same thing the year before but saw New England mount a ferocious comeback in the second half to swipe the title. We have NFL Week 1 odds and insights for the first week’s action among the 32 NFL teams here for your perusal.

2018 NFL Week 1 Odds & Betting Guide

Way-too-early NFL Week 1 best bets: Aaron Rodgers embarrasses Bears, Raiders flop https://t.co/ZDoiqQYLuL pic.twitter.com/GF3QTRJOKp

— SportsRadio 740 (@SportsRadio_740) July 17, 2018

Thursday, September 6

Atlanta (+4) at Philadelphia (8:20pm ET)

Remember what happened in the NFL season opener a year ago? When Kansas City went to visit the defending champs in New England and delivered a rout? It will be interesting to see if Philadelphia is also in championship hangover and if the Falcons will be hungry enough to make a statement. Nick Foles might be the starting quarterback for the Eagles as they still await news on Carson Wentz’s knee.

Sunday, September 9

Cincinnati (+1) at Indianapolis (1:00pm ET)

Will Andrew Luck start at quarterback? Will he be able to stay healthy this time? Will the Colts have a defense? As bad as Cincinnati has been since they lost that home playoff game to Pittsburgh two years ago, will it even matter?

Buffalo (+3.5) at Baltimore (1:00pm ET)

The Tyrod Taylor Era in Buffalo came to an end — after he led them to their first postseason appearance in this century. With their stout defense, this should be a low-scoring game, but I’m not sure if Buffalo’s offense will be able to score at all on the Ravens.

Tampa Bay (+7) at New Orleans (1:00pm ET)

Remember that Jameis Winston will be under suspension for this game, so this spread might get even larger. The Saints could have some playoff hangover going and could be overconfident coming in, but I think it’s more likely that they’ll deliver their NFL South rivals a thumping.

Houston (+7) at New England (1:00pm ET)

This is a big line given that Houston almost won at New England a year ago — and Deshaun Watson should be back for this game again. There seems less enthusiasm from Patriot Nation this year than there has been in years past, and I like the Texans to stay close if not win this outright.

San Francisco (+4.5) at Minnesota (1:00pm ET)

The Viking defense will represent a stiff test for Jimmy Garoppolo. However, Minnesota has a new quarterback to work in with Kirk Cousins, and how many favors did he really do for Washington?

Tennessee (-2.5) at Miami (1:00pm ET)

DeMarco Murray has retired from the Titans after seven seasons in the NFL. But Miami is still a mess on both sides of the ball, so I expect Marcus Mariota and Derrick Henry to dominate the action here.

Jacksonville (-4) at N.Y. Giants (1:00pm ET)

I see Blake Bortles crashing back down to Earth this season, but I don’t think the Giants have the personnel to make that happen — or to score much at all against the Jaguars’ defense — in the season opener.

Pittsburgh (-7) at Cleveland (1:00pm ET)

With Tyrod Taylor, Jarvis Landry and Josh Gordon leading this Cleveland offense and their young, opportunistic defense, this could be a time for an opportunistic Browns team to make a statement..or to get off to another embarrassing start.

Kansas City (+3) at L.A. Chargers (4:05pm ET)

I expect some bumpy times for the Chiefs this season with a second-year quarterback leading the offense — and with the Chargers showing a new commitment to defense in the second half of the 2017 season.

Dallas (+2.5) at Carolina (4:25pm ET)

Dallas doesn’t have a starting-quality tight end, and they don’t have the sort of leader at wide receiver that they will need. Their defense added some pieces but still lacks depth, as does their offensive line. Also, they usually open seasons poorly.

Washington (+1) at Arizona (4:25pm ET)

The Alex Smith Era begins with the Redskins being viewed as a road underdog against an Arizona team that will have Sam Bradford at the helm behind a Swiss cheese offensive line?

Seattle (+2) at Denver (4:25pm ET)

Two aging defenses square off against one another, which means the battle will fall to Russell Wilson and Case Keenum. I’m taking Wilson to win that battle every time.

Chicago (+8.5) at Green Bay (8:20pm ET)

The Mitch Trubisky era enters Year 2, while Aaron Rodgers comes back from his collarbone injury. I wonder which quarterback will have more motivation?

Monday, September 10

N.Y. Jets (+6) at Detroit (7:10pm ET)

This is the Monday Night Football season opener? The Jets have a garage sale full of iffy quarterbacks, and Detroit doesn’t have a running game or a defense.

L.A. Rams (+1.5) at Oakland (10:20pm ET)

Fascinating game as Jon Gruden returns to coaching and the Rams try to show that 2017 wasn’t a mirage.