2018 NFL Week 1 Odds Overview and Predictions for Each Game

After the four weeks of the preseason, the 2018 regular season in the National Football League is upon us, starting with the visit of the Atlanta Falcons to Philadelphia to take on the Super Bowl-defending Eagles in prime time. The Cleveland Browns are trying to end two seasons of abject futility and have significant talent upgrades on their roster, while the New England Patriots are trying to see if they can get enough motivation for another Super Bowl run out of the AFC. Check out our NFL Week 1 betting prediction for each of the 16 games set for this week.

2018 NFL Week 1 Overview Odds and Predictions for Each Game

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Thursday, September 6, 8:20pm ET

Atlanta (+2.5) over PHILADELPHIA

Philadelphia will be missing some key players in their opener, as Carson Wentz most likely will not start, and Nick Foles will lead the offense. Yes, Foles is the reigning Super Bowl MVP, but he has looked subpar in the preseason — and so has the offensive line. Tailback Jay Ajayi remains questionable for the opener as well, and wide receiver Alshon Jeffery will miss the opener as well. Add that to a hungry opponent in the Falcons, and I like Atlanta to cover.

Sunday, September 9, 1:00pm ET

NEW ORLEANS (-7) over Tampa Bay

Given that Tampa Bay will start Ryan Fitzpatrick at quarterback while Jameis Winston serves his suspension, I’m surprised that this line is just seven points. Yes, New Orleans tailback Mark Ingram is also suspended, but they have Alvin Kamara to carry the ball. The Saints showed a solid defense last year and all signs point to a repeat performance. I like New Orleans to win and cover.

MINNESOTA (-5) over San Francisco

The Jimmy Garoppolo era has brought optimism to the Bay Area, but the Kirk Cousins era should push the Vikings even closer to their first Super Bowl title, thanks to that elite defense and the return of Dalvin Cook at tailback. I like Minnesota to win and cover.

BALTIMORE (-3) over Buffalo

The Bills just sent quarterback A.J. McCarron to Oakland in a trade, which means that Josh Allen and Nathan Peterman are the quarterbacks in Buffalo. Allen has tons of talent but is just a rookie. The Ravens bring a solid defense and a rejuvenated Joe Flacco leading the offense. I like Baltimore to win and cover.

Jacksonville (-3) over N.Y. GIANTS

The Jaguars bring the top defense in the AFC to bear against an aging Eli Manning. Odell Beckham Jr. did just sign an immense contract extension in Gotham, but the Giants don’t have an elite offensive line, and Manning doesn’t have much mobility left. I like Jacksonville to win and cover.

Houston (+6.5) over NEW ENGLAND

This game is a rematch of a rollercoaster from last year, which the Patriots eventually won, 36-33. Deshaun Watson is back for the Texans, and Tom Brady is a year older. J.J. Watt is back on defense for the Texans, and these factors motivate me to pick Houston to cover.

Tennessee (-1.5) over MIAMI

Miami is still a mess on offense, with Ryan Tannehill returning at quarterback, and they no longer have Ndamukong Suh anchoring their pass rush. Tennessee pulled off a big road win over Kansas City in the playoffs last year, and they return Marcus Mariota at quarterback and Derrick Henry at tailback. I like Tennessee to win and cover.

INDIANAPOLIS (-1.5) over Cincinnati

Andrew Luck is back, and his preseason play has Colts fans optimistic. The Cincinnati Bengals return with a bruising defense, but Andy Dalton’s play leaves a lot of questions to answer. The Colts can move the ball enough on Cincinnati to deliver. I like Indianapolis to win and cover.

CLEVELAND (+6.5) over Pittsburgh

It’s been a long time since Cleveland had this much offensive talent, and their defense is already solid. The Pittsburgh Steelers didn’t sign much talent to answer questions about their defense in the offseason, and the Browns will be fired up at home. I like Cleveland to cover.

Sunday, September 9, 4:05pm / 4:25pm ET

L.A. CHARGERS (-3) over Kansas City

Patrick Mahomes has shown an ability to move with his feet and throw downfield with accuracy, but he hasn’t faced a pass rush like he will when he and the Chiefs take on the Chargers. Kansas City’s defense is still a question mark, and Philip Rivers might be finally ready to lead his team to a division title. I like the Chargers to win and cover.

ARIZONA (PK) over Washington

The Cardinals have shown a stout defense in the preseason, and Sam Bradford could work out as a serviceable quarterback. Washington has an elite quarterback in alex Smith, but their defense has enough holes for Bradford and David Johnson to move the ball down the field. I like Arizona to win and cover.

SEATTLE (+1) over Denver

Russell Wilson is ready for redemption, and the Seattle defense is still solid enough to stand up to Case Keenum. Denver has a tough defense of their own, but I’m not sure they can move the ball enough on Seattle to win. I like Seattle to cover.

CAROLINA (-2.5) over Dallas

Dallas lost their starting center to an autoimmune disease, doesn’t have a starting-quality tight end, and they have Allen Hurns as their top wide receiver. They have no depth on either side of the ball, although their defense has looked solid in the preseason when the starters have been on the field. Carolina has a stiff defense, and they should be able to keep the Cowboy offense off the field. I like Carolina to win and cover.

Sunday, September 9, 8:20pm ET

GREEN BAY (-8) over Chicago

Aaron Rodgers is back for the Packers, and while Chicago has upgraded their talent on both sides of the ball, Mitch Trubisky cannot outduel Aaron Rodgers, especially on the road. I like Green Bay to win and cover.

Monday, September 10, 7:10pm ET

DETROIT (-6.5) over N.Y. Jets

The Lions have Matt Patricia as their new head coach, but they didn’t upgrade much on the defensive side of the ball. The Jets have some excitement on offense, but they still don’t have much in the way of a defense. I think Matthew Stafford can pick the Jets apart just enough to take the Lions to a win. I like Detroit to win and cover.

Monday, September 10, 10:20pm ET

L.A. Rams (PK) over OAKLAND

Oakland just traded their best defensive player away in Khalil Mack, and the only upgrade they made is the acquisition of A.J. McCarron. They do have a new head coach in Jon Gruden, but they welcome one of the hottest young teams in the NFC in the Rams. L.A. has the defense to bottle up Derek Carr and Marshawn Lynch, and I like the Rams to win and cover.