2018 NFL Week 1 Over/Under Picks

2018 NFL Week 1 Over/Under Picks

Written by on September 4, 2018

In addition to betting on the outcomes of games, another fun NFL betting option for football games involves picking the over/under for point totals — in other words, wagering on whether the combined points scored will be more than or less than the total set by the sports books. With the opening week of the 2018 NFL regular season upon us, we’ve put together a list of the point totals for each game in NFL Week 1, along with our thoughts on each matchup.

2018 NFL Week 1 Over/Under Picks

Thursday, September 6

Atlanta at Philadelphia, 8:20pm ET (45)

Nick Foles has struggled to run the Eagles’ offense this season, and the Falcons have a defense that remains underrated. In the divisional playoff last January, these teams only put up 25 points as the Eagles prevailed, 15-10. The Eagles also have a solid defense, and while the Falcons will come in hungrier, I don’t think there will be a lot of scoring. I’ll take the under here.

Sunday, September 9

Pittsburgh at Cleveland, 1:00pm ET (46)

Cleveland comes in with a solid defense and rejuvenated talent on offense. Pittsburgh comes in with questions on defense but a high-powered offense. If Ben Roethlisberger heats up, and if Cleveland can get some drives up and down the field, this game could turn into a track meet. Give me the over here.

San Francisco at Minnesota, 1:00pm ET (46)

I don’t think San Francisco will score much on the Vikings’ defense. While Minnesota should be able to move the ball well, I don’t think the 49ers keep their end up for this total. Give me the under.

Cincinnati at Indianapolis, 1:00pm ET (47)

Andy Dalton isn’t an inspiring quarterback, and while Andrew Luck has returned to the Colts’ offense (and has looked solid in the preseason), Cincinnati’s defense has enough starch in it to keep the Colts’ offense in check. Give me the under here.

Buffalo at Baltimore, 1:00pm ET (40.5)

Two grinding defenses, and a Buffalo team led by Nathan Peterman at quarterback. Give me the under here.

Jacksonville at N.Y. Giants, 1:00pm ET (43.5)

This is a similar argument to the Bills-Ravens game, although both sides have solid quarterbacks. Even so, the pace of this game should be plodding. Give me the under here.

Tampa Bay at New Orleans, 1:00pm ET (49.5)

Drew Brees and the Saints will put up plenty of points, but Ryan Fitzpatrick and the Buccaneers will struggle to move the ball. I’ll take the under here.

Houston at New England, 1:00pm ET (51)

This game should be a barnburner just like last year, as Deshaun Watson and Tom Brady will trade touchdowns down the stretch. I’ll take the over here.

Tennessee at Miami, 1:00pm ET (45)

Neither defense here is that impressive, and if Ryan Tannehill can live up to his promise, he and Marcus Mariota could turn this into a shootout. I’ll go with the over here.

Kansas City at L.A. Chargers, 4:05pm ET (47.5)

Both of these teams have solid pass rushes, with an edge going to the Chargers. The Chiefs come in with second-year quarterback Patrick Mahomes leading the offense, so they have the possibility for big plays — or big mistakes. It’s more likely that this game bogs down, so I’m going with the under.

Seattle at Denver, 4:25pm ET (42)

This is a fairly conservative point total, but you have two stout defenses paired against one average quarterback in Case Keenum and one quarterback who may be showing his mileage in Russell Wilson. I’ll take the under.

Dallas at Carolina, 4:25pm ET (42.5)

Dallas’ starting defense looked solid in the preseason, and Carolina looks physical on both sides of the ball. This will be a slow game — but this is a low point total as well. With the big-play potential on both sides, I’m taking the over.

Washington at Arizona, 4:25pm ET (44)

Arizona has a strong defense, but Washington’s is somewhat porous. The Redskins’ Alex Smith will be looking to make a statement after the Chiefs shipped him off, and Sam Bradford will find room down the field for his Cardinal receivers. I’m taking the over here.

Chicago at Green Bay, 8:20pm ET (47.5)

Aaron Rodgers will pour on the points, but can Mitch Trubisky and the Bears keep pace enough for this total? Give me the under here.

Monday, September 10

N.Y. Jets at Detroit, 7:10pm ET (44.5)

Matthew Stafford and Sam Darnold make for an intriguing quarterback battle, as do a pair of forgiving defenses in the Jets and the Lions. I’ll take the over.

L.A. Rams at Oakland, 10:20pm ET (49.5)

The Rams’ defense will drive the rhythm of this game, and the Rams will run the ball down the Raiders’ throats. I like the Rams to win convincingly, but I’m still taking the under.