We are just a week away from the start of the 2022 NFL regular season. Next Thursday, the Buffalo Bills visit the Los Angeles Rams in a possible Super Bowl LVII matchup. After the dust clears from the showdown between Josh Allen and Matthew Stafford, the first Sunday of the season arrives three days later. In the early afternoon slot, we have nine games to consider as we look at our online NFL betting choices.
NFL News: Early Predictions for the Early Games in Week 1
New Orleans Saints (-5.5) at Atlanta Falcons (O/U 42.5) (FOX)
This NFC South game pits a rejuvenated Jameis Winston against an Atlanta team that is stuck in rebuilding mode. The Falcons will start Marcus Mariota at quarterback, but the team’s eyes are on Desmond Ridder, the Cincinnati Bearcat phenomenon who brings his strong arm and fast legs to the NFL. The Saints have a stout defense, so they should be able to control this. Saints to win and cover.
San Francisco 49ers (-7) at Chicago Bears (FOX)
If the 49ers were playing anyone else in Week 1, this seven-point line would be ludicrous. They have a new quarterback in Troy Lance, although Jimmy Garoppolo remains on the roster as well. The pass rush will get after Justin Fields, and that swarm should make this an easy win. 49ers to win and cover.
Pittsburgh Steelers (+6.5) at Cincinnati Bengals (CBS)
Joe Burrow. Mitch Trubisky. That quarterback matchup is not good for the Steelers; neither is their lack of quality pay by their offensive line to this point of the preseason means that the Bengals should be able to mount pressure, stuff Najee Harris and drive the tempo of the game. Bengals to win and cover.
Philadelphia Eagles (-4) at Detroit Lions (FOX)
Jalen Hurts and A.J. Brown should become a dynamic pairing sooner than later, while the Lions are still figuring out their rebuild. Eagles to win and cover.
New England Patriots (+3) at Miami Dolphins (CBS)
Mac Jones enters his second season with more confidence and savvy, while Tua Tagovailoa now has Tyreek Hill running routes for him. Can the Patriots’ defense slow down the Dolphins, or will the Dolphins frustrate the Patriots once again? I’m not that confident in Tua, while I do believe in Bill Belichick’s game plan preparation. Patriots to cover.
Baltimore Ravens (-7) at N.Y. Jets (CBS)
The Jets lost tackle Mekhi Becton again, making it easier for the Ravens to wreak havoc in their backfield. Do the Jets have enough going on defense to stay within a touchdown? I don’t think so. Ravens to win and cover.
Jacksonville Jaguars (+3) at Washington Commanders (FOX)
If Byron Leftwich had gotten the head coaching job in Jacksonville, I would pick the Jaguars to grab an upset here. I just don’t trust Carson Wentz – although his worst games usually come in the second half of the season. With Doug Pederson running things, I’m not sure the Jaguars can get around that Washington D. Commanders to win and cover.
Cleveland Browns (+2.5) at Carolina Panthers (CBS)
Not sure I’m going to wager on this game. Baker Mayfield has promised to “f*** [the Browns] up” in the opener, but Carolina doesn’t have the personnel or the coaching to dent the Browns’ defense or running game. Browns to cover.
Indianapolis Colts (-7.5) at Houston Texans (CBS)
I’ve been thinking for reasons to like Houston for the upset, but the Colts should be able to pound the ball on the ground all day long, and their defense should be able to bottle up Davis Mils and Dameon Pierce. Colts to win and cover.
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