The NFL held their April 23 draft as scheduled — and they released the full 2020 schedule on Thursday, also as scheduled. The plan going forward is that the league will run its full schedule of games — with stands full of fans. U.S. President Donald J. Trump has expressed optimism that the league will operate as usual this fall. However, whether the NFL and college football will open on time is a prop you can find on a number of books. If you want to wager about the NFL opening on time, on September 10, the “No” choice is a solid favorite, running around -195, while the “Yes” choice is around +165. The state of Florida concluded that pro sports were an essential business recently, so long as there were no fans in attendance, and UFC 249 is set for this weekend in Jacksonville. It remains to be seen whether the league will open. However, if it does, the NFL betting odds for Week 1 are in place. Take a look at each matchup and our thoughts.
Analysis of the NFL Week 1 Games
Thursday, September 10
Houston (+10.5) at Kansas City (8:20 pm ET, NBC)
This is a huge line; during the regular season, Houston went to Kansas City and won, 31-24. The Chiefs did turn around and deliver a 51-31 walloping in the divisional playoffs — but the Texans opened an early double-digit lead. Houston has sent DeAndre Hopkins to Arizona, and it will be interesting to see how hungry the Chiefs are — and how ready the Texans’ new receiving corps is. Houston to cover.
Sunday, September 13
Seattle (-1) at Atlanta (1:00 pm ET, FOX)
Seattle is a terrific road team, and even more so in the Eastern time zone. If they had held serve at home in Weeks 16 and 17, it would have been them holding the bye, not the 49ers. They head to Atlanta to take on a team that is still reeling from that collapse against New England in the Super Bowl. Seattle to win and cover.
Philadelphia (-6) at Washington (1:00 pm ET, FOX)
Philadelphia brought in speed at wide receiver in the off-season. Washington has a new head coach in Ron Rivera…but still has Dwayne Haskins at quarterback. Philadelphia to win and cover.Green Bay (+3.5) at Minnesota (1:00 pm ET, FOX)
Green Bay swept the Vikings last year. Minnesota dealt away Stefon Diggs, for some reason, but the Packers weren’t much smarter in the offseason, as they didn’t go get an elite receiver to pair with Davante Adams, and they irritated Aaron Rodgers by using their first draft choice on a quarterback. Minnesota to win and cover.
Chicago (+1) at Detroit (1:00 pm ET, FOX)
The Nick Foles era begins in Chicago, as the Bears visit a Detroit team that appears to have developed a lot of scorn in the locker room for head coach Matt Patricia. Chicago to win and cover.
Miami (+6) at New England (1:00 pm ET, CBS)
The Patriots are planning to start a rookie quarterback after a virtual off-season. If any coach can get that done, it’s Bill Belichick, but I like the Dolphins to pull off the upset once again. Miami to cover.
Indianapolis (-7.5) at Jacksonville (1:00 pm ET, CBS)
The debut of Philip Rivers in Indianapolis should be something. Jacksonville still has a solid defense, but their lack of offensive consistency will give them trouble down the stretch. Indianapolis to win and cover.
Cleveland (+8.5) at Baltimore (1:00 pm ET, CBS)
Cleveland beat Baltimore on the road by 15 points last year, one of just two losses the Ravens suffered in the regular season. Cleveland bolstered their offensive line and added talent on both sides of the ball, but the Ravens should come out with plenty of hunger and motivation. Baltimore to win and cover.
N.Y. Jets (+5.5) at Buffalo (1:00 pm ET, CBS)
The Bills added Stefon Diggs to an offense that was already well above average and continue to have a stout defense. The Jets are still rebuilding. Buffalo to win and cover.
Las Vegas (+1) at Carolina (1:00 pm ET, CBS)
Carolina will debut a new head coach, in Matt Rhule, and a new quarterback, in Teddy Bridgewater. They welcome an Oakland team that doesn’t do that well on the East Coast, particularly in that early time slot. Carolina to win and cover.
L.A. Chargers (-3.5) at Cincinnati (4:05 pm ET, CBS)
Tyrod Taylor vs Joe Burrow? I’m definitely interested. Burrow’s problem is that there is not a whole lot of talent around him — basically the opposite of his situation at LSU. I still like the Bengals to take down a plodding Chargers team at home, unless the Chargers’ quarterback situation changes. Cincinnati to win and cover.
Tampa Bay (+4.5) at New Orleans (4:25 pm ET, FOX)
Tom Brady is an underdog? Well, these are the Buccaneers…but Brady does have a lot of weapons around him, and the Saints have been known to let early-season games get by them. Tampa Bay to cover.
Arizona (+7.5) at San Francisco (4:25 pm ET, FOX)
Kyler Murray now has DeAndre Hopkins to throw the ball to, and the 49ers have some Super Bowl hangover to fight through. Arizona to cover.
Dallas (-2.5) at L.A. Rams (8:20 pm ET, NBC)
Right now, Dallas has Andy Dalton atop their quarterback depth chart, thanks to the threat of a Dak Prescott holdout. Dallas should be adding players to fill defensive needs, but instead they’re playing cheap with their franchise quarterback. For now, I’m staying away from this game altogether, but if I have to pick, I say Rams to cover.
Monday, September 14
Pittsburgh (-3) at N.Y. Giants (7:15 pm ET, ESPN)
I’m curious to see how Big Ben comes back from his season-ending injury last year…and how the Giants come out in Daniel Jones’ second year with Jason Garrett as his offensive coordinator. Pittsburgh has the defense to shut down New York. Pittsburgh to win and cover.
Tennessee (+3) at Denver (10:10 pm ET, ESPN)
The Titans are road dogs against a Denver team playing a second-year quarterback? How about some respect? Tennessee to win and cover.
