Sleeper Picks for NFL Week 1

We’re less than four weeks from the opening round of games in the NFL’s 2017 regular season. As you take a look at the latest NFL odds for the regular season matchups to start the slate for your NFL betting campaign, we’ve picked some teams moving below the radar that you might not have considered as you put your wagers together for NFL Week 1. Home teams are in all caps.

Sleeper Picks for NFL Week 1

With 2017 #SkinsCamp wrapped up, take a look at the top : https://t.co/k5rIF2j8K4 pic.twitter.com/XkkdWXxrAT

— Washington Redskins (@Redskins) August 15, 2017

Philadelphia (+2.5) over WASHINGTON

When: Sunday, September 10, 1:00 PM Where: FedExField, Philadelphia TV: FOX Radio:  SportsRadio 94WIP (Philadelphia) / WTEM 980 AM (Washington) Stream Option: NFL Live Opening NFL Week 1 Lines: Redskins -2½ The Eagles brought in Torrey Smith and Alshon Jeffery to give quarterback Carson Wentz more options when it’s time to throw the ball. Washington brought in Terrelle Pryor — but lost DeSean Jackson, which suggests that they took a short step back while the Eagles have moved forward. Philadelphia also brought in LeGarrette Blount to carry the ball, which pushes them past the Redskins offensively. Neither team has a terrific defense, which means that the advances that Philadelphia has made I like the Eagles to win and cover.

DETROIT (-2.5) over Arizona

When: Sunday, September 10, 1:00 PM Where: Ford Field, Detroit TV: FOX Radio: 760 AM WJR  (Detroit) / 92.3 KTAR (Arizona) Stream Option: NFL Live Opening NFL Week 1 Lines: Lions -1½ The Lions spent $100 million on free agents in the offseason, trying to double down on that wild card finish a year ago. At home, they went 6-2 straight up. The defense is still a work in progress, but the offense (in Matthew Stafford’s contract year) should be able to move the ball against the Cardinals. Carson Palmer showed a major downturn last year, and we haven’t yet seen any signs that he is on the way back up. I see the Lions covering.

Pittsburgh (-9.5) over CLEVELAND

Ehen: Sunday, September 10, 1:00 PM Where: FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland TV: CBS Radio: WDVE-FM (102.5) (Pittsburgh) / WNCX, 98.5, FM (Cleveland) Stream Option: NFL Live Opening NFL Week 1 Lines: Steelers -9.5 The Browns did claw their way to a win over New Orleans in their preseason opener. However, the Pittsburgh Steelers are the second-best favorite to make it to the Super Bowl from the AFC. The last two times the Steelers visited Cleveland, they won by 15 and 16, respectively. The Browns like DeShone Kizer — but he’s a long way from being a front-line NFL starter, at least at this point. And let’s not act like Brock Osweiler will be able to negotiate the Steel Curtain. Give me Pittsburgh to win and cover.

Baltimore (+1) over CINCINNATI

hen: Sunday, September 10, 1:00 PM Where: Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati TV: FOX Radio: 98Rock WIYY (Baltimore) / WCKY-AM ESPN 1530 (Cincinnati) Stream Option: NFL Live Opening NFL Week 1 Lines: Bengals -1 The Ravens might have the best pair of safeties in the AFC North after bringing in free agent Tony Jefferson to play next to Eric Weddle. The Cincinnati Bengals haven’t made the sort of acquisitions in the offseason to give bettors a reason to like them to win more than five games this season. I will be surprised if the Bengals hit double figures in this one. Give me the Ravens to win and cover.

Tampa Bay (+2) over MIAMI

When: Sunday, September 10, 1:00 PM Where: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida TV: FOX Radio: 98 Rock (Tampa Bay) / Sportsradio 560 WQAM (Miami) Stream Option: NFL Live Opening NFL Week 1 Lines: Dolphins -2 Tampa Bay went 6-2 down the stretch in 2016 — and Miami went 9-2. However, Miami mostly stood pat on offense — with the exception of bringing in the wildly unreliable Jay Cutler as their top quarterback while Ryan Tannehill is on the shelf. On the other side of the field, the Buccaneers brought in Jameis Winston to line up with Mike Evans as the wideouts for Jameis Winston. I see the Buccaneers opening the season with a big win in Miami.

SAN FRANCISCO (+4) over Carolina

When: Sunday, Sept. 10, 4:25 PM ET Where: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara TV: FOX Radio: WBT 1110 AM (Carolina) / KSAN 107.7 FM (San Francisco) Stream Option: NFL Live Opening NFL Week 1 Lines: Panthers -5.5 No, I don’t see the 49ers winning this game. But if you look at recent history, they come out in Week 1 swinging big and pull off some surprising results. Head coach Kyle Shanahan makes his debut after leaving the Atlanta Falcons, and I expect him to have the Niners focused. They don’t have the talent to pull off this win, but they will make it a nailbiter for the Panthers. Give me the Niners to cover.

DENVER (-3.5) over L.A. Chargers

When: Sunday, Sept. 10, 4:25 PM ET Where: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara TV: FOX Radio: KOA 850 AM (Denver) / KFWB 980 AM (LA) Stream Option: NFL Live Opening NFL Week 1 Lines: Broncos -3.5 The Broncos are a plodding team on offense, but they have the defense to keep Philip Rivers and the Chargers from scoring in the bunches that they put up against other opponents. I like the Broncos to win and cover, although I’ll be surprised if either team cracks the 21-point barrier. Depending on the over/under total, you might consider the “under” if the total is 45 or more.