The 2020 NFL regular season is set to get underway, with one important difference — there have been no preseason games. In addition to the ability to opt out of the 2020 campaign in exchange for an advance on future NFL earnings, players have also been granted the concession not to have to take part in preseason contests because of the danger of the spread of COVID-19. So we don’t really know how well new head coach Matt Rhule has managed to put together a new team chemistry in Carolina; we don’t know how well new Tampa Bay quarterback Tom Brady is communicating on the field with his teammates.
We have NFL betting picks for each of the Sunday matchups as you plan your weekend wagering.
NFL Betting News:
Top Picks for Sunday Games on Week 1 of the 2020 Season
Noon Games
Seattle (-2) at Atlanta (O/U 48.5)
Did you know that Seattle has gone 0-4 ATS against Atlanta since former Seattle defensive coordinator Dan Quinn became head coach of the Falcons? That streak should come to an end here, though, as the Falcons have lost some key players on defense to free agency, and Seattle comes in ready to build on their trip to the divisional playoff last year.
Seattle to win and cover | Check the Odds
N.Y. Jets (+6.5) at Buffalo (39)
Two third-year quarterbacks still looking to fulfill their promise square off when Sam Darnold and the Jets head across the state to face Josh Allen and the Bills. Allen has John Brown, Cole Beasley and now Stefon Diggs to catch the ball, and he has an ironclad defense on the field when the offense gets thwarted. The Jets aren’t quite there yet.
Buffalo to win and cover | Check the Odds
Chicago (+3) at Detroit (42.5)
I was picking Chicago all the way here, but then the Bears reminded me how poor their personnel decisions are when they named Mitch Trubisky their starting quarterback for 2020, despite going out to get former Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles. Trubisky could lead the Bears to a win anyway, though, given the chaos in the Detroit locker room. I’m not betting heavy here, though.
Detroit to cover | Check the Odds
Green Bay (+2.5) at Minnesota (45)
Kirk Cousins vs Aaron Rodgers — that’s an easy decision. However, the Vikings have the better defense and have the better offensive skill players around their quarterback. The Vikings should have won both of these meetings last year; I still can’t figure out how the Packers scooted to a 13-3 record, not getting their comeuppance until the NFC Championship.
Minnesota to win and cover.
Miami (+6.5) at New England (42)
Ryan Fitzpatrick will start for Miami while rookie Tua Tagovailoa learns the NFL ropes, and the Dolphins start 2020 right where they finished 2019 — at Gillette Stadium. The Dolphins won in Week 17, thanks to a comeback drive. I read that Cam Newton’s been working very hard in New England, and Bill Belichick has to have a huge chip on his shoulder, right?
New England to win and cover | Check the Odds
Philadelphia (-5.5) at Washington (42.5)
The Washington Football Team lost tailback Derrius Guice to misconduct allegations. Interestingly, Alex Smith made the Washington roster, apparently recovered from that gruesome leg injury. Philadelphia has Carson Wentz returning at quarterback, and they have made additions to their defense and their wide receiver group.
Philadelphia to win and cover | Check the Odds
Las Vegas (-3) at Carolina (48)
People keep underrating Teddy Bridgewater, and he just keeps delivering. He led Minnesota to an NFC North title before blowing out an ACL, and he was 5-0 in relief of Drew Brees in New Orleans last year. The Raiders are still a mess.
Carolina to cover | Check the Odds
Indianapolis (-8) at Jacksonville (45.5)
Indianapolis has Philip Rivers at quarterback, while Jacksonville has not recovered from their roster implosion after making the AFC Championship just a couple of seasons ago. Can Rivers lead the Colts to a win of at least eight points against a tough Jacksonville defense? Or will he throw that backbreaking pick?
Jaguars to cover.
Cleveland (+7.5) at Baltimore (48.5)
Cleveland was the last team to beat the Ravens in Baltimore in a regular season game. The Ravens have months’ worth of frustration built up after losing in the divisional round to Tennessee…so I’d pick them to blow out just about anyone who showed up on their Week 1 slate.
Baltimore to win and cover | Check the Odds
4:05 / 4:25 pm ET Games
L.A. Chargers (-3) at Cincinnati (42.5)
The Joe Burrow era begins in Cincinnati…and the Tyrod Taylor era begins with the Chargers, at least until Justin Herbert is deemed ready to take the starting quarterback job. The Chargers have the better defense and the better offensive skill set, so Burrow will get some difficult lessons in his opener.
Chargers to win and cover | Check the Odds
Tampa Bay (+3.5) at New Orleans (48)
Tampa Bay won in New Orleans in Week 1 of 2019, and that was when Jameis Winston led the team. Now that Tom Brady is leading the Buccaneers’ offense, can they pull off the upset again? I see the Saints coming into this opener with a lot more focus.
New Orleans to win and cover | Check the Odds
Arizona (+7) at San Francisco (48)
The 49ers are down Deebo Samuel and already lost Emmanuel Sanders to free agency. The Cardinals come in hungry after their 5-11 2019, with Kyler Murray ready to lead his team to pursuit of one of the NFC’s wild cards, if not even more. I think the 49ers come in a little down thanks to Super Bowl hangover.
Arizona to cover | Check the Odds
8:20 pm ET Game
Dallas (-3) at L.A. Rams (51.5)
The Cowboys should be firing on all cylinders on offense, as they have Amari Cooper, Michael Gallup and rookie CeeDee Lamb running routes, along with tight end Blake Jarwin, looking to emerge from the long shadow of Jason Witten. The Dallas defense did not make many additions after losing starters on all three levels, so this could turn into a shootout. Dallas has the weapons to win this game, even if it means winning on the last drive.
Dallas to win and cover | Check the Odds
