Week 1 of the 2021 NFL common season is lastly right here, which implies there’s a brand-new slew of contests to select towards the unfold. This time, the variety of complete predictions will go up from 256 to 272 with the league turning to an 17-game schedule for the primary time.
That provides much more motion and probabilities to get issues proper. But it surely additionally means there are extra robust betting strains and odds by means of which to navigate.
With out overthinking out of the gate, listed here are Sporting Information’ preliminary set of unfold and over/below requires an thrilling opening slate:
(Sport odds courtesy of FanDuel)
NFL POWER RANKINGS:
Payments, 49ers, Steelers rising; Cowboys, Dolphins fall after preseason
NFL picks towards the unfold for Week 1
Sport of the Week: Browns at Chiefs (-6.5, 52.5 o/u)
Sunday 4:25 p.m. ET, CBS
When these groups final met, it was within the 2020 AFC divisional playoffs. The Chiefs constructed a 19-3 halftime lead however after dropping Patrick Mahomes to a concussion, needed to maintain on for a 22-19 escape on their technique to Tremendous Bowl 55. The Browns are nonetheless enthusiastic about what might have been and after a wild-card win, are on the lookout for rather more with higher expectations for this season. Cleveland can preserve it shut once more with extra explosive offense with Baker Mayfield and extra disruptive protection with Myles Garrett. Kansas Metropolis stays in management to take the rematch, closing it out with an improved working recreation.
Decide: Chiefs win 27-23 however fail to cowl the unfold.
Sport of Midweek: Cowboys at Buccaneers (-7.5, 52 o/u)
Thursday 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC
The Buccaneers will likely be amped to rejoice their Tremendous Bowl 55 ring to begin the season. Tom Brady returns to a powerhouse that did not lose any key gamers from final season and can go to work towards an overhauled Cowboys protection, led by former Falcons coach Dan Quinn. Dallas has one other huge query mark immediately concerning the well being of Dak Prescott with thriller about his shoulder damage. The guests have loads of firepower, too, however Tampa Bay will flip them away in key spots, flexing once more on all three defensive ranges.
Decide: Buccaneers win 34-24 and canopy the unfold.
Lock of the Week: 49ers (-7.5, 45.5 o/u) over Lions
Sunday 1 p.m. ET, Fox
The 49ers are set to stick to Jimmy Garoppolo as their beginning QB at first over rookie Trey Lance, however it does not matter who’s below middle for the opener. The Lions’ rebuilding protection can’t deal with both San Francisco’s dynamic working recreation or harmful passing recreation with mismatches Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel and George Kittle. The Niners will likely be keen to begin quick after final 12 months’s injury-riddled mess and are street warriors below Kyle Shanahan. Dan Campbell’s return to teaching is tough, indicating a protracted season, whereas former Rams QB Jared Goff relives nightmares towards a well-known protection.
Decide: 49ers win 34-13 and canopy the unfold.
Upset of the Week: Bengals over Vikings (-3, 48 o/u)
Sunday 1 p.m. ET, Fox
The Vikings are overrated going into the season. The Bengals are underrated. Joe Burrow needs to be again to carry Cincinnati within the dwelling opener, additionally serving to former LSU teammate Ja’Marr Chase shaky off some preseason points. Each defenses have some expertise, however there are also transitional points and lingering weaknesses. The Vikings will attempt to run typically and win with Dalvin Prepare dinner, however this can flip right into a sneaky shootout with Burrow spreading the sector effectively and out-dueling Kirk Cousins.
Decide: Bengals win 27-24.
Jaguars (-2.5, 44.5 o/u) at Texans
Sunday 1 p.m. ET, CBS
The Jaguars have all the excitement with their rookie Clemson QB, Trevor Lawrence. The Texans have all of the dangerous vibes with uncertainty over their veteran Clemson QB, Deshaun Watson. City Meyer is a way more completed coach making his debut than David Culley. Jacksonville will in a position to run effectively and arrange favorable passing for Lawrence towards a shell of a Houston protection. The Jags’ protection will overachieve for his or her new-look scheme and steal one whereas they will.
Decide: Jaguars win 27-24 and canopy the unfold.
Chargers (-1, 44.5 o/u) at Washington
Sunday 1 p.m. ET, CBS
The Chargers ought to really feel assured about rookie coach Brandon Staley main their new protection and second-year QB Justin Herbert being snug within the new offense. Residence vs. away does not imply a lot for them contemplating their L.A. play. Washington has an analogous profile with Ron Rivera and bridge QB Ryan Fitzpatrick distributing to dynamic weapons. It is a traditional toss-up, however the Chargers can have a bit extra juice and power in a slugfest as Joey Bosa will get extra help than Chase Younger.
Decide: Chargers win 20-17.
Seahawks (-2.5, 48.5 o/u) at Colts
Sunday 1 p.m. ET, Fox
The Seahawks are one other robust street group from the West Coast and there is no time adjustment points in Week 1. The Colts be ok with each Carson Wentz and Quenton Nelson being out there to anchor their offense within the opener. But it surely’s nonetheless Russell Wilson in a new-look offense below Shane Waldron on the opposite facet and he needs to be the extra reliable QB with established elite weapons. Wilson may help Seattle help the working recreation higher than a rusty Wentz will do for Indianapolis, with Jamal Adams cleansing up late to stay as much as his contract.
Decide: Seahawks win 23-17 and canopy the unfold.
Jets at Panthers (-5, 45.5 o/u)
Sunday 1 p.m. ET, CBS
Zach Wilson is an improve at quarterback over Sam Darnold. However the Jets’ rookie QB has extra unknown portions round him offensively in a brand new scheme. That can make issues difficult in a street debut towards a rising younger Panthers protection. Darnold can have a neater day on the workplace towards his former group, because of Christian McCaffrey returning wholesome to hold the complementary offense.
Decide: Panthers win 24-17 and canopy the unfold.
Cardinals at Titans (-3, 52 o/u)
Sunday 1 p.m. ET, CBS
The Cardinals and Titans had numerous run protection points final season. A few of these will likely be cleaned up, however this recreation will stay as much as the high-scoring hype with Kyler Murray and Derrick Henry because the centerpieces. Arizona has extra impression gamers to include Ryan Tannehill and Tennessee’s play-action primarily based passing recreation, whereas Tennessee will wrestle on the again finish vs. DeAndre Hopkins, a rejuvenated A.J. Inexperienced and others. J.J. Watt ensures his new group does not lose towards a well-known AFC South foe.
Decide: Cardinals win 31-27.
Steelers at Payments (-6.5, 48.5 o/u)
Sunday 1 p.m. ET, CBS
The Payments dealt with the Steelers effectively final season, successful 26-15 after pulling away in Buffalo. Josh Allen will not have simple pickings passing downfield towards T.J. Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick, however Ben Roethlisberger can have a harder time towards a bolstered Payments’ protection with its energy in the course of the sector. The Payments will do sufficient to include the working of rookie Najee Harris, whereas Allen finds sufficient matchups to use.
Decide: Payments win 27-19 and canopy the unfold.
Eagles at Falcons (-3.5, 48 o/u)
Sunday 1 p.m. ET, Fox
The Eagles have new offensive-minded coach Nick Sirianni calling their performs. The Falcons have new offensive-minded coach Arthur Smith calling their performs. Atlanta has a bit extra stability round Matt Ryan with vast receiver Calvin Ridley and prized rookie tight finish Kyle Pitts serving to an improved working recreation that includes Mike Davis. Philadelphia has extra volatility working and passing with Jalen Hurts on the helm. Smith sparks and evokes the Falcons a bit extra at dwelling in his rookie debut.
Decide: Falcons win 27-24 however fail to cowl the unfold.
Packers (-4, 50 o/u) at Saints (in Jacksonville, Fla.)
Sunday 4:25 p.m. ET, Fox
The Packers know they’ll have Aaron Rodgers beginning one other season. The Saints know that Drew Brees has performed his final season for them. Inexperienced Bay’s offense is the extra dependable machine right here with the blocking and ability principals Davante Adams and Aaron Jones. New Orleans is a wild card between beginning Jameis Winston and no Michael Thomas within the lineup and will likely be too Alvin Kamara-dependent in a house away from dwelling. Brees and the dome was typically automated, however Rodgers and the street is the higher wager right here.
Decide: Packers win 30-24 and canopy the unfold.
Broncos (-2.5, 41.5 o/u) at Giants
Sunday 4:25 p.m. ET, Fox
The Broncos have a giant QB concern and went with the safer route in Teddy Bridgewater. The Giants are dealing with increase or bust with third-year man Daniel Jones. Denver will likely be much more reliant on the run for defensive-minded Vic Fangio with rookie Javonte Williams within the backfield. Joe Choose ought to see his offense open up extra for Jones with a wholesome Saquon Barkley and a big-play Kenny Golladay. Denver has buzz for protection, however New York has sneaky enchancment there.
Decide: Giants win 23-17.
Dolphins at Patriots (-3, 43.5 o/u)
Sunday 4:25 p.m. ET, CBS
The Dolphins are rebooting their offense within the first full 12 months of Tua Tagovailoa beginning. The Patriots, with Mac Jones, will likely be targeted on a complementary passing recreation to construct off their deep and powerful working recreation, realizing how good their protection nonetheless is. Brian Flores has a reasonably good protection, constructed within the picture of mentor Invoice Belichick’s scheme. This appears like a messy low-scoring recreation determined by a couple of offensive errors. Miami will make these whereas New England is okay being a bit conservative in a battle of attrition.
Decide: Patriots win 17-13 and canopy the unfold.
Bears at Rams (-7.5, 45 o/u)
Sunday 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC
The Bears are going with Andy Dalton over first-rounder Justin Fields realizing this matchup is a robust first task for the rookie. It is not breezy for Dalton, both, realizing his shaky offensive line with see lots of Aaron Donald and go-to vast receiver Allen Robinson will see loads of fellow former Jaguar Jalen Ramsey. It is also his least favourite recreation time, in prime time. Matthew Stafford will get to make his Rams debut towards a well-known NFC North foe, profiting from robust help and savvy play-calling from Sean McVay.
Decide: Rams win 27-17 and canopy the unfold.
Ravens (-4.5, 51 o/u) at Raiders
Monday 8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN
The Ravens aren’t the most effective guests to have when Las Vegas is attempting to deal with its first dwelling followers in attendance to prime-time victory. Lamar Jackson will do no matter he needs working and passing towards the Raiders’ protection, with boosts from Gus Edwards and a revamped receiving corps. Derek Carr will really feel the warmth with the Ravens stopping the run and containing their former feel-good story, Darren Waller.
Decide: Ravens win 33-20 and canopy the unfold.
