NFL Betting: Week 1

The following article contains information that is not representative of the opinions of CommRadio. It solely expresses the opinions of Robert Cardini.

Football is finally back so that means it’s time to sweat overs, underdogs, and anytime touchdown scorers.

What would the first game of the year be without a few bets? The Chiefs are currently 5.5 point favorites against the Lions, a line that moved a full point after Travis Kelce’s injury that could keep him sidelined for the Thursday opener.

Jared Goff is currently 6-0 against the spread in Week 1 games in his career but how does one find it in them to bet against the Chiefs and Mahomes at home? The answer is you probably don’t and take the over 52.5. Even without Kelce I still think there will be plenty of points scored…after all the NFL loves high-scoring games for viewership.

And if you’re looking for some any-time touchdown scorers in that game one can’t go wrong with Amon-Ra St. Brown. A couple more risky plays for the game are Jahmyr Gibbs and Sky Moore who bring lots of value to the table.

As for the rest of the NFL slate, Week 1 has a trend that is very profitable. Since 2009 home underdogs have eaten 215 against the spread. So if it’s not broken don’t fix it.

No need to try and cook up a five-team parlay when you can bet all the home dogs straight. The home underdogs in this year's Week 1 are:

Cleveland Browns +2.5 vs. Cincinnati Bengals

New England Patriots +4 vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Pittsburgh Steelers +2.5 vs. San Francisco 49ers

Indianapolis Colts +4.5 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

New York Giants +3.5 vs. Dallas Cowboys

New York Jets +2.5 vs. Buffalo Bills

Now if there was a time to fade that trend it would be in the Colts vs. Jaguars game. The Colts are 1-13-1 against the spread in openers since 2008 and since 2015 are 2-13-1 against the spread vs. the Jaguars.

Did someone say teaser time? Here’s a pair of two team teasers that will have your bank account looking really good. Tennessee Titans +9.5 with the New England Patriots +10 and then the Miami Dolphins +9 with the Giants +9.5.

Last but not least, some any-time touchdown scorers. It’s week one so you gotta stick with the guys you know can get in the end zone. Some of the players I’m looking at are Ja’Marr Chase, Jalen Hurts, Christian McCaffery, Travis Etienne, and Saquon Barkley.

Best of luck to all fellow gamblers out there. Let’s start the NFL seasons off right. And don’t forget, straight bets are where the money is.

If you have a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit https://www.pacouncil.com/helpline/ to get the help you need today.

Rob Cardini is a third-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email rvc5706@psu.edu