The NFL season is back, and Week 1 promises an exciting lineup of 16 matchups, ensuring fans are treated to a thrilling start right from the kickoff on Thursday, Sept. 5. The week opens with a marquee game featuring Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and the Kansas City Chiefs squaring off against Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens – a battle that’s sure to set the tone for the season.
International Action
This season brings a unique twist with international games, notably the Green Bay Packers taking on the Philadelphia Eagles in Brazil on Friday. The NFL's commitment to expanding its global footprint is evident with these international fixtures, adding London and Mexico City to its list of host cities.
Sunday Showdown
Sunday is packed with action, featuring 13 games that will definitely keep fans on the edge of their seats. Among the matchups, the Pittsburgh Steelers face the Atlanta Falcons, while the Dallas Cowboys clash with the Cleveland Browns. Adding to the intrigue, the Los Angeles Rams will meet the Detroit Lions in what promises to be a gripping encounter.
In a refreshing change, Week 1 does not feature any double-digit favorites, making almost every game a competitive affair. The closest to a significant spread is the Cincinnati Bengals, who are favored by nine points in their contest against the New England Patriots.
Betting Insights
New England’s recent form will be a key talking point, having lost two of their final ten games last season. Interestingly, despite their recent struggles, the Patriots have a strong history against Cincinnati, boasting a 6-2 record against the spread in their past eight meetings.
Betting enthusiasts are keenly watching the Detroit Lions, who are favored by 3.5 points at home against the Rams. The Lions have been a formidable force on their home turf, winning eight of their past nine home games. Their impressive form extends to September games with a 7-1 record against the spread in their last eight outings. Their prowess against NFC opponents is clear, with a 5-1 record against the spread in their last six matchups.
Offensively, the Lions are a juggernaut, having averaged 394.8 yards per game last season, placing them third in the league. Jared Goff's arm has been a crucial part of their success, as he threw for 4,575 yards and 30 touchdowns last season. However, the Rams have struggled on the road against the Lions, losing four of their last five encounters in Detroit. It's no wonder the predictive model favors the Lions to cover the spread.
Model's Track Record
For those relying on predictive analytics, the model has been a reliable guide. Since its inception, it has generated over $7,000 for $100 players on top-rated NFL picks. The model boasts an impressive 185-129 run on top-rated picks dating back to the 2017 season and has continued its hot streak with a 39-21 run since Week 7 of last season.
This week, the model has identified five confident best bets as fans look to see if the trend continues. Whatever the outcome, Week 1 of the NFL season promises to deliver excitement, upsets, and memorable moments as teams take their first steps towards the ultimate prize – the Super Bowl.