Week 1 of the 2023-24 NFL season began last night with a shocking upset victory when the Detroit Lions beat the Kansas City Chiefs 21-20.
In addition, NFL bets are being accepted on all remaining Week 1 games. Here are three contests that caught our eye as key matchups where the results could set the tone for the remainder of the season.
San Francisco 49ers @ Pittsburgh Steelers
- 49ers Point Spread: -2.5
- 49ers Moneyline: -130
- Steelers Point Spread: +2.5
- Steelers Moneyline: -110
- Over/Under Total: 41.5
Based on recent performances, the 49ers would seem like a sure winner, but online NFL sportsbooks are only favoring them by 2.5 points. That’s because the Steelers have quietly reloaded and are expecting big things from QB Kenny Pickett.
San Francisco will get a major boost from the return of defensive end Nick Bosa, who signed a contract extension yesterday for 5 years worth $170 million.
However, what is not certain is the play of 49ers QB Brock Purdy following an elbow injury he suffered in last year’s playoffs. Coach Shannahan has shown confidence in the young quarterback, jettisoning Trey Lance to the Cowboys following the announcement that Purdy will be the starter.
Miami Dolphins @ San Diego Chargers
- Dolphins Point Spread: +3.0
- Dolphins Moneyline: +135
- Chargers Point Spread: +3.0
- Chargers Moneyline: -155
- Over/Under Total: 51.5
The Dolphins and Chargers are two teams that are loaded with top-end talent but just can’t seem to get over the hump. Odds for betting on the NFL Playoffs suggest that Miami will make it and San Diego will not, but the Chargers are predicted to win by a field goal at home this Sunday.
Although SD bested the fins by a score of 23-17 last season, Miami is fully healthy for Week 1. We expect an offensive explosion from the Dolphins and are focusing on their moneyline odds to win (+135).
Buffalo Bills @ New York Jets
- Bills Point Spread: -2.5
- Bills Moneyline: -140
- Jets Point Spread: +2.5
- Jets Moneyline: +120
- Over/Under Total: 45.5
The opening edition of Monday Night Football features an AFC East battle where the old guard will be tested by a team that’s normally at the bottom of the rankings but is expected to reverse their fortunes in 2023.
The Buffalo Bills have won the AFC East division for the last three years in a row. During that stretch, the Jets have been the worst team in the division, but last year showed promise, finishing with a 7-10 record with a young nucleus of players.
Ultimately, the only missing ingredient in New York has been a legitimate quarterback, a commodity they’ve now acquired in Aaron Rodgers.
.@AaronRodgers12 is looking forward to the crowd getting there early on Monday night. pic.twitter.com/GagrAojE5Y
— New York Jets (@nyjets) September 7, 2023
Is it time for a regime change in the AFC East? Monday night’s game will grant us some insight. Also granting perspective are the current AFC East futures, which place the Jets as the second overall team.
Odds To Win AFC East Division
- Buffalo Bills +125
- New York Jets +250
- Miami Dolphins +300
- New England Patriots +800
The above AFC East odds, in particular, could shift dramatically just based on the results of the Week 1 schedule. Jets and Dolphins believers should consider locking in these odds now before they fall closer to even.