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NFL Betting Predictions: Week 1 Opening Line Report and Picks

by Devon Rymarchuk - 7/26/2022

NFL betting predictions Week 1 picks Lamar Jackson Baltimore Ravens

As week 1 of the NFL is quickly approaching, I could not be more excited to see how all the rosters and storylines will shape up. Which teams are going to take the next step as a franchise this year? Who will remain dominant and who will be rebuilding once again? A lot can be determined by week 1 of the regular season, and it is also a good week to get ahead of oddsmakers before they adjust lines closer to opening day.

With 10 new coaches, plenty of superstars on the move, and the timeless Tom Brady returning, Week 1 is sure to be action packed. Here are some of my favorite picks going into the first week of the new NFL season.

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Baltimore Ravens -4 @ New York Jets +4

O/U: +- 45

2021 ATS Record: Ravens 8-9, Jets 6-11

This might be a pick based on reputation over the past five years, but I don’t believe one off-season has transformed the Jets as much as the line indicates. In Zach Wilson’s 13 starts last season, the Jets averaged only 16.3 points per game. Even with the added firepower, it will be tough to put up points against a Ravens secondary who are among the best in the NFL. The Ravens, although a favorite to win their division last year, were plagued by injury.  Baltimore also has two top running backs, J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards, coming off season-ending ACL injuries. I like Lamar Jackson to bounce back from his mediocre 2021 season with a statement win on the road against the Jets. On a side note, Jackson is 41-17 as a starter.

Pick: Ravens -4

Pittsburgh Steelers +6.5 @ Cincinnati Bengals -6.5

O/U: +- 44.5

2021 ATS Record: Bengals 14-7, Steelers 8-10

These long-time divisional rivals will face off in the first week of the 2022 season. Heading in completely different directions, the Steelers face uncertainty as they begin the season without QB Ben Roethlisberger for the first time since 2003. Right now, their starting QB is . . . to be determined between rookie Kenny Pickett out of Pitt and veteran journeyman Mitch Trubisky. The Bengals, for a first time in a long time, have their eyes on the Super Bowl……. Anything less would be a disappointment after Joe Burrow nearly muscled his way to a Super Bowl championship in only his second season. The changing of the guard in the AFC North is real, and I would expect the Bengals to pounce on the Steelers in week 1.

Pick: Bengals -6.5

Indianapolis Colts -8 @ Houston Texans +8

O/U: +- 44

2021 ATS Record: Colts 10-7, Texans 8-9

With this matchup being the biggest line of the week, it makes sense. The Colts have one of the most balanced teams in the NFL. And according to the Colts brass, a quarterback is the only thing that has held them back from making that next step as an organization. Indianapolis believes they have addressed that issue by adding veteran Matt Ryan from the Atlanta Falcons. The Texans are aiming for the first overall pick in the 2023 draft. Look for the Colts to come out and send a message to the rest of the AFC South that the division is theirs.

Pick: Colts -8

Denver Broncos -4 @ Seattle Seahawks +4

O/U: +- 41.5

2021 ATS Record: Broncos 8-9, Seahawks 9-8

This matchup features the biggest shakeup of the 2022 off-season, as long time Seahawks franchise quarterback is now a part of the Denver Broncos. What is even more exciting is that they meet in week 1 of the regular season. With the massive amount of change in Denver taking place, from a new head coach to new quarterback, I believe they have made the perfect moves to a team with already a strong nucleus and assets. The Seahawks already took a big step backwards last year while they still had Russell Wilson, and I do not believe Drew Lock will be the answer to the misery in Seattle. The Seahawks will be no match for the Broncos in week 1.

Pick: Broncos -4

Hurry and lock in your picks before the line starts to change, as I believe there is some excellent value to be had right now. The anticipation for opening day has never been higher! Can the Bills finally win the Super Bowl? Will Tom Brady retire on top or could the Rams repeat? It all starts with week 1.

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