NFL Week 1 Betting Predictions: Early Look at Opening Lines

by Devon Rymarchuk - 5/24/2022

NFL Week 1 betting predictions Patrick Mahomes Kansas City Chiefs

With the 2022 NFL schedule being released, the way too early spreads have also been released. With Week 1 100+ days away, the prolific sports bettor in your circle have most definitely looked at Week 1 spreads and where value can be had. With the first glimpse of all 32 teams being released, there are 10 games with home underdogs for Week 1. Last year, the underdogs took a sizable lead early in the season when it came to covering ATS. Oddsmakers at betting apps are keeping things tight early in the 2022-23 season. Only one game on the Week 1 schedule carries a line greater than 7 points.

Based on strength of schedule, the Cowboys and Commanders should have the easiest road to the playoffs, facing teams with a combined winning percentage of .462 in 2021. Meanwhile, the Rams have the hardest schedule (.567). Let’s take a deeper look at the 2022 NFL Week 1 odds and offer some insight into each matchup.

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Buffalo Bills @ Los Angeles Rams -1

Total Points 52

Both juggernauts and expected favorites to come out of the AFC and NFC, respectively. Historically, reigning Super Bowl champions have done very well on opening night. In the last 21 years, the defending champions are 18-3 SU and 13-6-2 ATS in Week 1. With year 2 of Matthew Stafford in LA and Josh Allen looking to repeat an MVP caliber year, this is the perfect Thursday Night game to set the tone for the 2022 regular season.

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Washington Commanders -4.5

Total Points 44.5

Both franchises are looking to take a huge step forward in 2022. Trevor Lawrence’s first year rookie pass is over, and he will be under the microscope to take a leap in his ability as a potential franchise quarterback. Carson Wentz may have his last chance as a starter in the NFL if he doesn’t prove he is capable early. Spending a lot in the off-season, and with the addition of veteran leadership Doug Pederson, the Jaguars are hoping for some Joe Burrow magic in Lawrence this year.

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Cincinnati Bengals -6

Total Points 45

Both were surprise playoff teams in 2021. I am expecting both franchises to head totally different directions this year. This year will be the first since 2010 a guy named Ben Roethlisberger is not the starter for the Pittsburgh Steelers on opening day. I am expecting an inspired and optimistic group coming out of Cincinnati. After making the Super Bowl and losing by less than a score, Burrow and the boys will be on a mission. This is an early line I really like as I could see it increasing by opening day.

Baltimore Ravens -4 @ New York Jets

Total Points 45.5

The Ravens missed the playoffs after starting 8-3, so to say they are going to come out with something to prove is an understatement. On the other side of the ball, the New York Football Jets may be one of the most improved rosters of 2022, with a stacked draft and already good young players in the system. This franchise has to turn around eventually, right?

New Orleans Saints -3.5 @ Atlanta Falcons

Total Points 42

Jameis Winston is back as the starting QB for the Saints. Winston tore his ACL in the Saints' win over Tampa Bay last Halloween. Matt Ryan was traded by the Falcons to Indianapolis after 14 seasons in the Atlanta. Marcus Mariota is the new starting QB in Atlanta. Both teams have plenty of question marks surrounding them. Will Michael Thomas be the same? How will Atlanta offense look without Calvin Ridley? Good luck picking a winner in this one.

Indianapolis Colts -7.5 @ Houston Texans

Total Points 44.5

The Colts are trying yet another veteran quarterback in Matt Ryan. With the best offensive line and running back in football, can a 37-year-old, past-his-prime guy roll back the clock? I have no comment on the Houston Texans roster.

Philadelphia Eagles -4 @ Detroit Lions

Total points 46.5

Detroit was surprisingly competitive and spunky in 2021. Going 11-6 ATS despite winning only three games proves they could be a sleeper pick for the playoffs this year. Jalen Hurts has added weapons on offense after sneaking into the postseason in 2021. A.J Brown is the key addition of the offseason. Do the Titans know something about Brown’s health the rest of the league does not know?

San Francisco 49ers -6.5 @ Chicago Bears

Total Points 42.5

The 49ers will be entering 2022 as of right now with quarterback controversy; Trey Lance should be the guy, but Jimmy Garoppolo is still on the team and consistently finds a way to win football games. Unlike the Jets or Jaguars helping their quarterbacks with roster help, the Bears have done absolutely nothing for Justin Fields. It could be another long year at Soldier field.

New England Patriots @ Miami Dolphins -2.5

Total Points 45

An evenly matched divisional rivalry, the spread in favor for Miami basically represents home field advantage. The best receiver on the Patriots is a castaway from the Dolphins (DeVante Parker), but Mac Jones has a year of experience under his belt and could be a guy to take leaps and bounds in 2022. The Dolphins made a huge splash gaining the talent of Tyreek Hill to pair with Jaylen Waddle, and defenses will have fits trying to match up. I like the Dolphins in this one.

Las Vegas Raiders @ Los Angeles Chargers -4

A repeat of one of the best games in NFL history, it’s very suiting these two get a chance to duel it out on opening week. Davante Adams will be a huge addition to the Las Vegas Raiders, as he is arguably the best receiver in football and adds to the already very deep talent pool of the AFC West. The Raiders have the worst odds to win the division despite coming off a 10-win playoff season. Justin Herbert has been nothing but spectacular. However, at some point, you need to lead your team to the playoffs. I love the Raiders with the points on the road.

Green Bay Packers -1.5 @ Minnesota Vikings

Total Points 49

A matchup that has much more uncertainty than years past. Aaron Rodgers does not have an ideal talent crop around him as of right now. There is not much excitement around the Vikings roster that seems to be consistently inconsistent, which probably starts with the play of Kirk Cousins.

New York Giants @ Tennessee Titans -6.5

Total Points 44

Two teams heading in opposite directions? The Titans did not seem to do the right things this offseason to put them in contention for a Super Bowl, while the Giants have been adding the right pieces to make an attractive cover in this Week 1 cross conference game.

Kansas City Chiefs -3 @ Arizona Cardinals

Total Points 53

The post Tyreek Hill era in Kansas City will be a major test for Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs offense. Growing pains are to be expected, especially in Week 1. On the other side of the ball, DeAndre Hopkins and Christian Kirk will be out for the high-powered Cardinals offense, but Kyler Murray will be reunited with former college team Marquise Brown, which could be magical.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers -2.5 @ Dallas Cowboys

Total Points 51

Tom Brady is 6-0 lifetime against the Dallas Cowboys, including an opening night thriller last year that Tampa Bay won 31-29. The Cowboys, too, are mostly back intact. The biggest challenge for the Cowboys remains keeping Dak Prescott healthy. It’s rare that the Cowboys are home underdogs. Dallas had the best record in the NFL last year ATS, going 13-5, including the playoffs. The Bucs, meanwhile, absorbed significant amounts of cash from the betting public and covered just 10 times despite winning 14 games.

Denver Broncos -4 @ Seattle Seahawks

Total Points 41

Russell Wilson returns to Seattle in Week 1 of the NFL season, and his revenge game will be under the microscope of all football fans. Denver, which is traditionally a very well-balanced team led by their defense, gets their quarterback who they have so desperately needed since the departure of Peyton Manning. Seattle drafted Michigan State standout Kenneth Walter III, who Pete Carroll will design his offense around. I believe Russell Wilson will ball out in his Seattle return. Take the Broncos.

Expect much to change before Week 1, However, in the way too early lines oddsmakers have played it safe, and only one game has a spread over 7 points. Now could be the time to get early value on specific matchups and cash in.

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NFL Week 1 Betting Predictions: Early Look at Opening Lines

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