Caleb Harris
2024 NFL Schedule was released last Thursday, which means we can officially start breaking down Week 1. Bookmakers have already posted lines for these matchups, so you can bet on NFL football right now!
Let’s analyze some of these clashes. As we do every week during the NFL regular season, we will pick and discuss our top five picks against the spread. It will be fun to see how these lines change over the next few months, and with some of these lines, it might be a good idea to place your bet now. Let’s start.
All odds courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook
Sunday, 1pm ET (CBS)
Although CJ Stroud had a rookie season for the record books, he went 1-1 against the Colts – like Zaire Franklin I tried to point at him. Indy defeated Houston in Week 2, 31–20, while Anthony Richardson left the game in the second quarter with a concussion. Richardson’s injury was a common theme in 2023, as he only finished one game healthy during his rookie season.
I’m worried about Richardson’s health and possible rust. The Texans improved this offseason by adding Joe Mixon and Stefon Diggs on offense, as well as Denico Autry and Danielle Hunter on defense. Give me Houston.
The choice: Texans -2
Projected score: Texas 30-23
Sunday, 1pm ET (Fox)
Both Tennessee and Chicago have had incredibly exciting offseasons. The Titans went big for Calvin Ridley and L’Jarius Sneed, while the Bears signed a new franchise quarterback in Caleb Williams and also landed some new wideouts in Keenan Allen and Rome Odunze. I expected the Bears to be favored in this game, but 4.5 points?
The last 15 quarterbacks selected first overall have gone 0-14-1 in their first career start. I’m not saying the Titans are Super Bowl candidates, but new defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson has an impressive track record and his scheme appears aggressive but difficult to figure out. It might not be a fun defense for a rookie quarterback to face in his first pro game, so give me the points with Tennessee.
The choice: Titans +4.5
Projected score: Titans 20-17
Sunday, 1pm ET (CBS)
These two teams have not faced each other since the “Hail Murray” game in 2020, where Kyler Murray connected with DeAndre Hopkins on a game-winning touchdown as time expired. Hopkins is long gone, but Marvin Harrison Jr.
The Cardinals may have gone 4-13 last year, but they were no pushover. Arizona was one of two teams to beat the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys last season, and had more wins over playoff teams than the Miami Dolphins and Kansas City Chiefs COMBINED. Arizona also recorded the most 200-yard rushing games in the NFL with four. There are reasons to be optimistic about the second year of the Jonathan Gannon era.
The choice: Cardinals +7
Projected score: Accounts 24-20
If you want a more analytical approach to your NFL picks, then I suggest you check out SportsLine.
Sunday, 4:05 pm ET (CBS)
Although the Seahawks are entering a new era under head coach Mike Macdonald, he has a lot more to work with in Seattle. Geno Smith has Kenneth Walker III, DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett and Jaxon Smith-Njigba to run the offense, while everyone must hope the Seahawks’ defense improves. Former Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator could be the team’s youngest coach NFL, but its defense led the NFL in opposing points per game last season with 16.5. This is a borderline playoff team that hosts a roster with a lot of question marks.
The choice: Seahawks -5
Projected score: Seahawks 24-16
Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET (Fox)
The Cowboys have had a somewhat underwhelming offseason and could begin the 2024 campaign on the road against an interesting Browns team as Tom Brady gets the action started. Cleveland added Jerry Jeudy at receiver, the offensive line is back healthy and the Jim Schwartz-led defense gave teams fits last year.
It’s about time Deshaun Watson got to work. He missed 11 games in each of his first two seasons with Cleveland and is 35th or worse in completion percentage, yards per attempt and passer rating among 45 qualified quarterbacks over the past two seasons. Give me the underdog in the house to win this game at +100.
The choice: Browns +1
Projected score: Browns 20-14
Other Week 1 Picks
Ravens (+3) 24-23 over Chiefs
Eagles (-1) 23-20 over Packers
Falcons (-3) 17-13 over Steelers
Vikings (+1) 25-23 over Giants
Bengals 26-21 over Patriots (+9)
Dolphins (-3.5) 31-24 over Jaguares
Santos 21-20 over Panthers (+5)
Chargers (-3.5) 26-18 over Raiders
Buccaneers 26-23 over Commanders (+4)
Lions 27-24 over Rams (+3.5)
49ers 24-20 over Jets (+5.5)
