NFL Preview Week 1

Welcome back, NFL fans! It’s been a long offseason, but we’re finally here, ready to dive into the Week 1 NFL slate. Today, we’re going to break down all the matchups on the slate, offering insights into how these games might unfold.

We’ll steer clear of player-specific picks for now, focusing instead on how these games could shape the NFL landscape. Buckle up, because this week’s slate offers plenty of intriguing storylines.

Thursday, September 5, 2024

Baltimore Ravens at Kansas City Chiefs
8:20 PM ET

• Spread: Chiefs -3.0
• Total: 46.0

We kick off the week with a heavyweight clash. The Ravens travel to Arrowhead to take on the defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs. With a spread set at three points, this game is expected to be close, and the 46.0 total suggests a competitive, mid-scoring affair. The Ravens’ defense will have their hands full with Patrick Mahomes, especially considering their own offensive uncertainties. Lamar Jackson’s ability to keep pace with Mahomes could dictate the flow of this game.

Friday, September 6, 2024

Green Bay Packers at Philadelphia Eagles
8:15 PM ET

• Spread: Eagles -2.5
• Total: 48.5

Friday night brings us a matchup between the Packers and the Eagles. The Eagles are slight favorites at home, with a 48.5-point total hinting at some scoring. The Eagles’ defense will be tested by Jordan Love in his first full season as Green Bay’s starter. On the other side, the Packers’ young defense will need to step up to contain Jalen Hurts and the Eagles’ high-powered offense.

Sunday, September 8, 2024

New England Patriots at Cincinnati Bengals
1:00 PM ET

• Spread: Bengals -8.5
• Total: 40.5

This game has one of the more lopsided spreads on the slate, with the Bengals as heavy favorites. The total is relatively low at 40.5, suggesting a game script that might favor the Bengals controlling the clock and relying on their defense. The Patriots could struggle to keep pace, putting more pressure on their defense to keep the game close.

Minnesota Vikings at New York Giants
1:00 PM ET

• Spread: Vikings -1.5
• Total: 41.5

In what looks like one of the tighter contests of the day, the Vikings are slight road favorites against the Giants. With a total of 41.5, this game could swing either way. Both teams have offensive weapons but also significant questions on defense. The Vikings’ ability to protect Kirk Cousins from the Giants’ pass rush will be critical.

Pittsburgh Steelers at Atlanta Falcons
1:00 PM ET

• Spread: Falcons -3.0
• Total: 42.0

This matchup between the Steelers and Falcons is another close one, with the Falcons favored by a field goal at home. The total of 42.0 suggests a mid-level scoring game, likely dictated by the Falcons’ ability to run the ball and the Steelers’ defense trying to control the tempo. If the Falcons can establish the run early, it could be a long day for Pittsburgh.

Jacksonville Jaguars at Miami Dolphins
1:00 PM ET

• Spread: Dolphins -3.0
• Total: 49.0

The Dolphins are slight favorites in what could be a shootout, given the 49.0-point total. Miami’s offense will test a Jaguars’ defense that has a new coordinator. On the flip side, Trevor Lawrence and the Jags’ offense will need to score points to keep up, making this a game that could feature plenty of DFS-relevant plays.

Houston Texans at Indianapolis Colts
1:00 PM ET

• Spread: Texans -2.5
• Total: 48.5

The Texans are road favorites against the Colts, with a total of 48.5 points. Houston’s offense, led by rookie QB C.J. Stroud, will need to execute well against an Indy defense that struggled last year. On the other side, Anthony Richardson’s NFL debut will be the focus, as the Colts look to start the season strong.

Arizona Cardinals at Buffalo Bills
1:00 PM ET

• Spread: Bills -6.0
• Total: 48.0

The Bills are solid favorites at home against the Cardinals, with a 48.0-point total. Buffalo’s high-powered offense will be expected to move the ball efficiently, while Arizona will rely on Kyler Murray’s playmaking ability to stay competitive. This game could be a classic case of the Bills trying to pull away while the Cardinals fight to keep it close.

Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints
1:00 PM ET

• Spread: Saints -4.0
• Total: 41.5

The Saints are home favorites in this NFC South clash, with a lower total of 41.5 points. This could be a defensive battle, with both teams looking to establish the run. Carolina’s defense, even with some personnel losses, might have enough to keep this game close, but the Saints’ home-field advantage could be the difference.

Tennessee Titans at Chicago Bears
1:00 PM ET

• Spread: Bears -3.5
• Total: 45.0

The Bears are favored at home in a game with a total of 45.0 points. Chicago’s offense will be tested by Tennessee’s stout run defense, while the Titans will rely on their own ground game to control the clock. This game might hinge on which team can more effectively impose their will in the trenches.

Denver Broncos at Seattle Seahawks
4:05 PM ET

• Spread: Seahawks -6.0
• Total: 42.0

The Seahawks are favored by six points at home against the Broncos, with a total of 42.0. Seattle’s defense will be a tough test for Denver’s new-look offense, while Geno Smith and the Seahawks’ offense will look to exploit a Broncos’ defense that has undergone some changes. The Seahawks’ home-field advantage, combined with the 12th Man, could make life difficult for Denver.

Las Vegas Raiders at Los Angeles Chargers
4:05 PM ET

• Spread: Chargers -3.0
• Total: 40.5

In another AFC West showdown, the Chargers are favored at home against the Raiders. The total of 40.5 points suggests a lower-scoring game, potentially dominated by the defenses. The Chargers’ defensive front will look to pressure Jimmy Garoppolo, while the Raiders’ pass rush will try to disrupt Justin Herbert.

Dallas Cowboys at Cleveland Browns
4:25 PM ET

• Spread: Browns -2.5
• Total: 41.5

The Browns are slight favorites at home, with a total of 41.5 points. Cleveland’s defense will need to step up against Dak Prescott and the Cowboys’ offense, while Deshaun Watson will look to establish a rhythm early. This game could be a grinder, with both teams trying to control the clock and field position.

Washington Commanders at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
4:25 PM ET

• Spread: Buccaneers -3.0
• Total: 44.0

Tampa Bay is a slight favorite at home in a game with a total of 44.0 points. This matchup could go either way, depending on which version of Baker Mayfield shows up for the Bucs. Washington’s defense will aim to pressure Mayfield and force mistakes, while Tampa Bay’s defense will look to contain Washington’s young playmakers.

Los Angeles Rams at Detroit Lions
8:20 PM ET

• Spread: Lions -3.5
• Total: 51.0

The highest total on the slate belongs to this Sunday night showdown between the Rams and Lions. Detroit is favored by 3.5 points in what could be a shootout. The Lions’ offense, led by Jared Goff, will try to outgun Matthew Stafford and the Rams. Expect plenty of points in this one, making it a game to target in DFS.

Monday, September 9, 2024

New York Jets at San Francisco 49ers
8:20 PM ET

• Spread: 49ers -4.0
• Total: 43.0

We wrap up the week with the Jets traveling to San Francisco to face the 49ers. The Niners are favored by four points, with a total of 43.0. This game could be a defensive battle, with both teams boasting strong front sevens. The Jets will need to protect their young quarterback, while the 49ers will look to control the game with their ground attack.

That’s your Week 1 slate breakdown. We’ve got a great mix of matchups, from potential shootouts to defensive grinds. Remember, this is just the start of our NFL journey.

Later in the week, we’ll dive into player-specific picks, but for now, use this as your roadmap to navigating the slate. Let’s get ready for an exciting season!