NFL – Sunday Free Picks – Week 1

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*These free NFL picks and NFL player prop picks are done the previous game day, adjust selections should spreads and lineups change.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS @ ATLANTA FALCONS

Sunday, September 8th

TEAM TRENDS

  • The Falcons have lost 4 of their last 5 games.
  • The Steelers have covered the line in their last 4 road openers.

WIN/LOSS

TEAM W L HOME ROAD
PIT 10 7 5-4-0 5-3-0
ATL 7 10 5-3-0 2-7-0

SEASON POINTS +/- 

TEAM PPG OPPG DIFF TOT.AV.
PIT 17.9 19.1 -1.2 36.9
ATL 18.9 21.9 -3.1 40.8

PICKS ATS

SPREAD POINTS RESULT
PIT UNDER PIT
+3.0 42.0 18-10
NFL PLAYER PROP BETS - HERE

PLAYER TRENDS

  • Kyle Pitts has a TD in 3 of the Falcons’ last 4 games as home favs.
  • Najee Harris has at least 1 TD in the Steelers’ last 3 regular season games.
  • Jaylen Warren has a TD in the Steelers’ last 3 road games vs NFC opponents.
  • Russell Wilson has 2+ TDs in his last 4 games vs the Falcons.
  • Kirk Cousins has 273+ passing yards in his last 7 home games.
  • Russell Wilson has 223+ passing yards in his last 3 games.
  • Drake London has 67+ receiving yards in 5 of his last 6 home games.
  • Bijan Robinson has 32+ receiving yards in the Falcons’ last 3 home games.
  • George Pickens has 86+ receiving yards in 3 of the Steelers’ last 4 games vs NFC opponents.
  • Tyler Allgeier has 39+ rushing yards in the Falcons’ last 16 home games.
  • Najee Harris has 78+ rushing yards in the Steelers’ last 3 regular season games.
  • Russell Wilson hasn’t thrown an interception in his last 5 Week 1 games.

The Steelers and Falcons are set to open the 2024 season with major changes at the quarterback position, promising a great matchup at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

After moving on from Kenny Pickett, the Steelers have brought in seasoned veteran Russell Wilson as their starting quarterback, with dual-threat Justin Fields also in the mix. Head coach Mike Tomlin, known for his impressive streak of 17 non-losing seasons, will rely on Wilson to lead the offense, backed by a fearsome defense led by T.J. Watt, the NFL’s reigning sack leader.

The Falcons, looking to bounce back in the NFC South, have also made bold moves. They’ve brought in Kirk Cousins as their starter, while highly-touted rookie Michael Penix Jr., drafted at #8, waits in the wings.

Atlanta’s focus on taking control of a weak division begins with this season opener, where they aim to snap a winless streak against Pittsburgh dating back to 2006.

PICK – UNDER 42.0 TOTAL POINTS

ARIZONA CARDINALS @ BUFFALO BILLS

Sunday, September 8th

TEAM TRENDS

  • The Bills have won 6 of their last 7 games.
  • 4 of the Bills’ last 5 games have gone over the total match points line.
  • The Bills have been the first to 15 points in their last 9 games.

WIN/LOSS

TEAM W L HOME ROAD
ARI 4 13 2-6-0 2-7-0
BUF 11 6 7-2-0 4-4-0

SEASON POINTS +/- 

TEAM PPG OPPG DIFF TOT.AV.
ARI 19.4 26.8 -7.4 46.2
BUF 26.5 18.3 +8.2 44.8

PICKS ATS

SPREAD POINTS RESULT
ARI OVER
+6.5 48.0
NFL PLAYER PROP BETS - HERE

PLAYER TRENDS

  • Josh Allen has a TD in 7 of the Bills’ last 8 games.
  • Khalil Shakir has a TD in the Bills’ last 2 games.
  • James Conner has a TD in the Cardinals’ last 5 games.
  • Kyler Murray has a TD in his last 4 September road games.
  • Josh Allen has 264+ passing yards in the Bills’ last 5 games at Highmark Stadium as moderate favs (-3.5 to -7.0 points).
  • Curtis Samuel has 51+ receiving yards in his last 3 games vs the Cardinals.
  • Josh Allen has 44+ rushing yards in the Bills’ last 4 games.
  • Trey McBride has 6+ receptions in 5 of the Cardinals’ last 6 games.
  • James Conner has 89+ rushing and receiving yards in the Cardinals’ last 5 games.
  • James Cook has 16+ rush attempts in the Bills’ last 5 home games.
  • Josh Allen has thrown an interception in 12 of the Bills’ last 13 regular season games.
  • Kyler Murray has thrown an interception in 7 of his last 9 road games.

The Bills kick off their 2024 campaign hosting the Cardinals at Highmark Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

After three straight seasons of falling in the Divisional Round, the Bills are eager to break their postseason curse. Despite winning their fourth straight division title in 2023, Buffalo struggled to turn regular-season success into playoff wins.

With lead receivers Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis gone, the team may be leaning toward a stronger run game, but questions remain about how the offense will evolve under coordinator Joe Brady, who joined mid-season in 2023.

The Cardinals, on the other hand, are coming off back-to-back 4-13 seasons. However, with quarterback Kyler Murray fully healthy and rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (picked 4th overall) bringing fresh energy, Arizona has reason to be optimistic.

Their defense remains a concern, having ranked 31st in points allowed for two consecutive seasons—a potential liability against a rejuvenated Bills offense looking to start strong in 2024.

PICK – ARIZONA +6.5

TENNESSE TITANS @ CHICAGO BEARS

Sunday, September 8th

TEAM TRENDS

  • The Titans have lost 10 of their last 11 road games.
  • The Bears have covered the line in 4 of their last 5 home games.

WIN/LOSS

TEAM W L HOME ROAD
TEN 6 11 5-4-0 1-7-0
CHI 7 10 5-3-0 2-7-0

SEASON POINTS +/- 

TEAM PPG OPPG DIFF TOT.AV.
TEN 17.9 21.6 -3.6 39.5
CHI 21.2 22.3 -1.1 43.5

PICKS ATS

SPREAD POINTS RESULT
TEN UNDER CHI
+4.0 45.0 24-17
NFL PLAYER PROP BETS - HERE

PLAYER TRENDS

  • Khalil Herbert has a TD in 3 of his last 4 home games.
  • D’Andre Swift has a TD in his last 6 September home games.
  • Tony Pollard has a TD in 5 of his last 9 games.
  • DeAndre Hopkins has a TD in his last 2 games vs the Bears.
  • Keenan Allen has 61+ receiving yards in his last 4 games vs the Titans.
  • Tyjae Spears has 27+ receiving yards in the Titans’ last 4 games as underdogs.
  • Gerald Everett has 31+ receiving yards in 6 of his last 7 games.
  • Tony Pollard has 49+ rushing yards in 11 of his last 12 games.
  • D’Andre Swift has 56+ rushing yards in 7 of his last 9 home games.
  • DeAndre Hopkins has 65+ receiving yards in his last 6 Week 1 road games.
  • The Bears have scored first in their last 7 games.
  • Will Levis hasn’t thrown an interception in 3 of his last 4 games with the Titans as underdogs.

The Titans and Bears clash at Soldier Field on Sunday afternoon, marking their first meeting since Week 9 of 2020.

The Bears ended the 2023 season with a 7-10 record, showing promise late in the year under quarterback Justin Fields. However, Chicago has moved on from Fields, handing the reins to first overall pick Caleb Williams.

The revamped Bears offense also boasts additions like first-round wide receiver Rome Odunze and veteran Keenan Allen, aiming to turn the team into a serious contender.

The Titans, on the other hand, finished last season with a disappointing 6-11 record, including a woeful 1-7 record on the road. Their road offense struggled significantly, averaging just 12.6 points per game compared to 22.6 at home.

Now in his second year, quarterback Will Levis is tasked with improving the team’s offensive production. With key acquisitions like receivers Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd, plus running back Tony Pollard, the Titans are hoping for a much-needed turnaround in 2024.

PICK – TENNESSEE +4.0

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS @ CINCINNATI BENGALS

Sunday, September 8th

TEAM TRENDS

  • The Bengals have won 13 of their last 16 home games.
  • The Bengals’ last 5 games as favs have gone Overs.
  • The Bengals have scored first in their last 5 games as home favs.

WIN/LOSS

TEAM W L HOME ROAD
NE 4 13 1-8-0 3-5-0
CIN 9 8 6-3-0 3-5-0

SEASON POINTS +/- 

TEAM PPG OPPG DIFF TOT.AV.
NE 13.9 21.5 -7.6 35.4
CIN 21.5 22.6 -1.1 44.1

PICKS ATS

SPREAD POINTS RESULT
CIN OVER NE
-8.0 41.0 16-10
NFL PLAYER PROP BETS - HERE

PLAYER TRENDS

  • Ja’Marr Chase has a TD in 3 of the Bengals’ last 4 games as heavy favs.
  • Hunter Henry has a TD in his last 2 games.
  • Tee Higgins has a TD in his last 2 games with the Bengals as favs.
  • Joe Burrow has 2+ TDs in 5 of his last 6 games.
  • Joe Burrow has 317+ passing yards in 3 of his last 4 games with the Bengals as favs.
  • Rhamondre Stevenson has 87+ rushing yards in 3 of his last 4 games.
  • Zack Moss has 55+ rushing yards in 7 of his last 9 home games.
  • Demario Douglas has 5+ receptions in 3 of his last 4 road games.
  • Ja’Marr Chase has 84+ receiving yards in the Bengals’ last 3 games as heavy favs.
  • Trey Hendrickson has a sack in 7 of the Bengals’ last 8 games.

The Patriots and Bengals, both missing the 2023 playoffs, will kick off the 2024 season at Paycor Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The Bengals endured a rollercoaster 2023, with quarterback Joe Burrow sidelined by multiple injuries, though the team still managed impressive wins against the 49ers and Bills. Entering 2024, Burrow’s supporting cast has shifted significantly.

Longtime running back Joe Mixon has left, and star receiver Ja’Marr Chase is holding out amid contract negotiations, leaving potential challenges for the offense.

Meanwhile, the Patriots had a disastrous 2023, finishing 4-13, which marked the end of Bill Belichick’s legendary 25-year tenure as head coach. A complete offensive overhaul followed, with New England moving on from Mac Jones and using the third overall draft pick to select quarterback Drake Maye.

However, veteran Jacoby Brissett, who previously played for the Patriots, has been named the Week 1 starter as the team looks to rebuild in a post-Belichick era

PICK – OVER 41.0 TOTAL POINTS

HOUSTON TEXANS @ INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

Sunday, September 8th

TEAM TRENDS

  • 5 of the Colts’ last 6 home games have gone Overs.
  • The Texans have covered the line in 4 of their last 5 games vs AFC South opponents

WIN/LOSS

TEAM W L HOME ROAD
HOU 10 7 6-3-0 4-4-0
IND 9 8 4-5-0 5-3-0

SEASON POINTS +/- 

TEAM PPG OPPG DIFF TOT.AV.
HOU 22.2 20.8 +1.4 42.9
IND 23.3 24.4 -1.1 47.7

PICKS ATS

SPREAD POINTS RESULT
HOU OVER HOU
-3.0 48.5 29-27
NFL PLAYER PROP BETS - HERE

PLAYER TRENDS

  • Jonathan Taylor has scored the first TD in 5 of his last 6 games.
  • Anthony Richardson has at least 1 TD in 3 of his last 4 games.
  • Tank Dell has at least 1 TD in 4 of his last 5 games.
  • Joe Mixon has at least 1 TD in 5 of his last 6 games.
  • Jonathan Taylor has at least 1 TD in his last 6 games.
  • Nico Collins has a TD in the Texans’ last 2 games vs the Colts.
  • Dalton Schultz has 42+ receiving yards in his last 4 road games.
  • Jonathan Taylor has 83+ rushing yards in his last 6 games vs the Texans.
  • Joe Mixon has 65+ rushing yards in 6 of his last 7 road games.
  • Dalton Schultz has 4+ receptions in his last 4 road games.
  • Jonathan Taylor has 4+ receptions in his last 3 Week 1 games.
  • C.J. Stroud hasn’t thrown an interception in his last 7 games.

The Texans, coming off a surprising playoff run in 2023, will open their 2024 campaign against division rivals, the Colts, at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday.

The Texans knocked the Colts out of playoff contention last season, securing the AFC South title in a 23-19 Week 18 victory at the same venue.

The Colts are eager for redemption as sophomore quarterback Anthony Richardson aims to stay healthy and lead the team after an injury-plagued rookie season. Having star running back Jonathan Taylor back at full strength will be key to easing the burden on Richardson.

For Houston, reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud is looking to build on a stellar debut season, where he passed for 4,108 yards and 23 touchdowns with only five interceptions.

The Texans have bolstered their offense with the additions of running back Joe Mixon and receiver Stefon Diggs, making them strong contenders in the AFC as they seek to build on last year’s success.

PICK – HOUSTON -3.0

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS @ MIAMI DOLPHINS

Sunday, September 8th

TEAM TRENDS

  • The Jaguars’ last 5 season openers have gone Overs.
  • The Jaguars have failed to cover the line in 5 of their last 6 games.

WIN/LOSS

TEAM W L HOME ROAD
JAC 9 8 4-5-0 5-3-0
MIA 11 6 7-2-0 4-4-0

SEASON POINTS +/- 

TEAM PPG OPPG DIFF TOT.AV.
JAC 22.2 21.8 +0.4 44.0
MIA 29.2 23.0 +6.2 52.2

PICKS ATS

SPREAD POINTS RESULT
MIA OVER MIA
-3.5 49.0 20-17
NFL PLAYER PROP BETS - HERE

PLAYER TRENDS

  • Tyreek Hill has a TD in 6 of his last 8 home games.
  • De’Von Achane has a TD in the Dolphins’ last 2 regular season games.
  • Travis Etienne has a TD in the Jaguars’ last 4 games as road underdogs.
  • Christian Kirk has 78+ receiving yards in his last 4 games with the Jaguars as underdogs.
  • Evan Engram has 6+ receptions in 5 of the Jaguars’ last 6 games.
  • Tyreek Hill has 8+ receptions in his last 3 Week 1 games.
  • Trevor Lawrence has 25+ completions in the Jaguars’ last 3 games vs AFC opponents.
  • The Dolphins have scored first in 7 of their last 8 games.
  • Tua Tagovailoa has 37+ pass attempts in 3 of the Dolphins’ last 4 games.
  • Trevor Lawrence has thrown an interception in the Jaguars’ last 5 road games.
  • Tua Tagovailoa has thrown an interception in the Dolphins’ last 3 games.

The Jaguars and Dolphins enter 2024 with dreams of Super Bowl contention as they face off at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday.

The Dolphins showed flashes of brilliance in 2023, but injuries on both sides of the ball hindered their progress, leading to an early playoff exit. Miami’s offense, led by Tyreek Hill’s league-best 1,799 receiving yards, ranked first overall, and they could repeat that feat if quarterback Tua Tagovailoa remains healthy and gets adequate protection.

The Jaguars, on the other hand, missed the playoffs despite an 8-3 start, largely due to franchise quarterback Trevor Lawrence playing through injuries down the stretch. Lawrence has new weapons in wide receiver Gabe Davis and rookie Brian Thomas, who replace Calvin Ridley and Zay Jones.

Jacksonville’s defense could also see improvement with the signing of defensive end Arik Armstead. With these changes, the Jaguars will look to bounce back and contend for a postseason spot in 2024.

PICK – OVER 49.0 TOTAL POINTS

CAROLINA PANTHERS @ NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

Sunday, September 8th

TEAM TRENDS

  • The Panthers have lost their last 9 road games.
  • The Saints have failed to cover their last 6 games in September.

WIN/LOSS

TEAM W L HOME ROAD
CAR 2 15 2-6-0 0-9-0
NOR 9 8 5-3-0 4-5-0

SEASON POINTS +/- 

TEAM PPG OPPG DIFF TOT.AV.
CAR 13.9 24.5 -10.6 38.4
NOR 23.6 19.2 +4.4 42.9

PICKS ATS

SPREAD POINTS RESULT
NOR OVER NOR
-4.0 41.5 47-10
NFL PLAYER PROP BETS - HERE

PLAYER TRENDS

  • Juwan Johnson has a TD in 3 of the Saints’ last 4 games.
  • Diontae Johnson has a TD in 5 of his last 7 games.
  • Chris Olave has a TD in his last 3 games with the Saints as home favs.
  • Taysom Hill has a TD in 3 of his last 5 home games.
  • Derek Carr has 2+ TDs in the Saints’ last 5 games.
  • Derek Carr has 259+ passing yards in his last 4 Week 1 home games.
  • Adam Thielen has 54+ receiving yards in his last 8 games vs the Saints.
  • Chris Olave has 80+ receiving yards in the Saints’ last 5 September games.
  • Adam Thielen has 5+ receptions in his last 8 games vs the Saints.
  • Alvin Kamara has 100+ rushing and receiving yards in 5 of his last 6 regular season home games vs the Panthers.
  • In the Panthers’ last 8 games, their opponents have scored first.
  • Bryce Young hasn’t thrown an interception in 4 of the Panthers’ last 5 games.

The Panthers and Saints will kick off 2024 at Caesars Superdome on Sunday afternoon after both teams missed the playoffs in 2023.

The Saints ended their season on a high note with a 48-17 victory over the Falcons, securing a winning record but losing out on the NFC South title through a tiebreaker. Derek Carr returns for his second season in New Orleans, hoping to build a stronger connection with rising star receiver Chris Olave.

On the other hand, the Panthers struggled mightily last year, finishing with a 2-15 record, including a 28-6 defeat at this venue. Their dismal 0-9 road record capped a season where Bryce Young, the 2023 first overall pick, underperformed.

Despite not holding a first-round pick this year, Carolina hopes that the arrival of new head coach Dave Canales and an improved offensive line will help reinvigorate the offense and steer the franchise in a better direction.

PICK – OVER 41.5 TOTAL POINTS

MINNESOTA VIKINGS @ NEW YORK GIANTS

Sunday, September 8th

TEAM TRENDS

  • The Vikings have lost their last 5 road openers.
  • The Vikings have failed to cover in their last 6 games.

WIN/LOSS

TEAM W L HOME ROAD
MIN 7 10 2-6-0 5-4-0
NYG 6 11 4-4-0 2-7-0

SEASON POINTS +/- 

TEAM PPG OPPG DIFF TOT.AV.
MIN 20.2 21.3 -1.1 41.5
NYG 15.6 23.9 -8.3 39.6

PICKS ATS

SPREAD POINTS RESULT
NYG OVER MIN
+1.5 41.0 28-6
NFL PLAYER PROP BETS - HERE

PLAYER TRENDS

  • Darius Slayton has a TD in the Giants’ last 3 games.
  • Daniel Jones has 301+ passing yards in the Giants’ last 2 games vs the Vikings.
  • Darius Slayton has 62+ receiving yards in the Giants’ last 4 games.
  • Johnny Mundt has 23+ receiving yards in the Vikings’ last 3 games.
  • Wan’Dale Robinson has 55+ receiving yards in the Giants’ last 3 home games.
  • Aaron Jones has 108+ rushing yards in his last 4 road games.
  • Daniel Jones has 43+ rushing yards in 5 of his last 6 home games.
  • The Vikings have scored first in their last 5 games vs the Giants.
  • Daniel Jones has 35+ pass attempts in the Giants’ last 3 games vs the Vikings.
  • The Giants’ D/ST has a TD in 2 of their last 3 games.

Minnesota and the Giants meet at MetLife Stadium on Sunday afternoon for the first time since their Wild Card Round clash in the 2022 playoffs.

Both teams missed the playoffs in 2023 and are facing significant challenges heading into the 2024 season.

The Giants will be without star running back Saquon Barkley, who joined the Eagles in the offseason, and quarterback Daniel Jones is coming off a torn ACL. Despite this, Jones has reason for optimism as he gets to throw to rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers, the sixth overall pick in the draft.

The Vikings, on the other hand, are entering the post-Kirk Cousins era. They initially hoped first-round rookie J.J. McCarthy would take over at quarterback, but a meniscus tear has sidelined him, leaving Sam Darnold to start.

Darnold will rely heavily on Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, while newly signed running back Aaron Jones will look to provide balance to the Vikings’ offense.

PICK – NEW YORK GIANTS +1.5

LAS VEGAS RAIDERS @ LOS ANGELES CHARGERS

Sunday, September 8th

TEAM TRENDS

  • The Chargers’ last 7 games as favourites have gone Unders.
  • The Raiders have covered their last 4 games.

WIN/LOSS

TEAM W L HOME ROAD
LV 8 9 6-3-0 2-6-0
LAC 5 12 2-7-0 3-5-0

SEASON POINTS +/- 

TEAM PPG OPPG DIFF TOT.AV.
LV 19.5 19.5 +0.1 39.0
LAC 20.4 23.4 -3.1 43.8

PICKS ATS

SPREAD POINTS RESULT
LV OVER LAC
+3.5 40.0 22-10
NFL PLAYER PROP BETS - HERE

PLAYER TRENDS

  • Davante Adams has at least 1 TD in 3 of the Raiders’ last 4 games vs the Chargers.
  • J.K. Dobbins has at least 1 TD in 6 of his last 9 home games.
  • Jakobi Meyers has at least 1 TD in 6 of his last 8 games vs division opponents.
  • Jakobi Meyers has 55+ receiving yards in his last 5 September games.
  • Zamir White has 69+ rushing yards in the Raiders’ last 4 games.
  • J.K. Dobbins has 59+ rushing yards in 5 of his last 6 games.
  • Joey Bosa has a sack in 8 of his last 10 games vs the Raiders.
  • The Raiders have scored last in the Chargers’ last 9 home games.
  • Zamir White has 17+ rush attempts in the Raiders’ last 4 games.
  • Justin Herbert has thrown an interception in 5 of his last 6 home games.

The Raiders and Chargers head to SoFi on Sunday afternoon in an AFC West showdown.

The Chargers are looking to bounce back from a below-par 2023 season, where they finished with a 5-12 record, including a poor 2-7 performance at home. In response, the front office brought in Jim Harbaugh as head coach, fresh off winning a College Football National Championship with Michigan, to turn the team around.

The Raiders, meanwhile, showed improvement after firing Josh McDaniels midway through the season, which led to interim coach Antonio Pierce securing the full-time role. Under Pierce, Las Vegas has named Gardner Minshew II as the starting quarterback, and he will be targeting standout first-round rookie tight end, Brock Bowers.

Their last meeting in Week 15 of 2023 saw the Raiders dominate the Chargers in a 63-21 win, marking the highest-scoring game in Raiders history. Both teams are aiming to establish momentum early in the 2024 campaign.

PICK – OVER 40.0 TOTAL POINTS

DENVER BRONCOS @ SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

Sunday, September 8th

TEAM TRENDS

  • The Seahawks have won 4 of their last 5 season openers.
  • 4 of the Seahawks’ last 5 games have gone Unders.

WIN/LOSS

TEAM W L HOME ROAD
DEN 8 9 5-4-0 3-5-0
SEA 9 8 5-3-0 4-5-0

SEASON POINTS +/- 

TEAM PPG OPPG DIFF TOT.AV.
DEN 21.0 24.3 -3.3 45.3
SEA 21.4 23.6 -2.2 45.1

PICKS ATS

SPREAD POINTS RESULT
SEA OVER SEA
-6.0 42.0 26-20
NFL PLAYER PROP BETS - HERE

PLAYER TRENDS

  • Kenneth Walker III has a TD in his last 3 home games.
  • Courtland Sutton has a TD in 6 of the Broncos’ last 8 road games.
  • Jaxon Smith-Njigba has a TD in 3 of the Seahawks’ last 4 games as home favs.
  • Javonte Williams has a TD in 4 of the Broncos’ last 6 games as underdogs.
  • Geno Smith has 2+ TDs in 5 of the Seahawks’ last 6 games as favs.
  • Kenneth Walker III has 22+ receiving yards in his last 3 home games.

The Broncos and Seahawks will kick off 2024 at Lumen Field on Sunday afternoon, each aiming for a fresh start after missing the playoffs in 2023.

The Seahawks ended last season with a 9-8 record, falling short after a promising 6-3 start. With many key offensive players returning, Seattle will look to build on quarterback Geno Smith’s progress as he enters his third season as the starter. However, they will face a transition as long-time head coach Pete Carroll has stepped down, leaving big shoes to fill.

The Broncos, meanwhile, have moved on from Russell Wilson following two underwhelming seasons. Now, rookie quarterback Bo Nix, the 12th overall pick, takes over the reins in Denver, tasked with breaking the team’s eight-year playoff drought.

Both teams will be eager to begin their campaigns with a win and chart a course back to postseason contention.

PICK – OVER 42.0 TOTAL POINTS

DALLAS COWBOYS @ CLEVELAND BROWNS

Sunday, September 8th

TEAM TRENDS

  • The Browns have won their last 6 home games.
  • The Cowboys have failed to cover 4 of their last 5 games.

WIN/LOSS

TEAM W L HOME ROAD
DAL 12 5 8-0-0 4-5-0
CLE 11 6 8-1-0 3-5-0

SEASON POINTS +/- 

TEAM PPG OPPG DIFF TOT.AV.
DAL 29.9 18.5 +11.4 48.5
CLE 23.3 21.3 +2.0 44.6

PICKS ATS

SPREAD POINTS RESULT
DAL OVER DAL
+2.5 41.0 33-17
NFL PLAYER PROP BETS - HERE

PLAYER TRENDS

  • Jerome Ford has scored the first TD in 5 of the Browns’ last 8 regular season games as favs.
  • Brandin Cooks has a TD in the Cowboys’ last 3 regular season games.
  • Deshaun Watson has a TD in his last 3 Week 1 games.
  • Ezekiel Elliott has a TD in his last 3 road games.
  • David Njoku has at least 1 TD in 3 of his last 4 regular season games.
  • CeeDee Lamb has at least 1 TD in the Cowboys’ last 9 regular season games.
  • Dak Prescott has 2+ TDs in 11 of the Cowboys’ last 12 games.
  • CeeDee Lamb has 98+ receiving yards in the Cowboys’ last 4 games.
  • David Njoku has 56+ receiving yards in the Browns’ last 4 home games.
  • Amari Cooper has 77+ receiving yards in his last 3 regular season games.
  • Ezekiel Elliott has 39+ rushing yards in 6 of his last 8 games.

The Cowboys and Browns will open their 2024 calendar at Huntington Bank Field on Sunday after both teams were knoekced-out in the Wild Card Round of the 2023 playoffs.

Dallas enters the season without many major roster changes but secured star receiver CeeDee Lamb with a big contract extension. For quarterback Dak Prescott, this year feels like a pivotal moment as the team aims to not just perform in the regular season, but finally make a deeper playoff run.

On the other side, the Browns leaned on veteran Joe Flacco and their dominant defense to reach the playoffs last year. Now, Cleveland hopes for quarterback Deshaun Watson to return to his Pro Bowl form if they want to advance further.

Missing star running back Nick Chubb for at least the first four weeks due to a knee injury will be a significant challenge for the Browns as they navigate the early part of their schedule

PICK – OVER 41.0 TOTAL POINTS

WASHINGTON COMMANDERS @ TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

Sunday, September 8th

TEAM TRENDS

  • The Commanders have lost their last 8 games.
  • The Commanders have failed to cover 6 of their last 7 games.

WIN/LOSS

TEAM W L HOME ROAD
WAS 4 13 1-7-0 3-6-0
TB 9 8 4-4-0 5-4-0

SEASON POINTS +/- 

TEAM PPG OPPG DIFF TOT.AV.
WAS 19.4 30.5 -11.1 49.8
TB 20.5 19.1 +1.4 39.6

PICKS ATS

SPREAD POINTS RESULT
TB OVER TB
-3.5 43.0 37-20
NFL PLAYER PROP BETS - HERE

PLAYER TRENDS

  • Chris Godwin has scored the last TD in the Buccaneers’ last 2 home games.
  • Olamide Zaccheaus has a TD in 3 of his last 4 games vs the Buccaneers.
  • Mike Evans has at least 1 TD in 5 of the Buccaneers’ last 6 games as home favs.
  • Rachaad White has a TD in 3 of the Buccaneers’ last 4 regular season home games.
  • Baker Mayfield has 2+ TDs in 6 of the Buccaneers’ last 7 games.
  • Baker Mayfield has 283+ passing yards in 5 of the Buccaneers’ last 6 games.
  • Cade Otton has 30+ receiving yards in the Buccaneers’ last 3 games.
  • Rachaad White has 75+ rushing yards in 5 of the Buccaneers’ last 7 regular season games.
  • Mike Evans has 6+ receptions in 5 of the Buccaneers’ last 6 games as home favs.
  • Brian Robinson has at least 1 TD in 6 of his last 7 road games.
  • In the Commanders’ last 9 games, their opponents have been the first to 15 points.
  • Brian Robinson has 14+ rush attempts in 8 of his last 11 road games.

Tampa Bay, fresh off a 2023 season that saw them take home the NFC South title for the third straight year, will kick off their 2024 campaign hosting the Commanders at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

After a strong start and finish last season, the Buccaneers retained most of their key players and will look to compete for another division crown.

On the other side, the Washington Commanders will be aiming to turn things around following a disappointing 4-13 finish in 2023, capped by an eight-game losing streak. With the second overall pick, Washington selected dynamic quarterback Jayden Daniels, hoping he can provide a spark.

The addition of Austin Ekeler as a pass-catching back offers Daniels a reliable target as he transitions to the NFL.

Both teams are eager to start the season on the right foot, with Tampa Bay aiming to maintain their recent success and Washington hoping for a major rebound.

PICK – OVER 43.0 TOTAL POINTS

LOS ANGELES RAMS @ DETROIT LIONS

Sunday, September 8th

TEAM TRENDS

  • The Lions have won 8 of their last 9 home games.
  • The Lions have covered 4 of their last 5 games as favs.

WIN/LOSS

TEAM W L HOME ROAD
LAR 10 7 5-3-0 5-4-0
DET 12 5 6-2-0 6-3-0

SEASON POINTS +/- 

TEAM PPG OPPG DIFF TOT.AV.
LAR 23.8 22.2 +1.6 45.9
DET 27.1 23.2 +3.9 50.4

PICKS ATS

SPREAD POINTS RESULT
DET UNDER DET
-3.5 51.0 26-20 (OT)
NFL PLAYER PROP BETS - HERE

PLAYER TRENDS

  • Cooper Kupp has a TD in 4 of his last 5 regular season games.
  • Jahmyr Gibbs has at least 1 TD in the Lions’ last 6 games as favs.
  • Amon-Ra St. Brown has a TD in the Lions’ last 4 regular season games.
  • David Montgomery has a TD in 5 of the Lions’ last 6 games.
  • Puka Nacua has a TD in 3 of the Rams’ last 4 games.
  • Matthew Stafford has 317+ passing yards in his last 3 games.
  • Demarcus Robinson has 44+ receiving yards in 6 of the Rams’ last 7 games.
  • Amon-Ra St. Brown has 95+ receiving yards in 6 of his last 7 regular season home games.
  • Kyren Williams has 87+ rushing yards in his last 7 regular season games.
  • David Montgomery has 67+ rushing yards in 5 of his last 6 regular season home games.

The Los Angeles Rams and Detroit will face off on Sunday Night Football at Ford Field, in a  rematch of their Wild Card battle from last season.

In that encounter, the Lions edged out a 24-23 win, despite going scoreless for nearly the entire second half. Their inability to close out games carried into the NFC Championship, where they allowed a 17-point lead to slip away in a heartbreaking loss to the 49ers.

Determined to address their defensive shortcomings, particularly in pass coverage, Detroit has made key offseason moves as they continue their quest for a Super Bowl berth.

On the Rams’ side, they look to build on standout performances from Puka Nacua and Kyren Williams, who had breakout seasons.

The Ram’s success will also hinge on the health of veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford, especially after the retirement of defensive stalwart Aaron Donald at the end of 2023.

PICK – DETROIT -3.5 TOTAL POINTS

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