Last night, the Buffalo Bills were easily able to cover the -2.5 spread against the LA Rams, winning by a final score of 31-10. Now that the opening game of the 2022-23 NFL season has concluded, the focus shifts to a full opening Sunday’s worth of pro football betting lines.
When browsing the odds for Week 1 at top NFL betting sites, a few game lines stand out to our staff.
Cleveland Browns @ Carolina Panthers
- Point Spread: CLE 0.0, CAR 0.0
- Moneyline: CLE -110, CAR -110
- Over/Under: 42.0
At 1:00 PM this Sunday, the Carolina Panthers host the Cleveland Browns. What’s intriguing is that the point spread has been negated, yet the moneylines for both teams are identical at -110. Normally that creates a scenario where the NFL moneylines are set to EVEN.
While Cleveland and Carolina are in a state of unrest at the moment, the Browns have reason to hope that their fortunes will turn around once Deshaun Watson’s suspension is over after Week 11.
The opening four games on Cleveland’s schedule are winnable, even without Watson, making this Week 1 contest against the Panthers crucial.
New England Patriots @ Miami Dolphins
- Point Spread: NE +3.5, MIA -3.5
- Moneyline: NE +155, MIA -180
- Over/Under: 46.5
Also at 1:00 PM, the New England Patriots will face the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium, where they are +3.5 point underdogs. Whether it is betting lines featuring the two teams or the odds posted for NFL futures, bookmakers rate the Dolphins slightly ahead of the Patriots in 2022-23.
We’re tempted to bet on the Patriots here but are holding off and taking a “wait and see” approach to this contest as there is too much uncertainty surrounding Miami. This is a New England team that not only made it to the playoffs last year, but also beat the Bills in Buffalo.
Now, New England is a year better with a full season under the belt of QB Mac Jones, who has a new weapon in former Dolphin WR DaVonte Parker. If you lay any action on this game, consider wagering in the Patriots’ direction.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Dallas Cowboys
- Point Spread: TB -2.5, DAL +2.5
- Moneyline: TB -140, DAL +120
- Over/Under: 50.5
The first edition of Sunday Night Football for 2022-23 is a matchup of two Super Bowl 57 contenders. Tom Brady’s unretirement has postponed Tampa Bay’s rebuilding process for one more year as the Bucs will attempt to win another Lombardi before the G.O.A.T. departs pro football forever.
Betting on the Tampa Bay Buccanneers on Sunday will require granting the Cowboys 2.5 points in Dallas, but is that a smart play?
Cowboys wide receiver Michael Gallup’s status for Sunday is in doubt, but recent reports suggest that there is a chance he could suit up. Gallup could make the difference between Dallas winning or losing, so keep up with the latest on his injury if you are betting on the Cowboys.
With Brady missing so much time during the preseason and his offense now without the services of tight end Rob Gronkowski and wide receiver Antonio Brown, we’re leaning towards Dallas covering.
If any of the above lines for NFL Week 1 seem too tight right now, then you can wait until after the kickoff of each game and take part in in-play betting at our top football sportsbook sites.
Sports Illustrated, Bovada Sportsbook
