Boost the Bankroll: Top Week 1 NFL Betting Plays for 2024

The 2024 NFL regular season kicked off Thursday evening, and YouBet has identified five Week 1 games to wager upon Sunday. Odds courtesy of BetMGM and all times listed are Eastern.

Pittsburgh at Atlanta (1 p.m.): ATLANTA -3

Russell Wilson’s calf injury puts his status in doubt, and whether he or Justin Fields lines up under center, Pittsburgh’s new quarterback figures to struggle. Neither is a viable solution, and Pittsburgh is banged up along the offensive line (starting right guard Isaac Seumalo is out). After dealing with the worst quarterback situation in the NFC last year, Atlanta addressed it by adding Kirk Cousins. It’s an enviable situation, with premium weapons at his disposal and a talented offensive line, and Bijan Robinson will take pressure off by leading one of the best rushing attacks in the NFL. Look for Atlanta’s defense, which was respectable last season, to be better with Raheem Morris taking over as head coach, and the Falcons are poised for significant improvement across the board. They’ve got the personnel to be the biggest surprise in the league! This will be a tough spot for Pittsburgh’s sluggish offense, and Atlanta will stamp itself as the team to beat in the NFC South with a comfortable win. Best bet of the week!

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Arizona at Buffalo (1 p.m.): UNDER 47.5

Buffalo addressed salary-cap problems during the offseason, losing both starting receivers, its center, both starting safeties, and the heart of the defense, linebacker Matt Milano. The Bills are a team in transition, but they could still find a way to cover a low-scoring game versus a young Arizona with massive personnel changes as well. The Cardinals look intriguing, the addition of Marvin Harrison Jr. will allow them to stretch the field, but they lack a strong run game and will need time to develop their young talent. We expect both teams to struggle to find their offensive footing, but Buffalo’s culture will be the difference in the end. 

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Las Vegas at Los Angeles Chargers (4:05 p.m.): UNDER 40.5

The Chargers won’t be the same team in November and December — Jim Harbaugh is too good a coach — but it’s unrealistic to expect their radical shift in offensive philosophy to reap immediate dividends. That won't happen against Las Vegas, which will rely upon its strong defensive front to try and improve upon an 8-9 season. The Raiders have issues at quarterback — this would be a playoff team with quality quarterback play — and Los Angeles has a significant edge with Justin Herbert. But the Chargers passing game will need time to develop and they figure to rely heavily upon the ground game early in the season, which will play toward the Raiders’ strength. And after spending their first two picks on offensive tackle and receiver, the Chargers will still have issues defensively, allowing 23.4 points (23rd-ranked) and 5.5 yards per play (26th) last year. Las Vegas is no offensive juggernaut, though, and we expect numerous field goals in a projected low-scoring game. 

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Washington at Tampa Bay (4:05 p.m.): WASHINGTON +3.5

From a deep quarterback rookie class, Josh Daniels was best prepared to start from Day 1, and Washington will be dynamic at times with top-notch receiver Terry McLaurin and other skill players at his disposal. Its dreadful defense will make positive strides with new head coach Dan Quinn, but this game will come down to offense. Tampa Bay doesn’t have the defense to exploit Washington’s main liability (offensive line), ranking 29th in pass defense (249.6 yards allowed per game) and 20th in yards allowed per play (5.4 yards), but it will put points on the board. We favor Daniels over Baker Mayfield, but it will be a close affair that could go either way. That makes the points attractive!

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Dallas at Cleveland (4:25 p.m.): CLEVELAND -2.5

Cleveland owns arguably the best defense in the league and its disruptive pass rush will be the difference. Dallas let seven starters go during the offseason, including its best offensive lineman, and it is poised to take a step back after winning 12 regular season games the last three years. It still has the talent to be in the wild card race, but star receiver CeeDee Lamb may not be in game shape after missing most of the preseason due to a holdout and the Cowboys lack a quality rushing attack. Cleveland finished 11-6 last year despite losing its starting quarterback early in the season. It can run the ball effectively against any opponent and its defense always gives it a chance, and the Browns will be better offensively this year. Dallas figures to take its lumps after failing to show any offensive rhythm, but it remains eligible to turn things around following the one-sided opener. 

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