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It’s time for the NFL season to begin! With Week 1 just a few days away, we asked our computers for suggestions on our Week 1 betting selections.
Picks Summary
- Vikings ML (-120) at Caesars Sportsbook
- Cardinals +6 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
- Texans -2.5 (-110) at Bet365
Minnesota Vikings vs. New York Giants
Sunday, September 08, 2024 – 01:00 PM ET at MetLife Stadium
The AI Model likes the Minnesota Vikings to earn a 23-19 victory on the road in Week 1 against the Giants. With Minnesota just -120 at Bet365, the Vikings are a quality play on Sunday.
Sam Darnold’s Final Chance
The Minnesota Vikings elected to roll with Sam Darnold as quarterback after allowing Kirk Cousins to walk to Atlanta.
The Vikings also brought in J.J. McCarthy in the NFL Draft, but he suffered a season-ending injury that solidified Darnold’s stance as the No. 1 quarterback.
Darnold has experience as a starter and has been on four teams in the NFL. Ultimately, this will be his final chance to prove he’s a legitimate starter. With Justin Jefferson as one of his receivers, Darnold should have no problem staying on the field as the No. 1 guy.
Get Ready For The No. 1 Pick, Giants Fans
The New York Giants couldn’t earn a passing touchdown in preseason games this year. Daniel Jones threw more touchdowns to the other team in the preseason than his teammates.
Malik Nabers should help the passing game more, but the offensive line and the team’s overall ability are weak on the offensive end.
Don’t expect much from New York in Week 1.
NFL Computer Pick
The AI Model agrees and likes the Vikings at -120. Let’s ride with Minnesota on the road.
NFL Pick: Vikings ML (-120) at Caesars Sportsbook (check our Caesars Sportsbook Review)
Arizona Cardinals vs. Buffalo Bills
Sunday, September 08, 2024 – 01:00 PM ET at Highmark Stadium
The AI Model suggests the Arizona Cardinals will only lose to Buffalo, 26-23 as six-point underdogs. Therefore, there’s value in the Cardinals to at least cover against the Bills in Week 1.
Is The Bills Dyntasy Over?
The Buffalo Bills were close to a Super Bowl run year after year, but that run seems about to end.
Josh Allen is still the quarterback, but his receivers are massive question marks. Stefon Diggs left for Houston, and Gabe Davis is now with the Jaguars. That leaves Allen with Khalil Shakir, and Keon Coleman as his two receivers.
James Cook should still be a terrific weapon, and Dalton Kincaid will be used a lot. But the offense doesn’t have the appeal it once had.
Arizona’s Dynasty Is Just Getting Started
While the Bills are trending down, the Cardinals are trending up. Arizona just selected Marvin Harrison Jr. with its first-round selection. He’ll fit in nicely with Kyler Murray as the No. 1 wide receiver for the Cardinals.
Additionally, while James Conner is a solid running back, there are rumors that Trey Benson will steal some of the team’s reputations in the future. The future is bright if the Cardinals find their future running back and lead receiver.
NFL Computer Pick
The Cardinals can keep this game close and win outright in a significant upset. Back the Cardinals at +6.
NFL Pick: Cardinals +6 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
Houston Texans vs. Indianapolis Colts
Sunday, September 08, 2024 – 01:00 PM ET at Lucas Oil Stadium
The AI Model believes the Houston Texans will escape the Colts on the road, 25-22. That said, you can find the Texans at -2.5 today at Bet365, one of our top sportsbooks.
Houston’s Versatility
The Houston Texans boosted its offense heading into Week 1. The Texans enjoyed success last season with C.J. Stroud under center in his rookie season. He took the Texans to the playoffs when most of his receivers were injured throughout the season.
With additions like Stefon Diggs and Joe Mixon, the Texans will have sets with Diggs, Mixon, Nico Collins, Tank Dell, and Dalton Schultz as the playmakers. This offense has so many good options for grabbing points.
Too Much Hype Around Anthony Richardson
Anthony Richardson has just as much hype as C.J. Stroud. However, he still hasn’t shown us a whole lot. He played in four games last season before an injury and didn’t look all that impressive in preseason.
Richardson’s health will also be a factor, and his partner-in-crime, Jonathan Taylor, also has a long list of injury concerns.
Add on the fact that WR Josh Downs could miss the season opener, and it’s clear that the Colts don’t match up very well against the Texans.
NFL Computer Pick
Let’s take the Texans at -2.5 in Game 1 of the season. Houston is poised to put up big numbers. The Colts probably won’t be able to keep up.
NFL Pick: Texans -2.5 (-110) at Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
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*The line and/or odds referenced in this article might have changed since the content was published. For the latest information on line movements, visit OddsTrader’s free betting odds tool.