5 betting predictions for week one of the 2021 NFL season

Each week I am going to be giving out my five favorite bets for the week ahead. My main role at FanSided is to write solely about the Seahawks, but I am excited to showcase my knowledge on the rest of the league as well. All lines I use are provided by WynnBet.

Let’s get to it!

5 betting predictions for week one including Seahawks vs Colts

Pick #1: Jets @ Panthers (-4)

This line has been up to Panthers -5.5, but has come back down to -4. Now that the line has moved toward the Jets, I believe the Panthers have a ton of value. Sam Darnold gets a fresh start with the Panthers and they have done a good job surrounding him with quality weapons such as Christian McCaffrey, DJ Moore, and Robby Anderson.

This is by far the best supporting cast he has ever played with in the NFL. Backing the Panthers in this one is more of a bet against the Jets.  In this matchup, you have a rookie QB and a first-time head coach making their debuts on the road. That is never a side you should feel comfortable betting.  I think Zach Wilson has the potential to be very good someday because there is no doubt that he is ultra-talented, but this is a tough task in his first game.  I will lay the points with the Panthers.

Pick #2: Seahawks (-3) @ Colts

Initially, this was a stay-away game for me.  However, once it got announced that Colts CB Xavier Rhodes is out on Sunday, I could not resist.  The Colts are severely banged up right now, so the Rhodes injury was the icing on the cake.  The aspects of this matchup that I talked about in my recent article are the reasons why the Seahawks will win this game and cover the spread.

Make your pick now on WynnBET

Pick #3: Steelers (+6.5) @ Bills

The Bills had a terrific season last year and are a popular pick to represent the AFC this year in the Super Bowl. I am equally high on the Bills, but the Steelers are the bet in this one. Everyone is forgetting that this Steelers team was 11-0 last year before plummeting down the stretch. They suffered important injuries on their defense and it appeared Ben Roethlisberger ran out of gas.

Pittsburgh’s offensive game plan was atrocious last year as they asked Roethlisberger to throw the ball 50 times a game.  They look to revamp that offense as they hired a new offensive coordinator and drafted RB Najee Harris in the first round.  Pittsburgh has a tremendous defense and good defense always travels well on the road. I think the Bills will end up winning this game, but the Steelers will cover the 6.5 point spread.

Pick #4: 49ers @ Lions (+8.5)

I don’t care how much better the 49ers are than the Lions, 8.5 points is way too many points to try and cover on the road. I think the Lions play motivated football in front of their home crowd and for their new head coach, Dan Campbell.  The 49ers will definitely win this game, but the Lions keep it closer than people think and cover the spread.

Pick #5: Browns @ Chiefs (-5.5)

This is a horrible time for the Browns to play the Chiefs. Since Patrick Mahomes became the starting quarterback for the Chiefs, they are 10-0 in September. By midseason, the Browns should be right there with the Chiefs in the AFC standings, but not in week 1.

Cleveland has two new safeties in Troy Hill and John Johnson, both acquired from the Rams.  Both are definite upgrades compared to last year, but this is a tough first test for a new-look defense.  The Chiefs win and cover at home.