Football Night in America and the 2023 NFL season kicks off on September 7 with the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs hosting the upstart Detroit Lions. Favored to win the NFC North (+130) and one of the shorter shots on the board from the NFC to win the Super Bowl (+2000), the Lions bring what is expected to be an explosive offense into Arrowhead to face the league’s definition of an explosive offense. Last year, Patrick Mahomes (+650 to repeat as MVP) led the league in passing yardage and it was not close. Justin Herbert was second, but Mahomes threw for over 500 yards more than him.
Lines are set for Week 1 at BetMGM. Let’s take a glance at each game noting the lines and a question or two facing the teams.
Detroit (+240) @ Kansas City (-300)
Spread: Chiefs -7 O/U: 54.5
Fans’ perspective of Jared Goff has swung in one year from “What is Option B under center” to “How is he only 35:1 to win the MVP”. It’s a full-on lovefest in Motown for now, but what happens if Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs use the game to announce they are serious about repeating as Super Bowl Champions?
Dallas (-155) @ NY Giants (+130)
Spread: Cowboys -3 O/U: 46.5
The first NBC Sunday Night Game of the season, this is one of only three home games for the Giants in the first 10 weeks of the season. No NFL team since at least 1990 has started a season with more road games. Not a stretch to say this is a battle Saquon Barkley and co. need to win. A question that will follow the Cowboys (+1600 to win the Super Bowl) all season: Can Dak Prescott take this team to the next level or is he at his ceiling?
Carolina (+130) @ Atlanta (-155)
Spread: Falcons -2.5 O/U: 43.5
Atlanta seems to have plenty of key pieces but not the quarterback while Carolina hopes they now have at least the quarterback. Can either compete as constructed?
Cincinnati (-140) @ Cleveland (+115)
Spread: Bengals -2.5 O/U: 47.5
In a loaded AFC North will Cleveland (+350 to win the division) start to see a return on their investment in Deshaun Watson? It is a must if they want to avoid the cellar.
Jacksonville (-190) @ Indianapolis (+155)
Spread: Jaguars -3.5 O/U: 43.5
In a league that features a handful of truly special quarterbacks, is Trevor Lawrence (+1400 to win MVP) on the brink of joining that elite club?
Tampa Bay (+225) @ Minnesota (-275)
Spread: Vikings -6.5 O/U: 45.5
Minnesota was exposed in the playoffs last season. Have they grown from that experience? How long will it be before Tampa (+10000 to win the Super Bowl) is relevant again?
Tennessee (+155) @ New Orleans (-190)
Spread: Saints -3.5 O/U: 42.5
Seems like Ryan Tannehill (+10000 to win MVP) has proven naysayers wrong in the past. Can he do it one more time for Mike Vrabel? Derek Carr (+4000 to win MVP) is staring a similar opportunity in the face in New Orleans.
San Francisco (-155) @ Pittsburgh (+130)
Spread: 49ers -3 O/U: 41.5
The 49ers proved it matters little who is under center for them during the regular season, but who is going to be under center for them? Can the Steelers compete even in the AFC North (+650 to win the division) without seeing Kenny Pickett take a step in his development?
Arizona (+195) @ Washington (-250)
Spread: Commanders -5.5 O/U: 41.5
Interesting to see 2024 mock drafts that have the Cards taking a quarterback 1st overall. Can Sam Howell keep Washington (+1000 to win the NFC East) from calling the Cardinals about trading up in next year’s draft?
Houston (+340) @ Baltimore (-450)
Spread: Ravens -9.5 O/U: 44.5
C.J. Stroud (+650 to win Rookie of the Year) should talk to Lamar Jackson (+1600 to win MVP) about surviving in the league when you have few, if any true threats on the outside. With Jackson signed and a few more weapons on the roster than in the past few years, can new offensive coordinator Todd Monken unleash the Ravens’ offense?
Green Bay (+115) @ Chicago (-140)
Spread: Bears -2.5 O/U: 44.5
Is Justin Fields (Bears are +325 to win the NFC North) a passer or a thrower? Is Jordan Love (+5000 to win MVP) ready to take the reins in Green Bay?
Las Vegas (+150) @ Denver (-185)
Spread: Broncos -3 O/U: 44.5
Russell Wilson (Broncos are +500 to win the AFC West) just has to be better this season with Sean Payton on the Broncos’ sideline, doesn’t he?
Philadelphia (-225) @ New England (+180)
Spread: Eagles -4.5 O/U: 46.5
Tom Brady to be honored at the game. No question he will miss competing at kickoff but after watching that Philadelphia pass rush get after Mac Jones and the Patriots (+750 to win the AFC East) will he really miss competing?
Miami (+115) @ LA Chargers (-140)
Spread: Chargers -2.5 O/U: 49.5
Any Dolphins’ fans wondering what life would be like with Justin Herbert (+900 to win MVP) under center in South Beach?
LA Rams (+180) @ Seattle (-225)
Spread: Seahawks -5.5 O/U: 46.5
How many games into the season before Aaron Donald requests a trade? Is Geno Smith good enough to take advantage of all the weapons joining him in Seattle (+275 to win the NFC West) this season?
Buffalo (-120) @ NY Jets (+100)
Spread: Bills -1.5 O/U: 47.5
Zach Wilson led the Jets to victory against the Bills last season. What could go wrong for Gang Green (+225 to win the AFC East) now that Aaron Rodgers is under center?
There is no offseason in the NFL, but you now have a moment or two to catch your breath. Enjoy it.
