The NFL season is here as Week 1 continues on Sunday, following the Bills trouncing of the Rams in the Thursday night opener.
If you haven't already, make sure to check out our collection of NFL betting picks. Let's also dive deeper into the three big matchups this week and take a further look at how the NFL odds have moved, as well as the looming weather conditions that may play a role in Sunday's results.
Featured NFL Week 1 odds
Cleveland Browns vs Carolina Panthers
Baker Mayfield is set to make his debut for the Carolina Panthers on Sunday when the quarterback takes on his former club, the Cleveland Browns.
Following opening as a PK between the two teams, Carolina is now slightly favored by one point. Carolina and Cleveland haven't played one another since 2018, when the Panthers won 26-20.
Green Bay Packers vs Minnesota Vikings
Aaron Rodgers was a disaster in Week 1 last year, throwing two interceptions in a 38-8 blowout loss to the Saints. The two-time MVP will look to get his Green Bay Packers out to a better start this time around as they face an NFC North rival.
Kirk Cousins and the Minnesota Vikings are under new head coach Kevin O'Connell. Although Minnesota opened at +2.5, that has since been trimmed down to a mere point.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys welcome in Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the main event on Sunday night. The Bucs' boasted the best rushing defense last season and this means at some point, Dak Prescott and the Cowboys will be forced to do damage in the air against the Bucs' secondary.
The Bucs remain -2.5 favorites after opening as such, but the total has dropped from 52.0 to 50.0.
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NFL Week 1 news
Bills make a statement
The Buffalo Bills and Los Angeles Rams kicked off the NFL season this past Thursday, in what some believe will be a preview of this season's Super Bowl matchup.
To put it lightly, the defending champion Rams got punched in the face on home turf. Josh Allen and the Bills marched down the field on the opening drive for a touchdown and never trailed at any point during the contest. Although both teams were tied at 10 during halftime, Buffalo forced a three and out to begin the third quarter and never looked back.
The Rams didn't score a single point in the second half and Buffalo sacked Matthew Stafford seven times on the night.
Lamar and Ravens yet to reach a new deal
As Week 1 begins today, Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens haven't come to terms with a new contract as the former MVP is set to hit free agency after his final season on a rookie deal.
It's certainly a risky decision by Lamar considering his playstyle and risk of injury. The Ravens are also able to franchise tag Jackson following the conclusion of the 2022-23 campaign.
Wilson set to return to Seattle
Russell Wilson officially begins a new era in his career, dawning the road colours in Seattle as a member of the Denver Broncos.
A third-round pick of the Seahawks in 2012, Wilson helped lead the organization to two Super Bowl berths in consecutive seasons in 2013 and 2014, winning the former against his new team.
Wilson was named a Pro Bowler nine times during his tenure in the Pacific Northwest, and named second-team All-Pro in 2019. Russ and the Broncos are currently laying -6.5 points against the Hawks, and it'll be interesting to see how he handles his emotions as the 12's welcome him back.
NFL Week 1 injuries
Indianapolis Colts vs Houston Texans
The Indianapolis Colts haven't won a Week 1 game since 2014, when they defeate the Oakland Raiders who had Terrelle Pryor starting at QB. Although Indy is a full touchdown favorite ahead of their tilt against the Houston Texans, All-Pro linebacker Shaquille Leonard won't be suiting up today (back), and he affects all areas on the field for the Colts' defense.
Don't be surprised if Houston's offense makes this a game as Indy's defense is missing their leader.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Dallas Cowboys
Bucs' wide receiver Chris Godwin is questionable tonight (knee), which means the Cowboys can really hone in on WR1 Mike Evans. Although Julio Jones is a flashy name, the 33-year-old is well past his prime. Offseason addition Russell Gage should be the beneficiary from Godwin's absence in Week 1.
Gage spent four seasons with the Falcons from 2018-2021 and his last two years have both seen at least 700 receiving yards from the LSU product. Expect him to get off to a nice start with his new team and develop solid chemistry with Brady.
Check out our full NFL injury reports.
NFL Week 1 weather
At least three games — Giants-Titans, Steelers-Bengals, and Patriots-Dolphins — expect a high chance of rain (65% chance or higher), potentially putting a lid on the passing and kicking games of those squads.
Meanwhile, 49ers-Bears has about a 50% chance of rain plus additional winds ranging in the 10-12 mph range, potentially making things tough for the two young quarterbacks.
See our full live NFL weather info and learn how weather impacts NFL betting.
