NFL Best Bets: BetQL Staff Picks For TNF Week 1
Find out which NFL bets we're targeting for Thursday Night Football
Week 1 NFL Best Bets
Dan Karpuc: Under 25.5 First-Half Points
While both of these offenses have star power, I’m actually giving both defenses the edge in this contest. The Rams have some of the game’s top superstars on their defensive unit, highlighted by Aaron Donald, Jalen Ramsey and newcomer Bobby Wagner. Those are three future Hall of Famers who are surrounded by a slew of productive guys. Meanwhile, Buffalo had the league’s top defense last year in terms of points and yards allowed per game, and they just added Von Miller, who won the Super Bowl with the Rams.
Since this game takes place on Thursday Night Football in Week 1, I don’t expect instant offensive fireworks, but I do respect both coaching staffs enough to be worried about halftime adjustments, which is why I’m staying away from the full-game total. I predict drawn-out, methodical drives in the first couple of quarters and I also see a massive red flag to take advantage of: these offensive lines both have tons of question marks. Both defenses are going to get into the backfield, hit the opposing quarterback, clog up running lanes and make life very tough up front. Give me under 25.5 at halftime.
Week 1 NFL Best Bets
Dan Karpuc: Under 25.5 First-Half Points
While both of these offenses have star power, I’m actually giving both defenses the edge in this contest. The Rams have some of the game’s top superstars on their defensive unit, highlighted by Aaron Donald, Jalen Ramsey and newcomer Bobby Wagner. Those are three future Hall of Famers who are surrounded by a slew of productive guys. Meanwhile, Buffalo had the league’s top defense last year in terms of points and yards allowed per game, and they just added Von Miller, who won the Super Bowl with the Rams.
Since this game takes place on Thursday Night Football in Week 1, I don’t expect instant offensive fireworks, but I do respect both coaching staffs enough to be worried about halftime adjustments, which is why I’m staying away from the full-game total. I predict drawn-out, methodical drives in the first couple of quarters and I also see a massive red flag to take advantage of: these offensive lines both have tons of question marks. Both defenses are going to get into the backfield, hit the opposing quarterback, clog up running lanes and make life very tough up front. Give me under 25.5 at halftime.
Lucy Burdge: Bills -2.5
I think the Bills are going to have a huge year and they’ll start it off with a win and covered spread against the Rams. Some Sean McDermott trends suggest they can do this, as McDermott is 48-35 ATS in all lined games while coaching Buffalo, including 37-23 in games played on turf. Though the Rams do have Aaron Donald, Sean McVay also recently said Josh Allen’s talent scares him coming into this game. I think Allen and the Bills will have a big game and cover the spread against the Rams.
Brad Pinkerton: Rams +120 on DraftKings
What a way to kick off the 2022 season. This is going to be a great game -- a tight, low-scoring contest, in my opinion -- but I'm giving the slightest of edges to the defending Super Bowl champs, and the narrative of "raising the banner at home" has nothing to do with it. I like the Rams at plus-money here because 1. I think they can win the game, obviously, and 2. this is a great value play for DraftKings' "Up By 7 Early Win" promotion for TNF. Asking the Rams to lead by 7 at any point to get you an early win is much easier than asking them to beat the Bills outright. And while both teams have a great shot at leading by 7 at some point and cashing early for you, L.A. offers the higher payout, so Rams +115 will be my play on DraftKings on Thursday night.
MORE: SPORTSBOOKS’ BEST PROMOS FOR NFL WEEK 1
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Matt Horner: Bills -2.5 (-105 on PointsBet)
I love the Bills this year. This is a team that has all the right pieces to win a championship, and they could/should have won it last year. Both the Rams and Bills are great on offense and defense, so this should be a great battle. I just think Buffalo has a little extra motivation after last year's early playoff exit, and this will be a statement game for them with extra motivation to get the W. I'll take them under a field goal at -2.5 to get the job done on opening night and start off strong.
TOP PROMOS: DRAFTKINGS 'UP 7 EARLY WIN' | BETMGM'S FIRST-TD INSURANCE
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