2024 NFL Best Bets, Week 1

Week 1 of the 2024 NFL season is upon us, and it’s time to open up those sportsbooks to see where the value lies and kick the season off with some winners. We started the ‘Pick 3’ segment last year on Bears Talk and will continue it for the 2024 season. I will give insight into my favorite three bets of the week. The lines will be taken from FanDuel Sportsbook.

Let’s dive into Week 1.

TITANS +4.5 @ Bears

I know, I know. But before you close this article, please hear me out. The Bears and Titans are similar teams heading into the 2024 season. Both have made significant changes, both in terms of players and coaching staff. Both have attempted to surround their young quarterback with talent on both the offensive side and defensive sides of the ball. The key matchup to watch in this game will be in the trenches. The Titans have a solid defensive line, which includes all-pro Jeffery Simmons and T’Vondre Sweat. While improved, the Bears’ offensive line is still one of the question marks on the team, especially on the interior.

I expect both defenses to be the stars of the show, with Caleb making a few more plays than Levis and the Bears to take home a victory in a low-scoring affair. Bears win 17-14, but the Titans cover.

TEXANS -2.5 @ Colts

The Houston Texans are everyone’s darling pick to make it to the AFC championship this year, and who am I to argue? The Cinderella story from last year only improved heading into this season by adding Stefon Diggs, Joe Mixon, and Danielle Hunter. There is not much to nitpick with this team unless you want to foreshadow a sophomore slump for CJ Stroud.

Meanwhile, there are still question marks with the Colts and, more specifically, Anthony Richardson. How will he fare after coming back from his season-ending injury? The pre-season was not encouraging, and I expect a long afternoon for Shane Steichen’s group. Texans cover and win by at least a touchdown.

BUCCANEERS -3 vs Commanders

I might be one of the few people not jumping onto the Jayden Daniels hype train. The Heisman Trophy winner has all the talent to make it at the next level, but I’m still not sure his current playing style and frame will translate. On top of that, the Commanders lack playmakers to help him outside of Terry McLaurin, so Daniels may try to play hero ball.

The Bucs return essentially the same team coming off a playoff win. I expect a comfortable Bucs win, even if the score ends up being closer to the line, Bucs by at least six.