NFL Week 1 Odds and Tips: Our Spread Predictions and Best Bets for Accumulators and Bet Builders

The 2023 NFL season kicked off Thursday night with the Detroit Lions’ upset win over the reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs. Below you can find out the latest odds, our spread tips and best prop bets for the Sunday slate of games, as Redzone and seven hours of commercial-free football with Scott Hansen returns.

Week 1 of the NFL is always one for surprises, and 2023 will be no different. Each team (aside from the Arizona Cardinals) enters the season with a sense of optimism after retooling in the offseason via the NFL Draft and Free Agency period, but only two will make it to Las Vegas and compete in Super Bowl LVIII. We've listed odds and made our picks against the spread for each of the games appearing on NFL Redzone this Sunday, and you can find our best prop bets for this weekend below our individual game tips.

Our Pick: Falcons -3.5

The Falcons will rely on Bijan Robinson and home-field advantage this weekend as Desmond Ridder looks to cement himself as an NFL quarterback. There's optimism Kyle Pitts will show why he was touted as one of the best-ever tight end prospects, whilst Drake London will be eyeing 1000 yards after a decent rookie campaign. This will be a learning year for Panthers rookie quarterback Bryce Young, who is without DJ Chark for the opener and veteran Adam Thielen is questionable.

Our Pick: Ravens -9.5

Lamar Jackson and the Ravens are all smiles again after he signed a big contract extension in the offseason. Odell-Beckham is now a Raven after missing all of 2022 with an ACL injury, and they drafted Zay Flowers in the first round to join OBJ and Mark Andrews as key targets for Lamar. Rookie QB CJ Stroud may show flashes, but it will be a season of growing pains for the Texans as their young team looks to gain some vital experience.

Our Pick: Bengals

Burrow may not be 100%, but with wideouts Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins doing their thing, they look primed to make another deep run in the AFC. Deshaun Watson was disappointing in his first season at the Browns in 2022, who need to start displaying some offensive cohesion to match their impressive pass rush.

Our Pick: Jaguars -4.5

The Colts are missing star running back Jonathan Taylor, whilst fourth overall pick in the 2023 Draft Anthony Richardson starts his first game in the NFL. The Jags have added Calvin Ridley to a potent offence as Trevor Lawrence looks to take another big step in year three.

Our Pick: Vikings -5.5

Tom Brady's retirement leaves this Bucs team in transition. There is still talent at skill positions, but Baker Mayfield is probably no more than a stop-gap at QB, whilst Kirk Cousins and the Vikings have added first-round receiver Jordan Addison to compliment Offensive Player of the Year Justin Jefferson.

Our Pick: Saints

If Michael Thomas can stay healthy, a receiving duo of Thomas and Chris Olave is one of the best in the league. New quarterback Derek Carr suffered a dysfunctional final season with the Raiders, and a change of scenery should benefit Carr who can certainly still sling the ball.

Our Pick: 49ers -2.5

The 49ers are all in for 2023 following the massive extension Nick Bosa received last week, and need to take advantage of starting QB Brock Purdy's low cap hit. They have top talent at skill positions and in the trenches, and are set to make a deep run in the NFC. Whilst TJ Watt and the Steelers are formidable on the defensive line, questions still remain around starting quarterback Kenny Pickett.

Our Pick: Commanders

It's going to be a long season for the Cardinals, as starting quarterback Kyler Murray rehabs for most of the season from a knee injury. They lack talent across the roster and released star receiver DeAndre Hopkins who signed with the Titans in the offseason. The Commanders start Sam Howell at QB and feature some individual talent in skill positions like Terry McLaurin at receiver. The Commanders will still have a negative record themselves, but it's hard to see any team winning fewer games than the Cardinals in 2023.

Our Pick: Bears -1.5

The Bears finally acquired some weapons and protection for Justin Fields in the offseason, acquiring DJ Moore as part of trading the number one pick with the Panthers. It seems to be a make-or-break year for Fields, but a home game against an unfamiliar Packers roster with no Aaron Rodgers should see them start 1-0.

Our Pick: Broncos -3.5

2022 was a disaster for the Broncos. Nathaniel Hackett didn't even last the full season, and Russell Wilson looked far from the franchise QB we saw in Seattle. Sean Payton was an elite coach whilst with the Saints, and if Wilson disappoints again this season, Russ will be the one moving on rather than the Head Coach. With the available talent on the roster, the Broncos and Payton should be aiming for at least .500 in 2023.

Our Pick: Dolphins

Both teams were scuppered by injuries in 2022, and the key question for both heading into 2023 is how healthy will they be. Both have young quarterbacks who can sling it to elite receivers, and players on defence who can get after the quarterback. This one will come down to coaching, and Dolphins Head Coach Mike McDaniels is the more inventive playcaller. 

Our Pick: Eagles -2.5

Super Bowl LVII ended in heartbreaking fashion for the Eagles, but they have their sights set on returning to the big game in 2023. The Eagles boast one of the best offensive and defensive lines in the league, and quarterback Jalen Hurts is dynamic as a thrower and a rusher. It's a make-or-break year for Patriots QB Mac Jones, who still lack a clear number-one receiver and struggle for offensive potency.

Our Pick: Seahawks

The Seahawks selected Jaxon Smith-Njigba in the first round of the Draft, who joins Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf to make up one of the best receiving corps in the league. Young tackles Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas had impressive rookie seasons blocking for Geno Smith, whilst Kenneth Walker and rookie Zach Charbonenet are a dynamic 1-2 punch on the ground. The Rams and QB Matthew Stafford are without former Offensive Player of the Year Cooper Kupp, heading into this one lacking offensive playmakers. 

Our Best Prop Bets and Accumulator Tips

Bijan Robinson was the heart and soul of the Texas Longhorns’ offence and joins a Falcons roster desperate for some offensive firepower. Second-year quarterback Desmond Ridder is still finding his feet, and the Falcons will utilise Robinson on the ground and through the air to help settle in the young QB. 

CJ Stroud will find success with the Texans, but opening games for rookie quarterbacks are often tough and full of growing pains. The Ravens' secondary has ball hawks like Kyle Hamilton and Stroud struggled at times in the preseason. 

Trevor Lawrence and the Jags are dark horses in the AFC this season. The Jags have a well-rounded offence through running back Travis Etienne, tight end Evan Engram and have added Calvin Ridley, who joins forces with Christian Kirk to form one of the better receiving tandems in the league. Lawrence took a big step in year two and will establish himself as a top quarterback in year three.

Jalen Hurts did it all last season as he led the Eagles to a Super Bowl matchup in year two. He not only beat teams with his arm but was near unstoppable running the ball, particularly in fourth and short or QB sneak scenarios. The Eagles offensive line remains one of the best in football and Hurts will show why the Eagles rewarded him with a massive contract in the off-season.