Admin September 8, 2024
NFL Week 1 picks, predictions and best bets for Sunday’s games
Lorenzo is back, and he’s bringing you his favorite bets for each week of the NFL season. Watch to find out which picks he likes for Sunday’s slate of games.
Sunday’s slate of NFL games means the 2024 season is in full swing. The early window features an intra-state matchup of AFC foes in the Jacksonville Jaguars and host Miami Dolphins.
Jacksonville extended franchise quarterback Trevor Lawrence this offseason on a new five-year, $275 million deal. The Jaguars selected wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft as a way to shore up the position after Calvin Ridley’s departure. On defense, Jacksonville brought in Arik Armstead and extended top pass rusher Josh Hines-Allen.
Miami similarly extended their first-round quarterback by signing Tua Tagovailoa to a four-year, $212.4 million deal. He led the league in passing yards last season and could do the same with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle back again this season. Miami welcomes new coordinator Anthony Weaver from Baltimore to coach up the defense after losing star lineman Christian Wilkins.
NFC South or bust: Can Falcons rise up to meet lofty expectations for fortified roster?
The battle between the two AFC teams in Florida could be a high-scoring affair as each defense gets up to speed under new coordinators. Here’s what to know about Sunday’s game in Miami.
Jaguars vs. Dolphins odds, moneyline, over/under
Miami is favored to start the season with a win, according to the BetMGM NFL odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering NFL betting promos in 2024 including the ESPN BET app and Fanatics Sportsbook promo code.
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- Spread: Dolphins (-3.5)
- Moneyline: Miami (-175), Jacksonville (+145)
- Over/under: 41.5 points
Not interested in this game? Our guide to NFL betting odds, picks and spreads has you covered with Monday Night Football odds.
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NFL Week 1 odds, predictions and picks
Ravens vs. Chiefs | Packers vs. Eagles | Steelers vs. Falcons | Vikings vs. Giants | Panthers vs. Saints | Patriots vs. Bengals | Titans vs. Bears | Cardinals vs. Bills | Texans vs. Colts | Raiders vs. Chargers | Broncos vs. Seahawks | Commanders vs. Buccaneers | Cowboys vs. Browns | Rams vs. Lions | Jets vs. 49ers | Steelers vs. Falcons
USA TODAY: Dolphins 34, Jaguars 22
Lorenzo Reyes says: “I get the sense Miami understands that its window to win is right now. Mike McDaniel should have Tua Tagovailoa and this offense humming, and I think the Dolphins are being undervalued this season. They’re notorious for starting hot (before fading late in the season), so I really like the Dolphins to cover this line, which I would even take up to 4.5.”
The Palm Beach Post: Dolphins 26, Jaguars 21
Joe Schad writes: “How to get to 26? How about a safety from rookie edge rusher Chop Robinson in his first NFL game? Tua Tagovailoa outshines overrated Trevor Lawrence in this one. Rookie receiver Jaylen Wright gets his first NFL touchdown.”
Big Cat Country (SB Nation): Dolphins 31, Jaguars 27
Dillon Appelman says: “The biggest X-factor is De’Von Achane. Tyreek Hill is going to get his and you just have to live with that for the most part. What can’t happen is Achane breaking off 20+ and 40+ yard gains from out of the backfield. If the Jags defense can mitigate his impact, I think it could be the key to stealing a tough road game to start the year.”
Sports Illustrated: Dolphins 37, Jaguars 34
Alain Poupart writes: “For this matchup, logic tells us the each team right now is better offensively than defensively, so nobody should expect a defensive struggle where both teams struggle to score… This should be a fun game with lots of big plays and it could go either way, but we could see Jason Sanders winning it with a late field goal.”