The highly anticipated NFL season kicks off this week, and several betting factors are in play. That includes the typical injury information, which heading into the Monday night game included the status of Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs.
This week and every week, Props.com’s Countdown to Kickoff serves as a one-stop-shop for that injury information and more, including updates on weather conditions and Pros vs Joes action. Check back throughout the week for NFL Week 1 injury updates, popular picks, and notable contrasts between NFL sharp bets and public money.
NFL Week 1 Injuries
Baltimore Ravens: The Ravens have big problems developing at running back. J.K. Dobbins was lost for the season to a torn ACL in the final preseason game, and Justice Hill tore an Achilles on Monday, ending his year. Then in Thursday’s practice, Gus Edwards suffered an apparent torn ACL. That led DraftKings to lower Baltimore from -4 to -3.5, and The SuperBook to go from Ravens -4.5 to -4 for the Monday night road game against Las Vegas. Further, cornerback Marcus Peters tore his ACL just one play after Edwards’ injury in Thursday’s practice.
Las Vegas Raiders: Over the weekend, news broke that running back Josh Jacobs was questionable due to illness, and that remains the case at 3 p.m. ET Monday, a few hours before kickoff. However, The SuperBook moved the Raiders from +4 to +3.5 this afternoon, and the total was stable at 50.5, where it’s sat since Wednesday.
Cleveland Browns: Wideout Odell Beckham Jr. (knee) is questionable Sunday at Kansas City, though multiple reports note he’s expected to play. Cleveland shortened over the past couple of days, reaching -5 at The SuperBook on Sunday morning.
Indianapolis Colts: Carson Wentz is the new QB in town, exiting Philadelphia and presumably taking over for Philip Rivers, who retired after one season in Indy. But it’s been a bumpy preseason for Wentz. He had foot surgery in early August and also spent time on the COVID-19 list in the past couple of weeks.
Wentz will start this week against the Seattle Seahawks, but before that news hit, the line in this contest jumped the fence at The SuperBook and elsewhere, with bettors piling on Seattle. The Colts opened -3 on May 12, and the number flipped as far as Colts +3 a couple of times. That’s where the number stands now. The total also dropped from 52 to 46, though it’s since rebounded to 49.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: On Tuesday, wideout Chris Godwin (quad) was added to the injury report for the Thursday night home opener against Dallas. But he’s expected to play, so that info had no impact on the line, as the Bucs remained -8 at The SuperBook. The total dipped from 52 to 51.5 but returned to 52 Wednesday.
Detroit Lions: Running back D’Andre Swift was limited by a groin injury in the preseason, but he’s expected to start against the visiting 49ers on Sunday. The SuperBook opened the Lions +7, and that number has stretched to +8.5.
New York Giants: Running back Saquon Barkley, who tore an ACL early last season, apparently will play Sunday against visiting Denver. Tight end Evan Engram (calf) is out. Over the past three weeks, the Giants moved from +1.5 to +3 at The SuperBook.
Washington Football Team: Wideout Curtis Samuel (groin) is out for Sunday’s opener against the visiting Chargers. In fact, he’s now on injured reserve. That said, Washington actually moved from +1 to -2.5 by this weekend at The SuperBook.
NFL Week 1 Weather
Dallas Cowboys at Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The temperature should be reasonably mild (high 70s/low 80s), but humidity of 83% could play a role in the Thursday night season opener. The spread and the total have been generally stable so far this week at The SuperBook, at Bucs -8 and 52.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Buffalo Bills: Game-time temperatures will be in the mid-70s, but as is often the case in Buffalo, it could be a bit breezy. Winds of 15-25 mph are expected Sunday. The SuperBook now has the total at 48, down 2 points from its 50.5 peak in late August.
Green Bay Packers vs New Orleans Saints: Hurricane Ida’s impact forced this game to be moved from indoors in New Orleans to outdoors in Jacksonville. So while temperatures around 80 should be suitable, the 84% humidity in northern Florida might not be so tolerable. The total at The SuperBook dipped from 50 to 49.5 Saturday.
NFL Week 1 Pros vs Joes
Jacksonville Jaguars at Houston Texans: Houston has been a mess over the past year. The team lost DeAndre Hopkins and J.J. Watt to the Arizona Cardinals, and fired coach/GM Bill O’Brien. Further, the Texans have QB issues. Deshaun Watson wants out of Houston, but also is dealing with off-field legal issues, so veteran Tyrod Taylor gets the starting nod (at least in Week 1).
TwinSpires Sportsbook trading analyst Zachary Lucas said Houston’s QB turmoil led to public play on Jacksonville at -2.5 and -3. There finally was some pushback this week when the Jags reached -3.5.
“We’ve seen some sharp money on the Texans +3.5,” Lucas said.
