And so it begins: Week 1 of the regular NFL season.
The 100th season for the league kicks off Thursday, Sept. 5 with Green Bay at Chicago. A full slate of games follows on Sunday, Sept. 8, then the week wraps with Monday Night Football on ESPN on Monday, Sept. 9.
Pennsylvania sportsbooks are ready. The lines are set at FanDuel and SugarHouse, which is essentially the same book as BetRivers since the two are sister properties and utilize the same Rush Street Interactive software and Kambi betting lines.
Week 1 NFL betting lines at PA sportsbooks
We’ve broken out the spreads and totals for the opening week’s games in the table below to make it easier to compare and shop.
We’ll be updating the table daily right up to the kickoffs as odds adjust.
Last updated: Sept. 8
| GAME | FanDuel spread | SugarHouse spread | FanDuel total | SugarHouse total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB vs. CHI | CHI -3 | CHI -3 | 46.5 | 47 |
| TEN vs. CLE | CLE -5.5 | CLE -6 | 45 | 44.5 |
| BAL vs. MIA | BAL -7 | BAL -7 | 40 | 40 |
| ATL vs. MIN | MIN -3.5 | MIN -3.5 | 47 | 47.5 |
| BUF vs. NYJ | NYJ -2.5 | NYJ -2.5 | 40.5 | 40.5 |
| WAS vs. PHI | PHI -10.5 | PHI -10.5 | 44.5 | 44.5 |
| LAR vs. CAR | LAR -2 | LAR -2 | 50 | 49.5 |
| KC vs. JAX | KC -3.5 | KC -3.5 | 50.5 | 50 |
| IND vs. LAC | LAC -6.5 | LAC -6.5 | 44.5 | 45 |
| CIN vs. SEA | SEA -9.5 | SEA -9.5 | 44.5 | 44.5 |
| NYG vs. DAL | DAL -7 | DAL -7 | 45.5 | 45 |
| DET vs. ARI | DET -2.5 | DET -2.5 | 46 | 46 |
| SF vs. TB | TB -1 | TB -1.5 | 51 | 50.5 |
| PIT vs. NE | NE -5.5 | NE -6 | 49 | 49.5 |
| HOU vs. NO | NO -6.5 | NO -6.5 | 52.5 | 52. |
| DEN vs. OAK | DEN -2.5 | DEN -2.5 | 42.5 | 42.5 |
Intro to key betting terms
Some betting basics, first, then we’ll take a quick look at some of the more interesting contests.
The most common football bet is the spread. You can find the spread for each of the 16 games above.
In the simplest terms, the spread is the number of points one team is expected to win by in a given game.
The favored team has to win by the point spread offered by the sportsbook in order for bets on that team to cash.
The favorite in a game is listed as being minus (-) in the point spread. The underdog in a game is listed as being plus (+) the point spread.
The reason for the plus is that an underdog can still lose the game and have a bet on them cash. Take, for example, Green Bay. The team is +3 for Thursday’s game against the Chicago Bears, so if they lose by one or two points, they still “cover the spread” because they lost by fewer than three points.
The total is just what it sounds like: A wager on whether or not the combined score for a game is over or under what the oddsmaker sets.
Notable NFL games
Green Bay @ Chicago Bears
The opening game on Thursday, Sept. 5 is one to watch, and not just to quench a need for some football or listen to Meek Mill at the pre-game show. Or the fact that it is the most expensive opening day ticket.
The Bears are currently -3 favorites, which means these two teams are close to evenly matched, with Chicago benefitting from home-field advantage.
San Francisco @ Tampa
The San Francisco 49ers are playing away at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Tampa is a single-point favorite, the closest game of the week.
A late injury report Friday by the San Francisco Chronicle to rookie wide receiver Jalen Hurd could shift the spread when it becomes clearer if he’s good to play – or not.
Eagles, Steelers and Nick Foles
There are several opening week games of particular interest to Keystone State gamblers, beginning with the Philadelphia Eagles and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Redskins @ Eagles
There are several opening week games of particular interest to Keystone State gamblers, beginning with the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Washington Redskins are visiting the Eagles with the Birds favored to win. FanDuel puts the spread at -8.5 while SugarHouse pegs the spread at -9. On the points total, FanDuel has posted 46 and SugarHouse 45.5.
Pregame news coverage in the Washington Post has focused on the broken finger of Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson.
Pittsburgh Steelers @New England Patriots
The Steelers are on the road, playing against the Pats, last season’s Super Bowl champs.
FanDuel and SugarHouse both favor New England by 6 points.
The Steelers have no major injuries to contend with, according to Trib.Live, but star receiver Julian Edelman may have injured a thumb. Patriots nonetheless remain favored.
Kansas City @ Jacksonville
While not a PA contest, Keystone gamblers may have a strong interest in this contest with former Eagles’ QB Nick Foles now helming the Jaguars.
Visiting Kansas City is favored by 3.5 points at both books.