As the new NFL season is set to get underway, we’re ready to dive right into the action. Each week we’ll bring you a parlay pick of the week. But this isn’t just any parlay — each week’s parlay will feature one favorite on the moneyline, one underdog on the moneyline, one point spread and one total. Without further ado, here’s our parlay pick for Week 1:
The Favorite
Buffalo Bills @ Baltimore Ravens
Odds: Ravens -7
With our first play of the week, we’re rolling with the Baltimore Ravens on the moneyline. There are a few big favorites this week, but this seems like one of the safest. The Buffalo Bills have all sorts issues on the offensive line and at the quarterback position. If preseason play is any indication, this could be one of the worst teams in the NFL.
On the flip side, the Ravens looked strong in preseason play, winning all five games. Quarterback Joe Flacco looked revived, going 12-of-16 for 143 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions in the preseason. We’re expecting the Ravens to win easily in this spot.
Pick: Ravens -325
The Underdog
Houston Texans @ New England Patriots
Odds: Patriots -6
The Texans put a scare into the Patriots last season … why would we expect things to change? The Patriots needed a last-second miracle to beat the Texans last year when Brandin Cooks scored with less than a minute remaining. This year’s Texans team should be better, while the Patriots could be worse. Remember that New England is without Julian Edelman for the first four games of the season and Cooks was traded away to the Los Angeles Rams. That leaves Chris Hogan and a cast of suspects at wide receiver. Furthermore, the Patriots should be fine at running back but both Rex Burkhead and Sony Michel are battling minor knee injuries.
Texans head coach Bill O’Brien knows his former team well. Don’t be surprised if they go into Gillette Stadium and pull this off.
Pick: Texans +218
The Total
Houston Texans @ New England Patriots
Odds: 51
Speaking of the Texans-Patriots game, we’ll be expecting an over in this game. With the Patriots defense having some issues – especially rushing the passer – we’ll look for Houston to move the ball quite well in this one. As for the Patriots, they’ll – as per usual – score their fair share of points.
Last season’s matchup ended up 36-33. Maybe we won’t see that many points this time around but we should see an over.
Pick: Over 51 -115
The Point Spread
Kansas City Chiefs @ Los Angeles Chargers
Odds: Chargers -3
While the Chargers have a tendency to shoot themselves in the foot, this should be a spot where they can get a win and get their season off on the right foot. The Chiefs defense looked beleaguered in the preseason as starters and backups did whatever they wanted against Kansas City’s first-string unit. Now they’ll have to take on Philip Rivers, Melvin Gordon and Keenan Allen.
On the other side, the Chargers have one of the league’s better defenses and will be going up against Patrick Mahomes, who only has one NFL start to his name. Look for the Chargers to win and cover in this spot.
Pick: Chargers -3 -125
Four-Team Parlay
Ravens -325 & Texans +218 & HOU-TEX over 51 -115 & Chargers -3 -125
$100 pays $1299.41
