4 NFL Week 1 bets you should make right now after the 2024 schedule release

The 2024 NFL schedule release was Wednesday, and while many of us were caught up in the madness of those team videos — some more creative than others — oddsmakers were busy concocting some early lines for bettors to ponder.

Normally, I wouldn’t recommend betting on any game four months out, as that’s just a disaster waiting to happen between potential training camp injuries and other roster adjustments. But there are a few lines catching my attention right now, and they may just be worth the early action.

Odds via FanDuel

New England Patriots at Cincinnati Bengals

Bet: Patriots +8.5

I know we’re all down on the Patriots right now, as we should be, but this is less about New England and more about the Bengals. For whatever reason, Cincinnati is just a slow-starting team in the Joe Burrow era. The Bengals are 1-3 in season-openers under Burrow (also 1-3 ATS). They may not lose this game, but you’ll definitely want to take these points while you can.

Even in the midst of a 4-13 campaign last season, the Patriots didn’t lose a game by this many points until Week 4.

Minnesota Vikings at New York Giants

Bet: Giants moneyline (-108)

At risk of sounding like my Giants bias is creeping in, do people actually feel significantly better about Minnesota than New York this season? Because I don’t understand why anyone would. And that’s not even coming from a place of optimism for the Giants.

Whether it’s Sam Darnold or J.J. McCarthy under center in Minnesota, I don’t expect the Vikings to be good. So, I don’t see too many scenarios where they should be favored on the road — even if it is just 1.5 points.

Arizona Cardinals at Buffalo Bills

Bet: Cardinals +7

The Bills were 2-6 against the spread last season when favored by seven or more points. So, in their first game without their best receiving threat of the last four years, there’s no way I’m laying a touchdown — even if it is against the Cardinals.

By the way, Arizona was 4-4-1 against spreads of at least seven points last season, and Kyler Murray missed seven of those games. With him back and Marvin Harrison Jr. in the fold, the Cardinals could be a lot better.

New York Jets at San Francisco 49ers

Bet: Jets +6.5

I fully expect the 49ers to again be one of the best teams in the NFL this season, and I’m not exactly sure how good the Jets will be. But I do know Aaron Rodgers will be a significant upgrade over what the Jets had at quarterback last year — even coming off a torn Achilles — and they still have a solid defense. So I’m inclined to pounce on these points.

Rodgers is 13-5 ATS as an underdog the past five seasons, according to BetMGM’s John Ewing. And in the event he’s injured in yet another Monday night opener, let’s not forget the Jets found a way to win outright without Rodgers in last year’s opener against the Bills.

In the past 5 seasons, Aaron Rodgers is 13-5 ATS as an underdog per @Bet_Labs.@nyjets +6.5 at 49ers in Week 1. pic.twitter.com/IBpsiGdfcc

— John Ewing (@johnewing) May 15, 2024