NFL 2023 Season Kickoff - Week 1 Guide

 

As the much-anticipated NFL 2023 Week 1 arrives, we can all feel the excitement in the air. It's that time of the year when the gridiron roars back to life, but it's also a time of uncertainty. Week 1 has a knack for throwing curveballs, making some games seem like a high-stakes gamble that's best left untouched.

 

It's precisely this unpredictability that fuels our football passion. The opening NFL week has an irresistible allure — the thrill of the unknown. Even if it means watching Aaron Rodgers with a new New York Jets jersey and take on the mighty Buffalo Bills, the defending three-time champions of the AFC East.

 

So, why not dive in and add some extra zest to the prime-time games? Whether you're a seasoned bettor or just dipping your toes into the world of NFL Online Betting, fear not. We've got you covered. Join us as we break down the odds, make our picks, dissect the lines, and delve into much more. Welcome to your BetPhoenix comprehensive guide to NFL Week 1, where we'll navigate the uncharted waters of the season's opening spectacle. 

 

 

● Match Details: Monday, Sept. 11, 8:15 p.m. ET

● Channels: ESPN and ABC

● Venue: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, N.J.

● Spread: Bills -2.5 (-118) - Jets +2.5 (-110)

● Moneyline: BUF (-141) - NYJ (+120)

● Total: 46.5. Over (-110) - Under (-110)

 

The Aaron Rodgers era starts in New York on Monday night at MetLife Stadium. The Bills will be heavy favorites on the road, having won five of their last six games with the Jets. However, New York is determined to avoid another fourth-place finish in the AFC East. In fact, they currently hold the second-best odds to overthrow the Bills, who have secured the division title for three consecutive years. A victory in Week 1 for the Jets would provide immediate satisfaction following their bold offseason trade to acquire Rodgers. Conversely, a season-opening loss for Buffalo wouldn't spell disaster, but it would certainly be a less-than-ideal start.

 

● Match Details: Sunday, Sept. 10, 4:25 p.m. ET 

● Channel: CBS

● Location: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, Calif.

● Spread: Dolphins +2.5 (-125) - Chargers -2.5 (+100)

● Moneyline: MIA (+130) - LAC (-154)

● Total: 50.5. Over (-118) - Under (-110)

 

Quarterbacks Tua Tagovailoa and Justin Herbert, who were selected consecutively in the 2020 draft, have faced off once each, resulting in a 1-1 record for each of them. The Dolphins emerged victorious in their initial encounter three seasons ago, while the Chargers secured the win in their second meeting last year.

 

The Los Angeles Chargers are the favored team at home, going up against a Miami squad that significantly upgraded its defense during the offseason. One of their notable moves was bringing in defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, who previously coached against Herbert in the AFC West while leading the Broncos. Both teams are predicted to make the playoffs, but neither is the frontrunner to win its division. Consequently, a season-opening triumph against another contender for a wild-card spot holds significant importance.

 

● Match Details: Sunday, Sep. 10, 1 p.m. ET

● Channel: Fox

● Location: Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh

● Spread: 49ers -1.5 (-133) - Steelers +1.5 (+105)

● Moneyline: 49ers (-137) - Steelers (+115)

● Total: 40.5. Over (-125) - Under (+100)

 

The first week of the NFL in 2023 promises to be an exciting spectacle, with one of the standout matchups being the San Francisco 49ers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers. The 49ers haven't visited Pittsburgh since their loss in 2015, which saw them fall by nearly 30 points. However, it's important to note that significant changes have occurred for both teams since that time. Both the 49ers and the Steelers are entering the competition with high expectations, and they both possess the potential to secure playoff berths.

 

When evaluating the two teams, it becomes evident that both the 49ers and the Steelers boast well-rounded rosters. However, in our assessment, the 49ers appear to have the advantage in this matchup on both offence and defence. They have more experienced playmakers, a stronger defence, and solid leadership, making San Francisco a formidable opponent for Pittsburgh in week one. As such, our predictions for the 49ers vs. Steelers game anticipate a closely contested battle to kick off the season. However, we place our bet on the 49ers.

 

● Match Details: Sunday, Sep. 10,  8:20 p.m. ET

● Channel: NBC

● Venue: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, N.J.

● Spread: Cowboys -3.5 (+100) - Giants +3.5 (-125)

● Moneyline: DAL (-167) - NYG (+140)

● Total: 46.5. Over (-110) - Under (-118)

 

Kicking off the 2023 season on Sunday Night Football, we have the Dallas Cowboys squaring off against the New York Giants. This matchup, steeped in history, features two legendary teams known for fierce rivalry and devoted fan followings. The Cowboys, with a four-game winning streak against their NFC East counterparts, venture to New Jersey for this prime-time showdown. Interestingly, Dallas is the favoured team by more than a field goal, even though the Giants boasted the NFL's best 13-4 record against the spread just a year ago.

 

● Match Details: Sunday, Sep. 10 | 1 p.m. ET | 

● Channel: Fox

● Venue: Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland

● Spread: Bengals -2.5 (-110) - Browns +2.5 (-110)

● Moneyline: CIN (-137) - CLE (+115)

● Total: 47.5. Over (-110) - Under (-118)

 

In 2022, the Bengals secured a significant Week 14 victory over the Browns, marking the first time Joe Burrow led his team to a win against their in-state rivals. However, looking back to 2018, Cleveland has held the upper hand in this clash, winning eight of the last 10 matchups. Interestingly, despite this history, the Bengals find themselves as the favoured team on the road for Week 1.

 

The AFC North is poised to be one of the NFL's most competitive divisions, and the race within it promises to be closely contested. Pay close attention to the quarterback performance on Sunday in Cleveland as Burrow returns from injury and Watson looks to bounce back from a challenging 2022 season.

 

In conclusion, the dawn of NFL Week 1, 2023, heralds not only the return of our beloved gridiron battles but also a thrilling uncertainty that sets the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable season. As we embark on this football journey, Week 1 invites us to embrace the unpredictability that defines the sport we hold dear.

 

From the debut of Aaron Rodgers in a New York Jets jersey to the showdown between rising stars Tua Tagovailoa and Justin Herbert, the opening week presents a tempting array of matchups.

So, whether you're a seasoned bettor seeking to enhance the thrill of the games or a newcomer looking to immerse yourself in the world of NFL wagering, our comprehensive guide has you covered. Week 1, 2023, beckons us with open arms, and as fans, we eagerly embrace the unknown, ready to witness the gridiron magic that unfolds in these opening moments. Welcome to a new season, where the heart-pounding action of the NFL awaits us all.