Week 1 NFL games are almost upon us and the 2024 season promises to be action packed. Thankfully, the long wait is almost over and, as the NFL's opening weekend approaches, this page can be a helpful tool to monitor line movement. During the season, this page will be updated each Monday so you can see where lines opened Sunday night and monitor the early movement.
The schedule makers had fun with the opening week as several games have must-see-television potential. For instance, Sunday Night Football features two NFC powerhouses as Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams face Jared Goff and the Detroit Lions in a matchup of two QBs who were involved in the same trade. Monday Night Football (Jets vs. 49ers) features Aaron Rodgers return after a torn ACL facing the player whose tackle caused his injury (Leonard Floyd) and the team who passed up on him in the 2005 NFL Draft.
Ravens @ Chiefs (Thursday Night)
Opened at Chiefs -2.5, sitting at -3 in some spots
This spread opened with the Chiefs laying 2.5 points to the underdog Ravens and it went up to Chiefs -3 in some spots before falling back down to -2.5. There are still -2.5 and -3s in the market so shop around before placing a bet on this one.
This game is a rematch of last season's AFC Championship Game when the Chiefs beat the Ravens 17-10 to punch their ticket to the Super Bowl. This contest features two QBs, Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson, with some of the shortest MVP odds for the season. Nobody would be surprised if this game was a precursor to another playoff matchup between these two powerhouses.
Eagles vs. Packers (Friday Night)
Opened at Eagles -1, Moved to Eagles -2 / -2.5
The Eagles opened as a one-point favorite and now you can find them in the market at either -2 or -2.5 so take a peak at several sportsbooks before putting this bet in.
Friday Night Football in Brazil could be an incredible game between two teams with playoff aspirations who want to atone for disappointing finishes to their seasons. The Eagles will be looking to prove that last season's collapse is behind them, while Jordan Love and the Packers look to build off of last season's momentum.
Jaguars @ Dolphins
Opened at Dolphins -3/-3.5, trending toward -3/-2.5
The Jaguars hype training is alive and well after a strong preseason performance and the Dolphins have several injured players who will miss Week, so don't be surprised if touches Miami -2.5 by game day. I don't expect the Jacksonville +3.5s to last much longer, so grab those now if you like the Jaguars' side.
In what will likely be hot and humid conditions, Trevor Lawrence looks to prove he's worth the giant contract he just signed in Jacksonville. This will be our first look at Lawrence's full arsenal of new weapons including Brian Thomas Jr., Gabe Davis, and Devin Duvernay. Meanwhile, Tyreek Hill and the Dolphins will be looking to get off to a hot start in what is sure to be a competitive AFC East.
Steelers @ Falcons
Opened at Falcons -2.5, It's now Falcons -3
With the Falcons adding Matthew Judon and Justin Simmons on defense, bookmakers moved the line from -2.5 onto the key number of -3. The poor play of the Steelers offense during the preseason might be a small factor as well.
The total jumped from 41 to 42.5 (even briefly touching 43 at some shops) the Sunday before the game after a respected pick release service recommended the over.
Will this be the Arthur Smith revenge game? The Steelers offensive coordinator landed in Pittsburgh after being fired as the Falcons head coach. Smith's knowledge of the Falcons personnel might be helpful in this one, but it's also the debut of Kirk Cousins in a Falcons uniform. This will be Counsins' first game back from a major injury and judging eyes will be wondering if the 35-year-old can end Atlanta's six-year playoff drought.
Vikings @ Giants
Opened at Giants -1.5, it's either Vikings -1 or a Pick em
This game opened with the Giants as a short favorite and bettors thought the wrong team was favored, so now we see mostly Vikings -1 in the market. Definitely shop around for this one because there's even a Giants +1.5 in the market if you like the the New York side.
Sam Darnold vs. Daniel Jones leaves a lot to be desired, but don't be surprised if this game ends up being one of most competitive of the entire weekend. Both teams are under a lot of pressure to get off to a hot start and the game does feature several superstars including Justin Jefferson, Aaron Jones, and Brian Burns.
Panthers @ Saints
Opened at Saints -5, it's mostly -4.5 and -4 now
Panthers +4.5 and +4s are a lot more common now with the Carolina grabbing some betting interest. There has been some back-and-forth line movement on this game recently as we saw some Panthers money come in and bring the Saints line to -3.5 briefly before it went back to -4 and -4.5.
The total jumped from 40 to 41.5 on the Sunday before the game after a respected pick service released a recommendation on the over.
This is where we'll find out if Bryce Young has taken the next step. The Panthers QB is entering his second season after a dismal rookie campaign when he looked overmatched at times. Carolina head coach Dave Canales is known as a QB whisperer after helping Baker Mayfield and Geno Smith revive their careers and this game against a good Saints defense will be telling.
Patriots @ Bengals
Opened at Bengals -9, It's now Bengals -8.5 or -9
Even after the trade of former Patriots pass rusher Matthew Judon to the Falcons, this point spread remained steady this summer. More recently, we've seen some books move from -9 to -8.5. The threat of Bengals' star WR Ja'Marr Chase not playing is impacting this line. If you're a teaser bettor, you might consider teasing the Bengals from -8.5 down to -2.5 and hoping Chase signs his contract.
The Bengals have developed a nasty habit of starting recent seasons off on a losing note. This game has the highest point spread of the weekend and it's easy to see why because the Patriots have arguably the worst roster in the NFL. Joe Burrow and Chase headline this game, but the Patriots defense was surprisingly good at limiting other teams No. 1 receivers last season.
Titans @ Bears
Opened at Bears -4.5, it's still Bears -4.5
The Bears are getting a lot of publicity on "Hard Knocks" but it's not impacted the point spread so far.
It's rare for a rookie QB to be laying 4.5 points in his first NFL start, but Caleb Williams is surrounded by talent with the likes of Keenan Allen, Rome Adunze, and D.J. Moore. The Titans offense will be looking to build a new identity after the loss of Derrick Henry and the addition of coach Bill Callahan, who comes from Cincinnati and is known for pass-heavy attacks.
Cardinals @ Bills
Opened at Bills -7.5, moved to Bills -6/-5.5
The Cardinals are getting a lot of public money and it's moved the line through the key number of 7 and down to mostly -6. FanDuel is one of the few places in the market hanging a Bill -5.5 number.
The love for the Cardinals in this spot might seem curious at first, but don't sleep on Arizona whose offense features young superstars like Trey McBride and Marvin Harrison Jr. With such explosive weapons for Arizona, beware of the backdoor cover. Since the line was released, the Bills learned they'll be without LB Matt Milano.
Texans @ Colts
Opened at Texans -1, Moved to Texans -2.5
Texans money has flowed in, moving this line from -1 to -2.5 and I wouldn't be surprised to see it hit -3 by game day.
These division rivals split their two games last season, with the Texans having the last laugh and punching their ticket to the playoffs in a 23-19 Week 18 win. C.J. Stroud will be looking to build off his record-breaking rookie season and Colts QB Anthony Richardson was electric when healthy last season. This game is of huge importance in the AFC South.
Raiders @ Chargers
Opened at Chargers -3.5, it's currently -3/-3.5
This game touched Chargers -4 in some places for a brief time, but if you look now you'll see mostly Los Angeles -3 or -3.5. Keep an eye on the health of Chargers QB Justin Herbert who is dealing with a foot injury.
Jim Harbaugh's first season with the Chargers will be interesting with a roster that appears to be lacking talent at several key positions. Many in sports media circles are predicting the Chargers to impress this season, while others think they could be among the worst in the league. With Justin Herbert and Davante Adams on the field each possession, these division rivals will be a lot of fun to watch.
Commanders @ Buccaneers
Opened at Buccaneers -4, Moved to Buccaneers -3/-3.5
Heisman Trophy winner and rookie Washington QB Jayden Daniels has looked solid in the preseason and this line has adjusted accordingly as the Buccaneers are now laying -3.5 or -3 at most sportsbooks.
Daniels comes to the NFL with a lot of hype and he has a serious road test Week 1 in potentially hot and humid conditions in Florida. Baker Mayfield will be looking to show last season wasn't a fluke and it looks like his favorite receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin are full healthy to start the season.
Broncos @ Seahawks
Opened at Seahawks -5, moved to Seahawks -5.5/-6
This line has danced a bit and was -4.5 and -5 at times but if you look now, you'll see mostly -5.5 in the market. There are some stray -6 numbers in the market as bettors so far like the idea of fading rookie QB Bo Nix.
Denver head coach Sean Payton had to be embarrassed at time last season after the Broncos finished with a losing record and allowed 70 points to the Dolphins. Rookie QB Bo Nix gets the start here in a tough environment on the road in one of the loudest stadiums in the NFL. The Pete Carroll era was fun in Seattle, but new head coach Mike Macdonald comes over from Baltimore and is looking to take this team to new heights.
Cowboys @ Browns
Opened at Cowboys -2, Moved to Browns -2.5
The Cowboys opened as a short favorite and the Browns have gotten more and more support as bettors seem to be suggesting bookmakers got this number wrong.
This is a revenge spot for Browns WR Amari Cooper, who played with the Cowboys from 2018-2021. Dallas took a lot of heat this offseason for not signing big name free agents and you know Jerry Jones and company would love a win in this spot to quiet the doubters. Nobody questions the Browns defense, but there are a million questions about QB Deshaun Watson who is running out of excuses in Cleveland.
Rams @ Lions
Opened at Lions -3.5, stayed Lions -3.5
This game features two of the best passing offenses in the NFL and with Cooper Kupp, Puka Nacua, and Amon-Ra St. Brown in uniform, this game could decide a lot of fantasy football contests Week 1. This game is a rematch of last season's wildcard game when the Lions squeaked out a 24-23 win in front of raucous fans in Detroit.
Jets @ 49ers (Monday Night)
Opened at 49ers -5 and moved to -3.5/-4
The 49ers have some drama including minor injuries to guys like Christian McCaffrey and contract holdouts from Trent Williams and Brandon Aiyuk. Aiyuk has signed but now rookie WR Ricky Pearsall was shot. Since the opener, oddsmakers have adjusted this one in the Jets favor.
CMC and Breece Hall might be the best running backs in the league and they're just two of many superstars on display in this Monday Night showdown. The 49ers will be looking to avoid a Super Bowl hangover and all eyes will be on former MVP Aaron Rodgers as he returns from last season's Week 1 injury. It's safe to say that Jets fans have been waiting a long time for this one.
Be sure to check back each week with Odds Shark’s Sportsbook Odds Report and go to our NFL section for full football coverage.
