Week 1 of the 2021 NFL season is now here. Bettors can get back to business and to help pull a couple of first week upsets, we’ve got your best moneyline underdogs.
Here’s a look at the top three.
Check out our best NFL week 1 ATS picks and top NFL week 1 over/under picks.
Los Angeles Chargers vs. Washington Football Team
The Football Team finished with the second-best defense in the NFL last season. The Chargers will likely be improved as well with new head coach Brandon Staley who was the Rams defensive coordinator in 2020. LA opened as a one-point favorite and will have a healthy Joey Bosa back at defensive end. He also has NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Justin Herbert back at quarterback.
Leading Washington’s offense will be veteran journeyman QB Ryan Fitzpatrick. He will do just enough to help head coach Ron Rivera win games. One thing is almost certain. This game is going to be low- scoring. The Under is 5-1 in Washington’s last six games. The Football Team has also covered the spread six times in its last eight games.
With Washington a +1 underdog, it makes more sense to play them to win on the moneyline. The home underdog gets the win.
Best Moneyline Pick: WASHINGTON +105
Minnesota Vikings vs. Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals will have starting quarterback Joe Burrow back from a knee injury that prematurely ended his 2020 season. He’ll return with plenty of weapons including this year’s top draft pick WR Ja’Marr Chase, Burrow’s former college teammate. Cincinnati also upgraded its offensive line to make sure it protects their investment at quarterback.
Playing at home, the Bengals have been good to bettors. At Paul Brown Stadium, Cincy is 7-3-2 ATS in its last 12 games. Cincy also is 6-2-1 ATS in their last nine games as a home underdog. The Vikings, on the other hand, failed to cover in their last seven games and finished the season 7-9 straight up.
With Burrow under center, the Bengals will be tough to stop. The Vikings are primed for an upset and Cincinnati is dying to make statement in 2021. They’ll do it in Week 1.
Best Moneyline Pick: CINCINNATI +155
Miami Dolphins vs. New England Patriots
Patriots head coach Bill Belichick decided it was time for Cam Newton to go. The Pats cut Newton and decided on rookie Mac Jones at quarterback. Jones will start opposite his former teammate at Alabama, Tua Tagovailoa.
Tagovailoa had a solid season in 2020, but the Dolphins lacked some offensive weapons. They addressed that by signing Will Fuller V in the offseason and then by drafting another Alabama star, WR Jaylen Waddle. Waddle will excel as a receiver and in the kick return game.
Dolphins head coach Brian Flores has Miami headed in the right direction. The defense is solid. The running game is good, and Tagovailoa will now have the opportunity to make some big plays with his new wide receivers.
New England gets the nod as the favorite likely because they are the home team. From 2010 through November 2019, the Patriots were 67-9 at home, but the bulk of those games were played with Tom Brady at quarterback. In a new era, the Dolphins win this opener.
Best Moneyline Pick: MIAMI +132
