Week 1 Betting Preview: Predictions for every matchup

Each week during the NFL season, theScore's Dane Belbeck will handicap every matchup and offer up a three-pack of picks.

Arizona Cardinals at Detroit Lions (+2)

Now the league's highest-paid player, Matthew Stafford will get his first chance to show he's worth the massive contract against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. The oddsmakers have listed the home team Detroit Lions as two-point underdogs, making them the strongest play of the week to defend their turf. The NFC North club is 5-2 against the spread in its last seven home games, and will kick off the 2017 campaign with a win over the Cardinals. Lions 27, Cardinals 24

Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Redskins (-1)

A Carson Wentz-led team is a road favorite in a division game to open the season. Yep, 2017 really is a weird time to be alive. While the Washington Redskins aren't exactly Super Bowl favorites, the Philadelphia Eagles have no business being favored in this contest. After a decent start to his rookie campaign, Wentz threw 13 interceptions against just nine touchdowns in his last 11 games and looked every bit like a rookie. Washington has had months to study him on film for this contest, and that will show throughout the contest. Redskins 24, Eagles 13

Baltimore Ravens at Cincinnati Bengals (-3)

After missing the preseason due to a back injury, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco is good to go for the season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals. While that's a good long-term sign for the Ravens, he's been terrible in past road trips to Cincinnati. The veteran pivot has thrown 12 interceptions and just five touchdowns in eight road games against his division foe. The Bengals are 4-1 against the spread in the last five home games against the Ravens, and that makes them the pick as a small favorite. Bengals 21, Ravens 10

Remaining matchups

New York Jets (+9.5) at Buffalo Bills

The New York Jets are willingly starting Josh McCown as their quarterback this season. While that makes them a very tough team to bet on, it feels like the Buffalo Bills shouldn't be favored by more than a touchdown over anybody. Bills 21, Jets 14

Atlanta Falcons at Chicago Bears (+7)

The Atlanta Falcons begin their NFC title defense with a road trip to Chicago to face the Bears. It's unclear how the offense will look under new coordinator Steve Sarkisian, and Mike Glennon is certainly familiar with the Falcons from his time in Tampa Bay. Falcons get the win but the Bears will keep it close. Falcons 24, Bears 21

Pittsburgh Steelers (-8.5) at Cleveland Browns

With Le'Veon Bell back in the fold, the Pittsburgh Steelers are possibly the best offense in the NFL. That will be shown throughout the contest in Cleveland, where DeShone Kizer and the Browns' offense won't be able to keep up. Steelers 30, Browns 17

Jacksonville Jaguars at Houston Texans (-4.5)

The Jacksonville Jaguars have a lot of key parts to field a strong football team. Unfortunately, quarterback isn't one of them, and J.J. Watt will spend the entire day getting to know Blake Bortles really well. Texans 23, Jaguars 10

Oakland Raiders at Tennessee Titans (-2)

Sunday's game between the Oakland Raiders and Tennessee Titans has the potential to be the best of the opening week. Derek Carr and Marcus Mariota are among the best young quarterbacks in the game, and neither defense ranked in the top half of the league last season. We'll take the home team in a shootout. Titans 34, Raiders 31

Indianapolis Colts at Los Angeles Rams (-3.5)

Scott Tolzien is starting at quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts in a road game. That's great news for the Los Angeles Rams. Rams 17, Colts 10

Seattle Seahawks at Green Bay Packers (-3)

The Seattle Seahawks and Green Bay Packers' rivalry is one of the best in the sport, and Sunday's edition should be no different. The Seattle defense will be dominant yet again this year, but Aaron Rodgers will make enough plays to get the home win. Packers 24, Seahawks 17

Carolina Panthers (-5.5) at San Francisco 49ers

While 5.5 points is a lot to lay on the road for the season opener, the San Francisco 49ers roster is arguably the worst in the sport. Cam Newton returns to action in a big way with a huge performance in the Bay Area. Panthers 28, 49ers 17

New York Giants (+4) at Dallas Cowboys

It's unclear whether Odell Beckham Jr. or Ezekiel Elliott will play Sunday night for the New York Giants' trip to face the Dallas Cowboys. This is a bet made with the expectation that both will be in the lineup, but the sensible thing is to wait until their statuses are confirmed. Giants 24, Cowboys 23

New Orleans Saints (+3.5) at Minnesota Vikings

Adrian Peterson makes his return to Minnesota with the New Orleans Saints, but it will be Drew Brees that steals the show Monday night. While the Vikings' defense is sound, the star quarterback will make enough plays to give the NFC South club the road win. Saints 27, Vikings 24

Los Angeles Chargers (+3.5) at Denver Broncos

This feels like a game where Philip Rivers reminds everyone that he's one of the most underappreciated quarterbacks of all time. The Los Angeles Chargers get the road win in Denver to make a statement early in the season. Chargers 28, Broncos 27

*Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Miami Dolphins postponed due to Hurricane Irma

(Lines courtesy: Pinnacle)