Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images The Colts and Texans have a regular season opener divisional clash—as both playoff hopefuls are ready to resume their heated AFC South rivalry! The Matchup: The Indianapolis Colts (0-0) host the Houston Texans (0-0) for the regular season opener, as the two AFC South rivals continue this season right where they last left off last year’s—playing one another in another divisional clash that once again could have serious playoff implications down the road for the two serious AFC postseason hopefuls. This Colts squad will look a lot different offensively than the team that narrowly fell to the Texans during the 2023 regular season finale because of the return of dynamic second-year starting quarterback Anthony Richardson. The Texans defense should expect a heavy dose of star workhorse Jonathan Taylor again, as well as Richardson situationally, in what should be a very dangerous and difficult-to-stop Colts’ RPO game. The question for the Colts will be whether their strong front seven can consistently get to Texans Pro Bowl quarterback C.J. Stroud, who was last year’s NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, and made several big throws to end Indy’s season last year during Week 18. If the Colts pass rush can’t get to Stroud early and often, it could be a long day for what remains a very young and unproven Indianapolis secondary—particularly with the Texans’ big addition of former NFL All-Pro veteran wideout Stefon Diggs earlier this offseason. Injury Report: Colts: WR Josh Downs (ankle) – Out; PK Matt Gay (hernia) – Questionable. Texans: SAF M.J. Stewart (knee) – Out. The Details: Location: Lucas Oil Stadium Time: 1 PM EST Playing surface: Artificial turf Weather forecast: Roof is open. Matchup history: Colts lead series 33-11-1. Odds: Texans (-2.5) Head Official: John Hussey Television broadcast: CBS (Andrew Catalon, Tiki Barber, Jason McCourty) TV Schedule Online Stream: Fubo.tv, Paramount+, NFL+ Colts radio broadcast: Matt Taylor is joined by Rick Venturi and Larra Overton on 93.5 FM; 107.5 The Fan and 97.1 HANK FM and on Colts Radio Network affiliates. SiriusXM broadcast: Channel 228 Twitter: Stampede Blue Facebook: Stampede Blue
Colts vs. Texans: How to watch, kickoff, TV schedule, streaming, betting odds and more
Initial thoughts on Malcolm Koonce going on the injured reserve
Malcolm Koonce | Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images First real adversity of season The Las Vegas Raiders put starting defensive end Malcolm Koonce on the injured reserve Saturday two days after he injured his knee in practice. He will miss, at least, four games. Here are some thoughts on the situation: What’s the timeline? This is the biggest question in this development. There was speculation it was a non-contact injury and teammates expressed sadness for Koonce in remarks to reporters Friday. Perhaps the Raiders will offer more clarity on the situation soon. So, right now, the window for Koonce is to miss is anywhere from four games to the entire season. It’s a big deal:The defensive line was expected to be the absolute strength of the team. The Raiders were big winners in free agency when they signed star defensive tackle Christian Wilkins top pair with superstar pass-rusher Maxx Crosby. Koonce was the next big piece on this unit. He was outstanding at the end of last season as he had all eight of his sacks in the final nine games. He was ready to take an even bigger step forward this season. First adversity of the season: This is a gut kick to absorb in the days before the start of the season. The Raiders entered the practice week to Sunday’s game at the Los Angeles Chargers pretty healthy. Now, they’re down an important starter. Not ideal. Thin at the position: The Raiders only had Janarius Robinson and Tyree Wilson behind Crosby and Koonce on the roster. Robinson and Wilson have limited NFL experience. The Raiders did sign pass-rusher Charles Snowden to the 53-man roster to replace Koonce, but he has limited experience as well. So, there isn’t any proven NFL pass-rushers behind Crosby. Help coming? Because of the lack of experience, the Raiders could look on the street for help. There’s not a lot out there. The most established free agent pass-rusher is former Raider Yannick Ngakoue, but many scouts think he’s past his prime. Other available players at the position include Charles Harris, Marquis Haynes, Shaq Lawson, Derek Rivers and Elerson Smith, who the Raiders recently cut. Haason Reddick is holding out from the Jets in a contract dispute. Perhaps they would entertain a trade. Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty ImagesTyree Wilson Tyree time? It seemed like Wilson may not get much playing time in his second season, but this changes that/ Wilson, the No. 7 overall draft pick n 2023, was not good as a rookie and not no impact in the preseason. He must now, step up and make an impact. Bad timing: Koonce is entering the final season of his contract and there has been some talk that he could be in line for a contract extension. That could still happen, though. Frankly, if Koonce missed a extended period of time, it could hurt his chances on the open market next winter if he goes to free agency. Adversity happened same time last year: It’s a different circumstance, but the Raiders had an issue at the same exact time last year with a starting defensive end. Chandler Jones had personal issues right before the start of the season and ended up being released. The Raiders were forced to scramble. Koonce was one of the players they turned to. Now, they’re looking for someone step up and replace him.
Buffalo Bills vs. Arizona Cardinals live stream, TV channel, start time, odds | Week 1 2024
One of the best quarterbacks in the NFL last season will be on show when Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills host the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, September 8, 2024. The Bills ranked ninth in total defense last year (307.2 yards allowed per game), but they played really well on offense, ranking fourth-best in the NFL with 374.5 total yards per game. The Cardinals averaged 324.1 yards per game on offense last year (19th in NFL), and they surrendered 355.7 yards per game (25th) on the defensive side of the ball. Watch Bills vs. Cardinals on Fubo! Bills vs Cardinals: live streaming info, TV channel & game time Game day: Sunday, September 8, 2024 Game time: 1:00 p.m. ET Location: Orchard Park, New York Stadium: Highmark Stadium TV Channel: CBS Live stream: Watch Redzone & other NFL content all season long on Fubo Live stream: Watch on Paramount+! Bills vs Cardinals betting lines NFL odds courtesy of BetMGM. Odds updated Saturday at 3:22 p.m. ET. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub. Spread Favorite: Bills (-6.5) Moneyline: Bills (-301), Cardinals (+241) Total: 47 points Watch Bills vs. Cardinals on Fubo! Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services. Sports betting operators have no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. Terms apply, see operator site for Terms and Conditions. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, OH), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). Must be 21 or older to gamble. Sports betting and gambling are not legal in all locations. Be sure to comply with laws applicable where you reside. We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. Bills Wire operates independently, though, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.
Vikings Elevate Myles Gaskin, Bobby McCain Ahead of Season Opener
Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images A couple final moves With the season opener against the New York Giants looming less than 24 hours away, the Minnesota Vikings have made a couple of final roster moves to shore things up before kickoff. The Vikings have announced that they have elevated running back Myles Gaskin and defensive back Bobby McCain from the practice squad ahead of Sunday’s contest. With the Vikings only having two running backs on the 53-man roster in Aaron Jones and Ty Chandler, Gaskin could get some opportunities to make an impact on Sunday. There’s a chance he could also see some time as the team’s kick returner, though Chandler is currently penciled into that spot. McCain will likely play a role on special teams and provide some depth in the secondary. I’m not completely sure how much time he’ll see barring any sort of injury. This will, obviously, be the first elevation of the year for both Gaskin and McCain. A player can be elevated from the practice squad three times during the season before they have to be signed to the 53-man roster. Those should be the last of the roster moves the Vikings will be making ahead of the season opener on Sunday afternoon. We’ll continue to bring you more coverage of this game as we get closer to kickoff.
Miami Dolphins Fans Take On Week 1 Game Vs Jacksonville Jaguars
Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images This past week, I asked three questions about tomorrow’s upcoming game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Below are some of your answers and thoughts on those three Phinsider Questions of the day- If you could steal any player from the Jacksonville Jaguars roster to place on the Miami Dolphins roster, which player would it be and why? phinfan413 must not be a Tua fan. The QB for starters. Then any healthy OL personnel. thebithmonger is a fan of the Jag’s pass rusher. Josh Hines-Allen. He would probably be good for roughly ten more sacks than whomever he replaced. plus, he is a more natural fit in Miami’s base defense than Jax. finfanfromsiam is a fan of Jacksonville’s solid punter Logan Cooke. The punter!!! darrel.owen wants to upgrade the offensive line in any way possible. I’d take their best IOL, whoever that is. sdphinsfan wants the former Clemson star at running back. Etienne…. 21Dave wants an offensive lineman, QB, defensive end, and defensive tackle. Robinson, Oluokun, Hines-Allen and Lawrence as well. Not solid he would be an instant upgrade, but after a season and McD and stretch his playbook out over 7-12 yards I think we would really be able to use our speed to the fullest! daytonadolfan is interested in their starting center, maybe!?!?! Maybe their center? dolphinfan4lyfe longs for a center and right guard. Scherff or Morse plain and simple. Both older but both would anchor the line fine TheRoo1 is begging for an upgrade at center and guard. A center a guard Any starting o lineman any wideout or corner you can move to guard or center Equipment handlers or trainers with an appearance that could befit a guard or center A cheerleaderthat could be in the middle of the line and be a distraction to the opponents defense 40% of the time. What is your prediction for who will win this week’s game between your Miami Dolphins and the Jacksonville Jaguars? What is your prediction for this week’s final score? Bill Moody has a solid four-touchdown day for the Phins, with Smith introducing himself to South Florida. Jags 17, Fins 28…. Jonnu Smith with 2 Tuddys. daytonadolfan has Miami by a touchdown. 20-13 Dolphins! herbert pollack is another that has Miami by a touchdown margin. cover the spread, 31-24 Lefty55555 has a one-point win in a game that will be a fight. This has all the makings of a heavyweight fight. Two teams that excel in different areas. Who will cancel who out? If the Fins win go ahead and give the game ball to the Offensive Line! 25-24 Fins! Spok507 says no one knows what we have until the season kicks off, but still has Miami By a couple of touchdowns. The first game is always the hardest to predict. Nobody really knows what to expect from either team. All assumptions are based on the previous year — and no team is the same as the season before. With that in mind, I do think the Dolphin offense will be revved up and I don’t think Jax can run with Hill and Waddle — especially if they’re playing press man coverage. If they do the two safety backfield, we now have Jonnu Smith who could have a big game instead. Surprisingly, they have him listed as a FB instead of a TE. Does that mean they’ll be utilizing him more in the run game? If so, he’ll be a dual threat as a runner and a pass catcher out of the backfield. The real question mark is our defense. If Weaver can game plan, we have a good shot of improving. Allow Ramsey to do what he does best instead of stifling him on one side of the field. Fuller is capable, as is Kahou, and we’ll see if Bonner is for real or not. Holland and Poyer should be formidable. I think Phillips & Ogbah can start the season strong with Chop, Bell and Kamara also doing damage. Seiler, Jones and Campbell also seem pretty stout in the middle. We have the talent to make a great defense, it’s all a question of whether or not Weaver has the know-how to utilize it. I’m going to be optimistic and believe he does. Fins win it 27-13. THEphinz says the margin will be a couple of touchdowns and a couple of field goals. 34-14. We have to very good tackles that will negate their pass rush. Our D almost by default has to be better in passing and red zone def. T² starts hot. T law shows he’s over rated. Yarganaught has a list- Who is going to win straight up? Miami What is your final score prediction win or lose? 28-17 Who do you think will be the star(s) of the game on offense? Achane has a good day. Who do you think will be the star(s) of the game on defense? I think Phillips has a pretty good first half, and that is all he needs. What other bold prediction do you have for this week’s game? Miami doesn’t allow Etienne to reach 100yrds. What will you be watching for that no one else seems to be discussing? How diverse does the Offense look… will TEs and RBs and WR3s be involved as primary options, or will it be the Hill/Waddle Show. David7777 has the defense showing no mercy! Fins have no mercy coming out of the gate. 42-14. And Weaver proves his excellence 62Lou sees a four-point win in a “must-win” game. Fins 31-27. the first 2 games are MUST WIN GAMES. both at home, after that we have 9 road games and only 6 home games the entire season. Tua and McNerd simply CAN NOT AFFORD a loss here, yet its entirely possible. Jax has some real dogs on defense, and Tua has been known to choke. Tua is the KEY as well as effective running the ball (difficult vs Jax) Tus must not focus too much
Miami Dolphins vs. Jacksonville Jaguars Week 1 Media Predictions
Photos via logos-world.net NFL media makes their picks, and final score predictions on the Dolphins vs. Jaguars. The Miami Dolphins 2024 offseason script was a rollercoaster ride. There was a wild free agency with imports and exports, the “cap-ocalypse,” the draft, and the offensive line turmoil through training camp. Dolphins fans have been through the wringer for six months, but we’re finally here. The Dolphins will open their season at home tomorrow at one o’clock in a barn burner against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Dolphins are 3.5-point favorites with an over / under total score of 48.5. This marquee matchup isn’t without its storylines, either. The Dolphins look to start the season with a win against a playoff contender, breaking last year’s narrative of beating up on bad teams and losing to good teams. They want to shake off that stigma but need to stay healthy because they have another game four days after the opener against their big brother in the division, the Buffalo Bills. On the other hand, the Jaguars will look to figure out their offensive identity after the departure of star receiver Calvin Ridley. Trevor Lawrence hasn’t been the generational prospect through his first three years, though he had Urban Meyer as his first coach and then dealt with injuries last year. Even though Lawrence hasn’t had much success outside of his one playoff win, the Jaguars locked him up as their franchise quarterback this offseason and look to take a step further this year into a deep playoff run. A win against the Dolphins would be a significant first step toward that goal. With that, we’ve collected the final score predictions and winners from the most respected football sites around, along with our own Phinsider’s staff and Big Cat Country’s staff: ESPN: Kalyn Kahler – Dolphins 31, Jaguars 21 Eric Moody – Dolphins 28, Jaguars 21 Seth Walder – Dolphins 34, Jaguars 21 NFL.com: Ali Bhanpuri – Dolphins 30, Jaguars 25 Brooke Cerosimo – Dolphins 28, Jaguars 21 Dan Parr – Dolphins 28, Jaguars 24 Gennaro Filice – Dolphins 34, Jaguars 28 Tom Blair – Dolphins 27, Jaguars 23 ProFootballTalk: Mike Florio – Dolphins 34, Jaguars 27 Chris Simms – Jaguars 34, Dolphins 30 Bleacher Report: Brad Gagnon – Jaguars Kris Knox – Jaguars Gary Davenport – Dolphins Brent Sobleski – Dolphins Maurice Moton – Dolphins Wes O’Donnell – Jaguars Ian Hanford – Dolphins Consensus prediction – Dolphins 31, Jaguars 27 CBS: Pete Prisco – Jaguars 34, Dolphins 31 Will Brinson – Jaguars Jared Dubin – Dolphins Ryan Wilson – Dolphins John Breech – Dolphins Tyler Sullivan – Dolphins Dave Richard – Jaguars Jamey Eisenberg – Dolphins The Phinsider: Josh Houtz – Dolphins 31, Jaguars 27 Jake Mendel – Dolphins 31, Jaguars 23 Marek Brave – Dophins 31, Jaguars 24 Sumeet Jena – Dolphins 27, Jaguars 23 Nick Sabatino – Dolphins 30, Jaguars 20 James McKinney – Dolphins 35, Jaguars 24 Big Cat Country: Dillon Appleman – Dolphins 31, Jaguars 27 Travis Holmes – Jaguars 32, Dolphins 24 Gus Logue – Dolphins 28, Jaguars 24 Henry Zimmer – Dolphins 35, Jaguars 24 USA Today: Tyler Dragon – Miami Dolphins 28, Jaguars 24 Fox Sports: Data Skrive – Dolphins 26, Jaguars 21 The consensus pick through all the sites referenced above would be a close win for the Miami Dolphins over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Also most of the predictions have the score exceeding the 48.5 score total so there’s a nice little nugget for the gambling community. Lets us know in the comments what your prediction is for the Miami Dolphins vs. Jacksonville Jaguars game tomorrow.
Roster moves: Giants elevate two players from practice squad, release LB Curtis Bolton
Ty Summers | Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK Giants beef up special teams units for season opener The New York Giants on Saturday elevated two players who are primarily special teamers from their practice squad for Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings. Carter Coughlin, who was released on Thursday and then re-signed to the practice squad on Friday, has been elevated. Coughlin, a linebacker, is in his fifth season with the Giants. Ty Summers, also listed as a linebacker, was the other player elevated. Like Coughlin, Summers is really a special teamer and emergency linebacker. A seventh-round pick by the Green Bay Packers in 2019, Summers in his sixth season in the NFL. He has played for the Packers, Jacksonville Jaguars, and New Orleans Saints. Summers has played only 205 defensive snaps in his career, and has not been used as a defensive player since playing 29 snaps for the Packers in 2021. He played 303 special teams snaps for the Saints in 2023. Bolton, in his fifth NFL season, is yet another linebacker/special teamer. In 28 NFL games, he has played just 16 defensive snaps, but has been on the field for 491 special teams snaps. The Giants currently have single openings on both their 53-man roster and practice squad.
Nick Sirianni admits Eagles played sloppy, but was happy they persevered
The Eagles head coach called Brazil an “unbelievable atmosphere.” The Philadelphia Eagles were able to squeak out a win over the Packers on Friday night, and before the team made their way to the airport, head coach Nick Sirianni spoke to reporters about the game, and the incredible environment. “Brazil! Thank you! What an unbelievable atmosphere for a football game. Again, miss The Linc, miss our fans at The Linc, but Brazil, I mean, wow. That was incredible, and it was a fun, fun, fun atmosphere. It felt like a playoff atmosphere, and that doesn’t — your fans, people of Brazil, that was something incredible, and we really, we appreciate it. We appreciate the hospitality, we appreciate the fans’ support — it was a little louder than I wanted it to when the Green Bay Packers were coming out [he said with a smile], but, people of Brazil, that was, wow.” Sirianni admitted that they had to go to silent cadence because of the crowd noise, which was loud pretty much the whole game. He figured that’s how the game would end up being, so they did practice for that possibility. Here’s what the head coach had to say: On the teams’ overall performance Sirianni was asked about how this win, while good, felt a little like some of the wins from last season. The head coach chuckled about the comparison, and pointed out that it’s hard to win games in the NFL, especially ones after taking a 10-hour flight — and he acknowledged the Packers had to make the flight too. It was apparent that he was exasperated by the question. “It was a good, good win against a good, good opponent.” He went on to express his respect for Packers’ head coach Matt LaFleur and QB Jordan Love, and also gave credit to Green Bay’s really tough defense. “What I’m really proud about, Jeff [McLane of the Inquirer] — it was sloppy, it was definitely sloppy, and both sides looked like they were sloppy, but we were able, as a football team, to persevere through some dark moments. There was gonna be some good stuff that happened in that game, there was gonna be some bad stuff that happened in that game, and our guys just kept coming back.” Sirianni said that they’re going to enjoy this journey, and not every Week 1 game is an easy one, but they’re going enjoy the win and continue to work on the mistakes that need corrected. On Jalen Hurts’ performance The head coach was asked how the QB recovered from the turnovers, and Sirianni admitted that collectively, they couldn’t have played a much worse first quarter offensively, but then they came back down the field and Hurts hit Saquon Barkley with an unbelievable throw. Of course, Hurts will want some of those throws back, but Sirianni said that they can also help him out a little more with some of the play calls. “I thought he responded good — like, that four-minute drive we had. That drive started with eight-some minutes left and we gave them the ball back with 27 seconds left. Why? Because Jalen [Hurts] and DeVonta [Smith] connected on some huge plays. That’s tough football. Four-minute football is tough football, and our guys really responded.” On Saquon Barkley’s Eagles debut “We’re so excited to have him, and he made some huge, huge plays throughout this entire game. He made it in the pass game, he made the plays in the run game.” Sirianni went on to note that Barkley made some huge plays in critical moments, and obviously, scored a bunch of touchdowns. He said that it means a lot to have the RB on the team, and not just for his talent, but for the leadership and positive energy he brings, as well. On the defense’s performance The head coach reflected on the slow start by the offense, but lauded the defense playing fast and aggressive out the gate. “To play as bad as we did offensively, and to be down six-nothing to start the game is pretty awesome. And hats off to the defense. Don’t get me wrong, we have some things to clean up on both sides of the football, but we could’ve gone down two scores right away, but the defense really did a good job of playing good red zone defense.” Sirianni said that he loves the new coordinators — Vic Fangio and Kellen Moore — and couldn’t be more pleased with how things are going, calling them home-run hits. He was asked about Quinyon Mitchell’s debut, and Sirianni said that the moment never seems too big for the rookie. Given their talks with Mitchell’s college coach — who was also Sirianni’s college roommate — the Eagles’ head coach isn’t surprised by the CB’s transition to the NFL.
Ravens PFF grades: 7 worst performers on offense in Week 1 loss to the Chiefs
Ravens PFF grades: 7 worst performers on offense in Week 1 loss to the Chiefs glenn erby The Ravens are 0-1 and preparing for the Raiders after a disappointing but hard-fought 27-20 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on Thursday. The PFF grades are in, and we’re analyzing the seven lowest-graded players on offense for Baltimore. OL Roger Rosengarten PFF grade vs. Chiefs: 44.4 TE Mark Andrews Sep 5, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews (89) runs with the ball against Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie (22) during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images PFF grade vs. Chiefs: 50.4 WR Nelson Agholor SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 25: Nelson Agholor #15 of the Baltimore Ravens runs after a catch during the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on December 25, 2023 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Loren Elliott/Getty Images) PFF grade vs. Chiefs: 53.0 TE Charlie Kolar Baltimore Ravens tight end Charlie Kolar (88) runs through a drill during a joint practice with the Green Bay Packers on Thursday, August 22, 2024, at Ray Nitschke Field in Ashwaubenon, Wis. Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin PFF grade vs. Chiefs: 54.6 WR Tylan Wallace SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 25: Tylan Wallace #16 of the Baltimore Ravens returns a punt during the third quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on December 25, 2023 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) PFF grade vs. Chiefs: 54.7 WR Deonte Harty Sep 5, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Deonte Harty (3) runs the ball against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images PFF grade vs. Chiefs: 55.5 WR Rashod Bateman Sep 5, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman (7) runs with the ball against Kansas City Chiefs safety Justin Reid (20) during the second half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images PFF grade vs. Chiefs: 57.6
4 Bengals vs. Patriots prop bets for NFL Week 1 at FanDuel Sportsbook
Kareem Elgazzar/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK Get ready to make some money. Hopefully. The Cincinnati Bengals will play in a football game that matters on Sunday afternoon, and all will be right with the world. Football is back, Joe Burrow is healthy, Ja’Marr Chase will hopefully play on Sunday even if he hasn’t signed an extension, and our lofty dreams for the season haven’t been hit with a dose of reality yet. In short, it’s good that NFL football is back. Zac Taylor and company are looking to get back to the Super Bowl, and there isn’t a lot of standing in their way. It’s time to sit back and watch the show, and wouldn’t it be nice to make a little money along the way? Well, now that the NFL is back, of course, so is sports betting, which is now legal in Ohio and many other states. The Bengals are eight-point favorites, but that’s not the fun thing to bet on. The prop bets can be a lot of fun and can make you some real cash. Here are a few prop bets you could make from FanDuel’s Sportsbook. Bengals score a TD on their opening drive (+240) The Bengals starting offense played just one drive in the preseason, and it was without Ja’Marr Chase. In that drive, Burrow drove down the field and scored a touchdown. The Bengals will hopefully have Chase on Sunday. They’re going to want to start off fast with a pre-scripted opening drive for a touchdown, setting the tone for the season. I don’t think every drive will end with a touchdown on Sunday, but I do think the Bengals start the season off strong. Mike Gesicki anytime TD Score (+290) When the Bengals get into the red zone, though, and the field in compressed, Burrow could look elsewhere, and by elsewhere I mean Gesicki, who will be looking for some revenge against his old team. Gesicki is a downfield threat at the tight end position, which was a major disappointment in the 2023 season. If Chase is doubled in the red zone, Gesicki becomes the next option. Rhamondre Stevenson over 48.5 rushing yards (-113) My heart says no, but my brain says yes. The Bengals struggled to stop the run last year, and DJ Reader is gone. They did sign Sheldon Rankins and drafted Kris Jenkins and McKinnley Jackson, but both Jenkins and Jackson are going to miss at least Week 1. If the Patriots are going to win this game, it’s going to be because they controlled the time of possession by running the ball. Stevenson is a big and powerful back who isn’t easy to bring down, and the Patriots are going to lean on him in order to keep Burrow on the sideline. I expect more than 48.5 yards on the ground. Ja’Marr Chase over 14.5 receiving yards (-106) Want a slam dunk? Here you go (if he plays).
