Opening NFL Odds: Best Bets for Week 1 in 2023

• The Washington Commanders are likely to cover the spread Week 1 versus the Arizona Cardinals because of the upheaval throughout the Cardinals organization including Kyler Murray’s likely absence.
• Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals are not favored by enough against the Cleveland Browns at NFL betting sites despite a strong returning roster that may be improved.
• With the San Francisco 49ers uncertainty at quarterback and Mike Tomlin roaming the opposing sideline, the Pittsburgh Steelers are likely to upset the San Francisco in Week 1.

WASHINGTON – Bovada released NFL Week 1 odds on Thursday after the release of the schedule. There are three excellent opportunities to take advantage of ahead of training camp.

• Washington Commanders (-5.5) vs the Arizona Cardinals
• Cincinnati Bengals (-2.5) at the Cleveland Browns
• Pittsburgh Steelers Moneyline (+130) vs the San Francisco 49ers

Washington Commanders to Cover vs the Arizona Cardinals

The Washington Commanders may not be a great, or even very good, team in 2023, but there may not be a worse team in the NFL than the Arizona Cardinals.

The Cardinals are expected to really struggle at the start of the season as Kyler Murray is not expected to be ready for Week 1.

Beyond the Murray injury, the significant turnover in the Cardinals organization such as the loss of J.J. Watt and the hiring of first-time head coach Jonathan Gannon favors the Commanders’ 5.5-point spread on legal NFL betting sites at home.

Cincinnati Bengals to Cover at the Cleveland Browns

After reaching the AFC Championship in back-to-back seasons, legal sports betting sites are seemingly throwing away the past success of a likely improved Cincinnati Bengals team that faces a Cleveland Browns squad that was incredibly underwhelming last season.

Cleveland has had Cincinnati’s number in the past, winning eight of the past 10 games in the AFC North rivalry. But, with Joe Burrow and company fifth on Super Bowl 58 odds boards, this should be a statement game that results in the Bengals covering the spread.

Pittsburgh Steelers (+130) to Upset the San Francisco 49ers

Mike Tomlin is 10-5-1 straight up as the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, has won his last three openers, and is bringing back a young quarterback in Kenny Pickett who should improve in his second season.

The San Francisco 49ers on the other hand are picking between Sam Darnold (21-34 career record as a starter) and Trey Lance (2-2 record as a starter) and have to travel across the country to face a coach who is 97-40-1 at home in Week 1.

San Francisco has been a very good team the last few seasons, but with an unknown quarterback situation and a legendary coach stalking the sideline, the 49ers are likely to be upset in Week 1.