NFL Moneyline Matchups for Week 1 (and Predictions)

What Does Moneyline Mean in Sports Betting?

Before diving into Week 1 picks, it’s important to understand what the moneyline means in sports betting. A moneyline bet is one of the simplest types of NFL betting. You are picking which team will win the game—no spreads involved.

If a team has odds of -150, you need to bet $150 to win $100. If the odds are +150, you win $150 for a $100 bet. It’s straight-up win or lose, making it ideal for beginners and pros alike.

How Does the Moneyline Work? A Quick Example

Let’s say the Eagles are playing the Cowboys in the season opener. The Eagles are favorites at -180, and the Cowboys are underdogs at +160. If you believe the Cowboys will pull off the upset, a $100 bet could return $160 in profit. That’s the power of spotting value in moneyline bets.

Understanding how the moneyline works helps you avoid common mistakes, especially when betting underdogs in close matchups.

NFL Week 1 Schedule and Moneyline Overview

The Week 1 schedule NFL lineup brings several evenly matched games. Here are a few top moneyline matchups to watch:

• Eagles (-180) vs. Cowboys (+160)
  The defending champs host a divisional rival. With both teams in the top 10 of NFL teams ranked preseason, this is a tight contest.
  
  
• Commanders (-200) vs. Giants (+170)
  Washington opens strong as home favorites. Many are watching this line for potential sharp movement.
  
  
• Ravens (-145) vs. Bills (+125)
  Sunday Night Football offers a primetime showdown. The NFL odds in Vegas hint at a close finish.
  
  

These lines can shift quickly. That’s why many bettors review NFL odds by week leading up to kickoff.

Key Predictions: Where the Value Lies

Looking at nfl betting odds and moneyline value, here are our top picks for Week 1:

1. Commanders Over Giants (Best Bet)

Washington is a solid bet at home. Their defense is top tier, and New York is rebuilding. Expect line movement toward Washington as kickoff nears.

2. Jets Over Steelers (Upset Pick)

The Jets at +125 offer good value. With Aaron Rodgers healthy and a top-5 defense, this could be a surprise win.

3. Bears Over Vikings (Monday Night Value)

The Bears are slight favorites, and the over under is set high. With a new-look offense under Ben Johnson, they could cover both the moneyline and the point spread betting number.

Betting NFL Football: Tips for Week 1

When betting NFL football in Week 1, surprises are common. Here’s how to manage your bets:

• Focus on preseason performance: Look for NFL teams ranked high in training camp reports.
  
  
• Track injuries and QB changes: These shift NFL betting spreads quickly.
  
  
• Use the moneyline on strong underdogs: You don’t need them to cover the spread—just win.
  
  

The start of the season is also a good time to place futures on teams you believe will outperform expectations.

What Is the Moneyline vs. Point Spread Betting?

The difference between moneyline and point spread betting comes down to how teams are expected to win. The point spread assigns a handicap—favorites must win by more than the spread, underdogs can lose by less.

If the Cowboys are +6.5, they can lose by six and still cover the spread. But in moneyline bets, they need to win outright. Use spreads when you think the game will be close, but the moneyline when you like an upset.

This is especially useful when looking at NFL odds and scores in low-scoring matchups.

Long-Tail Pick: Betting Ravens vs. Bills (Over/Under Value)

This game has one of the highest projected totals for Week 1. The over under line is around 51.5. Both teams are explosive on offense but inconsistent on defense.

Betting the moneyline in betting markets here comes with risk, but taking the over might be the smarter play. Look at how these teams finished last year to guide your pick.

Which Week of the Year is Best for Underdogs?

Which week of the year offers the most value on underdogs? Historically, it’s Week 1. Oddsmakers and bettors are still adjusting, and unexpected results happen often.

Divisional matchups especially favor underdogs, as these teams are familiar with each other. Look for teams with strong defenses and new quarterbacks—they tend to surprise early.

Moneyline Definition Recap

Let’s wrap with a quick moneyline definition:
A moneyline bet is a wager on who wins the game—no spreads, no totals. Just pick the winner. That’s it. This makes it great for beginners who want to avoid the math of NFL betting spreads.

Final Thoughts: NFL Betting and Smart Picks

As the NFL odds and predictions roll in, Week 1 sets the tone for the entire season. Study matchups, monitor NFL odds in Vegas, and pay attention to line movement.

Use moneyline bets when you trust an underdog, or when a favorite’s spread seems too risky. Remember to track NFL odds by week so you’re always getting the best number.

Check out our full betting toolset to start spotting profitable lines.