The opening weekend of every football season sees upsets, low-scoring scraps and results that won’t be indicative of the next 15…errrr…16 weeks. However, that wasn’t really factor when we put together our list of NFL week 1 games you should avoid betting on.
Instead, we are in search of contests that don’t have favorable odds, are too close to call or have other factors which made them undesirable wagers. Now, this isn’t to say you should avoid these games at all costs. But they are ones you definitely want to pass on if you’re building a parlay or don’t have a strong feeling about it one way or another.
With that in mind, here is a trio of 3 NFL week 1 games you should avoid betting on. Odds via Fanduel Sportsbook.
More Football Betting: The Touchback’s way too early NFL week 1 parlay
3 NFL week 1 games you should avoid betting on
1) Los Angeles Chargers at Washington Football Team
The Los Angeles Chargers are very slight favorites (-120) over Washington Football Team with the latter only getting one point. This is essentially a tossup with no wager here enticing enough to put money down on. No website loves a home underdog more than The Touchback, but WFT at +102 does nothing for us.
2) Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots
There is just way too much uncertainty between these two teams to bet confidently on this game. Are Mac Jones or Tua Tagovailoa any good? Will any of the offensive offseason additions either team made pay off? The range of outcomes on this matchup are far too spread out. Of all the NFL week 1 games you should avoid betting on, this is the easiest call.
3) San Francisco 49ers at Detroit Lions
Every season, a really bad football team steals a win from a good side. For example, the Jacksonville Jaguars won exactly one game in 2020. It came against Indianapolis in week 1. The Colts would go on to win 11 games and make the playoffs.
Which brings us to the showdown between the 49ers and Lions. There is just no upside to betting on this game. Detroit should get blown out. But it doesn’t always work out like that on opening weekend for whatever reason. Given how many more interesting week 1 bets are available, there’s no need to wager on this contest.
