NFL Week 1 locks: Nick Chubb, Seattle among Week 1 best bets
If you make a purchase after clicking on links within this article, Lee Enterprises may earn affiliate commissions. The news and editorial departments had no role in the creation or display of this content.
The 2023 NFL season is underway. Here's a look at the NFL Week 1 locks and best bets.
2023 NFL Week 1 locks: Steelers, Seahawks among our favorite plays
Let’s be honest, there are no true locks in sports betting. Don’t believe us? The Minnesota Vikings lost by 37 points to the Dallas Cowboys and then came back from a 33-0 deficit against the Indianapolis Colts to win 39-36 … in less than a month.
Perfection is never a reality in sports betting, and we can’t guarantee any wins — but these are our three favorite bets on the board in NFL Week 1. Let’s dive into those 2023 NFL Week 1 best bets.
Week 1 NFL locks: Pittsburgh Steelers ML (+120 or better) vs. San Francisco 49ers
There is no better game side pick for plus-money than the Steelers’ moneyline against the 49ers. Pittsburgh went 8-2 in games T.J. Watt featured in during the 2022 campaign and will have their all-world edge-rusher healthy and raring to go.
Kenny Pickett did not show a mastery of the pocket but improved as the season progressed and had a perfect passer rating during the preseason. He also has a new target in Allen Robinson II that will make the offense even more diverse.
The Niners, meanwhile, could be without both George Kittle and Nick Bosa, two of the best at their positions in the league. Brock Purdy is also coming off of a torn UCL on his throwing elbow and will be thrown into the first on the road in Steel City. We smell an upset here.
2023 NFL Week 1 best bets: Seattle Seahawks -5.5 (-114 or better) vs. Los Angeles Rams
The Seahawks had a prolific offense last year and should be even better with the addition of rookie slot receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. The defense also shored up its holes by re-acquiring Bobby Wagner and drafting corner Devon Witherspoon with a top-five pick.
The Rams struggled mightily last season and have few reasons for optimism. Matthew Stafford is back, but it seems as if Cooper Kupp won’t be available to start the year. Aaron Donald also just played the worst season of his career, while Jalen Ramsey and Bobby Wagner have moved to greener pastures.
The Seahawks have one of the best home atmospheres in the NFL and draw a divisional opponent to start the year. We don’t expect them to take that lightly and are looking for a lopsided victory.
2023 NFL Week 1 locks: Nick Chubb anytime TD scorer (-145 or better) vs. Bengals
Chubb is one of the most consistent backs in the league with four straight seasons of at least 1,000 yards rushing. The Browns’ offensive line is also excellent and can be trusted to open up holes for its bruising back.
The Browns have won eight of their last 10 matchups against the Bengals. Chubb has scored seven touchdowns in nine career games against his AFC North rival, including six in their last four meetings.
With Joe Burrow presumably absent or limited in some capacity, the Browns will know they won’t have to do anything too fancy to remain competitive. Chubb should get a heavy workload, especially near the goal line, and we think he’ll barrel in for six at least once.
Here are the top NFL Week 1 promos and bonuses available from the best US sports betting apps:
You must be over 21 to play. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-522-4700. 1-800 GAMBLER.
Catena Media provides exclusive sports betting content to FrontPageBets, including picks, analysis, tools and sportsbook offers to help bettors get in on the action. Please wager responsibly.
Grant Mitchell is a sports and sports betting journalist for Catena Media. A member of Virginia Tech's 2021 graduating class and former NCAA Track & Field athlete, he specializes in basketball, football and soccer coverage.
