Betting tips and predictions for Week 1 NFL action

The twists and turns of an NFL season roared back with Week 1 shockers and last second heroics in Week 2. Many of the top teams are starting to take shape and with six 2-0 teams and five 0-2 teams, it won't be long to see which squads are contenders and worthy of our wagers. Week 3 brings some opportunities and my Friday partner on the Winners Circle video sports betting podcast, Jesse Schule and I have a couple of NFL free picks on tap for Week 3.

Saints at Panthers Preview and Pick

Since 2018 New Orleans has been a road warrior posting a 27-7 SU and 24-10 ATS in the last four seasons. The Carolina Panthers are just the opposite when playing at home under Matt Rhule. The team is just 4-13 SU and ATS in the last two seasons and it gets worse if Carolina is coming off a road loss. They've lost their last six home games off a loss. And, they usually lose badly. New Orleans has won four of the last 5 meeting between these two teams in Carolina. 

New Orleans is favored by 2.5 points in this contest and the total is 42.5, posted at the top online sportsbooks. It is a shocking number how few games in the NFL end up with a team winning by just 1 or two points and frankly, New Orleans should have no trouble covering against this Carolina team. Give me the Saints to win and cover and, as always, Jameis Wilson to have at least three bad plays.

Bengals at Jets Preview and Pick

The Defending AFC Champions certainly  have not been playing like it so far in 2022, with an 0-2 record and an disturbing loss to the Cowboys last Sunday. The Bengals managed just 197 of offense and are 21st in the NFL in points per drive and next to last in yards per play. Joe Burrow has been taking some heat for the oh-for start, but he's been running for his life almost every time he drops back. He's been sacked an incredible 13 times in just two games. Cincinnati has four new starters on the O-line and much of the offensive woes start up front. Last week they lost to the Dak-less Cowboys and they need to get going to  have ANY shot at getting back to the glory of last sesason.

But they are facing the Jets, who are home dogs getting 6 points. The Jets are 1-1, but it took heroics from aging Joe Flacco to rally the Jets from 13 points down with 1:55 left in the game too eek out a 31-30 win against the Browns. Flacco's 616 yards passing rank third in the NFL. He's thrown 5 TD vs just one INT so far. 

This is a great betting matchup and Jesse offers much more info and his free pick in the video. 

Good Luck with all of your bets in Week 1of the NFL season and make sure to check back every week during the football season for more betting advice and free picks from the Winners Circle.