Fansided

NFL betting guide: 5 best wagers for Week 1

By Rucker Haringey

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - AUGUST 29: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots looks on before the preseason game between the New York Giants and the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on August 29, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - AUGUST 29: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots looks on before the preseason game between the New York Giants and the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on August 29, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – AUGUST 22: Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts against the Baltimore Ravens in the preseason game at Lincoln Financial Field on August 22, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – AUGUST 22: Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts against the Baltimore Ravens in the preseason game at Lincoln Financial Field on August 22, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

4. Philadelphia -8.5 vs. Washington

There’s a lot of talk about how the Dolphins are clearly the NFL’s worst team, but don’t rule out the possibility of the Redskins joining that conversation. Giving up 8.5 points in a season opener can be risky, but the Eagles have the offensive firepower to make this bet pay off comfortably.

Washington’s defense might be the strength of Jay Gruden’s team, but it’s hard to envision a way they can keep the Eagles offense frustrated on Sunday. Keep a particularly close eye on how Philadelphia chooses to split its running back workload. The combination of Miles Sanders and Jordan Howard should find a lot of room to run against the Redskins’ front seven.

Washington is in even more trouble on the other side of the ball. The team’s uncertainty at quarterback has been well documented. Case Keenum will get the starting nod in the opener, but he’s just keeping the seat warm for Dwayne Haskins. Keenum will be running for his life all game due to his team’s lack of quality on the offensive line.

If you’re feeling really frisky, you can tease this line all the way out to -13.5. That’s how much better the Eagles roster is when you line it up against what the Redskins can offer. The only risk here is Philadelphia starting slow since it’s the season opener. If this game was happening in Week 5 or 6, the line would be much higher.