Favorites to Fade - Which NFL Teams are Getting Too Much Hype in Week 1?

After the flurry of offseason moves, the draft, all of the quotes and the social media noise, and all of the preseason action, bettors and NFL fans start developing their own opinions on who they believe the best NFL teams are entering Week 1.

More importantly, however, is what does the sportsbook think? Who do they see as the best plays for the first week of the season?

Let’s look at a few favorites to consider fading in Week 1.

All odds are courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook.

Los Angeles Chargers vs. Washington Football Team (-1) | TOTAL: 44.5

Los Angeles Chargers (+100) | Washington Football Team (-120) - MONEYLINE

It's year two of the Justin Herbert era, and year two of the “Football Team” era. 

Pick a new name already. It’s starting to feel like an Andy Kaufmann bit. 

Anyway . . . 

Herbert will have his hands full early against a tough Football Team defense. The Washington defensive line of Chase Young, Da’Ron Payne, Jonathan Allen, and Montez Sweat will look to apply pressure on Herbert. But, the Chargers made moves to their offensive line, bringing in former Green Bay center Cory Linsley and former Pittsburgh Steelers left guard Matt Feiler.

I believe Herbert’s ability to take over a game makes Washington an odd favorite here. I’m fading the Football Team and riding the lightning at +100.

Denver Broncos vs. New York Giants (+3) | TOTAL: 41.5

Denver Broncos (-160) | New York Giants (+135) - MONEYLINE

After the offseason and preseason came to a close, the Broncos gave their starting QB job to Teddy Bridgewater. Bridgewater was just 4-11 last year as a starting quarterback with the Carolina Panthers. He is efficient, but he may not be the guy to get Denver over the hump.

The Giants quarterback, Daniel Jones, has so much to prove this year. He was drafted with the intention to be a franchise quarterback. It’s now or never, so why not kick the year off with a win. 

Two quarterbacks are playing for their jobs here. I’ll side with the one that has maybe a longer leash and more to prove. Also he shares a backfield with Saquon Barkley.

Fade the Broncos on the road against the G-Men.

Minnesota Vikings vs. Cincinnati Bengals (+3) | TOTAL: 47

Minnesota Vikings (-160) | Cincinnati Bengals (+135) - MONEYLINE

The Cincinnati Bengals have quietly bolstered their defense. They signed former Saints defensive lineman Trey Hendrickson, who picked up 13.5 sacks last year; along with signing cornerbacks Chidobe Awuzie, Eli Apple, and Mike Hilton, safety Ricardo Allen, and defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi. 

The Bengals gave up 26.5 points per game in 2020, almost the same as the Cleveland Browns’ 26.2 points per game, the season just culminating with different win-loss records. 

Now that Cincinnati has Joe Burrow returning, the offense should be running at a higher, more consistent level. A healthy offense and a revamped defense should help this team improve on it’s 4-11-1 record from 2020.

Week 1 is the best time to start.

Kirk Cousins and the Minnesota Vikings are heading into the jungle, and it feels like the right time to fade them and back the Bengals at (+130)

Which NFL Team are you fading in Week 1? Make your pick at WynnBET.