It’s opening weekend of the NFL season fans, and you know what that means. RedZone Week 1 baby!
After five months out, six hours each weekend in the company of Scott Hanson seems long overdue.
So, as we watch the plays as they happen on Week 1, what are we punting on?
Bengals to take Ohio
First up, FirstEnergy Stadium hosts an all-Buckeye State match-up between Cleveland and Cincinnati.
After more post-season winter woe for the Bengals, Joe Burrow and co. are geared for another crack at the NFL throne in 2023.
That will, however, be sorely tested on opening weekend with a rivalry game.
Though Cincy boast a superior offense, the Browns’ recent record against last season’s losing AFC finalists is stellar.
Zac Taylor’s men may have won out 23-10 last season, but Cleveland boasted a five-and-zero card against their opponents beforehand.
Burrow and star WR Ja’Marr Chase largely dictated the fortunes of the Bengals last term and here, the duo will, quite literally, look to hit the ground running.
The Bengals are just shy of evens at 17/20 to take the spoils back to Paycor, but we’re looking at Burrow and Chase to combine once again.
Indeed, for Burrow to throw 280+ passing yds and Chase to notch 75+ receiving, a 2/1 punt is our move.
Justin’s Field Day?
As the Chargers host the Miami Dolphins at SoFi in Sunday’s picks of the late games, Chicago at home to Green Bay might yet steal the show.
For the Packers, the post-Aaron Rodgers era begins in the hands of Jordan Love, but all eyes will be on one of last season’s most underrated performers, Justin Fields.
Despite Chicago’s measly 3-14 record last term, the Bears’ QB came in at number 7 in total rushing yards in 2022 at 1,143.
Bears night out 🤩 pic.twitter.com/qzPwdC5egW
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) March 16, 2023
The leading QB in those charts by just under 400yds to Lamar Jackson, Fields’ darts from the pocket become a regular thing at the back end of last term.
Only three of the Packers’ eight wins last season were road games and though the Bears rushed just 106 yards in their final pre-season game with Buffalo, that could change.
Therefore, a 3/1 shot at Fields to rush over 64.5yds and to score a TD look appealing on home turf.
Seahawks handicap win
If punters are looking at a team to rack up the points, Seattle could oblige at home to the LA Rams.
Taken down in the opening play-off round against the 49ers last season, the Seahawks can make a statement of intent.
Having beaten LA home and away in their last two meetings, the Rams have in the past looked a tad shaky on their travels.
As Matthew Stafford stays on despite off-field unrest, Cooper Kupp is still on injured reserve; a continuing blow.
That could leave the door open for Seattle and Geno Smith to put their foot down, and though a little bold, for the Seahawks to win by a -7.5, will, intriguingly, return a win of 7/5.
RedZone Week 1 kicks at 6pm BST/1ET/10amPT
