NFL Week 1 picks, odds

Sports betting writer Dylan Svoboda is in his second season in noti.group’s Bettor’s Guide. 

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (+2.5) over San Francisco 49ers

Preseason drama never seems to escape the 49ers.  

Two days before Sunday’s rivalry game in Seattle, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan still didn’t know who would be playing wide receiver for his team. 

Veteran Jauan Jennings finally ended a standoff with the team over his contract — and may or may not be dealing with a calf injury.

The team has also shown interest in Kendrick Bourne, but has yet to come to a deal. 

Yet the 49ers are slight road favorites against the Seahawks, who finished four games ahead of San Francisco in the standings in 2024.

With chaos surrounding the 49ers, look for the Seahawks to defend their home field behind new quarterback Sam Darnold under center.

Carolina Panthers (+3) over JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

The Panthers were somewhat competent after Bryce Young took back over the starting quarterback position in Week 8, going 4-6 through the rest of the season. 

That stretch included three-point losses to the Chiefs and Buccaneers, and a near upset over the eventual champion Eagles in Philadelphia. 

Over that 10-game stretch, Young proved he truly was the quarterback of the future in Carolina, averaging 210.4 passing yards per game with 15 touchdown passes and six interceptions.

In the final three games of 2024, he was even better than that, throwing seven touchdowns with zero picks.

Betting on the NFL?

With Young seemingly figuring it out, the Panthers might be ready to climb out of the doldrums of the NFL. 

The Jags brought in Liam Coen to jump-start their offense behind Trevor Lawrence, but it’s foolish to expect his magic to work right off the bat.

Take the points with Carolina on the road.

2024 SEASON: 10-18.

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Dylan Svoboda is a versatile writer and analyst across many sports. He’s particularly knowledgeable about the big three — MLB, the NFL and the NBA.