2018 NFL Betting Schedule: Best and Worst Games of the Season

We have the full 2018 National Football League schedule out now, and it’s time to start looking at the NFL betting matchups that make the most sense. We’ve gone through the schedule and picked out some of the most exciting matchups for you to consider as you develop a wagering strategy for the early going.

2018 NFL Betting Schedule: Best and Worst Games of the Season

Best Game #1: Atlanta at Philadelphia (Thursday, September 6, 8:20pm ET)

The Philadelphia Eagles start their Super Bowl defense at home against an Atlanta team that may be slipping in the NFC South. A year ago, this was the game where Kansas City went to New England and delivered a rout — a Chiefs team that would fall off the table and lose in the first round of the playoffs at home. Philadelphia might have Carson Wentz back, but he will be rusty, and we’ll see if there will be Super Bowl hangover.

Worst Game #1: Cincinnati at Indianapolis (Sunday, September 9, 1:00pm ET)

Supposedly we’ll see Andrew Luck at the helm for the season opener, but it could still be Jacoby Brissett. The Bengals are still trotting out Andy Dalton but are missing Vontaze Burfict from their defense with a suspension. We have two teams in search of an identity without much of a plan at this point, so expect a sloppy mess either way.

Best Game #2: Pittsburgh at Cleveland (Sunday, September 9, 1:00pm ET)

Cleveland added Tyrod Taylor and Jarvis Landry to give themselves a legitimate offense — and their defense played surprisingly well last year. Pittsburgh’s defense got torched last year, especially against Jacksonville in the divisional playoffs. Can the Browns jump out to a 1-0 start?

Worst Game #2: N.Y. Jets at Detroit (Monday, September 10, 7:10pm ET)

The first Monday Night Football game of the year features a team with no clear quarterback (in the Jets) against a team with no clear line on either side of the ball (in Detroit). If Matt Stafford switched teams, he could possibly lead the Jets to a big win (and a big season), but this looks like a prime-time mess to open the season.

Best Game #3: L.A. Rams at Oakland (Monday, September 10, 10:20pm ET)

If you can stay up late for the second half of Monday Night Football, you’ll see the game of the week. The Rams, led by Jared Goff, look to back up their NFC West title with another fine campaign, and they still have one of the best defenses in the league. With Goff and Todd Gurley, the Rams have a two-dimensional offense. They’ll face the Raiders, who will be debuting Jon Gruden at the coaching helm, and who will have Derek Carr back at quarterback. This could be a shootout, or it could be a grindfest, depending on how the defenses play.

Worst Game #3: Arizona at L.A. Rams (Sunday, September 16, 4:05pm ET)

The Cardinals drafted Josh Rosen at quarterback — and he’s already mad because he slid to tenth in the draft. David Johnson should be back at tailback, but if the Rams’ defense plays like it played last year, the Cardinals will have a long night if they have a one-dimensional offense. Oh, and Goff & Company should be able to torch that Arizona defense.

Best Game #4: New England at Jacksonville (Sunday, September 16, 4:25pm ET)

Here comes the rematch of last year’s AFC Championship, with Jacksonville led going into the fourth quarter. Will the Jaguars’ defense play four quarters this time? Will Jacksonville go conservative on offense again if they get a lead? It will be interesting to see if the Jaguars can turn the tables or regress.

Worst Game #4: N.Y. Giants at Dallas (Sunday, September 16, 8:20pm ET)

Dallas still has a thin defense, and they are about the only defense Eli Manning can still torch. Will Tyron Smith be at full strength for Dallas at tackle? If not, expect a long night for the Cowboys.