5 Best NFL Team Totals to Bet Before Week 1

We are days away from the 2023 NFL kickoff and it's the perfect time to dive into some team totals. In this article, we're looking for one thing: Teams the NFL world is wrong about. Once we got 'em, we'll bet whether they'll go over or under their projected win totals. Here we go.  Odds […]

Mauricio Rodriguez Dallas Cowboys News Writer
Add as preferred source on Google
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) fights off a tackle attempt from Houston Texans cornerback Steven Nelson (21) during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

We are days away from the 2023 NFL kickoff and it's the perfect time to dive into some team totals.

In this article, we're looking for one thing: Teams the NFL world is wrong about. Once we got 'em, we'll bet whether they'll go over or under their projected win totals. Here we go. 

Odds via DraftKings. 

1. Los Angeles Rams, Over 6.5 Wins (-105)

At No. 1, I need to have the ugliest-looking bet on the list. But that's precisely what makes me love it. I get why everyone is counting out the Rams, I really do. But this is the same team that won five games even though Matthew Stafford missed eight games and played banged up behind a mangled offensive line that fielded 11 OL combinations throughout the year. 

By the way, they have two games against the Arizona Cardinals. I trust Sean McVay to get to seven wins with Aaron Donald and Cooper Kupp.

2. Chicago Bears, Under 7.5 Wins (+110)

I'm aboard the Justin Fields hype train. But it's exactly that train that is inflating this number. The Bears were the worst team in football last year and while Fields is on the rise, he has yet to prove himself as a passer.

They have a relatively easy schedule as they play the NFC South (a division that had no winning teams last year) but they do draw the AFC West and the Cleveland Browns in interconference play. I expect the Bears to finish at the bottom of their division. 

3. New England Patriots, Under 6.5 Wins, (+120)

Per projected win totals, the Patriots have the toughest schedule in the NFL and quite frankly, I'm not sure I expect Bill Belichick to upset some of these big-time AFC teams.

Last year, the Patriots finished 24th in offensive EPA/play and while Bill O'Brien should help turn things around, can they keep up with the Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills, and New York Jets? They get a brutal slate of games to start the season (Eagles, Dolphins, Jets, Cowboys) and the wheels might come off quickly. 

4. New Orleans Saints, Over 9.5 Wins (+105)

Per projected win totals, the Saints have the second-easiest schedule in the league. And are we sure Derek Carr isn't an upgrade at quarterback? 

The Saints are several steps away from the top dogs of the NFC but in terms of playoff seeding, they could surprise the league thanks to a lack of solid rivals. Going over their schedule, it feels easy to get to 10 wins. They avoid the Cowboys, Eagles, and 49ers and play the AFC South and the Patriots in interconference play.

5.  Tennessee Titans, Over 7.5 Wins (-125)

I strongly believe the Jacksonville Jaguars are winning the AFC South but are the Titans being underrated? HC Mike Vrabel has mostly been a winner in Tennessee and with four games against the Texans and Colts, this number is more than doable. 

Derrick Henry, DeAndre Hopkins, and Treylon Burks are a solid group of weapons to go with underrated tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo. 

Featured image via Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports