Fast Five Week 1

The NFL season is finally back, and we are looking to start the right way. The anticipation and long offseason have come to an end as the new year kicks off in Philadelphia with an NFC East showdown, seeing the Cowboys take on the Eagles in this year's Super Bowl banner night.  

One thing that fans love about the season being back is the opportunity to win some bets! Follow along weekly for our five best picks, player props, touchdown scorers and more as we navigate this exciting NFL season. 

Here are the fast five picks for week 1 of the NFL season: 

1. Cedee Lamb OVER 6.5 recs  

For our first play of the season, we are looking to none other than Ceedee Lamb. We know Dak and Ceedee have historically had a great connection and have no problem putting up great passing numbers when both are healthy. However, we haven't seen the Cowboy QB, WR pair on the field since week 8 of last season when Dak suffered his season-ending injury. However, through those first weeks of the 2024 season, Ceedee had 84 targets and went over his prop of 6.5 receptions in 4 out of the 8 games with a healthy Dak. We know how dangerous the Eagles' defence and young secondary are, but in a game where I see the Cowboys falling behind early and in a very pass-heavy game script, I love Dak to find Ceedee, and to go over his 6.5 reception prop. 

2. Brian Thomas Jr. OVER 76.5 rec yards 

BTJ and the Jags are taking on the Carolina Panthers in week 1 this season. Coming off a stellar rookie season, BTJ looks to start off right where he left off. Closing the season with 3 100-yard games in the last 4. The new look Jags offence under new HC Liam Coen should have no problem putting up yards and points in week 1 against a team that Coen and Baker Mayfield absolutely torched last season when he was the play caller in Tampa Bay. I expect Trevor Lawrence to be comfortable against a Panthers defence that allowed the most yards per game in the NFL last season. BTJ is primed for a huge week 1 against Carolina, and should go well over his receiving prop of 76.5. 

3. Jayden Daniels OVER 42.5 rush yards 

This might be my favourite prop on the entire week 1 slate. The Commanders play the Giants in this week's 1 NFC East matchup. Where the Giants' pass rush is much improved, and has the potential to be one of the best pass rush units in the NFL, the Giants had the 26th-ranked rush defence last season, allowing nearly 5 yards per attempt. The Commanders want to run the football. With this said, they

recently traded their lead rusher from last season, Brian Robinson, to the Niners. Filling this hole in the RB 1 slot for the manders will be a trio of Austin Ekler, Chris Rodriguez and pre-season hype sensation Bill Crosky Merrit. To start the season off, I think we are going to see a lot of Jayden-designed runs. In the first 3 games of his rookie year, Jayden had 16, 10 and 12 rush attempts, going over this prop of 42.5 in 2 of 3 games, including 1 of these games coming against the Giants. Due to the hole left at the RB spot, and the volume on the ground Jayden should see to start this season, I really like him to go over his rushing number of 42.5 yards. 

4. Courtland Sutton OVER 58.5 rec yards 

Newly paid wide receiver 1 in Denver is starting this season with a very favourable matchup as the Broncos take on the Titans. The Broncos had a really good offence last season under Head Coach Sean Payton. With rookie QB Bo Nix having a fantastic rookie season, only overshadowed by 2024 draft class partner Jayden Daniels. Sutton was a big reason for Bo Nix’s rookie season success as he contributed 1081 yards and 8 touchdowns. The Broncos added rookie running back RJ Harvey and Patrick Bryant in the draft, and tight end Evan Engram in free agency from the Jaguars as well. Despite these additions, Sutton will remain Nix’s first option in the air, as was showcased in their preseason game reps together. Courtland Sutton to go over his prop at 58.5 yards is a great play for week 1, especially with L’Jarius Sneed still uncertain for week 1. 

5. TB vs ATL OVER 47.5 points 

Points, points, points in this one. The Michael Penix era is officially underway in Atlanta as they take on a divisional opponent whom they swept last season in Baker Mayfield and the Bucs. The games last year both went over this total, the first being 30-36 in OT and the second being 26-31. Both of these AFC South teams have loaded offences. Baker Mayfield is entering this season with a new coordinator; however still has old reliable Mike Evans, Ohio State rookie first round wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, and Bucky Irving coming off a great rookie season as the lead back in Tampa. On the other side, Michael Penix really showed off his gun slinging abilities in his few starts last season, favouring Drake London as his wide receiver one alongside star running back Bijan Robinson. Penix threw for 245 yards and 3 touchdowns in his three starts last season. If there is any question surrounding the Bucs' defence, it is in their secondary, as we saw the Falcons' ability to throw the ball against them last year with Kirk Cousins as he had a 500-yard passing game. I'm confident in Penix and the Falcons' offensive ability to move the ball down the field, and Baker and the star-studded Bucs offence to do the same. Over 47.5 points. 

Bonus Anytime TD Parlay 

James Conner 

Jayden Daniels 

Jalen Hurts