How to bet on 2024 NFL Week 1 football smartly, responsibly
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Published:
Sep 3, 2024
,
06:32 p.m.
ET
The 2024 NFL season is finally here, and with it can come the excitement of Week 1 betting. From the opening night showdown on Thursday between the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs, to the closing matchup Monday night between the New York Jets and San Francisco 49ers, the first week of NFL action is filled with premier matchups. However, it’s critical to approach potentially betting on it with a smart and responsible mindset.
Whether you’re experienced or new to the betting scene, this Week 1 guide will help you navigate the early season with tips for making informed decisions, avoiding common pitfalls and keeping your gambling habits healthy. And if you’re interested in a comprehensive guide to the entire 2024 NFL season, check out this preview article.
How to take a smart approach to Week 1 NFL betting
Week 1 of the NFL season is one of the most challenging times to place bets. The lack of regular season games so far means we haven’t seen teams at full strength or full speed, and it can be easy to draw false conclusions from preseason performances. Teams often use the preseason to evaluate their rosters, which doesn’t always translate to regular season success. It may be wise to hold off on a full portfolio of picks until you’ve had a chance to see teams in real game action for at least a week or two.
One of the key principles to keep in mind is that the NFL season is a marathon, not a sprint. Getting caught up in the excitement of opening weekend can lead to overextending yourself by betting on too many games. Instead, focus on a few matchups where you feel confident in your research and understanding. Remember, there’s no rush – betting opportunities will be available every week until Super Bowl LIX in February.
Having all the time in the world to preview the season and assess the data from the past year is nice, but it can also lead to overthinking and a reliance on what was, instead of what will be in the future. The reality is, every team makes changes from year to year, whether through the draft, free agency, with the coaching staff or in the front office – we don’t know what the 2024 Chiefs look like until we see them play this year!
Another factor to consider is the unknown impact of new rules. The NFL frequently introduces rule changes that can affect game outcomes in ways that are difficult to predict. For example, changes to kickoff rules could alter field position battles, which in turn might influence the scoring of games. Without knowing how these rules will play out in real games, it is wise to take a cautious approach.
You should also be wary of trends. Does it matter that a team was 4-13 against the spread on the road last year if they have a brand new coaching staff and offensive line this season? Can the Week 1 performances of past rookie quarterbacks really help predict the play of a new one, who has likely prepared and been coached in a completely different way? If you are someone who looks at trends before betting, be mindful of the sample size and its true potential applicability to a current situation.
How to bet on NFL Week 1 responsibly
Betting responsibly is crucial, especially during the excitement of Week 1. Below are some tips to help you stay in control, but you can also check out all of our responsible gaming tips here.
Avoid Chasing Losses: If you lose a bet, don’t try to win it back by placing more bets or larger wagers. Chasing losses can lead to compounding losses and unexpected debts.
Limit the Number of Bets: Focus on a few well-researched bets rather than trying to bet on every game in Week 1. This will help you make more informed decisions and keep your exposure level manageable if things don’t go as predicted.
Take Breaks: Betting on NFL games can be enticing, especially on Sunday of Week 1, but it’s important to take breaks and not get too caught up in the action. Step away and maintain balance with other activities.
Dangers of betting on NFL Week 1
Week 1 can be a risky time for bettors. The excitement of the new season, combined with the unpredictability of teams that haven’t played a meaningful game in many months, can lead to hasty decisions and unexpected levels of losses. Here are some potential dangers to watch out for:
Blowing Through Your Entire Bankroll: With so many games and betting options, it’s important to stick to your budget and avoid the temptation to go all-in on Week 1.
Teams Not in Form Yet: Given the limited action in the preseason, many teams are likely not in midseason form yet. This can lead to unexpected results, making Week 1 particularly challenging to predict.
Chasing Losses: With multiple primetime games (Thursday, Friday, Sunday and Monday), it can be tempting to chase losses by betting on later games if your previous bets don’t pan out. Resist this urge and stick to your original plan.
Not Knowing New Rules: As mentioned earlier, new NFL rules can significantly impact game outcomes. Betting without fully understanding how these rules might play out could lead to losses.
Gambling addiction resources & treatment
If you find yourself or know someone else struggling to keep betting habits under control, it’s important to seek help. Gambling addiction is a serious issue that can have devastating effects on individuals and the lives of those around them. If you or someone you know is facing difficulties with gambling, there are resources available from Birches Health to help:
You can also simply call 833-483-3838 or email hello@bircheshealth.com to get in contact with the Birches team right away.
