It’s finally time to take a look at the top Week 1 NFL parlays. The first week of the season is a great opportunity to get ahead of the market on undervalued teams.
In this article, you’ll find the best football parlay bet along with a longshot and Same Game Parlay for Week 1.
Let’s dive in to discuss the top parlay picks this week.
Best NFL Week 1 Parlay
All NFL gameday odds are current as of Wednesday, Sept. 6 at 12 p.m. ET from DraftKings Sportsbook.
Week 1 Top Parlay (-119)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 Unit
- Commanders ML (-325) vs Cardinals
- Seahawks ML (-245) vs Rams
The top parlay features two home teams in favorable spots: the Commanders and the Seahawks.
Washington has a home matchup with the Cardinals, who are indisputably the worst team in the NFL — at least until Kyler Murray returns from a torn ACL. Arizona will be starting either Josh Dobbs (acquired from the Browns on Aug. 24) or Clayton Tune (fifth-round rookie) at quarterback.
Regardless of who is under center, this is a major advantage for the Commanders, even with second-year signal caller Sam Howell making his second career start.
Howell had a strong camp and is surrounded by a supporting cast including stud wideouts Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson. Even if McLaurin (toe) is unable to suit up, Washington should be able to move the ball against a defense that projects as one of the worst in the NFL.
The Commanders are favored by seven points, but we’ll take them on the moneyline to play it safe.
The Seahawks play host to the division-rival Rams, who are likely to be without star wideout Cooper Kupp (hamstring) for this game. That leaves quarterback Matthew Stafford with an arsenal that includes Van Jefferson, Tyler Higbee, Cam Akers, and Puka Nacua.
This is bad news for a Rams team that’s already projected as an average side at best, even with Kupp.
Meanwhile, Seattle should be able to improve upon last year following a strong draft that saw them lock in top corner Devon Witherspoon and wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
While it’s unclear if both rookies will suit up for this game — they’re currently banged up — Seattle should have enough firepower to get a home win here.
The key mismatch is Geno Smith and the passing game against a vulnerable Rams defense that is filled with unproven players outside of Aaron Donald.
Look for each of these favorites to get it done in our top NFL bet of the day.
Longshot NFL Week 1 Parlay
Week 1 Longshot Parlay (+362)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 0.3 Units
- Steelers ML (+120) vs 49ers
- Browns ML (+110) vs Bengals
The longshot parlay includes two home underdogs who have a good chance to pull off upsets in the Steelers and Browns.
Pittsburgh is coming off a strong offseason, bolstering the offensive line and secondary through the draft by selecting tackle Broderick Jones and corner Joey Porter Jr.
Quarterback Kenny Pickett also looks poised for a second-year leap following a preseason where he completed 13-of-15 passes for 199 yards (13.3 Y/A) and two touchdowns. The Steelers are trying to open up their offense with more downfield passes, which could allow them to take the next step.
San Francisco remains a Super Bowl contender, but Brock Purdy is making his first start under center following offseason elbow surgery, so there’s a chance that he’ll be below form. The 49ers may also be without star tight end George Kittle, which is a big loss as a prominent target over the middle.
The Steelers are in a great spot to surprise the 49ers.
- See the full list of NFL Week 1 odds.
The Browns are in a similar situation to the Steelers. For one, they’re home underdogs to a superior team on paper in the Bengals.
Secondly, like San Francisco, Cincinnati is playing with a quarterback returning from injury. Joe Burrow dealt with a calf issue throughout camp, so there’s a good chance that he won’t be completely healthy for this one.
It’s also worth noting that Burrow is 1-4 against the Browns in his career.
Like the Steelers, the Browns are trying to open up their passing game, emphasizing more shotgun looks, which caters more toward Deshaun Watson‘s strengths as a quarterback. Both Pittsburgh and Cleveland have playoff aspirations this season, so it’s not like either of these games is a clear mismatch on paper, either.
Target these two home underdogs in our longshot parlay of the day.
NFL Week 1 Same Game Parlay
Houston Texans vs Baltimore Ravens Same Game Parlay (+226)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 0.5 Units
- Texans +10 (-110)
- Houston/Baltimore: Under 44 (-110)
This same game parlay features two correlated plays, targeting the heavy underdog on the spread and the Under on the total.
The Texans are likely to be an improved team under new head coach DeMeco Ryans, who did a terrific job with the 49ers as their defensive coordinator. Add in the fact that Houston selected top edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. at No. 2, and you have a unit that should be a lot better.
Rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud will be playing in an offense similar to the Kyle Shanahan scheme, as new play-caller Bobby Slowik comes over from the 49ers, where he worked for six years, including as passing game coordinator last season.
That should help out their running game, which will be anchored by promising second-year back Dameon Pierce.
- See how we’re betting this Week 1 Ravens vs Texans matchup.
While the Texans are dealing with several injuries on their offensive line, this spread feels like too high of a number, even against an improved Ravens team.
Baltimore has consistently played down to their opponents in recent years. Just look at last season, where they lost to the Giants and only beat the Browns by three points.
While the Ravens will pass more under new offensive coordinator Todd Monken, I’m targeting the Under here. If the Texans keep it close, chances are it’s because they slowed the game down, resulting in a low-scoring affair.
Look for Houston to put a scare into the Ravens in a game that ends up closer than expected.
