For the last seven years, the Kansas City Chiefs have won high-scoring Week 1 games. In 2023, they’ll lose a high-scoring Week 1 game, according to 95% of moneyline bettors at BetMGM.
During the Chiefs’ seven-year Week 1 winning streak, an average of 61 points have been scored, the highest for any NFL team over that time. This year’s opener against the Detroit Lions will only need, as of now, 54 points to go over BetMGM’s total of 53.5 points. And the public is pounding it.
The public is also pounding the Lions’ moneyline (+240) and, to a lesser extent, the Lions’ spread (+6.5).
Approximately three months before the NFL Kickoff Game, it’s the most-bet game in Week 1 NFL odds. The Lions are the most-bet team by tickets and handle, and over 53.5 points is the most-bet side of all over/under totals.
Spread: Lions +6.5 (-110), Chiefs -6.5 (-110)
Tickets: Lions 55%
Handle: Lions 59%
Moneyline: Lions +240, Chiefs -300
Tickets: Lions 95%
Handle: Lions 86%
Total: Under 53.5 (-110), Over 53.5 (-110)
Tickets: Over 69% tickets
Handle: Over 82%
If Lions’ moneyline bettors are correct, it’ll be the Chiefs’ first season-opening loss since 2014 (Tennessee Titans), the Lions’ first Week 1 win since 2017 (Arizona Cardinals), and, presumably, the Lions’ first Week 1 win over an eventual playoff team since 2000 (New Orleans Saints).
Detroit’s win over New Orleans 23 years ago was also their last Week 1 win in which they were a moneyline underdog of at least +200. Barring dramatic line movement before kickoff on Sept. 7, the Lions will aim to snap a six-game losing streak when an underdog of +200 or longer.
The Chiefs, meanwhile, have a 12-game winning streak when they’re a moneyline favorite of at least -300. They haven’t lost in that spot since Week 5 in 2020 (Las Vegas Raiders), the lone loss in 21 games started by Patrick Mahomes as a -300 moneyline favorite.
You can view updated Week 1 odds, NFL futures, and more online sports betting opportunities at the BetMGM online sportsbook.