Best Bets for Monday Night Football
Monday Night Football is highlighted by two of the best defenses in the league going head-to-head. With a ton of star power on both sides, it should be a showdown between the Jets and the 49ers. Even with one game left to wrap up Week One of the NFL season, there are always ways to win. Here’s a look at some of the best bets for tonight’s matchup.
Jets +4
In the last 23 seasons, the loser of the Super Bowl is 4-19 against the spread in Week One. To add to that, Kyle Shanahan is just 2-5 against the spread since becoming head coach of the 49ers. With many question marks towards the end of the offseason, including Christian McCaffrey’s health, and both Trent Williams and Brandon Aiyuk making late signings, the 49ers may not be in their best form. Instead, you get four points with a Jets team that has a terrific defense, major upgrades at the offensive line, and Aaron Rodgers back under center to distribute the ball to his playmakers.
Under 43.5
Looking back on history once again, the 49ers have gone under the total in Week One in nine out of the last 10 years. Back that up with a betting gem over the last two seasons, primetime under. They have hit at a 60% rate and were 35-23 last season favoring the under. Combine that with two of the best defenses in the league, in an energized Monday Night Week One battle, all signs point to the under.
George Kittle Over 45.5 Rec Yards
The Jets’ passing defense is one of the best in the game, especially outside of the numbers. It’s a nightmare matchup for wide receivers, so it is expected that Brock Purdy will lean on his other options, mainly George Kittle. Niners head coach Kyle Shanahan said he would be “surprised” if Brandon Aiyuk saw a full workload in game one. With Aiyuk limited and Christian McCaffrey banged up, Kittle will have to step up against a Jets team that averaged over 50 yards against the tight end last season.
Garrett Wilson Anytime TD (+150)
We had to sneak in an anytime touchdown scorer and take a plus-money number instead of a favorite, like Christian McCaffrey. Wilson was the fourth-highest targeted receiver inside of the 10-yard line last season, being targeted 61.1% of the Jets throws when set up in-goal. Inside the five-yard line, the Jets threw twice into the endzone, and both were to Wilson, which resulted in two touchdowns. This was on a team that had major trouble getting near the endzone, a trend that should see positive growth on a much better offense than last season. When push comes to shove and the Jets need a score, they lean on Wilson to come down with six points. We all remember the spectacular catch Wilson made last year on Monday Night against the Bills for a touchdown, so the bets will go towards him to repeat that same success.
