First look at NFL win totals, Week 1 spreads following schedule release

The NFL released each team's schedule Wednesday. With the official matchups and dates set, let's dive into win totals for the first time this offseason and look at Week 1 spreads.

Although rosters are mostly set with free agency and the draft in the rearview, there could be slight changes to win totals before the season kicks off in over three months.

NFL win totals

Unsurprisingly, the Super Bowl champion Eagles and runner-up Chiefs have the highest win totals at 11.5. Philly returns with the league's most complete roster, and Kansas City has the best quarterback. They're joined by the Bills and Ravens, two perennial AFC contenders. The Eagles and Chiefs are +600 to win the Super Bowl, while the Ravens are +650 and the Bills are +700.

The 49ers and Bengals missed the playoffs after disappointing seasons last year but are two of three teams with 10.5 win totals. Both groups have the talent to return to Super Bowl contention. The oddsmakers agree as the 49ers are +1300 (sixth best) to win the big game and the Bengals are +1600 (seventh best).

The most-bet over win totals on theScore Bet/ESPN Bet are the Bears (8.5), Patriots (7.5), and Steelers (8.5). Bettors expect a major leap from Caleb Williams in Year 2 after a shaky rookie campaign. Former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson accepted the head coaching job in Chicago. Will his offensive brilliance allow the Bears to jump from a five-win squad to nine wins? In addition to Johnson, the Bears also invested heavily in their offensive line after Williams constantly scrambled for his life.

The Patriots are a popular worst-to-first pick because of Mike Vrabel's hire and the flashes rookie quarterback Drake Maye displayed in his first year. New England improved its offensive and defensive line and added weapons for Maye, including four-time Pro Bowler Stefon Diggs.

The Steelers have had 21 consecutive non-losing seasons, tied for the most in NFL history. Over bettors will cash in if they extend that streak to 22. Pittsburgh is always well-coached, but its quarterback situation is uncertain. Banking on the Steelers' success assumes Aaron Rodgers signs with them at some point this season.

The 49ers' win total of 10.5 is the most popular under bet after they won only six games last season. Although injuries contributed to their demise, a five-win increase from last year seems like a large leap for an aging roster and a still unproven quarterback.

The Giants' win total of 5.5 is the second-most-popular under bet for, well, obvious reasons. They have a weak roster and play in one of the league's toughest divisions. Bettors are understandably not excited by the trio of rookie Jaxson Dart, Russell Wilson, and Jameis Winston. Having three quarterbacks essentially means having no quarterback.

Finally, the Chiefs' win total of 11.5 is the third-most-bet under. Many teams have faltered following a Super Bowl loss. Kansas City might do the same despite its generational quarterback.

Week 1 doesn't begin until Sept. 4, but theScore Bet/ESPN Bet have already posted lines for the opening week:

The Eagles kick off the season Thursday night against their divisional rival Cowboys, who will watch Philly raise a banner. The Chiefs and Chargers will play on a neutral site in Brazil on Friday.

Opening weekend features some marquee conference showdowns, including the Ravens versus the Bills and the Lions versus the Packers. Again, these spreads will surely move before Week 1 rolls around, but it's always a pleasant sight to see NFL lines posted in the spring.

Sam Oshtry is a sports betting writer at theScore. You can follow him on X @soshtry for more betting coverage.