Beginning with Buccaneers-Falcons, Simplebet has broken down some notable trends centered around first-drive NFL Week 5 picks to help DraftKings Sportsbook bettors get results early.
Thursday
Atlanta Falcons vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Drake London Catch a Pass in 1st ATL Falcons Drive +100
Kirk Cousins has been looking at London to start games. In each of their four opening offensive drives this season, London has a reception.
The Atlanta pair will look to extend that streak on Thursday against a defense that’s tied for fifth-most receptions allowed in the NFL.
Sunday
New York Jets vs. Minnesota Vikings (London, U.K.)
1st NY Jets Drive Result: Punt -135
Minnesota’s defense has forced a punt on half of their defensive opening drives to begin the season. As they look to swing that 2-2 mark in their favor, the Vikings will face a Jets offense that has punted on three of its four opening offensive drives.
Looking back to their Week 4 performance, the Jets punted on five of their eight first-half offensive drives.
1st NY Jets Drive Result Grouped: No Offensive Score -210
This is similar to the play above, but it allows room for a few additional options (such as a fumble or an interception). Also, the data surrounding this play very much explains the odds difference.
Minnesota’s defense hasn’t surrendered an opening drive score this season. The Jets haven’t scored on an opening offensive drive this season.
Also, looking back to Week 4, the Jets only scored on three of their 13 offensive drives.
Washington Commanders vs. Cleveland Browns
1st WAS Commanders Drive Result Granular: Rushing Touchdown +600
Of Washington’s 13 touchdowns this season, 10 have come on the ground.
In Week 4, the Commanders logged a touchdown on five of nine drives vs. Arizona. The game before that, Washington scored touchdowns in five of six completed drives (two additional drives ended as the result of the clock).
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Dallas Cowboys
1st PIT Steelers Drive Result Grouped: Offensive Score +140
In all four of their games, the Cowboys have allowed each opponent to score on its opening offensive drive. Plus, Demarcus Lawrence has been placed on injured reserve and Micah Parsons (ankle) may also be unavailable in Week 5.
Monday
New Orleans Saints at Kansas City Chiefs
1st NO Saints Drive Result Grouped: Offensive Score- +185
Like Dallas, the Chiefs have allowed four opening-drive scores against opposing offenses this season. On top of that, the Saints have scored on all four of their opening drives this season.
All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.