The first week of the NFL season came down like a hammer, but we still have one more game to go. The Aaron Rodgers-led New York Jets will try to shock the seasoned — yet banged up — San Francisco 49ers. Trent Williams and Brandon Aiyuk will play, as will Rodgers — the most anticipated regular season debut. We have the power of OddsShopper’s Underdog Optimizer to help guide our entries tonight, so here are the top NFL Underdog Fantasy pick’em predictions for Week 1 Monday Night Football!
Join Eytan and the OddsShopper team for our Tails by OddsShopper, where you can connect with fellow sports bettors and industry pros! Use code TOUCHDOWN to enjoy 50% off your first month.
Plus, don’t miss out on our Underdog Fantasy promo code — sign up and get your first deposit matched up to $1,000!
Underdog Fantasy NFL Pick’em Predictions Today
Looking for more NFL pick’em strategy? Find our other NFL articles and NFL +EV picks, and don’t forget to explore our comprehensive guide to Underdog Fantasy!
George Kittle H/L Than 42.5 Receiving Yards
We shall see just how many snaps Aiyuk plays tonight, but one thing we do know is how well George Kittle matches up with the Jets. Kittle loves the home cooking, as his splits are rather wide. He does his biggest damage to opposing defense at home, leading all tight ends in the NFL. The road is a different story but one we aren’t worried about tonight. Instead, we look for Brock Purdy to actively involve Kittle rather quickly and often. The advantage of having a top receiving tight end with the receivers around Purdy gets highlighted with the return of Aiyuk.
The Jets are a good unit on defense that will carry them across a few games this year. It will keep them in this one tonight. Kittle won’t rip apart this defense, but getting to 50 receiving yards in this offense isn’t a tall task. The line has dipped some, and the expectations are the Jets will be in this game or playing with a lead. The 49ers are dealing with a banged-up star running back in Christian McCaffrey, who won’t take as many looks away from Kittle.
Underdog Fantasy Pick’em Prediction: George Kittle Higher Than 42.5 Receiving Yards
Christian McCaffrey H/L Than 33.5 Receiving Yards
Speaking of McCaffrey, we know he’s dealing with multiple injuries (calf/Achilles) to start the year. He’s listed as questionable, and the 49ers are hoping they won’t have to use him much in convincing win. The Jets won’t go away that easy, and the 49ers won’t push plays for McCaffrey in the pass game. Why would they? Purdy has an abundance of weapons to use, and San Francisco can still get away with McCaffrey being an All-Pro decoy.
Maybe the team just works around the multiple injuries, or maybe we see more from Jordan Mason. Either way, the 49ers aren’t pressed to start the season pouring on touches for their star player dealing with multiple injuries. It makes little to no sense when you see it outlined. Instead, we should expect him to be involved in the run game, as the 49ers need to establish something against the Jets front.
Just don’t expect to see many highlights in the air for McCaffrey unless he’s leaping over a defender.
Underdog Fantasy Pick’em Prediction: Christian McCaffrey Lower Than 33.5 Receiving Yards
