Thursday Night Football Week One gives us back to back days of games to start the NFL season. While it is a bit of a weird start, we will not complain!
Here are my plays for Thursday Night Football Week One.
Check out the latest episodes of the JCPod for my full breakdowns and analysis. All odds are a mix/the best number from Fanatics, BetMGM, FanDuel, and DraftKings.
Straights
This game being in Australia has me tempted to potentially stay away from betting a side or a total. Changes in time zones, long travel, and the many other things that come with a game in Australia make this a bit of a weirder setting. The San Francisco 49ers have been there for almost a week, while the Rams flew in and arrived on Wednesday the 9th (American time zone when it comes to what day/hour it is wise).
When it comes to picking a side, I think I would have to lean towards the Rams. One thing that bothered me though is that hook on those three points. I would just take -2.5 points, but the juice on that is -155 and is a bit too steep for me. if I bet anything in this game, I might just risk the push and take the Rams -3 points, but the fact that is -135 makes me almost just want to deal with the -155 with -2.5 points. I am on the rim size in this game, but I do not think I’ll be giving out a bet.
As for the total, this game being in Australia makes me just want to stay away from that completely. I have no idea how the travel or anything else will affect the players.
Props
Puka Nacua to catch a pass on the first drive (-120)
I expect for the Los Angeles Rams to get Puka Nacua involved in the game early. My only fear would be a three and out. If there’s no three and out, however, I would expect for Nacua to catch at least one pass on the first drive. It could even potentially happen on the first play or two.
Matt Stafford over 0.5 rush yards (+154)
This is just one of those bets that seems too good to be true. Assuming we can get lucky, all we need is one good scramble out of Stafford. 
Christian McCaffrey over 39.5 recieving yards (-114)
With George Kittle most likely not playing a normal full amount of snaps, I expect for McCaffrey to be involved a little bit more in this game receiving wise. this number is a little bit high for my liking, but this is Christian McCaffrey we are talking about here.
De’Zhaun Stribling over 35.5 receiving yards (-114)
Stribling is the new toy for Kyle Shanahan to play with in this offense. he seems like a guy that they will end up using a lot this year, so I am curious to see how he is used in this first game. I project him for about three to four receptions for 40 yards.
Parnell’s Nasty Boy Parlay Play of the Day
Will the first game in Australia bring us some luck on this Nasty Boy?
I was able to get odds of +764 boosted to +1146 with a 50% boost:
- Davante Adams over 50+ recieving yards (-128)
- Christian McCaffrey over 40+ receiving yards (-114)
- Kyren Williams over 50+ rush yards (-160)
- Matt Stafford over 2+ pass touchdowns (-148)
Let’s have a DAY! PLEASE GAMBLE RESPONSIBLY!
Jaden Chandler-Parnell, or “JC” is a Sports & Sports Betting Analyst for Stare Down Sports. You can Follow him on X @Jaden95Chandler and on YouTube
2026-2027 betting records
College Football straights record (regular season): 3-5
Pickem Record:
(straights) NFL Bets [regular season]
(Touchdown scorers) NFL Bets [regular season]
(Player Props) NFL Bets [regular season]
$10 Nasty Boy Play (College) : 0-2
$10 Nasty Boy Play (NFL)
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