Patriots Vs Bengals Preview
The New England Patriots kick off the post-Bill Belichick era with a challenging matchup against Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium in Week 1 of the 2024-25 NFL season. Overview of the New Era for the Patriots Jerod Mayo steps in as the new head coach for New England, facing the unique challenge of succeeding arguably the greatest coach in NFL history. Mayo’s team is short on star power, and he will be developing a rookie quarterback in a division loaded with playoff contenders. Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Bengals enter the season with high expectations. With Joe Burrow returning from last year’s season-ending wrist injury, the Bengals are looking to continue their recent success despite losing key players like Tyler Boyd, Joe Mixon, Chidobe Awuzie, and DJ Reader. However, Cincinnati has retooled its roster, and Burrow appears healthy and ready to lead his team to another strong season. Game Details Odds Summary: Patriots vs. Bengals Moneyline Cincinnati has struggled with slow starts over the past two seasons, beginning 0-2 both times. Despite this trend, betting on the Bengals to win outright seems wise, given the state of the Patriots. New England, under rookie head coach Jerod Mayo, will rely on Jacoby Brissett, whose career starting record is 18-30. Even if rookie Drake Maye eventually takes over, the Patriots lack the roster depth needed to pose a significant threat. New England’s offense struggled last season, ranking near the bottom in points per game, yards per play, and touchdowns scored. This season’s squad does not appear much better, and the odds reflect this, as New England faces the longest odds for a division title and has the worst Super Bowl odds at FanDuel Sportsbook. Cincinnati, on the other hand, enjoys a much stronger position, with a balanced roster and a healthy Burrow ready to lead. Despite the Bengals’ own shaky starts in previous seasons, they remain heavily favored against a Patriots team facing numerous challenges. Betting on the Patriots to pull off an upset would be a long shot given these circumstances. Patriots vs. Bengals Spread The Bengals are one of only four teams over the past five seasons to be favored by more than nine points in their opener. Despite recent struggles in season openers, we’re betting on Cincinnati to cover the spread this time. Burrow’s previous poor performances in season openers were hampered by injuries and disruptions during training camp. This season, however, he has had a complete training camp, appears fully healthy, and is prepared to play well from the start. Additionally, the Patriots’ recent trade of Pro Bowl pass rusher Matthew Judon removes a key defensive piece that might have caused problems for Burrow. While the Patriots had a solid defense last year, the loss of Judon and a lack of offensive firepower make it difficult to see them challenging a Bengals team led by an MVP candidate in Burrow. As a result, we’re backing the Bengals to cover the spread despite its size. Patriots vs. Bengals Total Despite Cincinnati’s strong offense, the Bengals tend to be a reliable bet for the Under. Since Burrow joined the team in 2020, their games have gone under the posted total 54% of the time. Combined with the Patriots’ offensive woes, betting on the Under seems like the smart play. The Bengals made changes to their defense in response to a subpar performance last season. However, given the Patriots’ lack of offensive capability, it’s unlikely that they will test Cincinnati’s new-look defense effectively. Patriots vs. Bengals Props As of now, NFL prop bets for this game are not yet available. However, two potential prop bets to keep an eye on are: Patriots vs. Bengals Best Bets Summary Overall, the game leans heavily in favor of Cincinnati, with the Bengals expected to win comfortably in Week 1.
Vikings Vs Giants – Week 1 Preview
The Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants will face off on Sunday in NFL action at MetLife Stadium. This matchup brings two teams looking to bounce back from underwhelming 2023 seasons, setting the stage for an interesting Week 1 showdown. Minnesota Vikings Betting Preview The Vikings are looking to turn things around after a disappointing 7-10 finish last year, placing them third in the NFC North, ahead of only the Chicago Bears. Minnesota began the 2023 season with promise, going 6-4, but managed just one win in their final seven games. On a positive note, the Vikings had a strong preseason, winning all three of their games. They defeated the Las Vegas Raiders 24-23, followed by a 27-12 win over the Cleveland Browns, and capped off with a 26-3 victory against the Philadelphia Eagles. New York Giants Betting Preview The Giants also had a challenging 2023 season, finishing 6-11 after a 9-7-1 record the year prior. They placed third in the NFC East and missed the playoffs. Injuries, including one to quarterback Daniel Jones, heavily impacted their season. New York started their preseason with a 14-3 win against the Detroit Lions, but their offense struggled in the subsequent games, scoring just 16 points combined in losses to the Houston Texans (28-10) and New York Jets (10-6). Total Points Facts New York Giants Player Prop Facts Minnesota Vikings Player Prop Facts Matchup/League Facts New York Giants vs. Minnesota Vikings Prediction I’m leaning toward the Giants at home, though this game could go either way. Both teams are predicted to struggle in 2024, making for what could be a closely contested matchup. Offensively, there are questions on both sides. With the departure of Saquon Barkley in free agency, the Giants will need to find new ways to generate offensive production. Meanwhile, the Vikings have a defensive line that could make things difficult for New York. Overall, I don’t anticipate a high-scoring game. The under is a popular play, given the defensive capabilities and offensive uncertainties of both teams. This matchup looks like it could go either way, making it a coin flip for bettors when considering the spread.
Patriots Vs Bengals Preview
The New England Patriots kick off the post-Bill Belichick era with a challenging matchup against Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium in Week 1 of the 2024-25 NFL season. Overview of the New Era for the Patriots Jerod Mayo steps in as the new head coach for New England, facing the unique challenge of succeeding arguably the greatest coach in NFL history. Mayo’s team is short on star power, and he will be developing a rookie quarterback in a division loaded with playoff contenders. Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Bengals enter the season with high expectations. With Joe Burrow returning from last year’s season-ending wrist injury, the Bengals are looking to continue their recent success despite losing key players like Tyler Boyd, Joe Mixon, Chidobe Awuzie, and DJ Reader. However, Cincinnati has retooled its roster, and Burrow appears healthy and ready to lead his team to another strong season. Game Details Odds Summary: Patriots vs. Bengals Moneyline Cincinnati has struggled with slow starts over the past two seasons, beginning 0-2 both times. Despite this trend, betting on the Bengals to win outright seems wise, given the state of the Patriots. New England, under rookie head coach Jerod Mayo, will rely on Jacoby Brissett, whose career starting record is 18-30. Even if rookie Drake Maye eventually takes over, the Patriots lack the roster depth needed to pose a significant threat. New England’s offense struggled last season, ranking near the bottom in points per game, yards per play, and touchdowns scored. This season’s squad does not appear much better, and the odds reflect this, as New England faces the longest odds for a division title and has the worst Super Bowl odds at FanDuel Sportsbook. Cincinnati, on the other hand, enjoys a much stronger position, with a balanced roster and a healthy Burrow ready to lead. Despite the Bengals’ own shaky starts in previous seasons, they remain heavily favored against a Patriots team facing numerous challenges. Betting on the Patriots to pull off an upset would be a long shot given these circumstances. Patriots vs. Bengals Spread The Bengals are one of only four teams over the past five seasons to be favored by more than nine points in their opener. Despite recent struggles in season openers, we’re betting on Cincinnati to cover the spread this time. Burrow’s previous poor performances in season openers were hampered by injuries and disruptions during training camp. This season, however, he has had a complete training camp, appears fully healthy, and is prepared to play well from the start. Additionally, the Patriots’ recent trade of Pro Bowl pass rusher Matthew Judon removes a key defensive piece that might have caused problems for Burrow. While the Patriots had a solid defense last year, the loss of Judon and a lack of offensive firepower make it difficult to see them challenging a Bengals team led by an MVP candidate in Burrow. As a result, we’re backing the Bengals to cover the spread despite its size. Patriots vs. Bengals Total Despite Cincinnati’s strong offense, the Bengals tend to be a reliable bet for the Under. Since Burrow joined the team in 2020, their games have gone under the posted total 54% of the time. Combined with the Patriots’ offensive woes, betting on the Under seems like the smart play. The Bengals made changes to their defense in response to a subpar performance last season. However, given the Patriots’ lack of offensive capability, it’s unlikely that they will test Cincinnati’s new-look defense effectively. Patriots vs. Bengals Props As of now, NFL prop bets for this game are not yet available. However, two potential prop bets to keep an eye on are: Patriots vs. Bengals Best Bets Summary Overall, the game leans heavily in favor of Cincinnati, with the Bengals expected to win comfortably in Week 1.
Packers Vs Eagles – Week 1 Game in São Paulo
The 2024-25 NFL season will open in Kansas City, but all eyes will soon turn to Brazil for a historic matchup between two NFC powerhouses. On September 6, the Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles will face off in a groundbreaking season-opening game. Not only is this game notable for being the first NFL season opener on a Friday in recent memory, but it will also be the first NFL game ever played in South America. Both teams are coming off playoff appearances, but they ended their seasons in contrasting fashion. The Eagles started strong at 10-1 but stumbled with six losses in their final seven games, including a 32-9 defeat to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Wild Card Round. Despite their late-season collapse, the Eagles are expected to rebound, holding the third-shortest odds to win the NFC (+600) and the sixth-shortest Super Bowl odds (+1400). The Packers, on the other hand, had a slow start at 2-5 before rallying with eight wins in their final 12 games, including an upset over the Dallas Cowboys in the Wild Card Round. Jordan Love’s emergence as a top quarterback has elevated expectations in Green Bay, with the Packers currently listed at +750 to win the NFC and +1800 to win the Super Bowl. As the second game of the 2024-25 NFL season and the only game scheduled for September 6, this NFC showdown is set to capture significant attention and betting interest, featuring prominently across top NFL betting sites. Game Details Odds Summary Packers vs. Eagles Moneyline The Eagles have won their season opener in each of the two seasons under head coach Nick Sirianni, starting both campaigns 5-0 or better. After a disappointing end to last season, Philadelphia made significant offseason moves, including adding star running back Saquon Barkley to bolster their offense. Defensively, the Eagles addressed their weaknesses by hiring Vic Fangio as their new defensive coordinator and re-signing safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson. These changes aim to improve a unit that allowed the third-most points per game in the league last year. The Packers made their own adjustments, replacing longtime running back Aaron Jones with Josh Jacobs and upgrading their defense with safety Xavier McKinney. Despite these moves, Green Bay’s offense struggled early last season, and they may find it challenging against the Eagles’ revamped defense. With Sirianni’s preparation and the Eagles eager to prove themselves after last year’s collapse, backing Philadelphia on the moneyline up to -155 is a sound bet. Packers vs. Eagles Spread Philadelphia needs to win by at least a field goal to cover the 2.5-point spread, a feat they achieved in all 11 of their victories last season. Green Bay, while competitive in close games last year, often saw contests decided by more than a single point, aligning with the typical margins in NFL games. Given the odds and Philadelphia’s ability to win by a margin of three points or more, taking the Eagles to cover the spread seems logical. Packers vs. Eagles Over/Under The Packers’ defense was solid last year, ranking among the league’s best in preventing points. Meanwhile, Fangio’s defensive strategies will likely create pressure and test Jordan Love. Despite some offensive struggles last season, the Eagles have strong personnel, including standout defender Jalen Carter and lineman Bryce Huff. Early-season games often see defenses performing ahead of offenses, and the altitude adjustment in São Paulo (half a mile above sea level) may slow down the game. Given these factors, the Under 48.5 is the recommended play. Packers vs. Eagles Props Packers vs. Eagles Best Bets Summary
Chiefs vs Ravens Preview- NFL WEEK 1
As the NFL gears up for another thrilling season, one of the most anticipated matchups is set to take place between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Baltimore Ravens on September 6 at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. This opening game is more than just a season starter; it’s a battle between two of the AFC’s elite teams, both eager to begin their 2024 campaign with a significant victory. After a remarkable 2023/24 season for both franchises, this game is expected to be an epic showdown. Both teams are set to enter the game strongly, with minimal injuries reported so far. The only potential absence is Chiefs wide receiver Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, who might miss the opening game against the Ravens. Despite this, plenty of talent will be on display in this much-awaited clash. A Rematch of the AFC Championship The last encounter between these two powerhouses was a high-stakes affair in the 2023 AFC Championship, where the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Baltimore Ravens to secure their place in Super Bowl LVIII. The Chiefs’ victory was a testament to their resilience and experience in big games. They managed to overcome a formidable Ravens defense and an aggressive offense led by Lamar Jackson, ultimately claiming the AFC crown and winning their third Super Bowl title in five years. During that game, even when facing challenges, Patrick Mahomes and his go-to target, Travis Kelce, found ways to break through the Ravens’ secondary, particularly in crucial moments of the second half. The Chiefs’ defense also played a significant role, forcing turnovers and making key stops to ensure the win. For the Ravens, the loss was a tough one to swallow. They had topped the AFC North with a 13-4 record and were one of the most balanced teams in the league. However, they struggled to match the Chiefs’ playoff experience and couldn’t capitalize on their opportunities at Arrowhead Stadium. This season opener provides them with a chance for redemption. Chiefs’ Chances The Kansas City Chiefs enter the 2024 season aiming for a rare three-peat as Super Bowl champions. Their 2023/24 season demonstrated their continued dominance in the AFC, as they finished with an 11-6 record and won their eighth consecutive AFC West title. Key Player: Patrick Mahomes With Patrick Mahomes leading the offense, the Chiefs have established a dynasty comparable to some of the greatest teams in NFL history. Mahomes, coming off another outstanding season, threw for 4,183 yards and 27 touchdowns, maintaining his streak of surpassing 4,000 yards in each of his six seasons as a starter. His ability to make plays under pressure, coupled with his strong connection with Kelce, makes the Chiefs’ offense one of the most formidable in the league. Travis Kelce, considered one of the best tight ends in NFL history, contributed 93 receptions for 984 yards and five touchdowns last season. His ability to perform in key situations, particularly in the red zone, will be vital against a physical Ravens defense. The experience of head coach Andy Reid is another significant advantage for the Chiefs. Reid has guided his team to the Super Bowl four times in the past five seasons, securing three championships in the process. Ravens’ Chances The Baltimore Ravens enter the 2024 season with unfinished business. After dominating the AFC North with a 13-4 record last year, they fell short in the AFC Championship against the Chiefs. Under head coach John Harbaugh, the Ravens have shown remarkable consistency, posting six winning seasons over the last seven years. However, they have struggled to achieve postseason success and are determined to change that narrative this year. Key Player: Lamar Jackson Lamar Jackson is the driving force of Baltimore’s offense. Last season, he completed 67.2% of his passes for 3,678 yards and 24 touchdowns, while also rushing for 821 yards and five touchdowns. Jackson’s dual-threat capabilities make him a constant challenge for defenses, and he will be looking to exploit any weaknesses in the Chiefs’ defense. Jackson’s standout performance against the Miami Dolphins last season, where he threw for 321 yards and five touchdowns, serves as a reminder of his potential to take over a game at any moment. The Ravens’ defense, led by linebacker Roquan Smith, is known for its physicality. Smith, who was acquired midseason last year, quickly made an impact and will be a crucial factor in containing the Chiefs’ dynamic offense. The Ravens’ secondary, which struggled with injuries towards the end of last season, will need to be at its best to counter Mahomes and his array of weapons. Predictions As the Chiefs and Ravens prepare to face off in the season opener, the stakes are already high. Playing at home, the Chiefs are the favorites, with a 3-point advantage. However, the potential absence of Marquise Brown is a concern for Kansas City. “It could’ve been worse,” Patrick Mahomes said last week. “It’s a blow to lose someone like Brown, especially with the experience he brings to the table, but we’ve got depth in that position. Hopefully, he’ll be back on the field sooner rather than later.” The Chiefs are likely to leverage their home advantage and the momentum from last season’s successes to edge out the Ravens in what is expected to be a closely contested game. Both teams have the talent and determination to make deep playoff runs, but only one will emerge victorious on September 6
Rodgers, Henry, Diggs Best Bets For Player Props
We’re not far from kick-off to the new NFL season and as bettors continue to narrow down their wagers for Week 1 or their futures bets, there’s no shortage of action when it comes to player props. We’ve focused on three veteran big names in the league and are diving into their prop yards totals for the year. Jets QB Aaron Rodgers: 3,700.5 Passing Yards (-115) Aaron Rodgers 2023 season lasted just a few plays as he tore his Achilles. But he’s healed, and ready to go, even at the age of 40. Since 2020, Rodgers’ passing total has decreased every year. And we’re betting that trend continues in 2024. First off, he’s not getting any younger. Rodgers is coming off a major injury and you’d have to think the Jets will monitor his time over the season and we could see him pulled if New York is winning or losing big. While he may not have a Davante Adams type of superstar, Rodgers still has some young weapons in Garrett Wilson and veteran Mike Williams. He also has Breece Hall in the backfield who could be in for a breakthrough season, meaning Rodgers may just need to hand the ball off and rely on the Jets elite defense to make sure his passing yardage is under the total. Ravens RB Derrick Henry: 1000.5 Rushing Yards (-125) After playing his entire career in Tennessee, Derrick Henry joins a team known for running the ball. Already with dynamic dual-threat quarterback Lamar Jackson in the backfield, Henry should get a lot of touches this season. The Ravens led the NFL in rushing and with Jackson’s ability to create nightmare matchups for the defense, it could lead to massive opportunities for King Henry. He’s rushed for over 1,000 yards in five of the last six seasons and doesn’t need an incredible season to reach this mark. Fantasy projections have Henry closer to 1,200 yards, so this is a steal of a prop. Texans WR Stefon Diggs: 950.5 Receiving Yards (-145) Stefon Diggs was the main target in his four years in Buffalo where his lowest yardage total was 1,183 and his highest, 1,535 receiving yards. But Diggs was dealt to Houston where the offense was buzzing last season with young studs led by C.J. Stroud. You’d think Diggs would become the main weapon but not so fast. Houston is loaded with pass catchers including Tank Dell, Nico Collins and tight end Dalton Schultz. This could make Diggs the third pass option for Stroud. Also, age isn’t on Diggs’ side as he’s 30 years old, considered older in wide receiver years. All signs point to Diggs being productive in Houston, but not breaking the 1,000 yard mark.
NFL Playoff Futures: Best Bets to Make and Miss Playoffs
As we head to the start of the NFL season it’s time to predict which teams make or miss the playoffs. And as always, there are odds associated with each option. But is there value out there? Absolutely. You just have to look deep and find them. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered as we’ll provide some of our best bets for the 2024 regular season. Los Angeles Rams: Yes -115 While the Rams are in a division owned by the 49ers there are pundits who feel they can win the NFC West. Los Angeles finished 10-7 and grabbed a wild card spot last and should be in the same position this time around. The team is loaded with talent including rising stars Puka Nacua and Kyren Williams and veterans Matthew Stafford and Cooper Cupp. New Orleans Saints: No -210 The Saints are a bad football team. While they have the ‘easiest’ schedule, they still won’t be good enough to make the playoffs. At best, and that means the very best, New Orleans could finish 8-9, not good enough to make the postseason. There’s a better chance of Dennis Allen getting turfed in season than the team making the playoffs. Pittsburgh Steelers: Yes +160 The Steelers always find themselves in the thick of things making the playoffs in three of the last four years. Now they have found a couple of quarterbacks who are upgrades over the past few seasons. Russell Wilson and Justin Fields take over in the backfield and Mike Tomlin, who’s never had a losing record in his 17 years of coaching. Despite an ultra competitive division, Pittsburgh offers solid value to make the postseason. Buffalo Bills: No +140 The Bills best receivers left with Stefon Diggs moving on to Houston and Gabe Davis to Jacksonville. The defense has an aging secondary and the depth across the board isn’t very deep. It may come down to Josh Allen who may have to put together an MVP type season to guarantee a playoff spot. But with the Jets and Dolphins considered teams on the rise in the AFC East, the Bills to miss offers good value. Atlanta Falcons to Miss Playoffs +155 The Falcons had quite the offseason especially at quarterback. They signed Kirk Cousins, then drafted Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth overall pick. While they are the division favorites Atlanta was terrible last season for bettors, 5-12 ATS, 2-7 ATS on the road. Sure they have stars ready to break out in Bijan Robinson, Drake London and Kyle Pitts, but the defense isn’t great. They have an early season trio of games against Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and Kansas City and things may not be as good as everyone thinks it is in Atlanta. Let’s go with +155 for the Falcons to miss the playoffs.
Daniels, Nabers, Odunze Best Bets For Rookie Player Props
There’s no question player props are becoming more popular year after year, especially when it comes to season long props. When it comes to newbies, there seems to be more attention on rookies, particularly high offensive first round picks. We’ll handicap some of the more explosive players who will garner a lot of betting action this coming season. Regular Season Passing Yards Jayden Daniels, Commanders Under 3100.5 Passing Yards -135 Over 3100.5 Passing Yards +105 Jayden Daniels was drafted second overall and without a doubt will be the starter for the Commanders and this line has continued to move up over the last couple of weeks. Assuming Daniels starts all 14 games, he’ll need to average 221.5 passing yards to hit this total. Over the last 10 years, only one rookie quarterback (Bryce Young 2023) has failed to hit this total while playing 14 games. A big reason why the juice is higher on the under, the LSU-product can run and usually picks up big yardage with his feet, which increases his chance of getting hit, and hurt. Barring injuries or benching, Daniels should be able to hit this number. Fantasy Projection: 3464 Passing Yards Regular Season Receiving Yards Malik Nabers, Giants Under 900.5 Receiving Yards -150 Over 900.5 Receiving Yards +120 Malik Nabers has been lighting it up during training camp and is showing that he can be the next big star in the Big Apple. He was drafted sixth overall and Fantasy League projections have him hitting 1000 yards this season. The Giants are in need of a gamebreaker with big-play ability, and Nabers fits the bill. He dominated at LSU averaging more than 12 yards per target. The upside for him is huge but the downside may be his quarterback. Daniel Jones struggled last season but he really didn’t have a player like Nabers to help. Another team that likely falls behind in games, meaning airing out the ball, and Nabers should be ready for garbage yardage in some games. Fantasy Projection: 1031 Receiving Yards Regular Season Receiving Yards Rome Odunze, Bears Under 700.5 Receiving Yards -135 Over 700.5 Receiving Yards +105 Another rookie who has seen his total climb over the past few weeks. Rome Odunze was an absolute star for the Huskies last year, many felt he was the best receiver in college. Now, he’s teamed up with first overall pick, Caleb Williams and the Bears could be a fun team to watch. It’s always tough to bet overs on rookies, but it’s even more difficult when that rookie will be WR3 in Chicago. DJ Moore, Keenan Allen and even Cole Kmet will get more balls their way, but Odunze has the talent and draft capital to exceed expectations. Fantasy Projection: 804 Receiving Yards
USC vs LSU; Can Trojans Upset Tigers in Las Vegas?
Two powerhouse programs will kick off their season on Sunday night as the USC Trojans take on the LSU Tigers at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Ironically, both sides lost their starting quarterbacks from last year as Caleb Williams was drafted first overall by the Bears and Jayden Daniels went No. 2 to the Commanders. Both teams are ranked in the top-25 to begin the season and the winner of this one likely moves up, while the loser could fall out of the AP Poll. USC Trojans The Trojans will play their first game as a member of the Big Ten after moving over from the Pac-12. USC underwent big changes including losing QB Caleb Williams who went first overall in the NFL draft. Now the keys belong to Miller Moss who was sensational in last year’s Holiday Bowl throwing for six touchdowns and 372 yards. USC was red out last season winning six straight before losing 5 of the last six and couldn’t do anything right on defense. The Trojans surrendered 34 or more points in their final eight games and 28 or more points in 11 of their 13 games last season. LSU Tigers LSU is reloading at the quarterback position replacing Jayden Daniels with Garrett Nussmeier. While the Tigers lost WR Malik Nabers, who was drafted sixth by the Giants, they still have a handful of explosive receivers in Aaron Anderson, CJ Daniels, Chris Hilton, Kyren Lacy and Zavion Thomas. And the offensive line is considered one of the better units in the SEC and that should give Nussmeier opportunities to find his targets. LSU finished 10-3 in a tough SEC West Division and will look to get off to a hot start in 2024. The offense should remain strong while the defense is taking a step forward meaning expectations will be high in Baton Rouge. Betting Odds LSU -4.5 (-110) USC +4.5 (-110) Total: 64.5 (-110) Recent Trends LSU has won eight of its last nine games against non-conference opponents USC has lost each of its last five games against AP-ranked teams LSU has covered the spread in six of its last seven games as a favorite USC has won each of its last seven season openers LSU has lost five of its last seven season openers as a favorite Series head-to-head These programs have met twice with each school winning once. This will be the first meeting on a neutral field. USC won 17-12 back in 1979 while LSU beat the Trojans 23-2 in 1984.