Over the last few weeks, one thing I've been experimenting with is first quarter bets on FanDuel Sportsbook. Throughout that time, the results have been up and down but overall, I've won more than I've lost. With that said, these first quarter bets are just so fun to put together. You get quick results and it leads to me researching games even more than I already do. Despite injuries and inconsistencies between both of these offenses, let's compile some of my favorite first quarter bets tonight between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Baltimore Ravens!
Now you can bet each of these straight up or you can bet them in a parlay. Personally, I bet them as a parlay just because the odds become a little bit bigger and you can take the best players on the field for a more reasonable or easier outcome. So let's start with the best player on the field for Monday.
Get instant alerts when a line reaches your target via the BettingPros App >>
Monday’s Best First Quarter Picks
(Odds Courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson has the Baltimore Ravens at a 4-2 record and he's playing very good football right now. Currently, Jackson has 1,529 passing yards with 10 touchdowns and two interceptions. Meanwhile, he's completing 67% of his passes and as we all know, he’s a threat on the ground. So far this season, Jackson has 403 rushing yards with two touchdowns.
Focusing on the first quarter, Jackson is averaging 59 passing yards in first quarters this season. His total is set at 45.5 passing yards (-113) but I'll play it safe due to the Ravens being able to run the ball better than anyone in the NFL. As for the Buccaneers, they have allowed 377 total passing yards in the first quarter this year, and that's good for an average of 62.83 passing yards.
To start the season, Jackson has obvious rapport with Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman and Isaiah Likely. He should have no issues passing for 40+ yards in the first quarter.
Bet: Lamar Jackson 1st Qtr Alternate Passing Yards - 40+ yards (-166)
Next up, I want to focus on the number one pass catcher in the Ravens offense. As I mentioned, the Buccaneers allow close to 63 yards passing in the first quarter. That bodes well for Flowers, who averages 21.83 receiving yards in the first quarter.
In total, Flowers has 11 receptions for 131 yards on 15 targets in the first quarter. Those are all team highs for Ravens pass catchers. Despite the emergence of Mark Andrews over the last two weeks, it's hard not to put trust in Flowers in this spot. After all, he can easily get 10+ yards on one pass alone.
Bet: Zay Flowers 1st Qtr Alt Receiving Yards - 10+ yards (-125)
Lastly, we're leaning on ol' reliable for this final leg of our first quarter parlay on Monday Night Football. Mike Evans will be remembered as one of the best and most consistent receivers in NFL history. So far this season, Evans is up to 25 receptions for 310 yards and 5 touchdowns.
In the first quarter, Evans is averaging 20.66 receiving yards, so betting on 5 total yards shouldn't be a problem. After all, the Ravens are allowing about 49 passing yards in the first quarter. In total, Evans is up to 10 receptions for 124 yards and two touchdowns on 14 targets in the first quarter this season. If you want to spice this bet up, feel free to add either Mike Evans or Zay Flowers to score a touchdown. I think either one of them could get that done. For now, I'm keeping this bet to only 3 legs.
Bet: Mike Evans 1st Qtr Alt Receiving Yards - 5+ yards (-188)
Official First Quarter (1Q) Bet:
- Lamar Jackson 1st Qtr Alternate Passing Yards - 40+ yards (-166)
- Zay Flowers 1st Qtr Alt Receiving Yards - 10+ yards (-125)
- Mike Evans 1st Qtr Alt Receiving Yards - 5+ yards (-188)
SGP Odds: +270 Odds
