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Bets Dressed - Week 1 - NFL Kickoff Uniform Matchup and Fantasy Plays

WE MADE IT. The NFL season is here. And what better way to start than with the defending champion Rams hosting the offseason darling Bills. The Hollywood Bowl!

In this issue of the Bets Dressed newsletter, we'll be covering the NFL Kickoff Uniform Matchup and making a game pick accordingly. In addition, I'll offer a few Single Digit Revolution fantasy plays to keep an eye out for this week.

A quick note on methodology.

All season long, I'll be offering insight and analysis on every single NFL uniform matchup. And I'll be making a pick against the spread for the team that dresses best in each matchup.

In addition, I'll still be showcasing the best uniform matchup of the week. But because this is the Bets Dressed newsletter, I'll be betting the over for the most aesthetically pleasing showdown of the week. And in the interest of balance, I'll be calling out the worst uniform matchup of the week and betting the under.

The Triple Mismatch Club.

One last methodology point. If you've been following me for a while, you've heard me mention the Triple Mismatch Club. I coined this phrase to describe a situation where a team's uniform features three different colored elements. In other words, when your helmet, jersey, and pants are different colors, you've entered the Triple Mismatch Club.

To up the stakes and highlight one of my favorite quirks in athletic aesthetics, I'll be making three unit plays whenever the best dressed team in the matchup is a member of the Triple Mismatch Club. This applies to the best matchup of the week as well. And the piece de resistance: if the week's best matchup features TWO Triple Mismatch Club members, we're going three squared and making a nine unit play. Buckle up. It's showtime.

NFL Kickoff Uniform Matchup.

We were so close to perfection. This was a best matchup dark horse contender, but the Bills decided to go full blue unitard against the Rams and their fantastic (now primary) white uniforms. I called the Rams reprising their Super Bowl outfits for the season opener a while ago, and I was equally certain the Bills would go with blue over white in response. I am surprised and disappointed they decided on the all blues instead.

But I won't stay upset for long. We are in for a doozy with this one. You had me at Josh Allen vs. Aaron Donald. Matthew Stafford, Stefon Diggs, Cooper Kupp, Sean McDermott, Sean McVay, Von Miller, Jalen Ramsey, Tre White, and Allen Robinson are just cherries on top.

But as for the winner of this uniform matchup, I'm left with little choice. The Bills may be higher ranked in the Power Rankings, but give me those Rams beauties. Easily the best uniform in their wardrobe and a sneaky contender for best white uniform in the league. And would you look at that. We wasted no time admitting our first member of the season to the Triple Mismatch Club. Hit that 3x button.

The Pick: Rams +2.5 (-110)

Triple Mismatch Club 3x Play

Long Live The Single Digit Revolution.

I've decided to keep the Single Digit Revolution alive throughout the season. Each Thursday issue, I'll throw out three Club SDR* members that I think are in for big fantasy weeks. And in true Bets Dressed fashion, a stat prop will accompany each player.

*I'm 100% going to be referring to this segment as Club SDR for the rest of the season.

Ja'Marr Chase - Longest Reception Over 25.5 Yards (-110)

I've been hyping up Ja'Marr all offseason, so it's only fair I put my money where my mouth is right off the bat. There will be no shortage of explosive plays from the Bengals this season, and I expect Ja'Marr to waste little time in picking up where he left off last season. This dude averaged over 20 yards per reception in six regular season games last season and cleared the 25.5 number in 12 out of 21 games including the postseason. I think he's good for at least one catch over 25 yards - if not multiple.

Trey Lance - Over 36.5 Rushing Yards (-110)

The Trey Lance Era is officially upon us. As a true duel threat, Lance is no stranger to running. In two starts last season, Lance averaged 5 yards per carry and 12 carries per game. Do the math. I think this will be the lowest rushing prop line of the season for Lance. Get in early before the market adjusts.

DeVante Parker - Anytime Touchdown (+270)

Revenge game!* Parker opens his Patriots tenure with a trip to his old team in Miami. And I'm bullish on his touchdown chances. Parker is one of my favorite fantasy sleepers. I think he has a real chance to emerge as Mac Jones's favorite target - especially in the red zone. Also, count me among those who believe reports of the Patriots demise are greatly exaggerated.

*We've got a pseudo revenge week in the NFL. Baker squares off against the Browns, and Russ returns to Seattle.

The Gridiron Uniform Database.

The uniform graphics you see here are courtesy of The Gridiron Uniform Database. If you’ve never paid their site a visit, stop what you’re doing right now and check it out. It is my favorite site on the Internet and an invaluable resource to uniform nerds and casual fans alike. This is especially the case during the season. I check the site multiple times a day to keep tabs on who's wearing what.

Drop me a line.

You can always find me on Twitter at NFL Fashion Advice (@fashion_nfl) or via email at [email protected]. Come talk uniforms and all things football, and let me know what you think of the newsletter.

Coming Attractions.

We're just getting started. The Bets Dressed Week 1 coverage continues this Sunday with a breakdown of the full slate (plus Monday Night Football). No matchup goes uncovered here.

Look for the Sunday issue to hit your inbox a few hours before the early window kick. We live in a world without a uniform scheduling czar, so it's sometimes a chore finding out a team's wardrobe ahead of time. In instances where it's not 100% clear, I'll make my best (and preferred) guess.

I'm excited to go on this journey with you all this season. Let's have some fun.

Be sure to subscribe and share this newsletter far and wide.

And always remember: Look Good. Feel Good. Pay Good.