We’re two weeks away from NFL training camp and a little less than two months away from Week 1, but that doesn’t mean we can’t make an excuse to check out the lines for opening week and maybe slide into something before the books realize they’ve made a huge mistake.
The oddsmakers at BetDSI Sportsbook released their early ideas on how Week 1 will go down. Let’s take a look.
Thursday, Sept. 6
Atlanta Falcons at Philadelphia Eagles (-5, O/U: 46.5)
The season opener is outstanding on paper. This line has already moved a full point the Eagles’ way in the last two weeks, so if you’re thinking Falcons, you better go ahead and jump in. I don’t see it moving more than half a point either way before kick off, but if Atlanta looks stumbly at all in the preseason, it could hit a touchdown easy.
Sunday, Sept. 9
Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns (+6.5, O/U: 46.5)
Nobody is thinking about the Browns here and they shouldn’t. They’ll be better than they were last season, but the only way they could be worse than their 0-16 campaign is if the bus crashed on the way to the stadium. That’s a pretty big line for opening week, even with the Steelers and Browns, so I doubt it will move.
San Francisco 49ers at Minnesota Vikings (-5.5, O/U: 47)
Just a week and a half ago, this line was -4.5 which just goes to show the Jimmy Garoppolo high we’ve all experienced from the end of last season is waning quite a bit. I’d jump on this one any day. As good as the 49ers looked at the end of 2017 and as potent as Shanahan may have that offense, the Vikings are probably the second best team, overall, in the league with a defense that can absolutely shut the 49ers down. This one too may be six in a week. I don’t like the total either. This game could easily be a 28-17 final.
We’re exactly two months away from the 49ers Week 1 road opener against the Minnesota Vikings. It’s not all that surprising offseason betting has been on the Vikings. https://t.co/G8ubb9d3Wj
— Niners Nation (@NinersNation) July 15, 2018
Cincinnati Bengals at Indianapolis Colts (-2.5, O/U: 46.5)
If you think Andrew Luck is going to play Week 1, you go ahead and plug in your bet here and roll. If you have questions, absolutely take Cincy at +2.5 and don’t wait to do it.
Buffalo Bills at Baltimore Ravens (-5, O/U: 42)
This Bills and Ravens line will move to -7.5 before kickoff, so this is the time to jump on it too. I really feel this Bills team will struggle to hit double digits in Week 1, so I’d look hard at the under here as well.
Jacksonville Jaguars at New York Giants (+4, O/U: 43.5)
It might be a little early to be thinking upset, but I’ll tell you; I really like the New York Giants with a healthy Odell Beckham Jr. and a competent head coach and playcaller in Week 1 (new head coach Pat Shurmur). If I was picking this game today, I’d go Giants. It’s something to think about.
5️⃣6️⃣ DAYS until #NYGiants vs. Jaguars! pic.twitter.com/YxdObrQVRy
— New York Giants (@Giants) July 15, 2018
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New Orleans Saints (-7, O/U: 50.5)
Here’s the shocker on this one; there’s not been a lot of movement since Jameis Winston’s suspension was announced. Checking back, it opened at -7.5 with some books, so, if anything, they like Ryan Fitzpatrick better to at least keep it within striking distance. I’d keep a real eye on this game, total and line. Especially if Fitzpatrick looks rough at all in his first preseason start. Dirk Koetter is a dead man walking and this Bucs season could go downhill quick.
To be continued in Part 2
