The best betting websites have released their opening odds for week 1 in the upcoming NFL season. While it might be tempting for some precocious bettors to take a shot in the dark from this early, it is best if we stand back for a second and take a look at the odds board and try to spot some stand out lines that could be worth some action. So as we wait for the 6th of September to come around, let’s review some of the notable odds available now.
Atlanta Falcons vs. Philadelphia Eagles
The defending champs Eagles will usher in the season with the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday September 6th. Intertops, one of the best offshore sportsbooks, currently has Philly favored -4 +110, while MyBookie, another great sportsbook for us players, has set the total at 46.5. While the champs have a lot to proof and will want to start the season with their right foot, expect this game to really showcase a showing for the World Champs. The Falcons might have it in them to keep it close, but this game is a moral “must win” for the Eagles. Expect Philly to cover the spread and perhaps push this game to go ‘Over’.
San Francisco 49ers vs. Minnesota Vikings
Both teams are looking to make an impact this season, and quite frankly both are looking like they could very well reach the playoffs. Jimmy Garoppolo who will be looking to have his breakout season after leaving New England, but let’s not forget that the Vikings are coming from a pretty decent post season sun, and they are looking to go deeper this year. Currently, the Vikings are favorites with the spread set at -5.5 at MyBookie and at 5 at Intertops. Now, this matchup could be pretty close, if Garoppolo is able to toss the football freely, but the Vikings appear to have the talent offensively to move the ball and score. Optimistically, this game could be a real nail-biter; the Niners will show true grit and keep it close enough.
Buffalo Bills vs. Baltimore Ravens
Could this matchup see two elite rookie QB’s throwing the pigskin? A bit unlikely but, hey, anything can happen from here to September. While on the Ravens’ side Lamar Jackson might have to sit on the sidelines and back-up Joe Flacco, the Bills have to make a choice between Josh Allen and AJ McCarron, the rookie appears to be a valid option to start that game but the Buffalo might want to play it safe and give McCarron the nod. Although we recommend that you wait for at least the pre season games to happen before jumping in on this game, it is difficult not to consider that Flacco’s Super Bowl winning experience is a real edge in this case. And with a spread of -5, they appear to be a good bet on any of the top online sportsbooks offer.
Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers are still among the teams that we all expect to dominate and contend for another Vince Lombardi trophy at the end of the season. With Aaron Rodgers seeking another title that could help him cement his already hall of fame career, Green Bay starts the season against The Bears with heavy chalk at -8 (even opening up at -9). Are we going to see a blowout? Can Chicago at least keep it close? At this point, it is difficult not to see any other outcome, especially if the Packers reach this game healthy.
