The much-anticipated first week of the NFL season is over and for bettors who took the unconventional route they were paid off handsomely as there were several mild surprises during the 15 games played. What took place will also give gamblers more information for this week’s games.
The biggest shock happened at the first game of the season when defending Super Bowl Champions New England got manhandled at home by the Kansas City Chiefs. The Patriots were 11-4 picks before that game to repeat, but fell to 13-4 after the 42-27 loss.
The team looked sluggish and out of rhythm in the second half as Kansas City, who were 9-point under dogs, paid off not only on that bet but plus-185 on the money line. They also were one of the few teams that covered the over, which was 48 ½.
What We Learned
Over/Under Anomaly
But for at least the opening round the over was not your friend. Usually fans can count on several of the contests to go over the posted line, but this time it was the big loser. Only the Rams/Colts, Cardinals/Lions and Chargers/Broncos went over the posted line. For a pass-happy, offensively driven league, this was a stunner. That shouldn’t happen again this week as teams are more settled and the touchdowns should continue to flow again.
Goff Likes New Coach
LA Rams quarterback Jared Goff sputtered when Jeff Fisher was the coach but the new boss, Sean McVay seems to have given the signal caller a new life. Granted it was the lowly Colts, but Goff seemed poised and confidant in the 46-9 victory. He was 21 of 29 with a touchdown.
Raiders are Real Deal
The Oakland Raiders, who will be in Las Vegas in three years, looked like a quality postseason team in their 26-16 victory over Tennessee. Derek Carr picked up right where he left off before the injury ruined the team’s playoff aspirations. The addition of Marshawn Lynch could provide the extra piece they needed. They certainly look like the division favorite now.
What We Still Need to Know
Houston Quarterback Controversy
How long before rookie DeShaun Watson is the starting quarterback at Houston? He replaced Tom Savage whose performance lived up to his last name. Watson showed some sparks and led the team to their only touchdown. It’s only a matter of time before he is leading team, but when?
Could Cardinals Decline Further
That audible groan that rang out across the nation was the cries of agony from Fantasy Football owners who picked David Johnson. The running back injured his wrist and will be out two to three months. That means Arizona will have to rely on Carson Palmer and his first game was not a good sign. He threw for three interceptions and looked erratic all day. How far will the team fall and will they be playoff eligible if or when they get Johnson back.
Le’Veon Bell’s Effectiveness
The Pittsburgh running back held out for a better contract and missed training camp. He got paid but the Steelers haven’t. Not yet at least. How long it will take him to get into football shape remains to be seen, but he wasn’t there the first game. He had 47 yards on 13 carries against the lowly Cleveland Browns.