With training camp starting in less than two weeks, NFL Week 1 lines have seen a little movement since they opened in April. That doesn’t mean that there aren’t opportunities for bettors.
There are a couple of games that have moved a half-point, and the biggest one is the Arizona Cardinals hosting the Detroit Lions. The game opened as a pick ’em, but has moved the most of any game, going to -1 for the Lions.
Online Gambling News took a look at full slate of games, and gave our early season observations on three of them.
Green Bay vs. Chicago -3.5
The opening game of the season will be on Thursday, September 5, at Soldier Field. That should be worth three points to Chicago for home field advantage, so it is puzzling with the line at 3.5.
It began at four points, but has moved towards Green Bay. The Packers have a whole lot of questions. The biggest one is can Aaron Rodgers get along with new coach Matt LaFleur? There is apparently already friction, partly because Rodgers wants more control of the offense.
The second question is will Rodgers return to form of earlier seasons. Having wide receiver Davante Adams definitely helps.
Chicago was a playoff team that experienced heartbreak in the Wild Card game against Philadelphia, 16-15. That home loss was crushing for a team expected to go further in the playoffs.
There are some that don’t think the Bears will even make the playoffs this year, but with a defense anchored by Khalil Mack, and a serviceable offense, they should return to the postseason. It should start with a victory over rival Green Bay.
Tennessee vs. Cleveland -4.5
The public loves Cleveland, and believes they are a playoff team. Vegas has there win total at 9, with the over the -125 favorite. One of those wins should be against Tennessee.
With an opening line of -5, the game was bet down to 4.5 in the Browns’ favor. The Titans are working with an inconsistent quarterback in Marcus Mariota.
The Browns have been adding weapons for quarterback Baker Mayfield. Odell Beckham, Jarvis Landry, Nick Chubb, David Njoku, Rishard Higgins, and Antonio Callaway all should help Cleveland produce points.
The defense got upgrades as well, and whether the team can win 10 games remains to be seen, they will definitely win this one.
New York Giants vs. Dallas -7.5
It looks like Ezekiel Elliott has escaped any suspensions for his run in with a Las Vegas security guard. Now the team can concentrate on what’s happening on the field.
They have the offensive weapons, especially with Amari Cooper at receiver. They also get tight end Jason Whitten back, who is coming back from retirement. They should be able to handle the Giants defense, but can they cover 7.5 points?
They should cover. The Giants have a quarterback controversy whether they want to admit it or not. Whoever is under center can expect an improved Cowboys defense putting pressure on them for most of the game.