On The Line — Week One
The start of the NFL season leads me to the debut of On The Line. The Vegas line on each NFL game is looked at vigorously for those trying to make some extra money or those just looking for who is favored this weekend. Wagers are just another way to spice up the football season, especially for college games (of which I will not touch for the time being). The NFL lines are more realistic and in line with sane individuals, like myself. I’d rather pick a game with a 6.5 point favorite over a 33.5 point favorite.
Each week, I will pick the NFL games based on set lines that could or could not win me money if I was a betting man. With that said, here we go.
TNF: Panthers (-3) at Broncos
Panthers (-3). Cam wants his redemption for what happened in Superbowl 50 and I can’t get on the Trevor Simian bandwagon before the season starts.
Packers (-5.5) at Jaguars
Packers (-5.5). Rodgers has Jordy Nelson back and it makes a difference for a team wanting to open the field. The Jags are going to be much improved but I don’t think they get the best of Rodgers.
Bills at Ravens (-3)
Bills (+3). Tyrod Taylor and LeSean McCoy combine for 3 rushing touchdowns and pull off the first Rex and Rob win of the year…start the hype machine.
Bears at Texans (-6)
Texans (-6). The Brock-wiler gets off to a fast start with Hopkins and Miller.
Browns at Eagles (-4)
Eagles (-4). Wentz gets hyped up after destroying a terrible Cleveland defense. The Eagles win by at least 10.
Buccaneers at Falcons (-3)
Bucs (+3). Famous Jameis beats Matty Ice. Look out for the Bucs this year.
Vikings (-2) at Titans
Titans (+2). The Titans should not be getting points here. I feel more comfortable with Mariota over a newly acquired Sam Bradford or the social studies teacher, Shaun Hill.
Bengals (-2.5) at Jets
Jets (+2.5). I am a bigger believer in the Jets defense than I am the Bengals defense. Fitzpatrick shows just why he wanted to get paid and Forte shines catching the football.
Raiders at Saints (-1.5)
Saints (-1.5). The Drew Brees extension comes right in time for a guy who needs to put the team on his back to win this shootout between two really good offenses.
Chargers at Chiefs (-6.5)
Chiefs (-6.5). The Chargers aren’t that good of a team overall. It would be a blowout without Rivers and Keenan Allen. Otherwise, Chiefs by at least 10.
Dolphins at Seahawks (-10.5)
Seahawks (-10.5). Golly 10.5 points is enormous. I almost took Miami but Russell Wilson and company get in a groove, the defense holds Adam Gase’s offense in check and Seattle wins by 13.
Lions at Colts (-3.5)
Colts (-3.5). Andrew Luck bounces back in this week 1 match-up with Matt Stafford.
Giants (-1) at Cowboys
Giants (-1). Eli gets the better end of stick over Dak Prescott.
Patriots at Cardinals (-6)
Cardinals (-6). No Tom Brady means no win for the Pats here. Jimmy G gets good experience that he will translate into better performances in weeks 2–4.
MNF: Steelers (-3) at Redskins
Redskins (+3). I just somehow believe Kirk Cousins will put the team on his back and beat Big Ben and the Steelers. The Redskins will get their 3rd home win on Monday night since FedEx Field opened.
MNF: Rams (-2.5) at 49ers
49ers (+2.5). I hate picking this game so I'll take San Francisco and the points in a game that will not be very good.
***Lines are as of September 7, 2016***
