Breaking down Week 1 NFL betting lines…in April

The 2015 NFL schedule was released just 24 hours ago and the regular season doesn’t get underway for another five months. Hell, the draft hasn’t even taken place. But it’s never too early to start placing your bets. That’s why Westgate has already released Week 1 betting lines. A breakdown:

Steelers at Patriots (-6)
Over/under: 53

Primetime games were often blowouts last season, defending champions typically kick ass in primetime openers and the Steelers will be without Pro Bowl running back Le’Veon Bell. Gotta think six is a little low.

Packers (-4) at Bears
Over/under: 50

This is a tight line because it’s Chicago’s home opener, but Green Bay crushed the Bears on the road last September and the gap between those teams might have grown.

Chiefs at Texans (-1.5)
Over/under: 43

A lot of this could depend on who Houston has under center, but the Texans are a favorite anyway. They went 5-3 at home last season, while Kansas City was just 3-5 on the road.

Browns at Jets (-1)
Over/under: 41

We don’t know who’ll be starting at quarterback for either of these crappy teams, so the Jets by a small margin at home makes sense for now.

Colts (-3) at Bills
Over/under: 48

Quarterback questions hold Buffalo back against a perennial contender, but this makes sense because the Bills should stick around in the home opener.

Dolphins (-2.5) at Redskins
Over/under: 44.5

Honestly, wouldn’t be surprised to see a talented and improving Dolphins team dominate the sad Redskins in D.C.

Panthers (-4) at Jaguars
Over/under: 43.5

Carolina has been unpredictable, especially early. So I wouldn’t make them a big favorite on the road against a gradually improving Jaguars team.

Seahawks (-3.5) at Rams
Over/under: 44

The Seahawks have lost two of their last three games in St. Louis, so I’m surprised this isn’t inside a field goal.

Saints at Cardinals (-2.5)
Over/under: 48

New Orleans has taken a step backwards and the Cardinals should finally be healthy, so this makes a lot of sense in Arizona.

Lions at Chargers (-2)
Over/under: 46.5

This is a toss-up game between two playoff-caliber teams, and the Lions traveling early shouldn’t hurt them too much. Makes sense.

Titans at Buccaneers (-3)
Over/under: 42.5

Mariota vs. Winston? It’s possible. But that just goes to show how unpredictable this game should be. Home team by a field goal is the only way to go right now.

Bengals (-3) at Raiders
Over/under: 44.5

This is a tough one. The Raiders are desperate to make a statement with a strong start and Oakland has fared well at home against superior teams. Wouldn’t be surprised to see an upset here.

Ravens at Broncos (-4)
Over/under: 53

Peyton Manning and the Broncos have won 21 of their last 22 home games, and they killed Baltimore in Denver to start the 2013 season.

Giants at Cowboys (-5.5)
Over/under: 50

Seems like a lot of early points for Dallas considering how well these teams know each other. With Odell Beckham Jr., the G-Men are for real.

Eagles (-11.5) at Falcons
Over/under: 53.5

Vegas is on the primetime blowout bandwagon here. Making the Eagles a double-digit favorite for Atlanta’s home opener seems a little much. The Falcons are quite talented on offense.

Vikings at 49ers (-3.5)
Over/under: 42

This is surprising too. Even though San Francisco is home, the ‘Niners are a team in disarray and probably declining. Meanwhile, the young Vikings are getting better and should have Adrian Peterson. I’d make this a pick’em.

About Brad Gagnon

Brad Gagnon has been passionate about both sports and mass media since he was in diapers -- a passion that won't die until he's in them again. Based in Toronto, he's worked as a national NFL blog editor at theScore.com (covering Super Bowls XLIV, XLV and XLVI), a producer and writer at theScore Television Network and a host, reporter and play-by-play voice at Rogers TV. His work has also appeared at Deadspin, FoxSports.com, The Guardian, The Hockey News and elsewhere at Bloguin, but his day gig has him covering all things NFC East for Bleacher Report.

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