Well, actually the American Football betting Road to Week 1 started yesterday (April 20th) when the 2017 NFL season schedule was announced. But most fans who bet on the NFL at a sportsbook would agree that’s just splitting nits.
Thursday, September 7
Kansas City Chiefs vs. New England Patriots
The Chiefs draw the shortest straw and will kick off their season against Super Bowl 51 winners the New England Patriots – and Tom Brady ain’t suspended this time around (yeah, like it made any difference). The Super Bowl champion is 14-2 SU and 10-4-2 ATS since the 2000 season.
Sunday, September 10
New York Jets vs. Buffalo Bills
As fans who bet on the NFL probably know, the Bills were the second-best over proposition in 2016.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
The Browns were the success story of 2016, if by success we mean the opposite of the dictionary definition. Cleveland went 3-12-1 ATS last season.
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins
The Eagles got off to a 3-0 start last season before imploding and finishing 7-9. Meanwhile, the Redskins were the only team that played seven games against teams that would reach the postseason.
Oakland Raiders vs. Tennessee Titans
The still-Oakland Raiders will use Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum for at least the next two seasons, but they will start their season at Nissan Stadium.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Miami Dolphins
Last season, the Dolphins pulled an about-face – literally, they went from a 6-10 record in 2015 to 10-6. Also, the American football betting total went over in 12 of their games.
Carolina Panthers vs. San Francisco 49ers
Colin Kaepernick will presumably be kneeling to the national anthem in a different city next season, and Blaine Gabbert has also entered free agency. Addition by subtraction?
New York Giants vs. Dallas Cowboys
This will be the 111th chapter in the storied rivalry between Giants and Cowboys. The Giants were the only team to defeat Dallas twice last season.
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Houston Texans
There is a big question mark under center for the Texans. The word among fans who bet on the NFL is they’re after Tony Romo.
Arizona Cardinals vs. Detroit Lions
The Cards were the hope of anti-Patriots everywhere, but finished 6-10 against the spread.
Atlanta Falcons vs. Chicago Bears
Atlanta was the best over betting proposition last year, with the total going over in 17 of their games.
Baltimore Ravens vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Both the Ravens and the Bengals had trouble covering as visitors; Baltimore went 2-6 and Cinci 2-5-1 against the spread on the road.
Indianapolis Colts vs. Los Angeles Rams
The Rams went 1-8 after their bye in week 8, while the Colts went 3-4 on the road last season.
Seattle Seahawks vs. Green Bay Packers
The Packers’ running game kicked in at about the last third of the 2016 season. The question is, can they keep the momentum?
Monday, September 11
San DiegoLos Angeles Chargers vs. Denver Broncos
The Broncos seemed to be at a loss following Peyton Manning’s retirement. Time for Siemian to truly step up
New Orleans Saints vs. Minnesota Vikings
New Orleans had he second-highest scoring offense and second-worst scoring defense last season. Something to think about, American football betting over/under-wise.