Opening lines for Week 1 of the NFL regular season came out months ago so it’s only natural to expect some movement with five months and four preseason games to handicap teams. And now that we are in game week, there will be more action on the games and, as a result more changes to the numbers.
Wagering on NFL games is always an interesting endeavor, waiting for the right number to pop up or gleaning inside information to turn a profit. But no matter how much research you do, there’s always going to be upsets, just like last year’s season opener when the Kansas City Chiefs beat New England outright as a 9-point dog. That’s what makes it fun and that’s why it’s called gambling. Now that rosters have been set and injury reports are out, let’s take a look at some games that had significant shifting in the line since hitting the board back in April. And remember, you can bet on all NFL games at Bookmaker.eu.
Week 1 Major Line Moves
Buffalo Bills at Baltimore Ravens
Opening Line: Ravens -3.5
Current Line: Ravens -7.5
No opening game shifted more than this one with the Ravens seeing an increase of four points on their line. Buffalo was a playoff team last season, ending a 17-year postseason drought, but the Bills underwent a major overhaul, especially at the most important position on the field. They discarded the quarterback that got them to the second season, acquired a career backup, and used the seventh overall pick in the draft on their QB of the future. So, the Bills are going with a guy who threw five interceptions in the first half of his first career start last season.
It’s hard to imagine the Bills being any better with Nathan Peterman behind center than they were last season, but it’s easy to see them being worse. They surprised folks last year by reaching the playoffs and Buffalo is poised to try it again, however there is no magic. Meanwhile, the Ravens are ready for big year after making upgrades to their offense and having Joe Flacco healthy for the opening of the season. And they figure to be strong defensively again. The combination forced a shift in favor of the Ravens and they are getting nearly 80 percent of the action.
Los Angeles Rams at Oakland Raiders
Opening Line: Rams -1
Current Line: Rams -4
The Raiders brought Chucky back, but some are questioning his methods. Jon Gruden returns to the sideline after several years in the broadcast booth and he made waves this week when dealing Khalil Mack, a premiere pass rusher and defender in the prime of his career. Several players took to social media after the trade in an obvious tone of frustration. And those same players watched the Rams lock up their stud defender, likely adding to the bewilderment. Aaron Donald will be in uniform on Monday night and the Rams moved from a 1-point favorite to -4
The line could spike even higher given that 80 percent of the betting public is backing the Rams. And why not, they added Pro Bowl talent to their defense and have nearly the entire offensive unit that led the league in scoring back for another run. The Rams are not only favored to win this game, they are among the favorites to contend for a Super Bowl title. The Raiders? not so much.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New Orleans Saints
Opening Line: Saints -7
Current Line: Saints -9.5
The Bucs season might be over before it even starts. Dealing with the suspension of Jameis Winston to open the year, the Bucs are a 9.5-point road dog in this one, up from the opening line of Bucs +7. Ryan Fitzpatrick is an adequate backup, but he’s no magician and the Saints have assembled a team that many think has a Super Bowl in it. Tampa won last year’s regular season finale, nearly knocking New Orleans from the top spot in the NFC South. It was Winston who engineered the game-winning drive in that one and with him not around, it’s hard to envision the Bucs doing enough damage to hang close.
The line settled in at its current number a few weeks ago, suggesting the Bucs aren’t getting much action. If the squares continue to pound the home team and the number reaches double figures, it would be worth the play since that’s a lot of points for an NFL game.
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