NFL - My Best 5 Bets for Week 1
Atlanta Falcons @ Chicago Bears - Soldier Field
BET = Atlanta Falcons -6 ($1.90)
The Falcons were an offensive powerhouse last year, averaging a remarkable 34 points per game. Despite being on the road here, I see Matt Ryan dominating against a rebuilding Bears' teams. The Bears have a journeyman playing quarterback and I just can't see them keeping this close.
Arizona Cardinals @ Detroit Lions - Ford Field
BET = Over 47.5 Total Match Points ($1.95)
The Lions were involved in plenty of high scoring shoot-outs last season. They lack a running game, which means Matt Stafford could well be throwing the ball 40 plus times. The Cardinals have some big offensive names themselves and, with perfect conditions in an indoor stadium, I see this being a high scoring game.
Indianapolis Colts @ Los Angeles Rams - Los Angels Coliseum
BET = Under 41.5 Total Match Points ($1.90)
The Rams were the worst offense in the NFL last season, barely averaging 15 points per game. However they do play good defence at home and, with the Colts missing Andrew Luck, I see this being an ugly football game with both sides struggling to move the ball.
Seattle Seahawks @ Green Bay Packers - Lambeau Field
BET = Green Bay Packers -3.5 ($2)
I generally don't like swallowing points early in the season, however the Packers finished last season blowing sides out at home. One of those blow outs was against the Seahawks, and I see Aaron Rodgers starting the season on fire here. The Seahawks will be a tough beast in front of their raucous fans, however they are not the same side on the road for me.
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos - Mile High
BET = Under 43.5 Total Match Points
Denver are a defence-first outfit that are really tough to put a score on, playing in front of their home fans. I expect them to be involved in plenty of low scoring struggles this year, with their lack of a decent quarterback and stingy defence. The Chargers look like a side that can improve this year and I expect this to be a close and low scoring game.