We’ve made it, everyone. Enter a time when moods can be entirely affected by real and fake football teams, a time that men ignore their significant others all afternoon on Sundays, but most importantly, a time that brings American society together, over an athletic competition like no other. To celebrate, we’ll look at some of the best betting values of week one, so without further ado,
Chargers -3.5
The Chargers open their season at home against division rival Las Vegas Raiders and will effectively and the ambiguity that any team can win this division. One of the most complete teams in all of football, the Chargers will demonstrate that they should be considered a Super-Bowl favorite after obliterating a mediocre Raiders defense that lacks the capability to halt this high-powered offense. Derek Carr will quickly discover that not even Davante Adams can save him from his O-Line succumbing to a dynamic Charger’s front, and the Chargers’ second and third levels won’t make matters any easier. The Raiders lose control of this game by halftime, ensuring the Chargers cover the spread with ease.
Justin Herbert O 284.5 Passing Yards
Let’s visit the Chargers again, and who wouldn’t bet on a third-year quarterback that’s been nothing but spectacular since drafted. Justin Herbert draws a Raiders’ secondary that simply can’t cover the plethora of receiving threats he has at his discretion. Assuming his O-Line holds strong against the Raiders’ outstanding edge rushers, Herbert should have no trouble amassing 300 yards by air. The bigger concern here could be that the Chargers build a safe lead too early, but that shouldn’t be enough to dissuade from this reasonable prop.
Lions Eagles O 48.5 Total Points
This game features two teams carrying high expectations to improve upon last year’s performance/record. Although surely many fans would roll their eyes at the lions again this year, their offense will be much improved at the very least, like what we observed towards the end of last season, maybe better with a healthier O-Line. Everyone seems to be hopping on the Eagles’ hype train, now the favorites to win the NFC East. The big question is whether Jalen Hurts can take advantage of his outstanding O-Line and solid skill position players, however, even Marcus Mariota could have a field day against the Lions improving but still bottom half defense. Expect points early and often in this one, with the Lions keeping it close to the very end, maximizing scoring output.
Panthers To Win
Even though we lost a point and a half of value overnight, the Panthers should have no issue winning this contest. In fact, I’d lose all hope in Baker Mayfield’s career if he can’t show up and pummel his former team, which replaced him with a criminal. The Panthers’ defense shouldn’t have difficulties limiting the effect of a Jacoby Brissett led offense, so it’s up to Mayfield to deliver the ball quickly to his playmakers. I don’t expect this to be a high scoring affair, but the Panthers should handle the Browns with a more balanced roster on Mayfield’s revenge tour.
Bonus: Davante Adams to score
Look for the Raiders to force the Carr to Adams connection in game one, especially near the end zone. The organization will want to prove that Adams can be an equally effective threat on the Raiders as he was on the Packers, and we all know Adams is elite on the goal line.
M-FANS 