Are you ready for some football? Well, in just 123 days, the NFL will make its triumphant return to the gridiron. While that equates to roughly just over four months, Las Vegas sportsbooks are preparing for the new season as fans can already wager on NFL win totals, MVP odds and Week 1 games.
Falcons out for revenge vs Eagles
According to an ESPN report, the 2018 NFL season will get underway with the reigning NFL champion Philadelphia Eagles hosting the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday, September, 6 at 8:20 PM ET. The first full Sunday schedule will kickoff on September 9.
In case you forgot, the Atlanta Falcons had the Eagles dead to rights in the NFC divisional round last January. However, the Falcons, who were a fourth-down conversion from defeating the Eagles came up short on the goal line and lost the game 15-10.
Let’s break down the Week 1 schedule Las Vegas style.
Thursday, September 6
Atlanta Falcons at Philadelphia Eagles (-3.5) O/U: 47.5
What a perfect game to let the madness begin. Remember, the Falcons return to the scene of the crime where their season came to an end - in a game some believe they should have won. Interesting stat here - Philly is 11-6-1 against the spread in Week 1 since the 2000 season.
Sunday schedule
Cincinnati Bengals at Indianapolis Colts (-1) O/U: 47.5
Chuck Pagano is gone, however, the new staff will still struggle if Andrew Luck isn’t healthy.
The Colts need a Week 1 win. Why? They have lost four straight season openers and they have started 0-2 in each of the past four years.
Houston Texans at New England Patriots (-7) O/U: 51
Tough game for the Pats to start the season. If healthy, Deshaun Watson will cause problems. The trend in Vegas is bad for the Patriots in this game too.
The Super Bowl loser is 2-16 ATS in Week 1 since 2000.
Pittsburgh Steelers (-7) at Cleveland Browns O/U: 48
For the first time in a long time, this AFC North rivalry will have nationwide attention. Welcome to the NFL, Baker Mayfield! The Browns added a lot of talent in the 2018 NFL Draft, but will they work out?
San Francisco 49ers at Minnesota Vikings (-4.5) O/U: 47.5
Jimmy Garoppolo vs Kirk Cousins.
You didn’t see that coming last October! Yes, it is Week 1, no it is not a must win, but believe me, it is a big, big game! Can Jimmy G improve to 8-0 as an NFL starter? Will Kirk Cousins fit in with the Vikings? A lot is expected out of both in 2018.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New Orleans Saints (-7.5) O/U: 52
Tough spot for Tampa. The Saints were rolling at the end of last season and can’t wait to start 2018. They host Cleveland in Week 2, so it should be a fast start for Brees and company.
Buffalo Bills at Baltimore Ravens (-3.5) O/U: 42
Line up to unload on the under before it falls to 40. Not sure what to expect from either team this season yet. Lots of talent, yet they love to underachieve.
Can the Ravens win at home against the Bills?
Jacksonville Jaguars at New York Giants (-4) O/U: 44
Another great matchup of two teams that have high hopes for 2018. The Giants drafted the consensus best running back in college, they also have beefed up the offensive line. Jags out to prove they weren’t a one year wonder.
Tennessee Titans (-2.5) at Miami Dolphins O/U: 47
Tennessee is like the Jags. Real deal or fools gold? Home dogs are nice!
Kansas City Chiefs at Los Angeles Chargers (-3) O/U: 48
Big, big, big game! The Chargers were red hot in November and December last season, however, you can’t start 0-3 or worse and expect to make the postseason.
Seattle Seahawks at Denver Broncos (-2.5) O/U 48
Super Bowl 50 rematch and this one will go to Denver.
What happened to Seattle? Yikes! Here is why it is hard to wager against the Broncos in Week 1. Denver is a whopping 44-13-1 record in home openers - that is the best in NFL history. The Broncos have won 24 of their past 27 at Mile High.
Dallas Cowboys at Carolina Panthers (-2.5) O/U: 45
The pressure is on as Big D starts off on the road against Cam Newton and the Panthers. Tough spot for Dak Prescott and cast.
Washington Redskins at Arizona Cardinals (-1) O/U: 47
Alex Smith taking on Sam Bradford. Sounds good right? So what time does the KC vs Minn game begin? This game will be odd to watch at first.
Monday Night double-header
New York Jets at Detroit Lions (-7) O/U: 44
The Matt Patricia era begins in Detroit in front of a national audience.
The Lions, along with New Orleans, Green Bay and New England are a solid touchdown favorite - the biggest on the board.
Los Angeles Rams at Oakland Raiders (-1) O/U: 49.5
Jon Gruden returns to the Silver and Black. The Rams are stacked, the Raiders are ready! This should be a fun game to watch.