Beware of Week 1 NFL Bets Articles | Gambling

By: Richard Bleuze

Despite a great start for the 2007 College Football season for the sports betting public (a huge number of public favorites won big against the spread - I wasn't one of them!), please be careful of 2007 Week 1 NFL lines. 

Oddsmakers and books are well documented as saying week 1 in the NFL season is one of their biggest weekends of the season because of the hype and build-up.  Sports bettors are hungry to get back into the mix.  Many sports bettors passed on baseball (which is stupid in my opinion) are now very anxious to start spreading it out all over the place, as their last bet was their Super Bowl.  I want to ease expectations of all sports bettors, because a great preseason, with weak lines of the oddsmakers will not come as easy in the regular season.  Sports books are in the business of taking YOUR money, not giving you theirs.   Here is why I suggest to be very cautious when reviewing 2007 Week 1 NFL lines.  

Before I begin, I do want to warn sports bettors that the preseason is no indication of a teams ability to win the regular season and visa versa.  Oddsmakers post lines early in the week in the preseason without late information knowledge of who is starting and for how long.

Looking at the week 1 NFL lines you'll see numerous LINES that are out of whack but I  know why oddsmakers have put them where they are at.   Public perception is the motivating factor in week 1 of the NFL season, and sports betting pros like myself,  more so than the game so to speak.   That is why an ethical sports handicapper,  like myself, can become very valuable in the early weeks of the season.  Lets look at a few lines and see whats up.  Have no doubts folks, whether you love or hate the sports handicapping industry, good ones that are experienced and ethical will make you money!

Indy vs. New Orleans +6

Opening night game for Indy at home.   New Orleans is one of the best teams int he NFC with a finess passing game and is led by the 2nd best QB on the field.  In fact, I've picked New Orleans to win the Super Bowl.  I know, most think that New England will win and I'm in the minority!  New Orlean's offense is just as diverse Indy and in my opinion will not find it a cake walk to put the Saints away as predicted.  This is a big game and most likely a the Super Bowl preview already.  Yet, the Colts are commanding a 6 point spread against the NFC's runner up from last year with a weak defense.  Makes you wonder, yet the public is ready to bet on the Colts.  Thus a large line in this one set by oddsmakers.  If the public wants to play the Super Bowl Champs, they are going to make you lay it, and pay it if they fail to cover.   Get it?

Detroit vs. Oakland

Detroit is loaded on offense and their main QB, Kitna, is well rested after sitting out most of the preseason.   Oakland has an aging defense which was good last year , but their lack  an offense to provide support in points or sustaining drives and yet the better team is an underdog. Have no illiusions, Detroit will score a ton of points this year.   And yet. Oakland, one of the worst teams in the NFL this season, is a favorite!  Why?   Because they are Oakland and because they are home, and the oddsmakers know that the public will want to bet on them.  The better team, in my opinion, even with a miserable road record in recent years is the underdog.

Are you beginning to see a pattern here?  Forget the game for a minute and look at the lines and why they are set where they are.  I am not making predictions on either of these games here, just making a point!  Think about it.   At least beware of the fact there are some real set-up lines in week 1 of the NFL season.   Remember, it's your money!