It’s never too early to start analyzing NFL lines, especially when it’s June and there isn’t a lot else to talk about. So here goes it.
Panthers (-2.5) at Broncos
Over/under: 43
This is a little shocking. Teams hosting these Thursday night prime-time openers usually kill it. They’ll be celebrating the Super Bowl in Denver, and let’s remember what the Broncos did to the Panthers at a neutral site a few months ago. I know Denver suffered some offseason losses, but was Peyton Manning really making that team better? I’m all over the Broncos here.
Buccaneers at Falcons (-3)
Over/under: 47.5
That’s a lot of points for a game that will feature Tampa Bay on the road, but Jameis Winston has a lot of weapons to work with and a lot of folks think he’ll take a big step forward in Year 2. Atlanta by a field goal at home makes sense. I’d stay away.
Vikings (-3) at Titans
Over/under: 42.5
I guess this makes sense, but I’d be tempted to go with Marcus Mariota and the Titans in their home opener. If the line moves above three, I’d be all over the Titans.
Browns at Eagles (-7)
Over/under: 45
This one has blowout potential, depending on Cleveland’s quarterback situation. I wouldn’t touch the Browns.
Bengals (-1) at Jets
Over/under: 42.5
Who will the Jets start at quarterback? Honestly, the difference between Geno Smith and Ryan Fitzpatrick isn’t large. Cincinnati is a slightly better team, but the venue makes this a toss-up. The line makes sense, as does the low total. I’d be tempted to go lower, though.
Raiders at Saints (-1.5)
Over/under: 50.5
A lot of hype about the Raiders right now, but it’s too soon to make them a Week 1 favorite at the Superdome against a talented Saints team. I’d expect New Orleans to be at least a three-point fave.
Chargers at Chiefs (-7)
Over/under: 43
I know Arrowhead is a tough place to play and the Chiefs were a playoff team last year, but I’d expect a talented Bolts team to get a little more love for a divisional game here. I guess it’s important to note that the Chargers have lost four straight against Kansas City.
Bills at Ravens (-3)
Over/under: 43
Two good, not great AFC teams. Home team by a field goal makes sense.
Bears at Texans (-5.5)
Over/under: 44.5
This one’s a bit of a mystery because we don’t really know what to expect from Brock Osweiler in a fresh starting role with a new team. Plus, the Bears could make things interesting with a healthy Alshon Jeffery and an improved defense.
Packers (-4) at Jaguars
Over/under: 47
Only four! The Jags really are growing up. Still, you wonder if they’ll struggle against a healthy Packers team with Aaron Rodgers having his full arsenal. Tempting to go Green Bay here.
Dolphins at Seahawks (-8)
Over/under: 44
What a nightmare opening game across the country for the Dolphins, who have lost 15 of their last 18 road games against opponents with winning records. Thinking Seattle by double digits.
Giants at Cowboys (-3.5)
Over/under: 49.5
These are always unpredictable, especially in Dallas. I wouldn’t touch it with a 10-foot pole, although I’d bet the over.
Lions at Colts (-5)
Over/under: 49
Would have expected the healthy Colts to be favored by a touchdown in their home opener against a so-so opponent that just lost its superstar receiver.
Patriots at Cardinals (-4.5)
Over/under: 50
Those Cardinals are so hot right now. Still, if you think Tom Brady could be bailed out of his suspension and/or Tyrann Mathieu won’t be healthy on time, this would be a tempting Patriots bet at the moment.
Steelers (-3) at Redskins
Over/under: 15.5
Real tough to tell what the Redskins might do this year, but Kirk Cousins was lights-out at home last season so I’d definitely roll the dice on Washington as a three-point underdog.
Rams (-2) at 49ers
Over/under: 46
We don’t know who will be quarterbacking either team, so I’d stay away for now. Lots of points, though, with that in mind.
