Want to know how popular the NFL is amongst the betting public. One need only look at the wagering options available at some sportsbooks in mid-April. Sports bettors can get down action, and are getting in bets, on the NFL right now…before the draft has even taken place.
The draft is coming up this weekend but the Miami Dolphins already have a deal in place with Michigan OT Jake Long, that said, draft props are still available at SPORTSBETTING.COM.
The 2008 NFL Week 1 sked will, as per the last few seasons, be bookended by games in primetime. Want to get an early jump on NFL betting? Here we go.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Washington at New York Giants
Redskins +4
Giants -4
So much for Eli Manning being forever in brother Peyton’s shadow.
When we last saw Eli and the Giants, they were busy pulling off one of the greatest Super Bowl upsets in recent memory, defeating the New England Patriots 17-14.
The next time we see them in any meaningful action will be in the NFL’s regular season Thursday opener against NFC East rival Washington and SPORTSBETTING.COM. has the defending Super Bowl champs listed as a 4-point favorite.
The number of storied battles between the two are numerous; last season the ‘Skins and Giants split the season series going 1-1 straight up and against the spread.
However, in the last 11 matchups between the two, the Giants have come out on top going 7-4-0 ATS and SU.
The Under seems to be a prevailing trend as both of last year’s meetings went below the Total and in fact, the final score in the last 11 tilts has dipped below the Total six times.
In general, the Giants have been very profitable against divisional rivals going 13-6-1 ATS in their last 20 NFC East matchups. That said, doesn’t this one scream out a play on the dog…who actually do matchup well vs. the Super Bowl champs. A hungry divisional rival, facing what might be a team dealing with the “Super Bowl hangover”, and they’re getting four points. Hmmmm….
Monday, September 8, 2008
The NFL will once again conclude Week 1 with a Monday Night Football double header giving bettors twice the action.
Minnesota at Green Bay
Vikes +3
Pack -3
The Packers will head into unfamiliar territory—without Brett Favre as QB—against a very familiar foe, the division rival Minnesota Vikings, favored by a field goal.
While Green Bay has a solid 12-8 record SU against Minny, they haven’t been profitable, going 9-11 ATS in that stretch.
Although the Vikes have a game breaker in RB Adrian Peterson, they could be hooped at the QB position.
Last year Tarvaris Jackson only passed for 9 TDs and 1,911 yards, entirely unimpressive numbers. But hey, Green Bay has some issues at QB as well. With Favre gone, Aaron Rodgers will shoulder the responsibility for moving this offense. His experience is minimal, to say the least (he only passed for 1 TD in limited action last year).
We like the look of Rodgers though, when they have given him the ball (mostly pre-season action), while Jackson has really struggled. Green Bay has a very good defense, the big question is containing Peterson.
Denver at Oakland
Broncos -1½
Raiders +1½
Opening Kickoff 2008 ends with yet another division rivalry as two teams aiming to be best in the AFC West square off.
Although Oakland has managed to win only six games over the last two season (yikes!) they might be turning the ship around as they focus on a solid base of young talent. However, Al Davis is still involved so it could easily be another washout year for Raider-fan. Oakland has dropped 15 out of its last 20 against Denver, but the Raiders have covered in four consecutive games against the Broncos dating back to October of 2006.
So if you are looking for an “NFL-hit” between the NBA playoff bets, baseball and hockey, surf over to SPORTSBETTING.COM.and check out all the early NFL lines.
Have a great weekend.
