SPORTS BETTING

• Looking Ahead: Week 1 NFC Odds

  Posted on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT by GetChalk

  
  

  The opening week of the NFL season presents football bettors with a wagering conundrum. Once the schedule is set for the season, most sportsbooks post their Week 1 betting odds – giving bettors all summer to dissect and over-analyze the spreads and totals.

  Some bettors jump on these odds early, hoping nothing drastic happens between then and kickoff. Other gamblers wait until minutes before the coin toss before placing their wager. Whether you believe the early bird gets the worm, or you're waiting for the last laugh, here's a look at some of the NFC's early Week 1 lines.

  Minnesota Vikings at Cleveland Browns (+3, 39.5)

  The spread and total for this opening game could climb if Brett Favre is lacing them up in the Vikings locker room. The passing dynamic plus the public appeal of No. 4 could cause a rush of money on Minnesota.

  The one thing oddsmakers do know is that Adrian Peterson will be in the Vikes’ backfield. Last season's rushing leader would have an easier time finding room if Favre is handing him the ball. However, with or without the veteran QB, Peterson is primed to open the season with a bang against one of the worst rushing defenses in the NFL.

  The Browns allowed 152 yards on the ground per game last year, while their defensive line was plagued by injury. Cleveland is revamping its 3-4 defense under new defensive coordinator Rob Ryan, and while there are some former Jets players familiar with the system, it will take a couple weeks for the Browns to catch on to life with head coach Eric Mangini.

  Dallas Cowboys at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+3, 42)

  If the Cowboys don't win their first game of the season, owner Jerry Jones will start sharpening his ax. Not only is head coach Wade Phillips under the gun, but offensive coordinator Jason Garrett, who is supposed to be the future head coach, could be nixed as well.

  Dallas, and more importantly Tony Romo, must prove they can move the chains without Terrell Owens. The team is putting all its faith into receiver Roy Williams, who should improve after working with Romo for half a season and training camp.

  Both teams have impressive running back corps and will lean on the rushing attack while the passing game works out the kinks. Totals bettors should look to the under on the 42 points, with the ground game eating up the clock.

  Tampa Bay added Derrick Ward this offseason and he will share carries with Earnest Graham. The Cowboys have a healthy Marion Barber and Felix Jones behind Romo. Those two were on pace for a huge year last season before injuries took out Jones and slowed Barber.

  Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers (-3, 44)

  The NFC North gets off on the right foot with this classic matchup. Chicago and its new prize quarterback, Jay Cutler, avoid a mid-winter meeting at Lambeau Field. However, winter or fall, the Cheeseheads are tough at home despite last year's 3-5 ATS record.

  Much like the Vikings’ Week 1 odds, the Bears' numbers could jump if the team lands one of three disgruntled wide receivers – Plaxico Burress, Anquan Boldin, or Brandon Marshall. If not, expect minimal work from Cutler and a lot of carries from standout rusher Matt Forte.

  The Packers are another team making the switch to the 3-4 set after ranking near the basement in rushing defense last season. Head coach Mike McCarthy will have linebacker Nick Barnett back, along with A.J. Hawk, converted defensive end Aaron Kampman, and USC product Clay Matthews in the middle. But, like any team using a new system, there will be some snags in Week 1.