Even when the world was in the midst of a lockdown and sports were totally absent from our lives, we all looked ahead and felt that the NFL would be the one league that would find a way to get back to action. They certainly carried on as though they planned on playing their season, and while we have seen a few tweaks, such as the preseason being cancelled, things have felt as normal as possible in the world of the NFL. It is hard to believe that we are now just 3 weeks away from the start of the regular season, which will commence on Thursday, September 10. The NFL odds for Week 1 are set, so we thought it might be fun to take a look at some games that should get your betting attention.
First Week Games of the NFL to Bet On
Houston Texans at Kansas City Chiefs
The opening game of the season, which will go on Thursday night in Week 1, is a beauty. You have the defensing Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs opening at home against a Houston Texans team that are an offensive threat in their own right. I think we are going to see Watson and Mahomes chucking the football all over the place, which could well see the 54 ½ point total put in some serious jeopardy. 5 of the last 6 games that Houston has played against teams from the AFC have gone OVER, which is the direction I will be leaning in this one.
Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings
If the Chicago can rediscover their form and play to their potential, the NFC North could turn into a slugfest this season. if not, it is likely to be these two battling it out for supremacy. That said, with 7 teams making the playoffs from each conference this season, you would certainly expect these two to be in the picture. While this is a tough start to the season for the Packers, they have won 7 of the last 10 games played in the road. Plus, you have a feeling that after all that happened in the offseason, Aaron Rodgers is going to come in with a bit of a chip on his shoulder.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New Orleans Saints
It is going to be odd to see Tom Brady rocking a Buccaneers uniform, but once we get past that, we are going to find out if this Tampa team can actually compete this season. Right now, it’s all nothing but hype, all of which means nothing if that does not carry over onto the football field. The New Orleans Saints are still arguably one of the best teams in the NFL, so this will be a stern test for Brady and company. This game might tell us just what sort of battle we can expect for the NFC South crown.
Pittsburgh Steelers at NY Giants
The Monday night game in Week 1 is interesting because it will be our first look at Ben Roethlisberger, who missed most of last season with an elbow injury that required surgery. Despite losing Big Ben, as well as a boatload of other starters, last season, the Steelers still went 8-8, thanks in large part to a ridiculously good young defense. If Ben is healthy and the D continues to roll, could we be looking at a Super Bowl dark horse in the Steelers.
