A new season of NFL Football is upon us and with that comes a new reason for us to gamble all of our money away. The lines have been set for the teams playing in the Sunday late games and we will be using Bovada to determine our winners.
Green Bay Packers -5 vs. San Francisco 49ers
With the Packers opening their 2012 campaign at Lambeau Field, it would be unwise to bet against them. After all, this is a team that went 15-1 last season. San Francisco features a talented defense that may be able to stop Aaron Rodgers and crew a few times, but I don't think they can outscore Green Bay. Take the Pack at home.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers +3 vs. Carolina Panthers
Again, this is a case of home team advantage. The Bucs feature a new high flying offense with Vincent Jackson now apart of their receiving corps. Josh Freeman is expected to take big strides with the new coaching staff, the offensive line is improved with the addition of Carl Nicks and the defense, with players returning from injury, can only get better. Take the home team and the points.
Arizona Cardinals +3 vs. Seattle Seahawks
The Cardinals may be in a bit of a funk with their offense right now, but we have to remember a couple of things. First of all, they are expected to feature a top 10 defense this season. That will inevitably keep them in some close games. Secondly, they will be playing a rookie quarterback in Russell Wilson to start the season. Although Wilson looked spectacular during the preseason, it still becomes a huge risk to bet on him for week one. Take the home team and the points.
Denver Broncos -2 vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Although the Steelers always seem to put a more than decent product on the field, it may be hard for them to take down the Broncos in Mile High City. Peyton Manning and Denver will be playing against a revamped defense, as the Steelers released many of their older players and lost some to retirement during the offseason. Again, take the home team and give up the points.
Baltimore Ravens -6 1/2 vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Flacco is expected to take another big leap this season with the Ravens and I, personally, expect him to do just that. He has all the weapons he could ask for around him and his defense will always put him in games. Normally I wouldn't bet on a game with this sort of spread, but I think the Ravens take this one by more than a TD.
San Diego Chargers +1 vs. Oakland Raiders
Finally, to end it, I am going to pick a team on the road. With Philip Rivers under center, it's hard to go wrong. He is a great quarterback with some new weapons like Robert Meachem to throw to. I didn't see much in terms of steady offense from Oakland in the preseason, so I am taking the Chargers and points this week.
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