NFL Week 1 lines: Early thoughts on the NFC spreads

All the lines below are for games completely within the NFC, or interconference games hosted by an NFC team.

Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears (-3)

Seems like the right number from Vegas. Chicago and Green Bay, along with Minnesota, are the co-favorites in many people’s eyes in the NFC North. Let the bettors decide which way the line moves, if at all.

Atlanta Falcons at Minnesota Vikings (-3.5)

A bit surprised this is 3.5 and not an even three. Atlanta had a losing record last season but was crushed by injuries. The Vikings have plenty to prove, and live up to.

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Los Angeles Rams (-3) at Carolina Panthers

The Panthers aren’t sure about the status of Cam Newton. Even if he plays, how healthy is both his shoulder and foot? The Rams have questions about Todd Gurley, but even so, makes sense they are favorites here.

Washington Redskins at Philadelphia Eagles (-9)

Huge number, but deserved. The Redskins are going to fight with the New York Giants for third place in the NFC East. Philadelphia is superior, healthy and at home.

Cincinnati Bengals at Seattle Seahawks (-9.5)

The biggest line of the week, and again, correct. Seattle is a playoff team which just acquired Jadeveon Clowney. The Bengals are traveling far west, with a depleted, banged-up roster.

Detroit Lions (-2.5) at Arizona Cardinals

Tough to say if this is the right or wrong call. Arizona could be vastly improved, but we don’t have evidence of anything of the sort yet. All said, tough to lay money on either the Cardinals or Lions without seeing a few games.

Read: Colts Unable to ID Luck Retirement Leaker

New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys (-7)

Dallas has to be laying at least a touchdown here. The Giants are in the midst of a complete rebuild, while the Cowboys have dreams of a Super Bowl. The line might climb during the week.

San Francisco 49ers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-1)

This is the toughest line to figure for Week 1 in the NFC. Tampa Bay has a new coach, the 49ers essentially have a new quarterback. Either one of these teams could win nine games and fight for a playoff berth. Either one could also go 5-11.

Houston Texans at New Orleans Saints (-7)

The Saints are almost impossible to beat in the Superdome. Factor in this is on Monday night and it’s Week 1, and the Texans are in trouble. This is a rare big line against a good team that might be worth hitting on the favorite.