NFL Week 1 lines: Early thoughts on the AFC spreads

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

Baltimore Ravens (-6.5) at Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins are probably the least-talented team in football with little in the way of home-field advantage. Makes sense to see the Ravens as the biggest road favorite. The only concern here is whether the Dolphins can cover a large spread considering the Ravens are not likely to score a ton of points in most games this season. A garbage-time touchdown could sway a cover.

Buffalo Bills at New York Jets (-3)

Much like Chicago and Green Bay, this line makes sense. These teams aren’t far apart in terms of talent, and while. some may be higher on the Jets, they still need to show legitimate improvement. Maybe a smart game to stay away from early in the season.

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Kansas City Chiefs (-4) at Jacksonville Jaguars

Another rather large road favorite. Again, it makes sense. Vegas is saying on a neutral field, the Chiefs would be laying a touchdown. Without having seen Nick Foles in action with his new team, this is a safe line.

Tennessee Titans at Cleveland Browns (-5.5)

This could be a line where smart bettors go against the public grain. Everyone loves the Browns, but why are they laying 5.5 points? Tennessee had the better AFC record last season and added talent as well.

Indianapolis Colts at Los Angeles Chargers (-6.5)

The Chargers are laying 6.5 points, but is it too much? Los Angeles is notorious for having slow starts, and the Colts, while without Andrew Luck, are very talented. Also, Jacoby Brissett has the luxury in Week 1 of playing without film in this scheme. That matters.

Read: NFL Week 1 Lines – Early Look at the NFC Spreads

Pittsburgh Steelers at New England Patriots (-6)

The line tells us how Vegas feels about the Steelers. If Pittsburgh was at home in this game, we’d be looking at EVEN. On a neutral site, three points. It also says Vegas isn’t quite sure what to do with the Patriots.

Denver Broncos at Oakland Raiders (EVEN)

Is this Vegas throwing its proverbial hands in the air, not knowing what to do with the Raiders? Probably. The Broncos are also a wild card team after making sweeping changes at both head coach and quarterback. The nice thing about betting this game? No spread. If you like Oakland or Denver as a surprise team, here’s a chance to bet on the straight-up.