Fishing games enthusiasts from across the nation are counting down the days until Thursday’s official kickoff to the 2011 NFL season. After what many fans and analysts alike consider to be one of the longest off-seasons in NFL betting lines history, Thursday will mark a fresh start for the world’s most popular sports league and their fans. Today we will be looking at the sports betting week one games coming out of the AFC. As has been the case the last few years, the AFC has appeared to be the stronger conference during the regular season, while the NFC is the strongest during the playoffs. Here are a few week one games to consider gambling on.
Indianapolis Colts vs. Houston Texans – For NCAA football betting enthusiasts looking for a big NFL game to gamble on during week one, the clash between AFC South rivals Indianapolis and Houston is your best choice. The rivalry between the Colts and Texans, is considered to be one of the most important going into this season, as the Texans are believed to stand the best chance at winning the division, since the Colts enter the season injured.
In an ideal world, the Houston Texans, a team fans and handicappers alike have waited to breakout for years, should lay the proverbial smackdown on the injury depleted Colts. What’s more, the Colts are without star quarterback Peyton Manning, whose off-season neck surgery, has taken longer to recover from. Making matters worse for the Colts, backup Kerry Collins did not look good in his only start during training camp. Meaning to say, on paper, everything for this game is in Houston’s favor. Look for the Texans to cover the spread and then some, as they open up week one with a victory over Indianapolis.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens – Betting enthusiasts still bitter about the divisional round of the 2011 playoffs upset victory by the Steelers over the Ravens, will waste little time watching the revenge game between these two AFC North divisional foes. Entering their week one clash, both Pittsburgh and Baltimore have made many changes to their offenses. In for Pittsburgh is former New York Jets fan favorite Jericho Cotchery, and out is Antwan Randle El.
For Baltimore, Anquan Boldin and TJ Houshmanzadeh are the only returning members of the 2010 – 11 seasons wide receiving corp. The overhaul for both Pittsburgh and Baltimore’s offenses indicates to fans and bookies alike, that each team is making this the year they win the Super Bowl. For all intents and purposes, we are picking the Baltimore Ravens, as this is the final year that defensive captain Ray Lewis plans on playing. Meaning to say, the Ravens should be more emotionally charged for this game, then the Steelers.
