NFL
By: Mark T. Wilson
The 2024-25 NFL Season is approaching; for those who indulge, it’s time to start betting. Today we will look at Spreads for teams in the AFC North, courtesy of BetUS. Yes, many will dive head first into Fanduel Sportsbook or DraftKings Sportsbook, but BetUs is another you should try.
Week 1 has no shortage of good games that could come down to the wire. Betting Spreads are just as risky as any bet being placed. So many good teams and a game could easily come down to a last-second field goal. Plenty of bettors have lost a huge payout due to last-second heroics.
Baltimore Ravens (+3) vs Kansas City Chiefs (-3)
This is a good test for both teams early on. What a way to kick off the season. The Kansas City Chiefs’ defense will be tested with Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry, and Zay Flowers. Will Patrick Mahomes and Co have enough firepower to keep it with their offense? Never doubt Mahomes and Travis Kelce.
Can the Chiefs stop the rushing attack of the Ravens? Will the Ravens slow down the passing attack of the Chiefs? At home, the edge should go to the Chiefs but the Ravens will cover as +3 underdogs.
Pittsburgh Steelers (+3) vs Atlanta Falcons (-3)
The new era begins for both teams in this game. Russell Wilson will take control of the Steelers offense while Kirk Cousins will take command of the Falcons offense. There is plenty of hope for both franchises heading into the new campaign. The Falcons’ offense is expected to be high-octane with Cousins, Drake London, and Bijan Robinson.
The Steelers are hoping that if the offense struggles, the defense can hold the Falcons to at least 10-15 points. However, the Falcons are just too strong on that side of the ball. They easily cover the spread at -3.
New England Patriots (+9.5) vs Cincinnati Bengals (-9.5)
Joe Burrow is back. Ja’Marr Chase will enter the season with a chip on his shoulder. While the absence of Joe Mixon will be felt, the Bengals get a Patriots team still in search of an identity and they get them at home for the first game of the season.
The first games normally will draw a few upsets but this is not one of those times. As 10-point favorites, unless something crazy happens that rivals a Hollywood movie script, Burrow and Co will make the spread at -9.5
Dallas Cowboys (+1) vs Cleveland Browns (-1)
Might not equal the Game of the Week but this has all the makings of a good contest. The Dallas Cowboys, despite all the drama this offseason, are finally ready to put that behind them. At least we think so. This is still a team fresh off a division title and still loaded on both sides of the ball. The Cowboys are a talented team that is looking to get back on track.
The Browns are treading water. Which version of Deshaun Watson will they get? With Nick Chubb sidelined at least until Week 4, the Browns will have their work cut out for them. Even as a road game, how are the Cowboys still viewed at an undergo here? Expect the so-called upset with the Cowboys covering the +1 spread.
