NFL Predictions Week 1: Philadelphia Eagles vs. Cleveland Browns

Laying over a touchdown on the road in Week 1 of the National Football League isn't going to make you rich in the long run, but it's justified when the team you're backing has an experienced coach that's looking to get a bad taste out of his mouth.

The Philadelphia Eagles are 8.5 point road favorites against the Cleveland Browns in the NFL betting odds (courtesy of SBR Forum), while the total varies from 41.5 to 42.5.

Andy Reid is currently the longest tenured head coach in the league with one team, and the Eagles have missed the playoffs just three times since 1999. It's no secret that last year's 8-8 finish was disappointing to everyone within the organization.  

Even with the loss of offensive tackle Jason Peters, there's plenty of reason to be optimistic about the upcoming year, especially with a trip to Cleveland to get things started. Reid's teams are 3-0 in season openers after missing the playoffs the previous year, covering the spread by an average of 22 points in those contests.

Sports bettors will also take comfort in knowing that the Eagles covered the spread in all eight of their wins last year, including all four by a double-digit margin to close out the 2011 campaign.

You're not going to find many people toting this squad as the "Dream Team" in training camp, but quarterback Michael Vick and his teammates land in a dream spot to open up the season at Cleveland Browns Stadium on Sept. 9.

Lay the number with confidence.

Early Pick: Philadelphia Eagles -8.5

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