Week 1 NFL Picks: What Are Underdogs' Real Odds in Season Openers?

The 2012 NFL season kicks off this week, with the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants kicking off the action Wednesday night from the New Meadowlands. 

Here's a quick look at the betting lines (provided by Bovada, via ESPN), and which underdogs could pull off the Vegas upsets. 

Dallas Cowboys at New York Giants (-4)

Underdog: Cowboys

Dallas has the talent on both sides of the ball to pull off what would be just a minor upset.

Getting a pass rush on Eli Manning will be most important for the Cowboys, but the weather (thunderstorms?) could make this more of a grounded affair. 

Indianapolis Colts at Chicago Bears (-9)

Underdog: Colts

The Colts are better on offense in 2012, if for no other reason than Andrew Luck taking over at quarterback.

Still, that offensive line is atrocious and the defense will have a hard time stopping the new-look Bears offense. A win in Luck's opener would be a surprise. 

Atlanta Falcons (+3) at Kansas City Chiefs

Underdog: Chiefs

Home underdogs almost always have a chance in the NFL, and this game is no different.

Kansas City can run the football and the front seven is solid. Many are even picking the Chiefs to win the AFC West. They can pull off this "upset."

Upset pick: Chiefs over Falcons

Philadelphia Eagles (9.0) at Cleveland Browns

Underdog: Browns

The Browns will likely have rookie running back Trent Richardson, but in what capacity? Even with Richardson at 100 percent, an upset here looks unlikely.

First-round quarterback Brandon Weeden will face a collapsing pocket on most drop backs against the best defensive line in football. 

Washington Redskins at New Orleans Saints (-7.5)

Underdog: Redskins

The Saints are down a head coach and two defensive starters, but you can only imagine the energy that will be in the Mercedes Superdome Sunday.

Tough atmosphere for a rookie quarterback, no matter how good Robert Griffin III is. Still, the Redskins have the horses on both sides to make this much more than just a track meet for Drew Brees and Co.

St. Louis Rams at Detroit Lions (-7.0)

Underdog: Rams

Quarterback Sam Bradford looked more like a No. 1 overall pick during the preseason, but is there enough weapons around him? That's been the question for most of his time in St. Louis, and who knows if there's an answer in 2012?

On the defensive side of the ball, Detroit's passing offense will put a lot of pressure on a young Rams secondary. 

New England Patriots (+6.0) at Tennessee Titans

Underdog: Titans

Jake Locker will make his first NFL start against Tom Brady and the AFC representatives at last year's Super Bowl. Tough start.

Don't expect a 59-0 scoreline, but Tennessee has its hands full. Playing at home against a young defense gives the Titans a chance. 

Jacksonville Jaguars at Minnesota Vikings (-4.0)

Underdog: Jaguars

Two of the worst teams in football from a year ago have pinned their futures on second-year quarterbacks.

Blaine Gabbert leads a Jaguars team that probably has more overall talent than the Christian Ponder-led Vikings. Playing in the Metrodome is probably the only reason Minnesota is a four-point favorite. 

Upset pick: Jaguars over Vikings

Buffalo Bills at New York Jets (-3.0)

Underdog: Bills

The Bills weren't exactly world beaters during the preseason, but the Jets were epically bad on the offensive side of the ball. Is there going to be a huge change once the regular season begins?

The Bills have a revamped defense that could give the Jets' offensive line a lot of trouble. First to 20 might win. 

Upset pick: Bills over Jets

Miami Dolphins at Houston Texans (-12.0)

Underdog: Dolphins

Rookie quarterback Ryan Tannehill makes his regular-season debut on the road and against arguably the best defense in football. Good luck. Dolphins stand little chance of pulling off the major upset.

Seattle Seahawks (+3.0) at Arizona Cardinals

Underdog: Cardinals

A home underdog that has been bashed all preseason against a division rival starting a rookie quarterback that continues to be hyped day after day? Sounds like a recipe for an upset.

But I've learned not to bet against Russell Wilson. Seahawks are solid up and down the roster, too. 

San Francisco 49ers at Green Bay Packers (-5.5)

Underdog: 49ers

The game of the opening weekend pits the Packers and 49ers in what could be an NFC Championship game preview. San Francisco will be the road underdog, as expected.

But with a defense that could pressure Aaron Rodgers much like the Giants did last January, an upset is certainly in the cards. Can Alex Smith make enough plays against an improved but young Packers defense?

Carolina Panthers (+3.0) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Underdog: Buccaneers

A surprising road favorite in the Panthers, who have quickly become a sexy pick in the NFC South. The Cam Newton effect is certainly in play here.

But the Buccaneers did a rebuild this offseason, and Doug Martin provides a steadying effect on the offensive side. Is this defense ready to contain a weapon like Newton?

Pittsburgh Steelers at Denver Broncos (-2.0)

Underdog: Steelers

The last time we saw these two play, Tim Tebow was hitting a game-winning touchdown on the first play of overtime. Tebow is gone, but Peyton Manning is in. Will the switch matter for the Broncos?

Pittsburgh has some key injuries that could hurt them in the opener. Ben Roethlisberger always gives the Steelers a chance. 

Cincinnati Bengals at Baltimore Ravens (-6.0)

Underdog: Bengals

Cincinnati cracked the playoffs in the first year with Andy Dalton at the helm, but are these two AFC North rivals on the same level?

The Ravens are a Super Bowl contender, playing at home. Cincinnati lost both times in Baltimore in 2011. New season, same story?

San Diego Chargers (+1.0) at Oakland Raiders 

Underdog: Raiders

It is a little surprising that the Chargers are only one-point favorites, even in Oakland. This line could potentially be higher. 

The Raiders look like a team that could be taking a step back in 2012 to take a step forward in future seasons. GM Reggie McKenzie knows what he is doing, but this needs time. The rebuilding process won't pay dividends in Week 1.