NFL Odds Week 1: Questionable Spreads to Avoid at All Costs

With the new NFL season set to begin, fans will notice that, every week, there are a couple game spreads that seem like guaranteed wins. More often than not, those are the picks to avoid because they will come back to burn you.

Let's take a look at three lines that fall into that category for Week 1. Since something just doesn't add up about these games, it's better to ignore them altogether, especially since there's so little information to go off in the first week. All odds are courtesy of bovada.lv.

Falcons (-3) at Chiefs

The Atlanta Falcons have been perennial contenders recently and are seemingly within striking distance of a major playoff breakthrough. The Kansas City Chiefs, on the other hand, finished in the AFC West basement last season.

That alone makes you wonder why the spread is only three. The Falcons have much more firepower on offense, and the defenses are basically even. On paper, Atlanta should win this game by at least a touchdown, even on the road.

The Chiefs do have some sleeper potential, though. Jamaal Charles' return gives them a much-needed game-breaker and could keep this game closer than expected.

Patriots (-6) at Titans

The New England Patriots want to start the season by making a statement after losing the Super Bowl. They face a team they beat by 59 points the last time they played, so it would seem like a blowout is on the horizon. But the line is only six.

Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson is the main cause for concern here. He's looking for some redemption of his own after a disappointing season and is capable of controlling the game, therefore keeping Tom Brady sidelined.

The Titans also know they are in a winnable division if they can get off to a quick start. They might not be able to pull off the upset, but a close game shouldn't be a surprise.

Chargers at Raiders (-1)

As the line would suggest, this game can go either way. It's impossible to get a good read on what to expect, because the San Diego Chargers have been wildly inconsistent over the past few seasons and the Oakland Raiders are still in the process of building.

The Chargers have enough talent to contend in the AFC West, but they've joined the Dallas Cowboys as a team that always seems to perform below preseason expectations. It's a problem Norv Turner hasn't been able to solved.

But it's hard to have any confidence in the Raiders, either. The offense should be better, but the defense still has quite a few of question marks. The game is literally a toss-up.