NFL Gambling: Week One Preview

Let's be honest with each other for a moment. We love the NFL because of the atmosphere at the games, the rivalries, the action on the field, and yes, the action we have on the game.

I am talking about sports betting.

You can do it legally in Vegas, and potentially Delaware. You can also cheat Uncle Sam if you go through your local "guy" or you can even resort to the safe haven of the Internet.

It does not matter how you get the bet in as long as you get paid for winning.

Most degenerates will bet year round. There is action found around every corner. You can bet on prop bets in baseball to Academy Awards. It's sickening the things you can do, but it's there.

And if the books are going to dangle these enticing offers in front of our faces you better believe we are going to take it.

So I think it is appropriate to dangle the bait in front of you now more than a month away from the first game. I will highlight the games I like and then list the remaining games. The lines are based on an Internet site I use frequently.

Once the NFL season is upon us I will give out official picks. It can be risky to take a game right now because an injury could hurt you big time.

So to satisfy the gambling itch we all have, let's check out the spreads:

Steelers -4.5 vs. Titans: The Titans in a word: stink. Last year they overachieved and now this is their time to get exposed. Do not. I repeat, do not bet on this game if you think the Titans are winning this game for Steve McNair. You worked hard for your money, so don't blow it with that kind of logic.

Take the better team, with the better players, playing at home with revenge in mind.

It was only last year when the Titans stomped on the Terrible Towels and mocked the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Revenge will be sweet on opening night for the 'Burgh.

Steelers 27 - Titans 10

Falcons -4 vs. Dolphins: This is the other overachieving team. The Dolphins ran a cute little offense last year and gave it a cute nickname, "The Wildcat."

You have to run that gimmicky stuff when Chad Pennington is your quarterback.

The Falcons may not have a great season this year, but they will look like world beaters after they are done with the Dolphins

Falcons 31 - Dolphins 17

Carolina -1.5 vs. Eagles: The books want you to remember Jake Delhomme's last game. They really do. They want to reel you in and take your money.

Forget Delhomme for a moment and look at the downside to the Eagles here.

The Eagles have a new offensive line that might not be clicking on all cylinders. This is not the time to work out the kinks. They will be facing one of the best front sevens in football.

You also don't know how Brian Westbrook will play after his surgery. And can Donovan McNabb rely on Jeremy Maclin and DeSean Jackson immediately?

And how will the defense play without Jim Johnson? What are you going to get out of this unit?

Don't forget that the Panthers have incredible playmakers in Steve Smith and DeAngelo Williams. The Panthers can put a ton of pressure on the Eagles defense with this combo.

Also, the Eagles are only 4-6 in opening games under Andy Reid and 5-5 on their first road game of the season. It’s probably not as good as you think for an Eagles team that has played well for nearly a decade now.

And this is coming from a die-hard Eagles fan who thinks they will go to the Super Bowl this year.

Panthers 24 - Eagles 20

Cowboys -3 vs. Buccaneers: Great Eagles fan huh? I pick against the Birds and then follow it up with Boys.

Well, it's about winning so I have to.

This is more of a pick against the Bucs. They don't have a true starting quarterback. Their running starting running back has never been a starter before. And the head coach has never been at the helm for an NFL game.

I think you have to roll with Tony Romo in the beginning of the year when you know he will put up good numbers. After that, jump ship.

Cowboys 26 - Buccaneers 13

I have no take on the remaining games, but I know everyone will want to see how the rest of the slate looks. So here it is with the home teams listed first:

Ravens -8.5 vs. Chiefs

Bengals -3 vs. Broncos

Browns +2.5 vs. Vikings

Texans -4.5 vs. Jets

Colts -6.5 vs. Jaguars

Saints -12 vs. Lions

Cardinals -6.5 vs. 49ers

Giants -5.5 vs. Redskins

Seahawks -7 vs. Rams

Packers -3 vs. Bears

Patriots -9.5 vs. Bills

Raiders +7 vs. Chargers