NFL Quarterbacks Against the Spread

In a cable television and fantasy sports world, the National Football League has made a steady progression from being a rush first league to letting it air out through the passing game.

Quarterbacks receive the brunt of media coverage over the course of the season, and that causes lines makers to take notice.  All teams react differently when placed in particular situations, and it’s no different for their offensive leader.

Let’s take a closer look at some money-making trends that have surfaced for quarterbacks across the league.

Matt Ryan

Since being drafted in the first round of the 2008 NFL draft, Boston College product Matt Ryan has garnered a 20-10 ATS mark as a favorite. 

It’s been well-documented that the Falcons have been nearly unbeatable at the Georgia Dome since his arrival, but he also is 7-2 ATS on the road when laying any sort of number.

Bettors will likely back the Falcons in droves as a favorite until a Nov. 6 meeting against Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts.

Jay Cutler

Fortunes have been lost by backing Kristin Cavallari’s ex-fiance since coming out of Vanderbilt, especially when favored at home during his time in Denver and now Chicago. 

Jay Cutler is 11-24 ATS when laying points from under center.

The only option is waiting for a home underdog opportunity with this gunslinger and that money-pocketing angle may present itself in the season opener against Atlanta.  Cutler is 7-5 ATS in that particular situation.

Aaron Rodgers

Someone tell this Super Bowl MVP that other stadiums are tired of him performing the Lambeau Leap for bettors.  Aaron Rodgers is 18-10 ATS on the road in his career, including a 9-4 ATS mark when getting points.

Surprisingly enough, the Packers may fall into this role a few times in 2011, with games scheduled in Atlanta (10/9), San Diego (11/6) and New York (12/4).

Tom Brady

Nothing strikes fear in a bookmaker more than putting a plus sign next to the New England Patriots on any given week.  Tom Brady has made them pay with a 28-12 ATS record, including a 6-1 ATS mark when paying in front of the home faithful.

There’s no chance that he gets points at Gillette Stadium this year, but it’s likely that a point or two may come his way in road contests against Pittsburgh (10/30) and Philadelphia (11/27).

Josh Freeman

Casual football fans outside of the Tampa Bay may find this name unfamiliar, but Josh Freeman is a known commodity in Las Vegas. 

The Buccaneers have covered the number in 11 of his 12 starts as an underdog outside of Raymond James Stadium, including all seven chances last year.

A second week matchup with the Minnesota Vikings will likely serve as the first opportunity to cash in 2011.