NFL Odds Week 1: 5 Biggest NFL Point Spread Locks

Upsets aren't uncommon in the first week of the NFL season. The top teams are frequently still a little rusty, and the teams that are expected to be bad have spent a lot of time preparing for their opponent.

Still, there are some games that just aren't going to produce upsets. That's why we have point spreads. Even at that, some games are simply not going to be close, even with the points.

Conversely, there are teams that weren't given enough respect in the point spreads. Even if these these teams don't win, it's not likely that they're going to lose that bad.

All spreads are courtesy of Bodog.

New England Patriots

Spread: Patriots (-7) over Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins aren't a terrible team. They are good on defense and have talent on offense. In addition to that, they have home field advantage in this one.

That will all help Miami, just not enough.

The Patriots look well on their way to being the NFL's best team in 2011. When they win, they usually do so in convincing fashion.

Look for Tom Brady to find Chad Ochocinco early as the two of them try to develop a connection. There are a lot of weapons in New England and Brady knows how to exploit them.

Offensively, Miami will score a little bit, but not nearly enough.

Prediction: Patriots 34, Dolphins 13

Minnesota Vikings

Spread: Chargers (-9) over Vikings

If we're being really honest, it's not likely that the Chargers lose this game. However, there is enough doubt to say that the Vikings can keep it within six points.

The Chargers are notorious slow starters. Consider that, and also consider that Donovan McNabb will have a chip on his shoulder. He wants to make the Redskins instantly regret letting him go.

Oh, and did I mention that the Vikings have Adrian Peterson? It's hard to imagine him not keeping the game close.

The Chargers will win, but it won't be by nine points.

Prediction: Chargers 27, Vikings 21

Cleveland Browns

Spread: Browns (-7) over Bengals

This one pits two interesting teams against each other. On the surface, you wouldn't want to call the Browns a lock for anything, let alone a seven-point win.

But I like the Browns this season. They will be a surprisingly good team. Will they make the playoffs? No, that's still a year or two away, but they will hang around .500.

Conversely, the Bengals should be the worst team in the league. They weren't great last year, and that team has lost its best players.

Cleveland will do well in this one in front of the home fans .

Prediction: Browns 27, Bengals 6

New York Giants

Spread: Giants (-3) over Redskins

The Giants have their issues, but they don't even compare to all of the questions that are in Washington. The Rex Grossman/John Beck duo will just not be enough.

The Giants will win this game. Honestly, if you're looking at a three-point spread, you might as well go with the team that you feel will win. You're being quite bold if you think that the Redskins will lose by fewer than three points.

Eli Manning will connect with Hakeem Nicks and Mario Manningham early and often. The Giants will have their struggles, but they won't show here.

Prediction: Giants 27, Redskins 13

Philadelphia Eagles

Spread: Eagles (-5.5) over Rams

The Rams are probably the best team in the NFC West. But that's a long way from the Eagles, who are loaded with talent and on a short list of Super Bowl favorites.

Mike Vick will run wild in St. Louis' dome and find his targets. Expect a huge game from him.

Sam Bradford is good, but he's still emerging. The Rams don't have the weapons to compete with the Philadelphia secondary.

The Eagles shouldn't have a problem covering 5.5 points. The Rams can take comfort in the fact that the rest of their division has to play the Eagles at some point.

Prediction: Eagles 34, Rams 20