NFL Picks Week 1, Sunday’s NFL Schedule, Week One NFL Picks

The sports betting community, bet republic like most sports betting enthusiasts, we were anxiously awaiting the kick-off to the new NFL season. Thursday night gave us a tase of what was to come, as the Titans and Steelers mixed it up in Pittsburgh.

We broke that game down in our Thursday Night sports betting TV show and will go through all the Sunday action in our Sunday NFL Blitz sports betting TV show at the site.

Here are a handful of NFL picks and write-ups from the Bet Republic office focused on Sunday’s NFL schedule.

It’s always tough making football picks in Week 1 since preseason games are the only opportunity we’ve had so far to really gauge the impact of off season player/coaching changes. Looking over the odds online presented a handful of spots that could be a good betting opportunity and we’ve previewed those games here.

Into the 2009 season we go…

Miami Dolphins at Atlanta Falcons
NFL Odds: Falcons -4
Over/Under: 44
Both teams were a surprise last season finishing 11-5 SU and getting into the playoffs. Opponents will be more prepared for each of these squads in `09 and this matchup will give bettors a good opportunity to see which team has made the greatest adjustments. The Falcons have signed TE Tony Gonzalez to their offense, which is a very thoughtful addition.

Atlanta finished 6th in total offense last year and Miami 11th. Defensively, Atlanta ranked 24th and Miami 15th. Miami was 6-2 ATS on the road last year and getting more than a field goal, we like the Fish in the season opener.

BetRepublic’s Pick: Take the underdog Dolphins
Philadelphia Eagles at Carolina Panthers
Line: Eagles -2
Over/Under: 44
This is a matchup between two teams that, in the past decade, have been a mirror image of each other. Both are led by veteran coaches and QBs, both have had solid regular season success and both have fallen victim to the Patriots dynasty in the Super Bowl. The Eagles had a ton of preseason hype and the Panthers are trying to recover from their last playoff debacle. Look for both teams to feature the run and for this contest to finish under the number.
BetRepublic’s Pick: Take the “Under”

New York Jets at Houston
Line: Texans -4
Over/Under: 44
Houston is the only AFC team in the past decade that has failed to make at least one trip to the post-season. For that to change the team needs a strong start and this home opener vs. the Jets could be the break Houston needs. QB Matt Schaub has recovered from his ankle injury and will start. Jets QB Sanchez will find the going tough against Mario Williams and the rest of the Houston D. Jets without two suspended defensive starters who were last season’s sack leaders – Shaun Ellis and Calvin Pace. The Texans are 1-3 ATS in recent home openers but were only favored once (2007), beating KC 20-3.
BetRepublic’s Pick: Take the Texans

Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots
Line: Patriots -11
Over/Under: 47.5
Cover your eyes kids this could get ugly. The Bills are one of a handful teams that appear to be in disarray heading into the season. The Patriots will use this Monday Nighter to put a scare into the rest of the league. Look for Brady to throw for more than 400 yards. We usually steer clear of double-digit favorites, but will throw a unit down on this one.
BetRepublic’s Pick: Take the Patriots