NFL Week 1 Spreads: The first few weeks of the NFL season are a bit of a feeling out process for odds makers and handicappers alike. There are a multitude of uncertainties surrounding some clubs, which makes a premature release of the NFL Week 1 Spreads a gamble of sorts for the books. The following games illustrate my point; I hope you got in on the early action as it could represent a nice weekend pay day.
Indianapolis Colts vs 
Houston Texans (Open: -2.5, Current: -9): Okay, this may not have been completely obvious given Peyton Manning's history of playing through everything, but the Texans at -2.5 represented a great value, Manning or no. Without Manning, it represents an absolute steal. Houston beat Indy 34-24 at Reliant Stadium to open the season last year. If Kerry Collins starts for the Colts on Sunday, a Texans cover, even at nine points, is probably a foregone conclusion.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs Baltimore Ravens (Open: -3, Current: -2.5): Five of the last six games between these two teams have been decided by three points. Thus the line moving to 2.5 was a win for those individuals eyeing the Ravens in this highly anticipated divisional battle. If Baltimore wins, it is almost certain to be by three or more points, giving Ravens backers a win rather than a push. For those favoring the Steelers, the moneyline is now the play. Noboody likes having a +2.5 dog in a game that has a history of being decided by three or more points.
Oakland Raiders vs Denver Broncos (Open: Pick, Current: -3): I guess the odds makers are not looking for the Raiders to go 6-0 against the AFC West this season. Their opinion of Denver must have changed as well with the retention of Kyle Orton, the return of Elvis Dummervil, and the addition of Von Miller. Unless Oakland can pressure Orton early and often, this match up sets up bad for the Raiders Nnamdi Asomugha-less secondary.
Saints vs Packers (-4)
Steelers vs Ravens (-2.5)
Lions vs Buccaneers (-1.5)
Falcons vs Bears (+3)
Bills vs Chiefs (-5.5)
Colts vs Texans (-9)
Eagles vs Rams (+4.5)
Bengals vs Browns (-6.5)
Titans vs Jaguars (-3)
Giants vs Redskins (+3)
Panthers vs Cardinals (-7)
Seahawks vs 49ers (-5.5)
Vikings vs Chargers (-9)
Cowboys vs Jets (-4)
Patriots vs Dolphins (+7)
Raiders vs Broncos (-3)
