2009 NFL Week 1 Early Lines Sure Bets; Betting Odds & Predictions

Atlanta Falcons (-4) vs. Miami Dolphins
I wouldn't expect this line to stay at 4 points for very long. The Falcons have improved their team in the off-season with the additions of Tony Gonzalez at tight end and rookie draft pick Peria Jerry on defense. The addition of Tony Gonzalez was the best addition that the Falcons organization could have made for the 2009 season. Gonzalez will draw attention away from rising star Roddy White, open up holes for Michael Turner, and give quarterback Matt Ryan a new big target to throw to. The Dolphins had an amazing 2008, but I expect the wildcat to be contained in the '09 season. The Dolphins still have an average at best receiving core and a passing defense that was the 8th worst last season. The Dolphins will not be able to stop the Falcons through the air, and will have their hands full with Michael Turner. Falcons win 28-17.

Denver Broncos (0 even) vs. Cincinnati Bengals
This line is so mind boggling that I am convinced that the odds makers know something know a lot more than I do about this match up, but I will give my opinion and reasoning regardless. I seem to be one of the only people in the world who were in love with the Bengals '09 draft class, but I don't think it will pay immediate dividends. The Broncos can't play defense, but the offense should be good enough to dominate the Bengals defense. I am taking the Broncos offense over the Bengals defense, take the over as well. Broncos win 34-28.

Houston Texans (-4) vs. New York Jets
False optimism retained from the 2008 New York Jets season will temporarily be around through the first few weeks of the season. The facts are that the Jets offense is a mess with the top two running backs happy, a new unexperienced quarterback behind center, and the top receiver wearing a different teams jersey. The Houston Texans have high hopes coming into the 2009 season with a rapidly improving defense and a solid offense when they get solid production from the quarterback position. Matt Schaub has been working on developing a solid relationship with Pro Bowl wide receiver Andre Johnson, and also has weapons in Owen Daniels and Andrew Walter. The Texans win this game, and you might want to look at the under as well, 21-10 Texans.

San Diego Chargers (-6.5 -120) vs. Oakland Raiders
This should be a good ole beat down. The Chargers are better than ever and now know the value of Darren Sproles and will use him with LT to spread out the defense. The Raiders are a mess, a young mess who could grow into a decent football team, but a mess nonetheless. The Chargers will use Gates to avoid the strong Raiders secondary, and should pass out of the backfield to Sproles and Tomlinson. Expect a sloppy game from the Raiders, and a Chargers victory. 24-10 Chargers.

Chicago Bears (+3) vs. Green Bay Packers
The Bears will win the NFC North division in 2009. As a life long Detroit Lions fan I am ashamed to admit it, but the Bears have the pieces in place and they will win the division. Week 1 will feature Jay Cutler vs. Aaron Rodgers, and although Rodgers is good, Cutler is a couple of steps ahead. Matt Forte will have a god game both rushing and receiving against the Packers defense. This one will be close, but the Bears will pull out a victory at Lambeau Field. 21-17 Bears.