NFL Game of the Year Lines and Predictions

by George Monroy - 8/27/2015

Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning

The NFL schedule has been out for quite some time, and so have most of the lines-the summer can be a bit slow with only baseball to bet on, and the oddsmakers know that releasing NFL lines is the only thing that will keep bettors sane. Now that the season is quickly approaching, and gamblers can start wagering actual matchups, let's take a closer look at the Games of the Year lines and figure out which of the season's best games have the most value to bet on. Remember, these lines are subject to change based on injury and improved or diminished expectations. But this is where they stand at the moment.

Sept 20 Week 2: Green Bay -3 versus Seattle: the first huge matchup of the year comes during Week 2 in a NFC Conference finals rematch between Seattle and Green Bay. The Jordy Nelson injury doesn't seem to have impacted the line, as the number opened in the three-point range to begin with. Seattle won both meetings last season but did not cover its come-from-behind victory during the playoffs. Green Bay has struggled in this series over the last four seasons, going 0-4 straight up and 1-3 ATS (Pre and post seasons included). Seattle plus the points feels very enticing.

Oct 11 Week 5: Philadelphia -4.5 versus New Orleans: The Saints typically struggle on the road, even when they are a playoff contender, and they have posted an 11-15 road ATS record over the last three seasons (playoffs included). Both teams, however, produced two of the Top 3 totals marks during the 2014 season, and even though there isn't a posted line just yet, this matchup between two high-scoring teams already has the "over" written all over it. Expect an exciting matchups between two high-powered offensive squads.

Oct 18 Week 6: Indianapolis -1.5 versus New England: If Tom Brady's suspension is not repealed this will be his first game back after his "Deflategate" penalty, and the matchup will probably turn out huge ratings for the NFL. If you do not remember the controversy, the deflated balls were first reported by the Colts during last year's playoffs. New England has owned the Indianapolis during the recent Andrew Luck era and has dominated the last four matchups by a combined 116 points for an average victory of 29 points per game. Expect revenge to be on New England's mind. Take the points.

Nov 1 Week 8: Denver -2.5 versus Green Bay: There isn't a total for this line up yet, but the "over" may be the best way to go with this one. Both teams tend to be high-scoring, and each produced a better than 58 percent "over" record in 2014. Surprisingly, this is the first matchup between Denver and Green Bay during the Peyton Manning era. The last matchup between the two squads took place in 2011. Any total in the 55-point range feels like a great spot to take the over.

Nov 29 Week 12: Denver -1.5 versus New England: The annual Peyton Manning versus Tom Brady matchup is still as viable and important as ever. This Week 12 game could be the difference between a No. 1 and No. 2 seed and could very well be the last time the two legendary quarterbacks meet. New England is 3-1 ATS over the last three seasons and has historically owned the rivalry between Brady and Manning with an 11-5 regular-season SU record during both players' careers. Bettors rarely get a chance to take the Patriots as an underdog, so take the points.

Dec 13 Week 14: Green Bay -5.5 versus Dallas: Because of one non-catch during last year's playoffs, a Green Bay versus Dallas matchup is now one of the biggest games of the year. The Cowboys may not be the same team as last year because of the departure of DeMarco Murray, and this game is too late in the year to make any legitimate assumptions just yet. The Packers could struggle on offense due to the Nelson injury. Lean toward Green Bay, but do not run out to wager on this one just yet.

Start:	November 24, 2024 @ 1:00 PM
Expert:	Vernon Croy
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