Believe it or not, the start of the NFL season is about 10 weeks away – that is around mid-July when rookies get a jump start on training camp. And if there was one week that is the most unpredictable – in a league where each week is extremely unpredictable, Week 1 probably leads in this category. But what is more surprising than the anticipated uncertaintly of the NFL season, and particularly, the opening kickoff, is the three NFL teams with the largest odds entering Week 1 of the 2017-18 season.
1.) Seattle Seahawks
Somehow, the Seattle Seahawks enter Week 1 of the 2017-18 NFL season as underdogs to a team that they have historically (Pete Carroll era) owned. While the spread is at -3 – which typically means the teams are even and the three points are awarded for home field advantage, the Seahawks had a better record last year than the Green Bay Packers and just have the Pack’s number.
The interesting storyline that should dominate headlines in this game is the return of Eddie Lacy to Lambeau Field – which didn’t take long. In fact, Lacy will have made his return to Green Bay before he even debuts in front of his new team’s home crowd. A healthy Russell Wilson to start the season, solidified ground attack, and a former defense known for domination – which is eager to show they are still the game’s best on that side of the ball, should make for a competitive opening kickoff game.
2.) New York Giants
Some might call this spread another head scratcher considering the New York Giants defeated the Dallas Cowboys for their only real losses of the season – Week seventeen’s loss to the Eagles featured backups and Mark Sanchez. Nevertheless, the Giants enter Week 1 of the NFL season getting 5.5 points. Albeit the game is nationally televised and airing Sunday Night Football on ESPN, the G-Men are no strangers to playing on the big stage.
The addition of Brandon Marshall to the receiving corps along with rookie tight end, Evan Engram, the Giants’ passing attack could be even deadlier than ever since Eli Manning has been under center. On defense, the resigning of Pierre-Paul and addition of shiny new rookie defensive-tackle, Dalvin Tomlinson, could make the d-line of the Giants a powerful weapon like it was during their Super Bowl runs.
This could be a trendy upset pick.
1.) Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs once destroyed the New England Patriots so bad during a regular season game back in the 2014-15 season, that reporters were asking coach Bill Belichick whether or not he’d consider benching Tom Brady. As you could guess, Belichick gave a sarcastic laugh and smirk and the Pats promptly went on a run that ended with another Super Bowl win.
However, the Chiefs under Andy Reid in the regular season are pretty damn good. But they are also known for laying an egg or two every year and maybe that’s why they are getting 7.5 points to open the season. The Pats might be loaded up to make possibly their last deep Super Bowl run with Tom Brady under center, but the Chiefs have a stingy defense and a motivated Alex Smith – following team trading up to draft rookie quarterback, Patrick Mahomes. This also might be Smith’s last shot at leading a team to the Super Bowl as the Chiefs can cut the 33 year-old following the conclusion of the 2017-18 season and save $15 million.
I don’t think there is any question most people believe the Patriots will win this game, but don’t be surprised if the game is closer than the 7.5 projected spread.
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