Last Updated on September 12, 2010 6:00 am by Anthony Rome
NFL Week 1 Public Betting Report
Who does the public like in the big Week 1 matchup between the Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles? Read on to find out.
Tail or fade? Some bettors have made a habit of fading the public, which is why we’ve made things simple and have compiled the public’s top 5 favorites for Week 1 in the NFL. (For updated public betting information, check out our NFL Public Betting Information Page.)
The Public’s Top 5
- San Francisco 49ers –3 85% (32,276 wagers)
- Green Bay Packers -3 84% (40,048 wagers)
- Miami Dolphins –3 81% (24,792 wagers)
- San Diego Chargers –4.5 76% (23,905)
- Indianapolis Colts –1 74% (30,469 wagers)
Analysis:
It’s easy to see why 85% of the betting public favors the Niners seeing as how the spread is low and they’re playing the Seahawks. But I would warn about betting against a home team getting points, even if it’s a team like the Seahawks who aren’t expected to be good. Plus, the Hawks have always been a different team playing in Seattle than on the road. They also get up for games at Quest Field.
The Packers seem to be the media darlings this year, which is why the public is hopping on board. Their opponent on Sunday, the Eagles, have a quarterback in Kevin Kolb whom many people feel will be a bust. But just like the San Fran-Seattle game, be weary of the trap. Philly is a tough place to play for any team.
The Dolphins could be one of those teams to hop on the public bandwagon with, because they’re playing a Bills team that lacks offensive firepower. C.J. Spiller is a game-changer, but the offensive line was brutal last year and is still relatively inexperienced.
The Chargers are yet another road favorite that the public likes because they’re playing an inferior opponent in the Chiefs. Last year, the Raiders covered against the Patriots in a similar situation, so be careful giving a home team 4.5 points. San Diego doesn’t come without its weaknesses – especially on defense.
It’s interesting that all five teams that the public favors this week are road favorites. That’s usually a recipe for disaster, although the Colts have handled the Texans over the years and the spread is basically a pick’em. One would think Peyton Manning would tear up an inexperienced Houston secondary.