Monday Night Football Betting Preview
The first Monday Night Football outing of the season is so nice, they're doing it twice.
The NFL schedule-makers have booked a doubleheader for primetime, opening with the Baltimore Ravens visiting the New York Jets and wrapping up with the San Diego Chargers at the Kansas City Chiefs. Here's an inside look into both Monday matchups which sees one small home favorite and one bigger home underdog:
Baltimore Ravens at New York Jets (-1, 36.5)
The New York Jets usurped the title of the NFL's top defense last season, replacing the Baltimore Ravens' once-feared stop unit. New York allowed only 14.8 points on an average of 252 yards per game last season and have been talking up their defensive prowess heading into Monday night's showdown - especially head coach Rex Ryan, who was once the Ravens' defensive coordinator.
Oddsmakers at BetUS.com are expecting a low-scoring affair when these teams meet. The total is set at 36.5 points; however, both New York and Baltimore have made some major improvements on the offensive side of the ball.
The Ravens stocked their receiving corps with the additions of Anquan Bolden and T.J. Houshmandzadeh to go along with the versatile running of Ray Rice and budding quarterback Joe Flacco. The Jets brought in veteran rusher and former MVP LaDainian Tomlinson as well as receiver Santonio Holmes, who is suspended for the first four games of the season.
Baltimore's experienced core knows how important the first game is, and they will be looking to send a message not only to the loud-mouth Jets but also to the entire AFC. Expect the Ravens to step up on Monday Night Football. [ See the latest point spread and total at BetUS.com and qualify to double your $500 deposit all the way up to $1,000! ]
San Diego Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs (+4.5, 44.5)
After a dismal 4-12 season the Kansas City Chiefs are out to prove they can still contend in the AFC West. Kansas City returns quarterback Matt Cassel as well as standout skill players in receiver Dwayne Bowe and running back Jamaal Charles.
Add to that promising trio the home-field advantage of Arrowhead Stadium. The 77,000-plus seat stadium is still among the loudest in the NFL, giving the Chiefs solid value as 4.5-point home underdogs at bodog.com, the home of the best NFL underdog lines. Last year, Kansas City went just 2-6 against the spread at home.
The Chargers' offense is missing some key components from last year's squad. Gone is running back LaDainian Tomlinson, replaced by Fresno State standout Ryan Mathews. Also MIA for Monday's opener is top receiver Vincent Jackson, who is suspended for three games but is also in the midst of a nasty contract holdout.
Bettors should expect San Diego's scoring punch to miss the mark more than a few times Monday. With new faces and missing ones for San Diego, Kansas City could take advantage. Football fans should also take a strong look at playing under the 44.5-point total. However, beware this nasty little trend – the Chiefs have played OVER the total in seven of their past nine season openers.