Written by :
Published on :
The NFL & ESPN continue their tradition with an opening week Monday Night Football doubleheader. Both games are divisional battles. In the opener, New England hosts Buffalo as a double-digit favorite. In the nightcap, the Raiders welcome the Chargers and will be playing as near-10-point dogs at Sportsbook.com. In both cases, bettors love the favorites at Sportsbook.com. Read on for a brief look at both games then be sure to utilize the GAME MATCHUPS before hitting the confirm button on any wagers.
BUFFALO at NEW ENGLAND
The opening game of the MNF Week 1 doubleheader pits Buffalo & New England in a AFC East showdown. QB Tom Brady returns for the Patriots after missing all of last season while being hurt on opening day. He seems at full strength and oddsmakers have taken notice, making HC Bill Belichick's team a 10-point favorite. The Patriots have had winning marks in divisional games every year this decade, including 4-2 ATS a year ago, when they missed a playoff berth despite going 11-5. Buffalo was 7-9 in '08, including 0-6 SU & 1-5 ATS in AFC East play, but has brought WR Terrell Owens into the mix to lift an offense that was 22nd in passing yardage. New England is 10-2 SU & 8-3 ATS in its L12 hosting the Bills, and UNDER the Total is 16-4 in the L20 series meetings.
StatFox Power Ratings say: New England by 16
SAN DIEGO at OAKLAND
Oakland's 2008 season began with hope on a home Monday night divisional contest vs. Denver, only for that optimism to be squashed in a 41-14 rout. The Raiders hope history doesn't repeat itself when they host San Diego to open this campaign. They come off a season in which they won five games, tying their most since 2002, including the final two. Oakland is a 6-1/2 point home dog, and needs to improve its home record of recent years, 13-33 ATS over the L6 seasons. They also need breakout performances from QB Jamarcus Russell & RB Darren McFadden, both recent high draft picks. San Diego meanwhile is the defending AFC West champ and a prohibitive favorite to return to that perch. The Chargers are 8-5 SU & 11-2 ATS in their L13 visits to Oakland.
StatFox Game Estimator says: San Diego 23, Oakland 17
With the $100K Perfect Parlay, Daily Money Back Specials and Reduced Juice Fridays it is no wonder Everybody Bets on Football at Sportsbook.com.
*These picks are not recognized as part of Gambling911.com's overall record for the 2009/2010 NFL betting season.
Carrie Stroup, Gambling911.com Senior Reporter
