NFL betting is finally back and it’s time to get the upper hand with our picks right away. Here’s a look at some trends to consider for the Thursday nighter and some of this week’s early games.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9

Vikings vs Saints

As much as Brett Favre got rattled in the Superdome during the playoffs last year, the Vikings don’t hate the road environment this week; they’re 6-1-1 against the spread over their last eight games on field turf. In fact, almost all the major sportsbook trends point Minnesota’s way this week. The Saints are 2-5 ATS over their last seven at home and 1-6 ATS over their last seven against the NFC. Minnesota is also 5-0 ATS in the last five meetings with New Orleans.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12

Panthers vs Giants

The Panthers are under the radar on that role and sports betting sharps may capitalize on that status this season. Carolina is 5-0 ATS over its last five games, 8-0 ATS over its last eight against the NFC and 5-1 ATS over its last six road games. These guys don’t get any respect. Meanwhile, the Giants have lost nine of 11 ATS overall. Two noteworthy head-to-head stats: the OVER is 5-1 over the last six meetings and the road team has beaten the spread in four of the last five meetings.

Dolphins vs Bills

The Dolphins have fared well within their own division of late, going 7-1 over their last eight ATS. But few teams help bettors less than the Dolphins in September. Miami is just 3-12-2 ATS over its last 17 September games. Meanwhile, the Bills are 5-0 in their last five Week 1 matchups. The home team is 5-1-1 ATS over the last seven meetings – though bettors should remember that Miami often visits Buffalo in the cold months. That won’t be the case this time.

Falcons vs Steelers

The oddsmakers apparently struggle to figure out Atlanta early in seasons. The Falcons are 10-2 ATS over their last 12 games in Week 1. Facing a backup quarterback with no Ben Roethlisberger, can they do it again? The Steelers have struggled to cover at home of late, going 0-3-1 ATS over their last four at Heinz Field.

Lions vs Bears

The Lions are a perennial whipping boy, going 8-20-2 over their last 30 ATS versus the NFC. But their vaunted offense, not to mention the mighty struggles of Chicago’s O-line, could make them a sleeper in Week 1. The Bears have lost four of their last five ATS at home. The underdog is also 15-7 ATS over the last 22 Lions/Bears games. This sports betting blog will watch the line closely on this matchup.

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