Every sports betting bonus year the division standings realign, and while some make a push and compete for a playoff spot, others fall and are left on the outside looking in. Here is a quick look at the matchups for four NFC playoff teams from a year ago, as they look to open up their NFL betting lines season with a win.Atlanta Falcons (-3) @ Chicago Bears
Sunday, 1:00 PM ET
A loaded roster and consistent approach led to the Falcons winning an impressive 14 games last season, finishing with the best record in the NFC and clinching home field advantage for the playoffs. Unfortunately, their first postseason game was against the eventual Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers, a home loss that left a bitter taste in their mouths through the offseason. Head coach Mike Smith’s group is back this year and with the addition of a playmaking wide receiver in Julio Jones, which the Falcons moved up in the first round to grab in the top-10. A dynamic receiver, Jones has looked good with Matt Ryan this preseason, and teamed with Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez, Atlanta isn’t lacking firepower. The Bears ended last season with a loss to the Packers as well, only in the NFC Championship game with their starting quarterback watching from the sidelines after a knee sprain. That didn’t go over well with Chicago fans then, and as soon as he falters in this NFL picks game it’s likely he is going to hear about it.
NFL Betting Pick: Atlanta Falcons - 3
Philadelphia Eagles (-5) @ St. Louis Rams
Sunday, 1:00 PM ET
The Eagles have already been labeled the “Dream Team” for the upcoming sports betting season, but now it is time for Philadelphia to be the “Nightmare” team for a young Rams’ team with a ton of potential week one. St. Louis enters this season with several reasons to believe that they can contend for a division title after falling one game short in Sam Bradford’s rookie season a year ago, but it won’t be easy to get that first victory this week as the Eagles look to load up once again. The Rams’ defense showed improvement as last year wore on, but now they will be asked to defend Michael Vick.
NFL Betting Pick: Philadelphia Eagles - 5
Detroit Lions @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-1.5)
Sunday, 1:00 PM ET
Both the Lions and Buccaneers are expected to contend for an NFC playoff spot this season, but only one can emerge with the win in week one. Considering that Tampa Bay has done it before and they are playing at home, it could be Josh Freeman and the boys that come out on top. How the Buccanners’ slow the Detroit pass rush and protect Freeman in the pocket will be a key, as well as how the Tampa Bay defense is able to slow down Matt Stafford by fishing for some pressure of their own up the middle.
NFL Betting Pick: Tampa Bay Buccaneers – 1.5
