Home underdogs intriguing in opener

Off we go on our annual NFL voyage. The offseason acquisitions, the draft and the mundane preseason are finally behind us. Everyone has formed opinions, but how much is really a known commodity until the real thing is on display?

Last year's opening weekend featured no great trends of note, as the underdogs covered nine of 16 games and the totals were a wash at 8-8.

Keep in mind that Week 1 lines were posted about four months ago, so these numbers have been picked apart. Home underdogs are strewn across the betting board to start the season.

Mike Colbert, the M Resort sports book director for Cantor Gaming, said some of the 'dogs that are being backed might be a surprise.

"We've been seeing sharp money on Seattle, St. Louis and Philadelphia. On paper, it's a good setup for the books, as we expect the general public to play the favorites in those games," he said.

One of the biggest moves was a 4-point shift that made Atlanta a 3-point favorite at Pittsburgh. In the aftermath of Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger's four-game suspension, was that a rush to judgment by the bettors? The line has settled in at Falcons minus-2.

Las Vegas Hilton sports book director Jay Kornegay has done a double take looking at this number.

"It's hard to fathom Pittsburgh is a home 'dog on opening day. This may be an overreaction to Roethlisberger's situation," Kornegay said. "The Steelers are a public team, so look for them to get support."

The other intriguing number featuring a solid home 'dog revolves around the game in Philadelphia, where Green Bay is a 3-point favorite. The Packers could be the NFC's representative in the Super Bowl, but should they be favored in this matchup? We'll find out shortly what quarterback Kevin Kolb brings to the table, but the best value on the Eagles for the entire season could come today.

"The hype surrounding Green Bay has been incredible," Kornegay said. "The Packers didn't have an HBO special, yet everybody loves them."

A compelling contest in Houston has the Texans getting some solid support. The line sat on Indianapolis minus-3 most of the summer, but it has dipped below the key number to 2 and 2½. The Texans almost always take Peyton Manning and the Colts to the mat, but they can't pin them. Maybe the time has finally arrived.

An interesting AFC game features the Cincinnati Bengals visiting New England, which is a 4½-point favorite. The total is 44½ to 45.

Patriots quarterback Tom Brady needs a new car after an accident Thursday, but he can afford a Bentley as a beater after signing a four-year, $72 million contract extension. New England's offense could fire up early in the season, while the Bengals also have the opportunity to make some noise with a solid running game and skilled targets for Carson Palmer.

Las Vegas Sports Consultants odds director Tony Sinisi said in the long run these could be teams heading in opposite directions.

"The Brady-(Bill) Belichick aura remains, but the question marks on the New England defense are certainly troublesome," Sinisi said. "The vibe in Cincinnati is the pieces are in place, with an improved defense and weapons for Palmer to work with."

We're about to get our first peek at the new-look Redskins, who are 3½-point home underdogs to Dallas. Donovan McNabb debuts as Washington's quarterback and Mike Shanahan takes control as coach.

During the preseason, the Cowboys' offense was anemic, but there are simply too many weapons at the skill positions to think Dallas won't pile up points on a regular basis this season.

"At this time of year, line moves are based on public perception, not current form, because there is none," Sinisi said. "There's a sense that Dallas is the real deal, in addition to being a public team.

"By contrast, big-name coaching changes don't automatically translate into immediate success."

Brian Blessing, host of Sportsbook Radio on ESPN (1100 AM and 98.9 FM), can be reached at blessproductions@yahoo.com.