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Remember how excited we'd get for Week 1 NFL spreads to be released? That was so 2018. Why have lines for the opening week when you can have 'em for all 17?
Future lines, or "lookahead lines," are a good tool to use throughout the entire season. They give bettors a sense of direction and offer information about how oddsmakers are valuing teams prior to the campaign.
Today, we'll go over some of the most interesting notes from the 2020 NFL schedule, including a couple of specific games to hammer.
Most games as favorites
| Team | Games Favored In |
|---|---|
| Ravens | 16 |
| Saints | 14 |
| Chiefs | 14 |
| 49ers | 13 |
| Buccaneers | 12 |
| Seahawks | 11 |
| Bills | 11 |
| Rams | 10 |
| Browns | 10 |
| Steelers | 10 |
| Colts | 10 |
| Titans | 10 |
You read that correctly: Right now, the Ravens are favored in every lookahead line. Baltimore is double-digit chalk in four of its 16 games, with the largest spread -15.5 over the Jaguars.
The Chiefs would probably be laying points in all 16 games, too, if they didn't play arguably the two best teams in both conferences (New Orleans and Baltimore). However, Kansas City is a double-digit favorite in seven games.
Well, it's going to be fun fading Tampa Bay. Tom Brady and the new-look Buccaneers are favored in 75% of their 2020 matchups, which certainly doesn't make sense.
One surprise team that didn't make the list? The Cowboys, who own a win total of 9.5 and the sixth-shortest odds to win the Super Bowl at some shops.
Fewest games as favorites
| Team | Games Favored In |
|---|---|
| Jaguars | 0 |
| Giants | 1 |
| Panthers | 1 |
| Bengals | 1 |
| Redskins | 2 |
| Lions | 3 |
| Jets | 3 |
| Raiders | 3 |
| Cardinals | 4 |
| Broncos | 5 |
Sad trombone noise for the Jaguars, who aren't favored in a single game. If the script plays out accordingly, Jacksonville would wind up with the No. 1 overall pick and have Trevor Lawrence fall right into its lap. Now that's a win.
It appears all the offseason turnover won't save the Panthers. It's a new team from the coaching staff to the roster, but Carolina's only giving points in one game - the Panthers are -1.5 at home against the Lions.
Best lookahead bets
Here are some of the biggest games of the season that stand out from a betting perspective.
Cowboys (+7) at Ravens
I feel infinitely better about investing in a Dallas team that doesn't employ Jason Garrett. It's harsh, but the Cowboys added by subtraction when they cut ties with the longtime head coach. The Cowboys are going to be a team I bet plenty in 2020. Getting a full touchdown in this spot is a bargain.
Saints (-2.5) at Bears
Chicago had no answer for Teddy Bridgewater and the Saints last year, as New Orleans walked out of Soldier Field with a convincing 36-25 win. There's still a significant talent disparity between these NFC clubs, and I see no reason to take the Bears plus the points here.
Chiefs (-7.5) at Dolphins
I'd lay the chalk on the Chiefs in this spot against the Dolphins. Miami did a lot of good things this offseason to improve its roster. However, Patrick Mahomes and Kansas City's offense should run circles around the Fins' defense.
Alex Kolodziej is a betting writer for theScore. He's a graduate of Eastern Illinois who has been involved in the sports betting industry for 12 years. He can quote every line from "Rounders" and appreciates franchises that regularly wear alternate jerseys. Find him on Twitter @AJKolodziej.
