By Matt Papiernik, @Matt_Papiernik on Twitter
SteelerNation.com
Everyday the NFL is looking more and more likely to start on schedule. The NFL is taking a proactive approach in terms of planning in case of a shortened regular season, and planning for the potential of playing without fans.
If the NFL regular season was to start on time, the Pittsburgh Steelers would open up playing the New York Giants on their home field.
Even though the game is in New York (technically New Jersey because the New YORK Giants play in New JERSEY???), the Steelers open up as 3.5 point favorites over the Giants.
Many fans will probably see that as an insult to the Steelers to only be 3.5 point favorites. The Steelers are coming off a season in which they had a dominating defense that nearly carried them to a playoff appearance. And now, they get their Hall of Fame quarterback back to start the season.
With the Steelers looking like they should be playoff contenders this year, why are they only 3.5 point favorites over a team that finished 4-12 last season? The reason being, the Giants are poised to be much better next season, and there are still a lot of questions around Ben Roethlisberger's health.
The Giants have their potential franchise quarterback, Daniel Jones, entering his second season after an impressive second half in 2019. They also added a lot of quality pieces this off-season, primarily revolving around their offensive line.
One of the surprise teams this season in my opinion is likely to be the Giants, and that is why I think this line is pretty fair. However, if the Steelers defense remains elite, and Big Ben returns to even remotely close to pre-injury form, the Steelers should be able to cover the spread in week one without much issue.
Now, let's take a look around the rest of the AFC North to see what the gambling world seems to think of their week one matchups.
Cleveland Browns at Baltimore Ravens (-8.5)
- The Browns had a lot of expectations heading into last season and they disappointed. On the other side, the Ravens had a terrific regular season, but had their playoff run cut short. Both the Ravens and the Browns had pretty solid off-seasons, but the Browns definitely had much more room for improvement. Right now, I'd put my money on the Ravens, as this unique off-season will likely favor coaching staffs that are retained from the previous year early in the season.
Los Angeles Chargers at Cincinnati Bengals (+3.5)
- Right now, there apparently is a lot of love of the Chargers. While I am a big Tyrod Taylor fan, I am not sure he should open up as a 3.5 point favorite week one. The Bengals are going to be much improved this season. Not only have they made some key additions this off-season (Joe Burrow, Mackensie Alexander, DJ Reader, etc.), they also get their best wide receiver back from injury in AJ Green. While the Chargers have a well built roster and a very good defense, I would definitely be betting on the Bengals as home underdogs.
The Steelers and Ravens are definitely viewed as the teams to beat in the AFC North based on the opening lines, but there is a lot of time between now and week one.
Let us know below what you think of the opening line for the Steelers game and the rest of the games in the AFC North!
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