NFL Week 1 Odds: Patriots, Broncos favored vs. tough AFC opponents

The point spreads for Week 1 are starting to take shape as the NFL season approaches.

The NFL season is just days away, and the point spreads for Week 1 are starting to take shape.

The regular season kicks off in Foxborough as the New England Patriots host the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday night. The Patriots were 3.5-point favorites a week ago, but that number has since soared to seven points on the news that Tom Brady’s suspension was overruled by a federal judge.

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The Steelers have been road warriors recently, having gone 7-2 against the spread in their last nine games as underdogs during the regular season, and it will certainly be interesting to see if they can overcome New England’s home-field advantage.

Also in the AFC, the Buffalo Bills look to get the Tyrod Taylor era started on a winning note as they host superstar Andrew Luck and the Indianapolis Colts. Buffalo boasts one of the most raucous home atmospheres in the league and that has certainly helped the Bills go 4-1 ATS in their last five games at home in September.

Buffalo is currently getting 2.5 points at home, but that number could rise due to the Bills' current quarterback situation.

In another marquee AFC matchup, the Denver Broncos are laying 4.5 points as they host the Baltimore Ravens. Baltimore is another team that’s no stranger to producing as an underdog, having gone 4-0 ATS in its last four games in that situation according to the OddsShark NFL Database.

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In the NFC, the Cowboysbattle the Giants on Sunday night. Dallas seems to relish the role of the favorite, having gone 4-0 ATS in its last four games in that spot. The Cowboys are six-point chalk as they look to make a statement in front of a national audience.

Many people are expecting the Rams to take a step forward in the NFC West this season, but they still find themselves as four-point home underdogs to the powerhouse Seahawks this week.

The Rams have been awful against their division in recent years (2-9 straight up in their last 11 games against NFC West), but the Seahawks have been flat on the road on many occasions, posting a 2-8 SU and ATS record in their last 10 games on the road in September.