:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/18918241/mgm_grand_sports_book.0.jpg)
Shortly after the NFL released the 2013 regular season schedule, the first gambling lines came out for Week 1 matchups. Much would change between that point in April and the start of the season in September, but the oddsmakers were happy to start taking money on the games.
The 49ers opened as a 4.5 point favorites for their Week 1 opener at home against the Green Bay Packers. The MGM line opened at 49ers -5.5, but otherwise it floated around that range. As the game now approaches, the line remains at -4.5 across the Internet. It is worth noting that the MGM lowered their number to 49ers -4 as money was coming in from Packers bettors. Given the loss of Michael Crabtree, this is not entirely surprising.
The home team generally gets three points right off the bat. A spread in the 4 to 5 range is giving the home team the edge beyond that, but it is still considered a bit of a toss-up. The 49ers and Packers are two evenly matched teams, and with the number of offseason changes we have seen, there enough question marks that this does qualify as a toss-up.
That being said, I do think the 49ers are the better team. On Twitter, I said that and someone got on me for not "respecting" the Packers. I think it's perfectly reasonable to respect an opponent while still thinking the 49ers are better than them. The 49ers very well could lose this game. I don't think they will, but we know that having two teams so closely matched means it is very reasonable to think either team might win.
I don't think any of this is a huge deal, but I figured I'd clarify my position. I realize this is not necessarily something that needs clarification on a 49ers fan site, but what are you gonna do?