The NFL schedule was released Thursday evening, and the San Francisco 49ers will open the 2016 season at home against the Los Angeles Rams September 12, on Monday Night Football. Although we are still two weeks away from the NFL Draft, we already have a spread for Week 1.
The LV SuperBook released preliminary lines shortly after the schedule release. The 49ers have opened as a 2.5-point underdog against the Rams. That line will likely change plenty between now and September 12, but we at least have some early context.
The 49ers opened as a 3.5-point home favorite against the Minnesota Vikings last season, but the line quickly swung the other way, and the 49ers were three-point underdogs by kickoff. This Rams game is a tough one to peg right now. The Rams just dealt away a boatload of picks to move up to the No. 1 spot. They are expected to draft a quarterback, but will that person be starting Week 1? My guess is Case Keenum is starting that game, but plenty could change.
If we weren't nearly five months away from the game, I would be inclined to take the points. Heck, I'd be tempted by the moneyline. But I'm going to wait and see how this line progresses between now and training camp. My guess is it comes down a little bit closer to the 49ers, but we'll see what the money brings.