The San Francisco 49ers open the season on the road against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a little over two months. When the opening lines were released for the opening week of the NFL back in April, the Niners opened up as 2.5 point underdogs. A lot has happened since then. The 49ers bolstered their pass rush by drafting Nick Bosa second overall. They also added Deebo Samuel, who some feel will be a breakout candidate in 2019.
Tampa Bay’s offseason hasn’t been nearly as splashy. The Bucs added some skill in the secondary but ignored an offensive line that struggled to create holes for running backs and keep their quarterback upright in 2018.
Because of that, the odds have changed for the season opener between the Niners and Bucs:
Take a look at the current point spread odds and early trends at our 100+ Sports Books in NV, NJ, and WV for #ProFootball Regular Season Week 1.
— William Hill US (@WilliamHillUS) July 3, 2019
Which teams do you like to win Week 1?
*Odds subject to change. pic.twitter.com/d34IYM64Ty
In gambling, you follow the money. Take a look at the game below, for example. 65% of the tickets are on the Kansas City Chiefs, but 91% of the money is on Jacksonville. That means that the “sharps” or “wise guys” believe Jacksonville will cover the 3.5 point spread, despite the public betting 65% of the tickets. “Fading the public” is a popular betting strategy.
97% speaks for itself. If you placed a bet on this game, you likely placed it on San Francisco. The spread will be something to keep an eye on as the season gets closer. I would guess the number will settle around two point favorites for the Niners.