NFL Betting Odds: DraftKings Posts Lines For International Games, TNF Debut On Prime

Sportsbooks are starting to hang betting lines on the handful of NFL games announced ahead of the full schedule release on May 12. The first Thursday Night Football broadcast on Prime Video, Chargers vs. Chiefs in Week 2, and the five-game international series featuring three games in London, one in Mexico, and one in Germany, have been revealed by the league, and DraftKings has opened wagering.

The Chiefs are 3-point home favorites over their division rival Chargers, and DraftKings tweeted opening lines for the five games set to be played abroad:

The NFL’s International games are now live!

Games will be played in London, Munich and Mexico City. pic.twitter.com/LUYdezpLfm

— DraftKings Sportsbook (@DKSportsbook) May 4, 2022

You might have the same question one Twitter user asked of DraftKings: Why would anyone bet these games now? It’s a valid point. Offseason programs have just begun, and these lines will probably move depending on how teams progress. But DraftKings had a good response:

if you think the saints are overrated and the vikings are underrated, for example, betting before the line changes is what a lot of bettors do.

— DraftKings Sportsbook (@DKSportsbook) May 4, 2022

That’s a fair point.

And while DraftKings is early to market with these numbers, more sportsbooks are sure to start posting odds of their own. We expect NFL games to open across the sports betting market when the full 18-week schedule is announced next week.

NFL International Games Odds

Vikings (-1, 46.5) vs. Saints, October 2

Kirk Cousins, Dalvin Cook, and Justin Jefferson will get tested against a tough Saints defense in the first of three games in London. However, the key to the game may be how well Jameis Winston, Michael Thomas, Chris Olave, and Alvin Kamara play against a suspect Vikings defense (which Minnesota has put a lot of work into during the offseason).

Giants vs. Packers (-6.5, 45.5), October 9

The Packers are the only team that has not played a game in London since the NFL started playing overseas in 2007. A win against mighty Green Bay would be an excellent way for Giants first-year head coach Brian Daboll to make a statement. But he will need his team to make a ton of progress before that game for New York to be competitive.

Broncos (-6.5, 47) vs. Jaguars, October 30

The final London game features a team familiar to English fans, as Jacksonville will be playing its ninth game in London, and the Broncos. New Jags head coach Doug Pederson has his work cut out for him to turn the franchise around. On the other sideline, first-year Broncos coach Nathanial Hackett could have one of the better offenses in the NFL next season with Russell Wilson calling the signals.

Also read: Wilson-to-Broncos trade shakes up NFL futures odds

Seahawks vs. Buccaneers (-8.5, 46.5), November 13

The NFL’s first game in Germany pits arguably the greatest quarterback ever to play against a team that has been rebuilding its defense for years and will be doing the same with the offense this year. It would not be shocking to see the Bucs turn into double-digit favorites.

Also read: Did Vegas gamblers have inside info on Brady’s return?

49ers (-2.5, 48) vs. Cardinals, November 21

Fans in Mexico will be treated to one of the most intense rivalries in the NFL when these two NFC West teams face off in late November. The game’s outcome could impact both the NFC West and the wildcard race.

Chargers vs. Chiefs (-3, 52.5), November 21

Thursday Night Football kicks off the season on its new home, Prime Video, with an enticing matchup between two AFC West rivals. For many fans, this might be the first chance to see the Chiefs offense minus Tyreek Hill. With a beefed-up defense and an up-and-coming quarterback in Justin Herbert, the Chargers will be tough to beat.

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