Stop the presses - have the Oakland Raiders actually started to figure things out? Most NFL betting tips over the last decade have been why someone should bet against the pathetic Oakland Raiders, but now it appears that the tide has turned a bit. For starters, they acquired Jason Campbell, which was a shrewd move. Secondly, they cut ties with JaMarcus Russell, who is one of the biggest busts in NFL history. Now they are continuing to make smart moves in their back field.

College football betting fans thought that Darren McFadden would be a stud when he made it to the next level but that has been far from the case. Granted, the Raiders - and the offense - haven't helped him much but it appears he'll have to share carries, or maybe even give some of his up, with a lower draft pick.

McFadden may be a combine star but Michael Bush has been more effective as a pro running back and the Raiders are not willing to part ways with him, even though opposing Northbet.com betting teams have been calling. Bush is a steady, reliable running and while McFadden has the razzle and dazzle, that hasn't produced much so far in his career. So far, he's been backseated for Justin Fargas and now Bush.

Bush helps the Raiders cover NFL points spreads and win games. McFadden is just the bigger brand name that those who bet on sports are familiar with. At the end of the day, though, McFadden will fade into the background, similar to the over-hyped Reggie Bush, unless he starts showing us similar stuff to what he did in college.

After setting attendance and viewership records during the 2009 to 2010 seasons, NFL betting fans are getting excited for the opening kickoff to the 2010 to 2011 season. Week one is by far the most bet upon week in the NFL aside from the Super Bowl. With all of the new look rosters, here is a rundown of all 16 games to open up week one.

Thursday September 9, 2010

Minnesota Vikings vs. New Orleans Saints – What better way to kickoff the season than with a rematch of the NFC Conference final, look for this game to go over the total as two of the hottest offenses from a year ago collide again.

Sunday September 12, 2010

Miami Dolphins v Buffalo Bills – Chad Henne and his new weapon Brandon Marshall, should have a big day against the Bills who didn’t do much of anything this offseason.

Detroit Lions v Chicago Bears – The Bears are a seven point favorite and given how poor the Lions are, nobody should be surprised if Jay Cutler leads the Bears to a larger victory.

Oakland Raiders v Tennessee Titans – With Vince Young’s head finally screwed on right and Chris Johnson finally signed, the Titans should decimate the Raiders. Raiders’ fans finally are optimistic now that JaMarcus Russell is gone.

Cincinnati Bengals v New England Patriots – This may be the most highly watched game in week one as everyone is dying to know how an Ocho and TO receiving corps will fare against a tough New England defense.

Carolina Panthers v New York Giants – The Giants are also a seven point favorite this week, and given how poor the Panthers have been in recent memory, we are surprised the spread is not more.

Atlanta Falcons v Pittsburgh Steelers – With Ben Roethlisberger suspended for the first month of the season look for the Falcons to take advantage of an inexperienced Steelers offense.

Cleveland Browns v Tampa Bay Buccaneers – In a battle of two teams destined for a repeat in the cellar, look for the Browns strong defensive play to help them pull out a win.

Denver Broncos v Jacksonville Jaguars – The Jaguars should have an easy time with the Broncos, who managed to get worse this offseason.

Indianapolis Colts v Houston Texans – This should be the tightest scoring affair of the entire day, as the Texans look to finally overcome their Colts struggles.

San Francisco 49ers v Seattle Seahawks – Can Pete Carroll’s Seahawk debut go as planned or will the 49ers defense run rampant on the Seahawks?

Green Bay Packers v Philadelphia Eagles – The Kolb era in Philly begins and ends in week one, as the Packers will have their guns blazing.

Arizona Cardinals v St. Louis Rams – Two teams with new quarterbacks and offenses, could make for a high scoring game.

Dallas Cowboys v Washington Redskins – Can Donovan McNabb finally overcome his struggles against America’s team?

Monday September 13, 2010

Baltimore Ravens v New York Jets – In a possible sneak peak of this year’s AFC final, the two busiest teams in the off season collide on Monday Night.
San Diego Chargers v Kansas City Chiefs – With so many questions surrounding the Chargers offseason moves, this may be the best chance the Chiefs get to pulling off an upset.