The 2012 NFL schedule has finally kicked-off and there have already been some surprising results. The Washington Redskins stunned the New Orleans Saints while the New York Jets put aside a horrible preseason to comprehensively defeat the Buffalo Bills. The first Monday Night Football game of the year will be a clash between divisional rivals the San Diego Chargers and Oakland Raiders. It should be a very interesting game with a number of betting opportunities available for NFL gamblers.
Money Line at Intertops – Oakland Raiders (-115) San Diego Chargers (-105)
The Oakland Raiders will start favorites against the San Diego Chargers for the first time in several seasons. Online Sportsbooks are obviously looking at Oakland’s good overall record against the Chargers as well as the fact that star Chargers running back Ryan Matthews has been ruled out of the game. However, this game is expected to be a battle between quarterbacks Philip Rivers and Carson Palmer. Rivers has an excellent record against the Raiders as well as Carson Palmer. The Chargers quarterback had a disappointing season in 2011 and will be desperate to start the 2012 season off with a positive result. We expect Rivers to be the difference between the two sides and lead the Chargers to a narrow win.
Our Tip: Bet on the San Diego Chargers on the money line at Intertops.
Prop Betting Opportunities
There are a number of prop betting markets available at Intertops. These markets can offer excellent value for gamblers, if you do the necessary research. The team at Online Gambling has done the research for you today and found the best prop betting options for tonight’s game.
First Touchdown Scorer
Darren McFadden is the favorite in the first touchdown market but we don’t believe he is good value. The running back has scored just one touchdown against the Chargers in four games and has generally been well contained by the Chargers defense. In contrast Chargers tight-end Antonio Gates has scored four touchdowns against the Raiders in just six games. He is Philip Rivers go to receiver in the red zone and at +800 at Intertops is excellent value to score the first touchdown.
Quarterback Match-up
Intertopsis giving Carson Palmer a 24.5 yard head start over Philip Rivers in the quarterback total yards match-up. This doesn’t look like it will be enough. The Chargers will be relying on their passing game because of the injury to Ryan Matthews while the Raiders offense is likely to give McFadden a great deal of work. Rivers averages well over 250 yards against the Raiders and has been particularly effective against them in recent years. He is currently priced at -115 at Intertops.
You can on all NFL games in the 2012 Schedule at Intertops.
