Tom Brady and Bucs Underdogs in Week One Versus New Orleans, Would Snap GOAT’s Record Streak

Posted on: May 8, 2020, 08:13h. 

Last updated on: May 8, 2020, 10:40h.

Devin O'Connor @CasinoorgDevinO Read More
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Tom Brady is an underdog for the first time in many years, as his new team – the Tampa Bay Buccaneers – is being spotted points by the New Orleans Saints in week one of the NFL season.

Tom Brady NFL odds Buccaneers
Tom Brady has moved his family and wife Gisele Bundchen to Florida, where he finds himself in the precarious role of underdog with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. (Image: Bruno Kelly/Reuters)

The NFL unveiled its 17-week regular season yesterday, and the biggest headline was seeing who the GOAT quarterback would face in his first game under center not with the New England Patriots. The league put Brady up against one of the game’s other best quarterbacks in recent memory – Drew Brees, a 13x Pro Bowler and Super Bowl winner.

The Caesars Sportsbook opened the game with the Saints favored by 6.5 points. However, early money has been on the Bucs, the line now as short as 3.5 points at BetMGM in New Jersey.

FanDuel has the Saints spotting 4.5 points, and DraftKings four. The over/under is 49.5 points, and moneyline at Tampa Bay +198, New Orleans -240.

Streak in Jeopardy

Tom Brady, a six-time Super Bowl winner (4x time SB MVP), and three-time NFL Most Valuable Player, has been the betting favorite in each of his past 74 regular season starts. It’s the longest streak in the Super Bowl era, according to ESPN.

The last time Brady’s team was spotted points came back in November of 2014, when the Pats were three-point underdogs in Green Bay. The Packers won 26-21 to cover the spread.

Fittingly, after Brady, Brees has the second-longest streak of being favored in the regular season.

Week 1 Notables

Assuming week one actually happens – likely without fans or partially occupied stadiums – the first week of action features an exciting lineup.

The Las Vegas Raiders will make their debut in Carolina against the Panthers. The Sin City Silver and Black are one-point dogs, and the moneyline has Las Vegas at +102 and Carolina -120.

The Baltimore Ravens look to bounce back after their shocking loss as the No. 1 seed in the AFC Divisional Round to the Tennessee Titans. Baltimore hosts the Cleveland Browns, and is favored by 8.5 points. The moneyline is Baltimore -400, Cleveland +310.

The champion Kansas City Chiefs kick off their title defense at home against the Houston Texans. Reigning Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes is favored by 10.5, and the moneyline is Kansas City -500, Houston +375. Kansas City is currently the biggest week one favorite.

NFL Futures

Looking way ahead, Kansas City remains the favorite to win the Super Bowl. The Chiefs are at +600, which represents implied odds of 14.29 percent. The Ravens (+700), San Francisco 49ers (+800), Saints (+1000), and Buccaneers (+1500) round out the top five.

Bettors seeking great return, albeit with great risk, can find the longest odds on the Washington Redskins. After going 3-13 last season, Washington is at +12500 (implied odds 0.79 percent).

The Browns have the longest playoff drought at 18 years. With the playoffs expanding from 12 to 14 teams this season, and plenty of excitement still in Cleveland surrounding their star-studded roster, oddsmakers have the Dog Pound playing in the postseason at Yes +122, No -148.