NFL...Only Bettor: Season preview and outright bets

Strange start could mean messy games

John: "It's going to be a strange start to the season. There has been no preseason games so we could see some messy contests."

Mike: "I agree that there are a lot of unknowns. There's no substitute for playing. Consequentially, defences will be way ahead of offences. Teams like the Patriots, which rely on the scheming, will be at a disadvantage, and it will be difficult for coaches."

Jim: "How teams communicate will be very interesting, especially in the defences. I think offence will do very well."

Tier one teams

Jim: "I've gone for the New Orleans Saints at 11/1. That's a good price for a team with a lot of continuity from last season."

Mike: "I took the Saints and Baltimore Ravens in my preview. But my dark horse is the Seattle Seahawks at 19/1. That's awfully sweet for a team that I think could win the NFC West. A real good value bet."

John: "You won't get better odds all season than the 13/2 on the Ravens you can get now. Their offence will be a hell of a threat and they will take the AFC North with ease."

Tier two teams - 20-50/1

John: "Cleveland are 30/1 but they have an incredibly talented roster and have strengthened their coaching team."

Jim: "I'm going with Browns too. They've got talent. If they get certain players fit and firing they could click. They've also beefed up their defence."

Mike: "I don't think the Titan, Packers or Vikings will be as good as they were last season. The Steelers might be a surprise but will face a fight to get out of their division. I'll go with the Buffalo Bills 25/1 as my tier two pick. If want to take a shot, they're worth it."

Jim: "I'm staying away from the AFC but if you want a bet to win the NFC then I'd back the Saints at 6/1."

Third tier - 55-100/1

Mike: "The Dolphins 70/1 are probably a year away from getting their act together but they are a solid team that could surprise some people. The NFC North looks pretty open and I think the Lions have a shot at winning it at 9/2."

John: "The Las Vegas Raiders 55/1 have assembled a strong roster and have a lot of potential for growth. It will be interesting to see how they respond to moving to a new city."

Jim: "For a long odds bet, I want a team with a lot of unknown entities and the Denver Broncos 55/1 fit the bill. They're defence could really suck of they could be really good. They're a really interesting team."

Season bets

John: "For most rushing yards, I think there's a chance the favourite Derrick Henry won't do as well as he did last season. I think the Chiefs Clyde Edwards-Helaire 22/1 is going to have a good season."

Jim: "For passing yards Jared Goff 11/1 looks like a bet. He is a good quarter-back with decent players around him. At those odds he's value."

Mike: "Josh Jacobs will do a lot of running so at 14/1 I like him for rushing yards. As for passing yards, I think Ben Roethlisberger is a good bet at 13/1."