The 2021 NFL season begins on Thursday with the Dallas Cowboys visiting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. But there’s value in taking a look ahead to Weeks 2-18 now.

There are many naysayers who don’t think it’s a good idea to make advance wagers like this because “no one knows what’s going to happen, yada, yada, yada,” but we truly believe you can put yourself in a great position on games by projecting how teams will fare during the season and winding up on the right side of key numbers. Advance lines listed are from DraftKings and Westgate SuperBook.

Week 2: Bills -2.5 at Dolphins
I feel this line should be at least -3 (and it is at the Westgate in Vegas). I advise grabbing the -2.5 now at DraftKings. If the Bills roll the Steelers in Week 1 or the Dolphins get blown out by the Patriots, this will surely go to -3 and perhaps -3.5 (at which point we could bet back some on the Dolphins +3.5 for a shot at a middle).

Week 3: Colts +3.5 at Titans
The Colts open against the Seahawks and Rams while the Titans play the Cardinals and Seahawks. I’m banking on these teams each being 1-1 and this line being more likely to move to the key number of 3 (note: Westgate is already dealing Titans -3), so I think it’s better to grab the hook now.

Week 4: Bears -5.5 vs. Lions
The Lions are very likely to be 0-3 after facing the 49ers, Packers and Ravens. If the Bears are 2-1 after facing the Rams, Bengals and Browns, and Andy Dalton is still starting, then they’ll be favored by at least a touchdown. If they’re 0-3 or 1-2 and Justin Fields is given his first start, I believe the betting market will jump on the rookie against the Lions and still make them a TD favorite.

Week 5: Packers -6 at Bengals
The Packers start with the Saints, Lions, 49ers and Steelers, but should still come out of it no worse than 2-2, and I would expect the betting market to be all over Aaron Rodgers “getting well” in this game. I believe only a Rodgers injury can keep this line from being at least -7.

Week 5: Broncos +4.5 at Steelers
I have these teams very close in my power ratings, certainly too close for the Steelers to be favored by 4.5 points even at home. The Broncos could be 2-2 or even 3-1 while the Steelers should be 2-2 at best. I suspect this line will be long gone by game day, and we could be laying Steelers -3 for a nice shot at a middle.

Week 6: Bears +4.5 vs. Packers
I wrote about this in the VSiN NFL Betting Guide: with the way the schedules line up, these teams could both be 3-2 by the time of this key NFC North game. The Packers will undoubtedly still be favored, but I foresee it being a lot closer to 3-point road chalk.

Week 7: Falcons +3.5 at Dolphins
Atlanta could be 3-2 or even 4-1 coming into this game off a bye. I’m expecting the Dolphins to be no better than 3-3, so there’s a good chance this line could be lower than a field goal (at which time I would advise betting back a little on the Dolphins for a middle). Worst-case scenario, I don’t see this line being any higher than it is now.

Week 9: Bills -6.5 at Jaguars
If the Bills are among the top teams in the AFC and the Jaguars are still going through growing pains, I can’t see how this line isn’t more than a touchdown even with the game in Jacksonville.

Week 12: Falcons PK at Jaguars
The Falcons aren’t likely to be as good as the Bills, but they’re very likely to be favored on the road at the Jaguars by the time this game rolls around.

Week 12: Browns +3.5 at Ravens
Most people have these teams neck-and-neck in the AFC North, so I could see this Week 12 game closer to pick-’em. Even if the Ravens are ahead in the division, I still doubt we’ll be getting a better price with the Browns later.

Week 14: Titans -6.5 vs. Jaguars
This line has already been bet from -6 to -6.5, so I’m pretty confident it’s heading to 7 or higher if the season goes as expected for these teams, so lock in the advantageous line now.