The Alliance of American Football is getting ready for its big debut this weekend. They say there's only one chance to make a first impression, and this new football league doesn't want viewers changing the channel on opening day.
One way that bettors might stay hooked is if they bet on the game, of course. Spreads and over/unders are now widely available, though moneylines largely remain unlisted.
Be sure to read Ian Hartitz's Week 1 preview, which contains an incredible amount of information about a league that hasn't even started regular season action, yet.
Week 1 Odds
San Diego Fleet at San Antonio Commanders: Saturday, 8 p.m. ET (CBS)
- Spread: Commanders -3
- Over/Under: 50.5 (Opened 52.5)
Atlanta Legends at Orlando Apollos: Saturday, 8 p.m. ET (CBS)
- Spread: Apollos -5
- Over/Under: 50 (Opened 51.5)
Memphis Express at Birmingham Iron: Sunday, 4 p.m. ET (CBS Sports Network)
- Spread: Iron -3
- Over/Under: 50.5 (Opened 49.5)
Salt Lake Stallions at Arizona Hotshots: Sunday, 8 p.m. ET (NFL Network)
- Spread: Hotshots -3.5
- Over/Under: 51.5 (Opened 52.5)
As you'll see, all four over/unders have dropped since opening. This may surprise some folks, as the four preseason games all had at least 44 points and averaged 51 points per Hartitz.
The AAF will require teams to go for 2-point conversions after each touchdown, which should lead to more points if they can convert at the same rate NFL teams do.
The play clock will also be 30 seconds rather than 40 seconds, which once again should lead to more points.
The betting market for these games could be rather volatile in the early going given how little is known about these teams. Sportsbooks have much lower limits set than they would on NFL or college football games, and as I mentioned before, are reluctant to post moneylines.
Check back next week to see what we've learned following the first week of action.
