Fansided

NFL Week 1 betting odds: 5 best bets against the spread

By Brad Rowland

Dec 29, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Cleveland Browns center Alex Mack (55) prepares to snap the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers defense during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. The Pittsburgh Steelers won 20-7. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 29, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Cleveland Browns center Alex Mack (55) prepares to snap the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers defense during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. The Pittsburgh Steelers won 20-7. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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San Francisco 49ers at Dallas Cowboys (Over 51.5)

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) and tight end Vernon Davis (85) congratulate wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) for scoring a touchdown during the second quarter of the NFC divisional round playoff game against the Green Bay Packers at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) and tight end Vernon Davis (85) congratulate wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) for scoring a touchdown during the second quarter of the NFC divisional round playoff game against the Green Bay Packers at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

At first glance, a 51.5-point number seems incredibly high for a match-up that includes the vaunted 49ers defense, but after a deeper dive, it becomes a juicy opportunity. For starters, the Dallas Cowboys happen to possess what is likely the worst defense in the entire NFL.

There are some familiar names, including CB Brandon Carr and DT Henry Melton, but the depth is comically bad, and this is a group that finished dead last in the NFL in total defense for the 2013 season and subsequently lost both Sean Lee (injury) and DeMarcus Ware (free agency).

In short, Colin Kaepernick and the San Francisco offense should have their way for the majority of the afternoon.

The biggest fear with this line would be San Francisco pitching a shut-out on the other end, but with the state of the 49ers defense and the quality of the Cowboys offense, I don’t see it. San Francisco is missing NaVorro Bowman and Aldon Smith in this game, and with a fully healthy trio of Tony Romo, DeMarco Murray and Dez Bryant playing behind what is a quality offensive line, the Cowboys are a threat to score 30-35 points on their own.

This isn’t your older brother’s 49ers defense, and as such, take the over.

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