Super Bowl odds – early wackiness shakes up NFL odds
Posted on 10/17/2008 3:32:46 PM
By Stan Simmons
Super Bowl odds: wild first-half turns the table
-
Without Brady, Pats no longer a factor
-
Jacksonville Jaguars lacking bite
-
NFC on even footing with AFC
Super Bowl odds have changed dramatically since the preseason, mostly because the AFC has lost a lot of luster. After Tom Brady suffered a knee injury, the New England Patriots (+1600) dropped out of the Super Bowl picture.
The Indianapolis Colts (+825) and San Diego Chargers (+600) have been struggling, both knocked down a peg in the AFC pecking order. The Jacksonville Jaguars (+3000), a sexy preseason sleeper, seem to be half asleep.
Sportsbook odds now list the New York Giants (+400), the team expected to finish third in its own division before the start of the season, as the 2009 Super Bowl odds favorite.
The Tennessee Titans (+580) have hopped into the mix for Super Bowl betting. If you bet on sports, you’ve noticed the Titans shoot out of the gates. They were a team that finished 10-6 last season and look to be en route to bigger and better things.
Skeptics question whether Kerry Collins can be the quarterback to take them there, especially with a slew of sluggish wide receivers as his supporting cast.
The Dallas Cowboys (+525), as usual, make a common Super Bowl pick favorites. They acquired Lions receiver Roy Williams to team with Terrell Owens, and with the emergence of Felix Jones in the backfield, the Cowboys may have the best offense in the NFL.
The reason the Cowboys are being seriously considered is because there is no longer a clear-cut powerhouse like the Patriots and the gap between NFC and the AFC has shortened.
Super Bowl odds have a number of NFC teams listed neck-in-neck with AFC teams, which has provided a large smorgasbord for those who bet on sports to choose from an array of teams that can legitimately win it all.
A popular pick has been the New Orleans Saints (+2000), who have kept afloat with a number of key injuries but could become a real factor once everyone is healthy. Meanwhile, the Washington Redskins (+1800), Philadelphia Eagles (+1900) and Carolina Panthers (+2000) have all emerged as potential NFC Champions.
One surprise in the sportsbook odds has to be the Arizona Cardinals (+1300), who have had just one winning season in the past 25 years but are probably offering as low of a price for them to win it all as they’ve seen in that quarter century. With the NFC West flailing, the Cards should have an easier path to the playoffs, which obviously helps their cause but hurts their betting value.
The Minnesota Vikings (+3000) were a preseason sweetheart but are now just a faded star. No one seems to believe that Gus Frerotte – or Tarvaris Jackson – can lead this team to a Super Bowl anymore. The Cleveland Browns (+7600) are in the same boat.
Online betting sharps haven’t ignored the AFC, though, and many are still buying at a low price for good value. Super Bowl odds on the Pittsburgh Steelers (+600), Chargers and Colts may not offer much in the way of returns, but when you factor in that they’re all experienced teams with plenty of pedigree, you have to take them fully into account.
STAN’S PICK: The Chargers used to be a defensive juggernaut with a decent offense but those roles have flip-flopped as now they tend to outscore their opponents. Like last season, they started slowly but have matured in October and seem poised to make a run.
For those reasons, they appear to be the sharp bet for Super Bowl odds. Bet on the Chargers.
For the hottest Super Bowl betting, hit BetOnline.com. Be sure to visit the Betting Edge regularly for tips on Super Bowl odds and more.
Stan
Simmons first tasted football through the college game, but his football
handicapping has
strictly focused on the professional sport. Not many people devote as much time
to the NFL as Simmons. For six days a week he works, labors and handicaps the
sport, and on the seventh he rests as the games play out. Thoughts or
questions? Email Comments@BetOnline.com.
