NFL Betting – NFC North Up For Grabs
Posted on 8/8/2008 4:46:19 PM
By Stan Simmons
NFL Betting – NFC North
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How does Brett Favre trade affect the NFC North?
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Will the Green Bay Packers stumble without Brett Favre?
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Are the Minnesota Vikings the justified favorite in the division?
The online sports betting community was waiting for the Green Bay Packers to deal their legendary quarterback, Brett Favre, and on Thursday morning, the deed was done.
Favre is now a member of the New York Jets and for the Packers, unless they meet the Jets in the Super Bowl, Favre has essentially retired for all intents and purposes.
According to NFL betting lines, the Minnesota Vikings are now the -125 favorite to win the division. They added the NFL's leading sacker, Jared Allen, to an already stout defense and added wideout Bernard Berrian on offense. They might have some quarterbacking issues with Tarvaris Jackson at the helm, but it's not like the Packers, Detroit Lions or Chicago Bears are significantly ahead in that category anyways. Favre was the best quarterback in the division.
The Chicago Bears are a brutal offensive football team and their quarterback competition between Rex Grossman and Kyle Orton is laughable. With a rookie running back (Matt Forte) or a special teams returner (Devin Hester) as their best offensive weapon, they won't be winning the NFC North this year.
The Detroit Lions are also a team in transition. Their defense is still porous even though head coach Rod Marinelli is supposed to be defensive-minded and now their offense has to move on without genius Mike Martz. The Lions will count on Jon Kitna at quarterback, but he wasn't so hot before Martz came to town and without him, Kitna won't be a 4000-yard passer again.
That leaves the aforementioned Packers, who have spent the early part of training camp distracted by the Favre saga. Aaron Rodgers officially takes over the starting job but he hasn't proven much as an NFL starter. The Packers also have a few holes at defensive tackle on defense with the departure of Corey Williams and their cornerbacks are not getting any younger.
The Vikings are the new, sexy team in this division and as a small favorite, NFL betting aficionados see some value in the Vikings for a small play.
NFC North Odds:
Minnesota Vikings -125
Green Bay Packers +225
Chicago Bears +250
Detroit Lions +600
Steve Simmon's Pick: Minnesota Vikings -125
For all your online sports betting needs, visit the BetOnline.com sportsbook. Be sure to visit The Bettor's Edge daily for the hottest tips, info and NFL betting.
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.
