NFL Season Preview

With the NFL preseason getting underway Sunday (August 6th) let us take a look at some of the betting markets available.

February 3rd 2013 is the date that will be circled on the calendar of every fan, player and individual associated with the NFL as that is when Super Bowl XLVII takes place. The venue is the Mercedes-Benz (other sports cars are available) Superdome in New Orleans. Bookmakers make Green Bay the 6/1 (general) favourites to lift the trophy. The Packers dominated the regular season last year (securing a 15-1 record), but were knocked out by the New York Giants in the playoffs. Green Bay (with or without the title to prove it) are still the best team in the NFL. With one of the elite quarterbacks (Aaron Rodgers) and a strong balanced side they look value at 6/1.

New England Patriots, the second favourites 7/1 (general), always command respect thanks to Tom Brady and Bill Belichick. The Patriots were the beaten Super Bowl finalists last year (going down 21-17 to New York Giants) and will have their supporters, but the retirement of Robert Gallery and a number of injuries to the offensive line makes them tough to back.

Houston Texans are the 12/1 (paddy Power/Bodog) third favourites after a strong regular season before injuries to Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson. If the Texans return fit and healthy they look value at 9/2 (general) to win the AFC.

Philadelphia Eagles are the fourth favourites at 14/1 (general). The Eagles were just 8-8 last season but seemed to be showing signs of getting it right at the end of the season. A team with the talent of Michael Vick, Desean Jackson and Lesean McCoy command respect but with a number of injury prone players they look like a side to keep a watching eye on at the moment.

The San Francisco 49ers were beaten by the Giants in the NFC Championship game and have taken that as sign that they needed to invest in the free agent market. The 49ers already had one of the leading league defences and have combined that with the Offensive talent of Mario Manningham, Brandon Jacobs and Randy Moss. Vegas has them listed as third favourites while bookmakers in Europe have them at 16/1(ladbrokes/Coral) and they look worth adding to your portfolio as the nearest challengers to Green Bay. The 1/2(william hill) to win the NFC West looks worth taking in a division they should coast through,

New York Giants are a 20/1 (general) hope to defend their title.The Giants though have lost two players to the 49ers (Jacobs and Manningham) and have injury worries over Hakeem Nicks. With teams around them looking stronger and the Giants looking a little weaker, the defending champions could be in for a tough time.

With the trophy game being held in New Orleans the Saints would love to be there, but it is unclear just how bounty gate will affect them this season. Coach Sean Payton is banned from the game for a year while a number of players have been suspended. At 18/1 (general) they look ones to avoid.

Those looking for a few teams at a bigger price might want to consider the Detroit Lions at 25/1 (general) who have a very talented young side and will learn lessons from their wild card round defeat last season. The Cincinnati Bengals are 40/1 (general) and this looks generous on a side who made the playoffs last season (losing out to the Texans). Andy Dalton and AJ Green can only develop as players and the addition of BenJarvus Green-Ellis (who has joined from the New England Patriots) makes them real dark horses.

Go To bet365

#Ad

05/08/2012     © Frixo 2024