Superbowl Preview

Cowboys versus Giants sounds like a really bad Hollywood epic. It is in fact the opening game of the American Football season and will once again show that the world of movies can not produce drama the way sport does.

Bookmakers make Green Bay and New England the 13/2 (general) joint favourites to lift the SuperBowl. 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. The Patriots 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. I would much rather have Green Bay of these two. The Packers (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 the team to beat.

Others expected to go well are the Houston Texans are the 10/1 (general) third favourites. The Texans had a strong regular season last year before injuries to Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson undid them in the play-offs. If the Texans return fit and healthy they look value at 21/4 (You Win) 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. A word of caution though 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. At 14/1(general) EW they look worth a bet as a saver to the main recommendation of Green Bay.

Denver Broncos are a 20/1 (general) hope for success after adding elite Quarterback Peyton Manning to a side that went 8-8 last season. New York Giants are a 24/1 with You Win (note You Win do not pay out each way) hope to defend their title. 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 33/1 (ladbrokes) who have a very talented young side and will learn lessons from their wild card round defeat last season. The Cincinnati Bengals are 45/1 (bet365) 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.

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06/09/2012     © Frixo 2024