August 31, 2007

 

By SPORTSBETTING.COM

 

With pre-season 2007 in the books for the NFL (save for a couple of games on Friday night), what are your thoughts heading into the first regular season game on Thursday night?

 

Some things on our minds are:

 

Can the Falcons overcome the loss of Vick? Can Randy Moss return to being an impact player in the league? Is Drew Brees and the Saint offense as good as pre-season indicates? Can the Colts dominate with a defense that has big question marks, including losing both starting corners? When will Brady Quinn take over the Brown offense? When will JaMarcus Russell suit up for the Raiders?

 

Right now at SPORTSBETTING.COM you can put in a bet, directly or indirectly, on the outcome of any of those questions, or all the other questions still to be answered as the 2007 campaign unfolds.

 

Let’s have a look:

 

Can the Falcons overcome the loss of Vick?

It appears to be a tough mountain to climb according to the betting public and oddsmakers, as they sport the longest odds of any team in the NFC to win the Conference Championship. They’re currently pegged at 40-1 at SPORTSBETTING.COM, firmly anchored at the bottom of the list, with Tampa Bay next at 25-1. Dallas, Chicago and New Orleans are the favorites, all coming in at 5-1 odds.

 

What about Randy Moss and Drew Brees?

As we mentioned above, the oddsmakers and bettors believe the Saints are for real, as they are one of the favorites to win the NFC Championship, and Brees is a big reason why. There is talk of Brees taking a real run at the league MVP for this season. Right now at SPORTSBETTING.COM you can bet him to win that award at 10-1 odds, behind only LT, Peyton Manning and Tom Brady.

 

Moss is also on the list, but down a few notches, as he is sitting at 18-1 for the MVP nod (which is higher than Terrell Owens, interestingly, who is at 20-1). If he can find the magic he had back in Minnesota, which is a big IF, he could be in the MVP mix.

 

Can They Repeat?

The Colts are still stacked on offense, but what about that defense? Many SPORTSBETTING.COM bettors appear to have shrugged off that concern, believing that Manning and the crew on offense can get the job done again. While they are not the favorites according to the oddsmakers (New England and New Orleans are ahead of them), they are the bettors’ favorites (at current odds of 9-1) as they have had more betting volume than any other team.

 

Stars in the Making?

 

What kind of mark will Brady Quinn and JaMarcus Russell make on the league this year? A fun prop bet being offered at SPORTSBETTING.COM lets bettors invest in the outcomes of their first taste behind center in a real game.

 

Brady Quinn - What Will He Throw First in the 2007 NFL Regular Season?

A Completion (-130)

Incompletion or INT (Even)

 

The players at SPORTSBETTING.COM clearly liked what they saw from young Mr. Quinn, as the money is very lopsided on him connecting with that first toss to the tune of 90% backing that outcome.

 

JaMarcus Russell - What Will He Throw First in the 2007 NFL Regular Season?

A Completion (-130)

Incompletion or INT (Even)

 

Despite holding out for the entire pre-season, bettors believe Russell will start off on the right foot if he gets a chance in 2007. They’re backing him at an 80% clip to complete his first pass as a pro.

 

 

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SPORTSBETTING.COM’S Notable Numbers

 

Here are a few numbers to keep an eye on as you make your Week 1 NFL wagers:

 

 - The Dallas Cowboys have created an excitement in Texas the likes of which they haven’t seen since Aikman, Smith and Irvin pulled on those jerseys. They get tested early, facing a Giant team, that despite going through all kinds of ups and downs, seems to have the Cowboys’ number. Dallas has failed to cover the spread the last six times they’ve met this division rival, saddled with an ugly 0-6 ATS mark.

 

 - Brett Favre isn’t done yet, as he comes back for his 35^th year (or something like that). Can those old bones get the job done in a NFC North division that is ripe for the picking? That’s a good question.

The more immediate question is can Favre lead the Packers to a victory as a 3-point home dog on opening day vs. Philly. History tells us Green Bay hasn’t normally excelled in this spot, as they are 0-5 straight up and against the spread the last five years in their first game in front of the hometown faithful.

 

- The Arizona Cardinals open up the season at home, on Monday night (that felt strange to write – the Cardinals have been given the Monday nighter to open the new season – something’s definitely happening in the desert). They’ll be hosting the 49ers. In their last five home openers, the Cardinals have only gone “Over” the posted total once (although it might be worth noting that was last year vs. San Fran).

 

 

For the complete list of current NFL lines, visit www.SPORTSBETTING.COM