Up to NFL Betting Trends

posted May 13, 2008 at 14:40 in NFL Betting Trends

How the mighty have fallen. Shaun Alexander was the MVP in 2005, where he grinded 1,880 yards on the ground with an inhuman 27 touchdowns. He fell to the legendary Madden Curse in 2006, only gaining 896 yards in an injury shortened season. Last sports betting season was just as bad, with only 716 yards rushing and four touchdowns. What happened, Shaun?

Well first, he lost Steve Hutchison, perhaps the best offensive lineman in the NFL not named Alan Faneca. Combining the beastly Hutchison with Walter Jones gave Alexander the best left side in the NFL, and he totaled huge numbers for online betting enthusiasts because of it. Having Mack Strong leading the charge certainly helped him in a huge way too.

When the Seahawks acquired Julius Jones and T.J. Duckett this off-season, they officially ended the Shaun Alexander era in Seattle. Though he was graceful in his departure, Alexander will still only be 31 years old when the NFL season kicks off. And since he always runs out of bounds instead of taking contact, his body still has some mileage left to go.

Here’s Shaun’s illustrious qualifications:

1) Doesn’t run very hard

2) Has adequate burst and no breakaway speed

3) Has missed 9 games in the past two seasons due to injury

4) Only broke the 100-yard threshold twice in 2007…scratch that actually. He only broke the 80-yard threshold twice. Wow.

5) Can’t catch the football. In the last three years, Alexander has caught 37 passes for 202 receiving yards. To put this in perspective, in 2007 he caught 14 passes for 76 yards. Antonio Cromartie intercepted 10 passes. How is that possible for a supposed “premier” running back?

With that being said, Alexander brings veteran experience and, maybe, some name recognition. Nobody is expecting him to suddenly return to his 2005 form. Nobody. The guy runs soft, darts out of bounds instead of fighting for yards, and can’t catch a pass. The latter almost ensures that he’s an impossible third-down option as a backup.

So who needs help at the tailback position? And who really wants to take a chance on a guy who is entering the twilight of his career, after having only three solid seasons at the position? Well…

1. Cincinnati Bengals (+2200 to win AFC)

The Bengals have Rudi Johnson and Kenny Watson, who is a perfect and suitable third-down back because of his exceptional hands. The Bengals were towards the bottom of the league with 97.3 yards per game on the ground, but Alexander isn’t the answer. The reason the Bengals keep popping up in conversation is because Alexander is from Cincinnati. But the only reason he would sign in Cincy is because this is one of the worst run organizations in the NFL.

2. Detroit Lions (+2200 to win NFC)

Tatum Bell, Brian Calhoun and rookie Kevin Smith are the only three backs that they have. Is Alexander better than any of those? Perhaps. But Alexander isn’t in a position to go to a team that isn’t a contender so why would he go to Detroit, a team with a history of losing?

3. New Orleans Saints (+900 to win NFC)

For all the hoopla that the tandem of Bush-Deuce gets, they certainly aren’t producing. The Saints best back last year was Aaron Stecker. Not good. Bush is still an anomaly, while McAllister has been battling injuries nearly his entire career. Alexander would at least give them depth at the position, but his hands are brutal and Alexander doesn’t necessarily fit the scheme in New Orleans. Yet, this team is looking for answers and Alexander probably has the best chance of landing in New Orleans

4. Kansas City Chiefs (+100000000000000000000 to winning AFC)

The Chiefs are in a rebuilding phase, and while LJ’s injury concerns are growing, putting a 31-year old wussy in the backfield isn’t the way to do it.

5. Miami Dolphins (+6600 to win AFC)

Ronnie Brown is injured and they don’t have any viable starters to replace him. yet. Alexander doesn’t seem like a guy who could fit under the regime of Bill Parcells. Still, if they needed to, Miami has the bank to pull a trade for Alexander. I just don’t see it happening. But Miami fans have to be cringing at the thought of Alexander coming to town.

Wherever he ends up is a mystery to the NFL, and the sports betting community. Given the right situation, he could return to form. Never count out the “chip on your shoulder” mentality some of these guys have after getting spurned. Not that I think Shaun is that kind of vindictive guy, but if he gets put behind a strong offensive line, then being a 1200+ yard gainer is in reason.

And that could impact how you bet on the NFL futures in our sportsbook. Get on the odds now before the big trades swing through and the odds move away from your favor.

The 2008 NFL betting season is coming, and if you like to bet on the NFL, you are in the best possible place for online betting. The BetUS sportsbook has NFL odds up on a ton of games, totals and propositions, and you will also find NFL future lines up for the Super Bowl as well. Join BetUS today and we'll help guide you right through to Super Bowl XLII and beyond!