Posted on
1/28/2008 2:19:01 PM
Football Betting Action - Super Bowl XLII
By Robby Maddux
Here at BetUS there's no real reason to hype Sunday's Super Bowl XLII, as the world already knows it'll be the most watched and wagered on football game in North America, but there are several trends and other NFL betting information you should be aware of before getting down on the big game.
For starters, did you know the New England Patriots have dropped the cash in their last five consecutive games and seven of eight? Their pursuit for perfection is sexy, but for investors of Tom Brady and company things are ugly at the betting counter.
But if you're in search of numbers to convince yourself to continue pouring your hard earned dollars into the much talked about ''perfect'' Patriots, keep this in mind: The AFC has gone 6-3 SU (straight up) and 4-3-2 ATS (against the spread) in the last nine Super Bowls.
These aren't exactly numbers that's sent AFC Super Bowl betting fans into a profitable retirement, but you can also add in the fact New England is a solid 13-6 ATS versus teams with a winning record such as the New York Giants who are 13-6 SU and ATS which includes postseason play.
In New England's 21-12 AFC conference win over San Diego, it was the often overshadowed and underrated Patriots' defense that won the game. New England is 36-16-1 ATS in their last 53 games after allowing less than 15 points in their previous game. There's another trend for those looking for numerical reasons to invest in the Patriots.
Defensively, the Patriots rank fourth-best in the league, allowing a stifling 17.1 ppg and 288.3 yards. That defense will be facing a Giants team that's covered the spread in their last five games, and an offense led by Eli Manning who has a hot hand, to say the least.
Manning, who is playing the most patient and perfect football of his career, has four touchdowns to no interceptions and a 99.2 rating in this year's playoffs. During the postseason span, the Giants have scored 68 points with Manning throwing for a collective 53-of-85 and 602 yards.
The Giants took one of the toughest of roads to Super Bowl 42 with three consecutive wins away from home. As well, they've become the first NFC wild-card team to reach the Super Bowl since Dallas in 1975.
New York simply doesn't lose on the road, and the Giants are the designated away team at University of Phoenix Stadium in this year's Superbowl. On the road they're a stout 6-2-0 ATS this year including postseason. They've won 10 consecutive away games SU, and they have outplayed all three postseason opponents on both sides of the ball.
For those planning to bet on Super Bowl XLII, you may or may not know the favorites and underdogs are actually quite close in wagering numbers. Depending upon the closing numbers and book it varies slightly but the consensus is that the favorites are 21-17 ATS with three pushes. The underdog has actually won the game outright 12 times.
If the Giants are to become the 13th team to win the big game SU, or at least cover the spread as the fourth biggest underdog in Super Bowl wagering history, they need two key things to happen.
First, it all falls on Manning. He can't get rattled being in his first Super Bowl against the mighty Patriots and attempt to play outside of his ability. Manning has to remain composed, keep the hot hand and be smart while not throwing any picks. The intimidation factor will certainly be present and how he handles it will be vital to the Giants chances.
Secondly and possibly most importantly, the Giants have to be physical and put pressure on Brady. Defensive ends Osi Umenyiora, Justin Tuck, Michael Strahan, defensive tackle Fred Robbins and linebacker Antonio Pierce are vital. If the group cant pressure Brady, the MVP will collect his fourth Super Bowl ring by shredding the New York's defense.
The Giants led the NFL this season in sacks with 53. Umenyiora led the unit with 13, Tuck had ten and Strahan nine accounting for 32 of the sacks during the regular season. Strahan set the NFL single-season record of 22½ sacks in 2001 is twenty points lighter, faster and has a ton of experience.
Key to victory for the Patriots includes creating balance running the ball with Laurence Maroney and passing to a receiving corps led by Randy Moss. Moss, who overwhelmed Giants cornerbacks and safeties in the regular season finale, had six receptions for 100 yards and two touchdowns that helped his club cling to perfection in a 38-35 victory. The Giants must keep Moss quiet and prevent any deep plays.
Defensively, New England must ruffle the feathers of Manning and stop a Giants rushing game that's fourth-best in the league, averaging 134.3 yards per game led by Brandon Jacobs (91.7 ypg) and Derrick Ward (75.3 ypg). Jacobs galloped for 1009 yards during the regular season which was sixth-best in the NFC and 15th-best in the league.
Patriots' linebackers Tedy Bruschi, Mike Vrabel, Junior Seau and Adalius Thomas will be kept busy attempting to stop the run. Jacobs averages 5.0 yards per carry and New England is vulnerable in this area. So expect a heavy dose of a rushing attack by the Patriots.
Let's face it. If the Patriots can down the Giants to go 19-0, while winning its fourth championship in a decade, New England will arguably become the best team ever to take the field in the history of the game. Sorry 1972 Dolphin fans.
Not even Brady's cockiness, Bill Belichick's shrewd arrogance or ''spygate'' should make one think otherwise. Even those who's been buried by the Patriots recently.
NFL odds list New England the 11½-point favorites with a game total of 53½. BetUS sportsbook has one of the largest collections of props in the industry for Super Bowl xlii, so be sure to check them all out. As well, there will be live wagering offered throughout the game.
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The 2007 NFL betting season is here in full force! 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 futures, and you will also find NFL lines up for early games as well. Join BetUS today and we'll help guide you right through to Super Bowl XLII and beyond!