Posted on
8/15/2007 7:31:47 PM
Football Betting - NFL Opinion 2007 – Quick Hits from the AFC
By Tim Furious
The insanely frustrating tease that is the NFL pre-season is upon us. Now is the time where oddsmakers begin to narrow down the favorites for the NFC Champs, AFC Champs and Super Bowl victors. Over the next few weeks, BetUS.com will keep you updated with all the NFL betting news you need to make an informed decision before you throw down your hard earned cash. For now, here is a quick look at the main story lines in the AFC that any smart betting investor would want to know.
Cincinnati Bengals
Things just keep getting worse for the Bengals. Outside of Carson’s promise that they will be the best offense in the NFL, Chris Henry’s suspension, a defense that couldn’t stop the Detroit Lions and their continuing legal struggles, they now must contend with an injury to rookie tailback Kenny Irons.
Irons was supposed to replace the oft-injured Chris Perry as the number two back. Now starter Rudi Johnson will be a one man workhorse in Cincy, making his job tougher and further killing their chances in 2007. The Bengals are always an attractive team at the beginning of the season, but your betting dollars are better off elsewhere.
Indianapolis Colts
Losing one starting defensive tackle is tough. Losing two is ridiculous. The Colts released the mysteriously injured Corey Simon, only to watch starter Booger McFarland go down with a season ending injury. McFarland was an imperative contingent of the front four in Indy that helped them win a Superbowl.
Now the Colts look like they will be vulnerable to the run once more, vastly increasing the workload on safety Bob Sanders to make plays in stopping the run while being aware of the play-action pass. This is not great news for Sanders who is still rehabilitating from his second shoulder surgery.
The Colts should still be deemed a favorite to win the Super Bowl, but those that are calling for a 7-9 season are certainly getting more and more reasons to justify their case.
Oakland Raiders
Newly acquired Daunte Culpepper is impressing onlookers at camp. Whoop-dee-freaking-do. Everyone looks impressive in practice! Culpepper, despite his awesome physical attributes, has to prove he is capable of executing plays in the pressure of a game situation. He is not known for being cool under pressure.
The Raiders defense is still top-10 in the league, but this offense will struggle to put up points behind a shoddy offensive line. Jerry Porter and newcomer Mike Williams will have trouble developing chemistry with the quarterback situation in such turmoil. If that wasn’t bad enough, coach Lane Kiffen was just hospitalized with a viral infection.
The silver-and-black’s commitment to excellence is a questionable example. The only thing note worthy that this squad may be accepting is another number one draft pick in 2008 (which could very well be Jamarcus Russell if he does not sign!).
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs look to be smartening up and inching closer to signing Larry Johnson. The scary thing for this league is that Johnson and Priest might be working in tandem this year. If that happens, oddsmakers will be skewing the numbers towards the Chiefs to win the AFC West. Keep an eye on this situation as it develops.
Houston Texans
Matt Schaub is supposed to be a savior of sorts in Houston. His first pass went for a whopping two yards, and his second pass bounced off the hands of his receiver. Things don’t look like they have changed much, and any smart betting investor will look elsewhere when considering contenders for this season.
Miami Dolphins
Trent Green looked shaky in his first start for the Dolphins, going 6-15 and accumulating a paltry 60 yards while playing the entire first half in their pre-season opener. He left the field to a chorus of boos from the Miami fans, who have rightfully grown sick and tired of watching quarterbacks submarine the Dolphins chances (read: A.J. Feeley, Daunte Culpepper, Joey Harrington).
Green, however, is a veteran and is most likely simply getting used to a new team, a new coach and a new offensive game plan. Give him some time and remember that this is only pre-season. Green has been a successful quarterback in the NFL for years, so hold your breath before harpooning the Dolphins chances in 2007.
Tennessee Titans
Vince Young was benched for violating team rules, though coach Jeff Fischer is downplaying the severity of the incident. What you superstitious bettors should be watching, however, is Young’s shaky start to a season where he will be battling the Madden Curse and the dreaded sophomore jinx.
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!