posted September 7, 2007 at 21:04 in NFL Betting Trends
NFL Betting – 2007 NFC North Preview
What to love: The division. It still sucks. The team was highly criticized for dumping Thomas Jones to the J-E-T-S because there is concern over whether Cedric Benson can handle a full load. But Adrian Peterson and Garrett Wolfe were strong in preseason, giving hope that the Bears running game can stand strong in spite of Rex Grossman.
What to hate: Grossman has made little to no improvement, and with the way he performed in the Superbowl still haunting the kid, he really needs to come out of the gates en feugo, or he may finally lose the confidence of Lovie Smith.
The Bears are favored to win the division at -400 but still have too many question marks for you to be throwing your betting dollars away on them to win the Superbowl - even with +1000 odds. They remind me a lot of the 2002 Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but Rex Grossman does not have the steady, game managing ability of that team’s Brad Johnson. Until he evens out, keep your hard earned, betting dollars safe.
What to love: More then anything, I love how anyone is hopping on the Mike Martz love boat this year. Martz has always had a high flying passing offense, and this year the Lions have three solid receiving threats and Jon Kitna. They were second overall in passing offense, right behind the Colts.
What to hate: But they still don’t have an offensive line! Am I crazy to think that no team can succeed without one? And Kevin Jones seems to have the opposite of Wolverine’s mutant healing ability. It seems like he’s been on the shelf forever, and Tatum Bell has looked terrible. With no o-line and no run support, there is still little to hope for. Detroit Rock City is about to get rocked by the NFL…again.
What to love: As a fan, watching Brett Favre swan’s song will be a treat. The man is still a legend, and super fun to watch. As a betting man, you have to love their odds. The Packers are a long shot to make the playoffs at +425, and are unlikely to topple the Bears for the division crown at +500. While the latter is improbably, the former is a definite possibility with a lax schedule and Green Bay rallying around Brett Favre.
What to hate: They ranked twenty-third overall in passing offense in the preseason and Donald Driver went down with an injury. He’s still hobbling around with a boot and there is no replacement in sight, let alone no viable number two receiver.
And can everyone stop pining over Brandon Jackson? The first year player was alright, as long as he was running against a second or third team defense. He did nothing spectacular and Brett Favre needs a dual threat running back, especially at this age.
What to love: Adrian Peterson! Adrian Peterson! Adrian Peterson! The Vikings must be praising the football gods that this freak of nature fell in to their laps. With Chester Taylor and Peterson running the football, and a pick-happy defense that is difficult to throw against, the Vikings are a dangerous team to bet against with an uncanny ability to control the clock.
I also like Brad Childress, who is infecting this team with discipline and grit. He is showing off some flashy playmaking in the preseason, that could translate in to some highlight reel worthy tape.
What to hate: Tavaris Jackson. Ok, slow down. I don’t hate the kid. In fact I think he’s going to be very good. But the fact is that he didn’t show anybody anything special in the preseason and he will need to be stronger and make better decisions to be an efficient passer in the NFL. This will be a year of growing pains for Jackson, but don’t let it hurt your bank account. Steer clear of the Vikings this year when placing bets in our NFL Sportsbook.
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!
Sign-up or Login now