Posted on
5/28/2007 3:18:36 PM
NFL Futures Odds - Free NFC West Pick
By Eric Williams
The 2006 NFC West divisional race turned out to be a lot closer and more competitive than anyone thought heading into last season – and the 2007 race could be even better.
The Seattle Seahawks came back to earth with a thud last season after reaching the Super Bowl in 2005. The San Francisco 49ers had a fine season for such a young club and the Cardinals and Rams could be headed in the right direction under their n
Here are the odds on each team, followed by my NFL Free Pick:
To Win Outright the NFC West Division
Seattle Seahawks -125
Though the Seahawks only helped themselves minimally in both the draft and free agency, they will be the favorite to win this division once again on the strength of their coaching and experience, if not overall talent.
Seattle gave up their first round draft pick to get Deion Branch last season, but their best pick in this year’s draft, defensive tackle Brandon Mebane, will shore up a problematic defensive line along with veteran defensive end Patrick Kerney, acquired in free agency.
None of the Seahawks’ transactions will matter much if running back Shawn Alexander and quarterback Matt Hasselbeck can’t bounce back from an injury-plagued 2006.
Simply put, the rest of the teams in this division are gaining ground on the Seahawks – and it may not be long before one of them takes the division title in the process.
San Francisco +275
Speaking of teams that are gaining on the Seahawks, look no further than the San Francisco 49ers, who overachieved immensely last season to reach 7-9 with plenty of room for improvement.
The Niners had one of the best drafts of any team in the league, grabbing three possible first-year starters in linebacker Patrick Willis, offensive tackle Joe Staley and wide receiver Jason Hill.
San Francisco also did fairly well in free agency, bringing in several veteran players who should help them to improve even more in 2007.
The additions of cornerback Nate Clemens and safety Michael Lewis should help to shore up their suspect defensive secondary. Darrell Jackson, former Seahawk number one receiver, will give Alex Smith a big target. If Jackson can hang onto the ball, his size and experience will be a huge asset for the offense.
At +275, NFL bettors may want to think long and hard about taking the Niners to actually win the NFC West outright.
Arizona Cardinals +400
The Arizona Cardinals are going to be a tough team to figure out in 2007, at least in the early going, as new head coach Ken Whisenhunt prepares for his first year as an NFL head coach.
While the Cardinals certainly have some important pieces in place, they are still lacking in too many areas to make a real run at winning this division in 2007.
The Cardinals did have an excellent draft, grabbing two players that will immediately start in offensive tackle Levi Brown and defensive tackle Alan Branch.
Arizona also did fairly well in free agency and cornerback Rod Hood is going to open some eyes.
They may be another year or two away from becoming a very good team, but Matt Leinart and company could surprise several teams that take them too lightly in 2007.
St. Louis Rams +450
After starting the 2006 season like gangbusters, winning four of their first five games, the Rams fell in the middle of the season before winning their final three regular season games to finish at a respectable 8-8 under first year head coach Scott Linehan.
St. Louis also did well in free agency and the draft, grabbing former Nebraska defensive tackle Adam Carriker and former Rutgers fullback Brian Leonard - two players who will immediately challenge for starting spots as rookies.
The Rams also signed veterans Dante Hall, Todd Steussie, Randy McMichael and Drew Bennett, four players who know how to play the game and should help upgrade the Rams offense enormously.
At +450, the odds are certainly enticing, as the Rams have a chance at winning the division.
NFL Free Picks: While I like the Rams and 49ers to close the gap on the Seahawks even more this season, I think the Seahawks have at least one more division title in them before their reign of power officially ends.
I will advise bettors again to look long and hard at both San Francisco and St. Louis as one of these teams could overtake Seattle for the title.
If that turns out to be the case, I say go with the Rams as a backup here. Besides, the +450 odds don’t get much better for a team that actually stands a legitimate chance of winning.
Predicted Order of Finish:
Seattle
St. Louis
San Francisco
Arizona
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