posted September 7, 2007 at 14:38 in NFL Betting Trends

The '07-'08 NFL football betting season kicked off in grand fashion on Thursday, featuring two teams likely to meet again this postseason in the likes of the New Orleans Saints and Indianapolis Colts.

NFL odds displayed Indianapolis 6-point favorites in the season-opener, and the Colts had no problems handling the role as chalk with a 41-10 easy cover win. However, it was a slow start for the defending champions who scored just ten points in the first half. But the second half was never in question, as Peyton Manning and company outscored the Saints 31-0 following intermission.

Manning threw for 288 yards and three touchdowns. The Super Bowl MVP made fantasy team owners proud, who are fortunate enough to own him, and put a smile on the faces of the sports betting community who supported him.

As a team, the Colts posted 452 yards offensively. Receiver Reggie Wayne had a big night. Wayne finished with seven catches for 115 yards. Marvin Harrison also made his presence felt at the same position with 83 yards and a touchdown catch. Harrison's 83 yards gave him 13,780 for his career, moving him past Henry Ellard for fifth place in NFL career yardage.

Defensively, the Colts were sharp by holding the Saints to just two scores. New Orleans scored as few as 10 points only once last season, in a 16-10 loss in Washington on Dec. 17, 2006. The squad shutdown the Saints' high-octane offense by holding the running game to just 106 yards and the passing attack to 187 for 293 overall yards.

Quarterback Drew Brees was 27-of-40 for 183 yards and two interceptions. Reggie Bush and Deuce McAllister had a night running the ball they'd soon like to forget. Both finished with just 38 yards, Bush on 12 carries and McAllister on 10. McAllister had 38 or fewer yards only twice last season.

The offense was a far cry from last season, who scored 25.8 points per game, and did nothing to help total players who bet over the robust number of 53.

The Saints will attempt to bounce back next week on the road against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. As for the Colts, they'll take their momentum on the road to face the Tennessee Titans.

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 NFLlines up for early games as well. Join BetUS today and we'll help guide you right through to Super Bowl XLII and beyond!