We are about 5 and a half weeks away from the opening full weekend of NFL Games. For NFL fans, this is one of the toughest stretches out there, as you are so close yet so far from the beginning. So now that we are passed all of the craziness that was the NFL lockout, it’s time to take a look at the 2011 NFL season. Heading into the season we’ve seen teams like the Philadelphia Eagles and New England Patriots just continue to get stronger, and bulk up their odds to win the 2011 Super Bowl; and teams like the Cincinnati Bengals stock continue to fall. We’re going to take a look at the odds of some of the top teams who are favored to win the 2011 NFL Super Bowl, as well as give some predictions on which teams will be around at the end. We know most of you will participate in 2011-2012 online nfl betting so let’s take a look at a few predictions about the upcoming NFL season.
Predictions
Don’t Sleep on the Houston Texans
This team has been supposed to get to the playoffs for the past 2 or 3 years, but just hasn’t been able to do it. Well, this is the year. I think the Texans knock off the Colts for the AFC South and win the division. The Texans are led by an incredibly strong offense with an all-star running back, an all-star wide receiver, and a very talented quarterback. Their defense got better as well, and they’ll be the team to beat in the AFC South.
Odds on the Texans to win the AFC South? +180
The San Francisco 49ers are Favored to win the NFC West?
The 49ers are currently +160 to win the NFC West, which puts them as the favorites. This puts them above the Rams +180, the Cardinals +325, and the Seahawks +600. The only thing that I’ve read about the 49ers, is that all they have is Frank Gore. Their new coach, Harbaugh, must be one heck of a miracle worker if he wants to take this team to winning the NFC West. I like both the Rams and Cardinals chances to win the NFC West over the 49ers.
The Patriots are 3 to 1 to Win the AFC
This isn’t to say that I think this is crazy, and it’s also not to say that I don’t think the Pats could win it all (read below), but it is putting a team as a pretty heavy favorite to win an AFC Championship. It wouldn’t surprise me too much to see a team like the Steelers (13/2) come out from behind the Patriots shadow and take down the AFC.
Super Bowl Picks
The current leaders in terms of favorites to win the 2011 Super Bowl, are the Patriots at 13 to 2, the Packers at 7 to 1, the Eagles at 8 to 1, and the Chargers at 11 to 1. But here’s the good thing about picking a super bowl winner, the odds are so high that you can bet three, four, or even five teams and still make a profit on your bet if it hits. If you were to pick four teams who are 6 to 1, 8 to 1, 12 to 1, and 15 to 1, any of those bets hitting pays you back if you bet $10 on each bet ($40 total). But the hardest part, is breaking it down to four of five of your favorites. But that’s where we come in. I’ve broken down five teams with different odds who I think have a legitimate chance to win the 2011 NFL Super Bowl.
New England Patriots at 13 to 2
Call it obvious, but the addition of Chad Ochocinco was big. The Pats will definitely be a tough out, but if their odds were any lower than 6 to 1 then I think I’d hold off on betting on them. I like these odds on this strong of a team though, and I think they are a safe bet in the long run.
Philadelphia Eagles at 8 to 1
We’ve all heard the “Michael Vick can’t win a Super Bowl” argument. Well now he’s added an incredible defense, another running back in Ronnie Brown, and all around one of the best teams in the NFL currently (if not THE best). The Eagles will be in the mix when it comes down to the final four teams remaining in the league, and I won’t be surprised if they win it all, and Vick finishes the ultimate redemption story.
Atlanta Falcons at 14 to 1
I’m loving these odds on the Falcons at 14 to 1. They have Matt Ryan (heading into his third year remember), Michael Turner, Roddy White, Tony Gonzalez, and Julio Jones. Their defense has also been on the rise lately, and I think that a lot of people are sleeping on this team after watching all of the moves that other teams in the NFC have been doing this off season. Well remember, the Falcons don’t really NEED much of anything. Watch out for this team in 2011.
Pittsburgh Steelers at 14 to 1
This is where the whole “who knocks off the Patriots” thing comes into play. The Steelers are very well coached, proven winners, and have a very, very talented group of players. If anyone is able to make another deep post season run, it’s this team. Watch out for Rashard Mendenhall this year too, I think he’s going to be one of the best running backs in the NFL.
Dallas Cowboys at 16 to 1
Tell me what’s different about this season for the Cowboys compared to the last five? There isn’t the same kind of incredible “Super Bowl or bust” hype around them. This team finally gets to step a little bit out of the spotlight, and play their game. While it’s hard for a team like the Cowboys to fully step out of the spotlight, the change in their preseason predictions could help the team this year, and I think a lot of people are sleeping on them. Don’t be surprised if the Dallas Cowboys get into the playoffs and surprise some people.
This covers quite a bit heading into the 2011 american football season, but don’t forget to get over to your favorite online sports betting site and get your bets on the 2011 NFL Super Bowl today!
