NFL Futures Betting Preview – AFC look to reclaim Super Bowl
September 5, 2008
The NFC’s New York Giants ended a four-game winning streak by the AFC in the Super Bowl with a huge upset victory over the previously undefeated and record-setting New England Patriots. NFL futures say the Patriots will be back to reclaim their throne in 2008-09.
The Patriots are +300 favorites, and they essentially welcome back the same group that tore through the NFL last season, even though they begin the season with some injury woes. Tom Brady is battling foot problems, while Wes Welker has a rib injury that makes him iffy for Week 1. The biggest replacement the Patriots have to make is at cornerback, where Pro Bowler Asante Samuel left vacated after moving to Philadelphia. But New England are among the league’s best at making adjustments, so look for the Patriots to keep it moving without missing a beat.
San Diego are banking on two knees to get them through the season, namely, the knees of quarterback Philip Rivers and linebacker Shawne Merriman. Rivers is coming off a knee injury that he played through late last season, while Merriman is trying to play through two torn ligaments. The Chargers still have all-world back LaDainian Tomlinson, who led the league in rushing in what was an off-year for him, but Rives and Merriman are imperative to the Chargers’ success. With Super Bowl odds of +500, the Chargers could be a bit of a risky pick.
Indianapolis is hoping wide receiver Marvin Harrison can recover from his own knee injury, and a return to form would be place the duo of Harrison and Reggie Wayne back among the NFL’s elite. Peyton Manning says he is ready to go after offseason knee surgery, and Joseph Addai is back to carry the load in the backfield. The question will be the defense, led by safety Bob Sanders. The Colts will score points, and the defense needs to keep up its impressive play of recent seasons. The Colts come in with Super Bowl odds of +800.
Dallas carries the NFC flag with Super Bowl odds of +600, and with Terrell Owens, Adam “Pacman” Jones and Tony Romo in the lineup, the Cowboys should have the most entertaining locker room in the league. How that translates to on-field success, remains to be seen. Finding a receiver to pair with Owens is key, and Romo has to be better late in the season. Talent-wise, the Cowboys could be the best team in the league. If they can avoid off-field distractions, they should find themselves in Tampa Bay in February for Super Bowl XLIII.
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