"On any given Sunday...," goes the old refrain, arguing that even the worst NFL team has a chance for victory against the best NFL team if that funny shaped ball takes a couple of peculiar bounces. That was never truer than this season where a glance at the
The Greek Sportsbook NFL future book reveals that even chalk-eaters can get odds of 13/2 on either the Patriots or Eagles, the co-favorites to hoist the Vince Lombardi Trophy next February. In fact, only three teams have prices that are in single digits. As a bettor, you have to love a future book where the fifth ranked of 32 teams is offered at odds of 14/1.
With prices significantly higher than the 10/11 odds offered to those who play on a weekly basis, the NFL future book not only is a worthy stand-alone wager, but sophisticated gamblers also have been known to use it as a hedging tool for later in the season.
With that in mind, let's look at a baker's dozen of prime contenders, those teams with odds of 20/1 or less. For longshot players, that still leaves 19 teams with prices of 25/1 or higher. (Last year's regular season records in parentheses):
New England Patriots (14-2): The Patriots had one weakness last season, running the football. That's no longer the case now that Corey Dillon, plucked from the Bengals, is decked out in New England finery. First round draft choice Vince Wolfork takes over for the departed Ted Washington at defensive tackle. The Pats again look like the team to beat in the AFC.
Philadelphia Eagles (12-4): Given a successful off-season during which the Eagles added troublesome but immensely talented wide-out Terrell Owens to a receiving corps that desperately needed a big time threat, it's not all that surprising that Philadelphia has moved to the top of the Super Bowl future book charts. The Eagles also acquired pass rushing DE Jevon Kearse, who should combine with last season's rookie sensation, Jerome McDougle, to make life difficult for opposing quarterbacks. After three straight exits in the NFC title game, Philadelphia could be ready to take the next step.
Indianapolis Colts (12-4): The Colts spend most of their attention and nearly all of their cash resigning quarterback Peyton Manning, so they were not very active in the free agent market. Those who back Indianapolis this year will hope that another year of playoff experience will reap dividends this post-season.
Kansas City Chiefs (13-3): Like the Colts, the Chiefs will go with virtually the same cast from a year ago, hoping that a change of defensive coordinators will be the tonic that cures an ailing defense that was ranked 29th in the NFL last year. The offense, which was ranked third in the league last season, is potent.
Minnesota Vikings (9-7): After opening 6-0, the Vikings stumbled home 3-7 as the defense, particularly against the pass, faltered. Enter No. 1 draft choice Kenechi Udeze, the best pass rusher in the lottery. There's nothing wrong with the offense, which ranked No. 1 in the NFL last season.
Baltimore Ravens (10-6): The Ravens, who have a stout defense but need help on offense, got another target for Kyle Boller when they acquired WR Kevin Johnson from the Jaguars for a fourth round draft choice. As the only team in the AFC North with a winning record last season, those who back Baltimore have to figure that the Ravens will at least reach the playoffs.
Washington Redskins (5-11): The Redskins, who lured Coach Joe Gibbs out of the NASCAR pits, are an early candidate for "most improved team" accolades this year. Mark Brunell brings experience and expertise to quarterback and Clinton Portis, acquired at the expense of CB Champ Bailey, is a fabulous running back. James Thrash will help at wide receiver. Washington, which opened at 55/1 when Coach Steve Spurrier was expected to return, moved to 14/1 when Gibbs was announced as his replacement.
St. Louis Rams (12-4): The Rams headed off any quarterback controversy when they released Kurt Warner, handing the job to Marc Bulger. The "Greatest Show on Turf" picked up another component with the drafting of Steven Jackson, one of the top running backs in the college lottery. Residency in the weak NFC West almost guarantees a post-season trip for the Rams.
Tennessee Titans (12-4): The Titans were strapped for cash and could not resign Kearse so a pair of second round picks were spent looking for his replacement. The team's first draft selection, Ben Troupe, gives the team more power for its two-tight end sets. Tennessee led the NFL in passing last season.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9): Coach Jon Gruden is hoping that massive personnel changes will right a ship that went from Super Bowl champion to 7-9 also ran in one season. Warren Sapp, Keyshawn Johnson and John Lynch were among those who walked the plank but the offense could be improved if Charlie Garner is the answer at running back. The Bucs are in a tough division (the NFC South) where Carolina, Atlanta and New Orleans all have post-season aspirations.
Seattle Seahawks (10-6): Seattle's biggest concern last year was defensive line, an area the team addressed when it picked up end Grant Wistrom via free agency and made tackle Marcus Tubbs its No. 1 draft choice. The defensive line may not be a strength, but it's no longer a weakness. With three years as a starter, Matt Hasselbeck has the most experience of any quarterback in the NFC West.
Atlanta Falcons (5-11): It's the start of a new era in Atlanta with Jim Mora replacing Dan Reeves as head coach and last year's 3-4 defense out the door with coordinator Wade Phillips. The Falcons should be better suited to the 4-3 and the addition of No. 1 draft choice DeAngelo Hall, the top rated secondary player on the board, should help a beleaguered unit that was last overall and against the pass in 2003. Oh yes, a healthy Michael Vick will lead the attack.
Carolina Panthers (11-5): Still searching for the smoke and mirrors, huh? The Panthers will be out to prove that last season's Super Bowl appearance was no mirage but to do that, they'll have to integrate four new starters along the offensive line. The defensive secondary, a weakness last season, has been upgraded via both the draft and free agency.
ODDS TO WIN SUPER BOWL XXXIX
Alltel Stadium, Jacksonville, Florida
Sunday, February 6, 2005
While the Super Bowl future book, understandably, is the most popular of all long term wagers, shrewd gamblers also take a whack at AFC and NFC Conference futures, as well as odds to win each of the NFL's eight divisions. Again, holding a ducat in these pools gives the player more flexibility to make other wagers.
Another popular future book bet is an over/under wager on regular season victories for each team. The team with the highest total is New England, at 10 1/2 wins, while San Diego, at just 4 1/2, is the lowest. Wagering on NFL team totals provides the player with yet another way to hedge on the last weekend of the regular season.
The Greek Sportsbook also is offering propositions on which team will be the first to score 35 or more points in a game and which will be the first to be shut out. At odds of 7/2, Green Bay opened as the favorite to be the initial team to score 35 or more points while San Diego, at odds of 3/1, had the dubious distinction of being the first squad to put a goose egg on the scoreboard.
The Greek Sportsbook also has futures on which player will be named the league's MVP and which will be tabbed Rookie of the Year by The Sporting News. At odds of 5/1, Peyton Manning leads Michael Vick, 13/2, in the first category while Arizona wideout Larry Fitzgerald is the 4/1 favorite in the second future book. Another receiver, Cleveland tight end Kellen Winslow Jr., is the 5/1-second choice to cop rookie honors.
Finally, bettors can enter the "Pink Slip Derby" by predicting which NFL coach will be first to be fired or resign during the 2004/05 season. San Diego's Marty Schottenheimer is the 7/2 favorite to be first to get the ax in the AFC while San Francisco's Dennis Erickson and New Orleans' Jim Haslett are 3/1 co-favorites to be the first unemployed coach in the NFC.
*Please visit the
The Greek Sportsbook web site for all updated odds.
