Though the NFL has strived for parity, the first few weeks of the 2006 regular season has seen a clear division between the good and bad teams. Some decent betting opportunities may now exist in NFL futures.
The Greek Sportsbook offers a complete menu of NFL future book betting opportunities such as odds on all teams to win their division, as well as betting odds to win the conference and Super Bowl. Let's look at the AFC:
AFC East
This division has been dominated by the New England Patriots for at least the past five seasons. The Patriots look like a good team early, but far from dominant. This could be the year somebody takes the division from New England. The problem seems to be that no divisional team is capable of dethroning the champ.
The Miami Dolphins were expected to be that team, but the transition to Daunte Culpepper at quarterback has been rough at best. The team that could be a factor down the stretch is the Buffalo Bills, who may be worth betting at +1015 to win the division. The Bills are led by a shutdown-type defense and solid J.P. Losman at quarterback. The Bills outplayed the Patriots for 3½ quarters in the first game of the season, but the Patriots pulled it out at the end.
AFC South
The AFC South has the AFC defending runner-up in the Indianapolis Colts. During the initial weeks of the season, the Colts have looked impressive. Quarterback Peyton Manning looks solid and the offense is trying to make up for key personnel losses. The Colts are a deserving -465 betting favorite and hold an edge on rival Jacksonville. The Jaguars, who figure to be a factor during the playoffs, are +365 to win the division. The AFC South also has the Tennessee Titans and Houston Texans, but both teams seem to be in a rebuilding mode.
Looking further into the playoffs, the Colts are +595 to win the Super Bowl. This could be an intriguing play, as Indianapolis should serve as host to most of the playoff games. The Colts have one of the tougher home fields in all of football. Thinking about betting on the Jaguars? At +1645 to be crowned NFL champion, they appear to have all the necessary pieces to be in that conversation. However, they will have to earn it on the road.
AFC North
This division may be the most competitive in the NFL and may have the three top stories in the AFC. The defending league champion Pittsburgh Steelers currently have a losing record and are struggling. The Cincinnati Bengals are the media darlings and have a rising superstar in Carson Palmer. The Bengals are the -145 betting favorite to win the division and may be the team to beat in the AFC.
The Baltimore Ravens could have the best defense in their history. Not only do they limit the opposition offense, but the defense is also counted on to score. The off seaason acquisition of Steve McNair has helped a usually pedestrian offense, so this team is a contender at +215.
The Bengals, +845 to win the Super Bowl, may be able to ride a significant home field advantage through the playoffs. One problem facing Cincinnati is a nasty schedule that has the team spending some of January on the road. If you believe tough defense wins championships, then the +2050 offered on the Ravens could be worth betting.
AFC West
What looked to be the most competitive division in the AFC prior to the season may turn into a walkover for the San Diego Chargers, who are -145 to win the division. The Chargers have looked unstoppable, led by LaDanian Tomlinson and an unmovable defense.
The Kansas City Chiefs are old and falling apart at the seams. The Oakland Raiders just seem to be falling apart. Though the Denver Broncos seem to have taken a step back this year, they earned a very important win at New England this past week. Their defense makes them an outside contender.
The Chargers, at +815 to win the Super Bowl, seem to be a short betting price for a team that is led by a largely inexperience quarterback in Philip Rivers. Even Marty Schottenheimer's sharpest critics must wonder if this is his year to win it all.
Super Bowl futures betting are interesting on these teams because it appears the AFC is clearly better than the NFC and would be favored in the Super Bowl. It's difficult to keep from drawing conclusions after only a few weeks, but this may be a different kind of NFL season and now may be the time to look at your betting options.
