NFL BETTING: FUTURE BOOK OFFERS EARLY START TO SEASON

With and the start of the NFL preseason still more than five months away, bookmakers quickly rushed to fill the wagering void by offering future book prices on which team will win Super Bowl XLIV in Dolphin Stadium, in Miami, Feb. 7, 2010.

 

Although the Steelers won the Super Bowl XLIII in Tampa this year, Pittsburgh is only a second choice behind New England to win the NFL Championship next year. The Steelers opened at 7/1, a notch behind the Patriots, who start out as the 6/1 favorite to win it all. Despite losing All-Pro quarterback Tom Brady in the season opener, New England finished 11-5 last year but failed to make the playoffs. Brady is back from knee surgery but even if he's slow to recover, the Pats assured themselves quality at the signal-caller position when they put the franchise tag on Matt Cassell, Brady's surprisingly effective replacement last season.

 

The Patriots and Steelers are at the top of the NFL betting heap but another AFC powerhouse, the Colts, aren't far behind. Indianapolis, which has won at least 12 regular season games in each of the last six seasons, still have Peyton Manning behind center but Coach Tony Dungy has retired, leaving the reins to Jim Caldwell, who has big hooves to follow.

 

The Super Bowl XLII champion Giants join the Colts at a competitive 8/1 on the future book list of contenders. Despite a season ending injury to sack specialist Osi Umenyiora and the untimely suspension of deep threat Plaxico Burress because of weapon possession charges, the G-Men still earned the top seed in the NFC last year and, with better health and better behavior, could again be hoisting the Vince Lombardi Trophy next February.

 

The Cowboys, who had personnel difficulties of their own last season, are next in line at Super Bowl future book odds of 9/1. Dallas has plenty of talent; the question is whether Head Coach Wade Phillips can be the disciplinarian who is needed to keep the egos in check.

 

The Ravens, Eagles, Panthers, Titans, Chargers and Cardinals are a six-pack of playoff teams that were only one or two plays away from Super Bowl greatness, last season.

 

Baltimore, 11/1, still has a dynamic (if aging) defense and an emerging star at quarterback in strong-armed Joe Flacco.

 

Philadelphia, 12/1, reached the NFC title game again but plays in a tough neighborhood that includes New York and Dallas.

 

Carolina and Tennessee, each 12/1, were upset in the opening round of the playoffs but have strong squads and should be contenders again.

 

San Diego, 14/1, should get a boost to its defense with the return of pass rushing menace Shawne Merriman.

 

Arizona, 15/1, won't be sneaking up on anyone this season.

 

The Saints, at 18/1, are another team that could be attractive, if only for New Orleans' potent offense.

 

The Dolphins, who roared into the playoffs after winning just one game the previous season, are quoted at odds of 25/1 but would have a home field advantage if they made it to Super Bowl XLIV.

 

Longest shot on the future book board—-no surprise here—-are the Lions, at odds of 150/1. Frankly, we think the odds of going from a no win season to Super Bowl champions are even slimmer.

 

You also can get triple digits on the Raiders, Rams and Chiefs.

 

There is some debate if NFL future book betting is a worthy way to invest your cash but many professional gamblers insist futures offer options that outweigh other wagering factors, such as high vigorish.

 

For example, suppose you were one of those prescient gamblers who took Pittsburgh in the future book last year at opening odds as high as 22/1. When Super Bowl XLIII rolled around you could hedge nicely by taking Arizona, plus the points. As it turned out, you would win both bets.

 

The prospect of collecting on both sides in the Super Bowl is at least one good reason why NFL betting fans play the future book.

 

This article was written by Luken Karel for http://www.thegreek.com. The Greek Sportsbook & Casino is host to one of the top online sportsbooks offering sports betting on NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL and all other major sports. The Greek is a must have sports betting and entertainment portal with one of the largest wagering menus available online. Article reproductions must include a link pointing to http://www.thegreek.com