NFL Futures – NFC Championship Odds
With the 2011 NFL regular season set to kick-off in a couple of months (Hopefully), it is time to take a look at each team’s current odds to win their conference as we begin to put the pieces together to try and figure out which two teams will meet next February in Super Bowl XLVI.
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The nfl lines makers have instilled the usual suspects to win it all again this season.
Would the owners and the players in the NHL actually be dumb enough to let billions of dollar slip through their hands and cancel the 2011-2012 season. I think not – that’s why a Betting Preview for the NFC is necessary. Like the AFC, the top dogs in the NFC are the cream but the question is – will another team among them rise to the top?
The Favorites
Green Bay Packers +250: The word Dynasty has been bantered about with this Packers team and rightfully so. The Packers, despite being severely banged up on both sides of the ball won it all last season. That means that seasoned youngsters will likely provide ultra-effective relief for Green Bay’s healthy, bonafide starters.
Green Bay has youngsters B.J. Raji and Tramon Williams to compliment the likes of Clay Mathews on a defense that finished second in total defense last season (15 points per game allowed). The defense should pick up where it left off last season with the real improvement coming on the offensive side of the ball.
Impressed with the 2010-2011 version of the Packers offense? Consider this year that Ryan Grant will be back 100% healthy and James Starks appears primed to build on his impressive late season run! And also consider that Jermichael Finley will be back and the fact the Green Bay has a guy named Aaron Rodgers. Get the picture?
New Orleans Saints +550: The Saints have definitely taken a back seat going into the 2011 season. If not for a shocking loss at the hands of the Hawks in the playoffs last year, things may be different for New Orleans going into this season. Still, this is a team that has the NFC’s best total defense and they game up a fourth best 19 points per game last season.
The Saints offense filled a huge void in the draft – Mark Ingram was brought in to carry the load out of the Saints schizophrenic backfield. With a strong defense, an obvious upgrade at running back, a guy named Drew Brees leading a potent passing attack, the Saints look like a decent bet at +550.
Philadelphia Eagles +550: Are you a gambling man? If so, the Eagles may just be the team for you! The Eagles have settled on Mike Vick and his dual threat attack to lead them offensively this season. His reckless abandon style saw him register career highs in passing yards, completion percentage and passing touchdowns and lead the NFL with 6.8 rushing yards per attempt in 2010. The big question is – can he maintain that pace and if so can he remain healthy playing 16 games?
Phili. still has some issues on defense and despite talent up and down the offensive roster, their chances lay solely with Vick and his ability to stay on the field. I have little faith that he can stay healthy and think that although the Eagles are a legitimate playoff team, they are a notch below the elite.
Atlanta Falcons +550: The Falcons draft strategy has given all a sense that they are not going to settle for second place this season. But by avoiding glaring defensive holes, the Falcons may have to wait another season before seriously contending. They do have an incredible running game, a top tier receiving corp. and a tremendous young quarterback but with no defense, I can’t see them getting it done.
Middle of the Road
Dallas Cowboys +700: Dallas could emerge as the Champion of the NFC, no doubt. Jerry Jones will settle for nothing less than a deep playoff run and Coach Jason Garrett appears to have the respect of his players. Dallas is a sneaky bet and you could do worse than sprinkling a little on the Boys.
New York Giants +700: The Giants had themselves quite a draft opting for Prince Amukamara and the Marvin Austin to shore up a defense that is a perfect complement to Eli Manning and perhaps the NFL’s most exciting young receiving corp. They have Championship experience and pieces on both sides of the ball to get it done.
Quality Long Shot
Chicago Bears +1500: The Chicago Bears were perhaps one offensive lineman away from delving farther into the NFC playoffs last season and took some steps in the draft by grabbing Gabe Carimi out of Wisconsin. Julius Peppers and the defense will do their job and you can bet that Jay Cutler will do all he can to shut the mouths of his immense cast of haters.
I’m not sayin’ that I think they will absolutely win the NFC but they are the best of the long shots by far.
NFL Odds to win 2012 NFC Championship:
– Arizona Cardinals +2500
– Atlanta Falcons +550
– Carolina Panthers +7500
– Chicago Bears +1500
– Dallas Cowboys +700
– Detroit Lions +1200
– Green Bay Packers +250
– Minnesota Vikings +2000
– New Orleans Saints +550
– New York Giants +700
– Philadelphia Eagles +550
– San Francisco 49ers +1800
– Seattle Seahawks +4000
– St Louis Rams +3000
– Tampa Bay Buccaneers +1500
– Washington Redskins +2500
One reply on “2011 NFC Conference Odds – NFL Futures”
As always I’m a homer. I’ll put $20 on Seattle to win the NFC like I do every year. At least my NFC West futures bet paid off last year.