NFL Football Props – Over or Under?
BetUS Sportsbook customers had better hurry if they want to take advantage of advance props on the NFL betting season. One of those allows the customer to bet on the total wins for each of the teams.
In our last installment I looked at five of the teams I felt might offer best bets in this proposition. Today we’ll take five teams, this time at random, (well, sort of) as we count down to the first full day of NFL action.
NFL Football Proposition Odds
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
Over 8½ Regular Season Wins -185
Under 8½ Regular Season Wins +135
— Donovan McNabb was healthy last year, and he seemed to be making strides in the latter stages. This season he still has Bryan Westbrook, one of the top all-around backs in the league, and the Eagles have added DeSean Jackson, the speedster out of California who could provide McNabb with some of that downfield threat he’s been looking for. Asante Samuel, a Pro Bowler with the Patriots, was added as a big-play corner. And when the Eagles’ blitzing schemes work, the work huge. But have you guys talked to Lito Sheppard lately? It seems Philadelphia’s other Pro Bowl corner doesn’t want to play second fiddle to Samuel, or rather third wheel since Sheldon Brown would be getting the start ahead of him. Look, the Eagles have some of the elements, but a lot has to fall into place. They can get to nine wins, but I don’t like this price.
JAY’S PLAY: UNDER 8.5 WINS (+135)
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
Over 8½ Regular Season Wins -175
Under 8½ Regular Season Wins +130
— Very close to the prices on the Eagles. But there are big differences. For one, Seattle is a team coming off a year when it not only made the playoffs, but went to the second playoff round, while Philadelphia is off an 8-8 season. For another, Philadelphia is in a division with three other playoff teams (Dallas, Washington and the Super Bowl champion Giants), while Seattle is grouped with teams who haven’t made the post-season for a while (San Francisco, St. Louis, Arizona).
And no matter how optimistic you want to get about Arizona’s progress under Ken Whisenhunt, St. Louis’ healthier roster, or San Francisco’s brand-new offense, the bottom line is that Seattle stands a decent shot at getting five or six wins out of the NFC West alone, especially as they’re looking to send Mike Holmgren out on a positive note.
JAY’S PLAY: OVER 8.5 WINS (-175)
TENNESSEE TITANS
Over 8 Regular Season Wins Even
Under 8 Regular Season Wins -140
— I just think there are a lot of things to like about Tennessee. Norm Chow was let go from his job as offensive coordinator, but Mike Heimerdinger comes in, and he was the guy who helped to harness the talent of Steve McNair in his first g-around in Nashville. He’ll do some positive things with Vince Young. Chris Johnson is going to be a dynamite addition tot his running game. And these guys can get after the opposing passer. Ron Bironas is one of the NFL’s most reliable and valuable field goal kickers. And how can you not admire Jeff Fisher, who is longer-tenured than any other current NFL head coach?
JAY’S PLAY: OVER 8 WINS (Even)
ARIZONA CARDINALS
Over 8 Regular Season Wins -110
Under 8 Regular Season Wins -130
— Don’t we hear a load of optimism every year out of this camp, only to get disappointed?: I might have given Arizona a good shot to exceed this total, or even win the division title, if Matt Leinart could show any signs that he was ready to excel as an NFL quarterback. But he didn’t nail down the job in pre-season. Maybe he doesn’t have the arm to take full advantage of standout receivers like Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin. But the insertion of Kurt Warner, who certainly doesn’t throw the ball like he used to, could spell something lower than mediocrity. Edgerrin James becomes more important, but is he past his best days? There’s more downside than upside here.
JAY’S PLAY: UNDER 8 WINS (-130)
CLEVELAND BROWNS
Over 8 Regular Season Wins -120
Under 8 Regular Season Wins -120
— Some smart people I’ve talked to have forecast a backward slide for this team. I just don’t see that. I know that Derek Anderson is going to make his share of mistakes, but he’s also going to connect on some bis plays, and the Browns’ offense becomes more of a big-play threat with the addition of Donte Stallworth. There have been additions to the defense that should upgrade this unit. Jamal Lewis may have to produce at a rate close to his 2007 numbers, but the offensive line, anchored by Joe Thomas, who should become a perennial All-Pro, will hold up its end of the bargain. There are enough winnable games on the schedule, particularly within the division.
