The first week of the National Football League 2010 regular season is in the books. Hope you enjoyed it. It was a great day for underdogs – home dogs went an impressive 5-3 against the spread thanks to outstanding performances by the Texans, Chiefs, Steelers, Seahawks and Redskins.
As such, things have been tweaked a bit at the Bodog online sportsbook in terms of futures betting for Super Bowl XLV. While one week does not a season make – especially the opening week, no less – there were some interesting trends that the betting community should pay attention to as we move along. Let’s take a look at some of the updated NFL football betting futures:
Indianapolis Colts, 10/1 to win Super Bowl XLIV. Obviously, the big story here was how porous the Indy run defense was against the Texans – breakout sensation Arian Foster rumbled for a franchise-record 231 rushing yards and three TDs, posing big questions about the Colts. Indy has always preferred a smaller, speed-oriented defensive front – which is fine when you’re not getting gouged on the ground. Despite being the reigning AFC champions, the Colts appear to be a susceptible team right now and their odds to win Super Bowl XLIV reflect that. Currently, they’re behind fellow AFC contenders Baltimore (8/1) as the favorites to win the conference crown.
Green Bay Packers, 7/1 to win Super Bowl XLIV. Green Bay was one of the big movers last weekend thanks in large part to their 27-20 victory over the Eagles in Philadelphia. The big story here wasn’t usually explosive Packer offense – Aaron Rodgers was a pedestrian 19-for-31 passing for just 188 yards and threw two picks – but how well the defense played against a Philly team loaded with playmakers. Led by LB Clay Matthews (seven tackles, two sacks, one forced fumble), the Packers knocked QB Kevin Kolb from the game and held talented young WRs Jeremy Maclin and DeSean Jackson to just 68 combined receiving yards. Sharps were no doubt surprised that the Green Bay defense could be as productive as the ballyhooed offense. Right now, the Packers are right there with the New Orleans Saints (9/1) as the Super Bowl favorites in the NFC.
New England Patriots, 10/1 to win Super Bowl XLIV. There were a lot of questions facing the Pats’ defense coming into this season – losing starters Ty Warren and Leigh Bodden was deemed a serious body blow to their Super Bowl aspirations. But if we learned anything from New England’s 38-24 win over Cincy on Sunday, it’s that the defense is okay…And the offense is still outstanding. Tom Brady connected twice with Wes Welker for touchdowns. The Pats didn’t turn the ball over once. LB Gary Guyton returned an interception 59 yards for a touchdown. Even the special teams got in on the action as second-year WR Brandon Tate returned a kickoff 97 yards for a score.
We’re seeing a steady increase in overall handle for Super Bowl XLV odds as our players continue to track trends in the hope of picking up some nice odds. If you’d like to get in on the action, be a player at do it at the Bodog online sportsbook, your home for 2010 NFL football betting!
