posted September 11, 2009 at 11:00 EST in NFL Props
NFL Futures Betting - Possible Super Bowl Matchups
by Charles Jay
Let's examine the possibilities for three different prospective Super Bowl matchups, relative to the odds posted for those matchups at BetUS (in parentheses):
PATRIOTS VS. GIANTS (+1800 at BetUS)
A rematch? It could happen! I was watching Tom Brady the other night and he looked very sharp, both physically and mentally. He connected with Randy Moss twice, and if the Patriots can get something out of aging Joey Galloway, they are going to once again have a trio of wideouts that are tough to deal with. Even Tedy Bruschi's retirement won't put a damper on things if that's the case. Many people are expecting the Pats to make an automatic return to the Super Bowl with Brady back in the lineup. I am less certain of that than most, but there is no doubt that there is the potential to get back to the same kind of bludgeoning attack that existed during the undefeated regular season, with Fred Taylor now added into the mix at running back to join Sammy Morris, Lawrence Maroney, etc.
There are a few things going against the Giants. For one thing, Eli Manning is going to have to work with a receiving corps that does not have Plaxico Burress or Amani Toomer in it. Sure, there are a lot of people competing for those spots now, including Mario Manningham, Dominic Hixon, Steve Smith (the OTHER one) and rookies like Hakeem Nicks and Ramses Barden, so there is upside, but who is the big-play threat THIS season?
Derrick Ward has to be replaced as part of the 1-2 punch in the backfield. It's a good thing they have Ahmad Bradshaw around, and they have drafted Andre Brown, so that may not be much of a problem. The Giants will still be able to rush the passer, and Osi Umenyiora doesn't have to get along with the coaching staff to be effective. This team has been resilient in the past, as they've gotten along without the likes of Tiki Barber and Michael Strahan. They do fundamental things well, so they are not going to be out of the Super Bowl picture by any means.
Yeah, I might be willing to take a shot at this number.
CHARGERS VS. EAGLES (+3500 at BetUS)
These are two teams who are potentially explosive. The Chargers have Philip Rivers, who is coming back from a season where he threw 34 touchdown passes, and though he may not approach those numbers again, he may not have to. There is the potential for a great group of receivers, as Vincent Jackson should be in 1000-yard territory again, with Chris Chambers ready to make a bigger contribution than he did in a disappointing 2008 season. Antonio Gates, as we know, is one of the league's elite tight ends. A big "X" factor here surrounds LaDanian Tomlinson and how well he'll do this season. Some think he's ready for a comeback season, but it appears that he may have started a bit of a downslide.
The Philadelphia Eagles have gone "all-in" this season. They have added firepower wherever possible, drafting LeSean McCoy, Cornelius Ingram and Jeremy Maclin, trading for Jason Peters, a Pro Bowler who makes the offensive line better, and of course, they have signed Michael Vick, who they will unquestionably figure out a way to maximize, once he gets off suspension. Certainly there won't be any excuses for Donovan McNabb not to perform. The Eagles will have to get along this season without defensive coordinator Jim Johnson, who died from cancer in July, and he meant a lot to this attacking defense. Still, with a team that got oh so close to the NFC title last season, and adding some more artillery, this is a team I can see getting that one extra step beyond.
I like Philadelphia's chances, and San Diego always seems to be one of those teams that is right on the edge of a Super Bowl appearance. The Eagles have much bigger obstacles within their own division, so there is no guarantee they'll get to the post-season. The Chargers are a little more secure, but they may have more land mines to deal with (New England, Indianapolis, Tennessee, Pittsburgh, Baltimore) once they get there.
On potential alone though, this may be worth the 35/1 at BetUS.
COLTS VS. SAINTS (+5500 at BetUS)
Can the Indianapolis Colts go back to the Super Bowl, in the season they replaced Tony Dungy with Jim Caldwell as head coach? As usual, it will all depend on the arm of Peyton Manning, who will probably take even more of a leadership position with long-time offensive coordinator Tom Moore's role reduced. Manning won't have Marvin Harrison to work with anymore, but Reggie Wayne has long since moved into that role as the #1 receiver, and there will certainly be a way to work Anthony Gonzalez into the rotation more.
Manning has more of an arsenal at his disposal with the selection of U-Conn running back Donald Brown in the first round, as he will complement Joseph Addai very well. The big question is on the defense, where Bob Sanders, the All-Pro safety who is so important in stopping the running game, is still getting over a knee injury.
The Saints are banking on Drew Brees having another big year. The quarterback, who probably deserved last year's MVP award more than Manning did, had a near-record total of passing yards despite having to deal with injuries in his receiving corps all year. This season this team is healthier on offense, presumably anyway. Reggie Bush should be back, and Marques Colston and Jeremy Shockey may play a full season. New Orleans' question marks will once again be on defense, though there is a lot of hope, with Gregg Williams arriving as the new coordinator, and an infusion of talent that includes draftee Malcolm Jenkins and veteran free agent Darren Sharper in the backfield.
The Colts may be able to hold up their end of the bargain, though there's a lot of competition out there in the AFC. As for the Saints, they have a tough division that includes two playoff tams from last year, and making the playoffs is nothing that is assured. I'm not sure I would go this route, even at the 55/1 BetUS price.
