Superbowl XLII Futures and Picks

Okay BetUS NFL bettors, as we all know, it is never too soon to begin preparation for a brand new football betting season.

Just like most teams scout their opponents to no end these days, this article will give bettors the skinny on the top four teams in each conference with my final pick being the 2007 Super Bowl champion.

To Win Super Bowl XLII

Indianapolis Colts +800

The Colts are almost a lock to reach the AFC Championship.

New England Patriots +275

The Patriots are the other lock for the AFC title game.

San Diego Chargers +650

They’re talented but can they overcome Norv Turner’s shortcomings?

Pittsburgh Steelers +2200

New head coach … not gonna happen this year.

Cincinnati Bengals +2000

The Bengals are still dealing with too much off-field nonsense and have too many character issues to be a real threat in 2007.

Denver Broncos +1400

Watch out for Denver. Quarterback Jay Cutler is going to be a star and the Broncos are loaded on offense and not half-bad on the other side of the ball too. A Super Bowl could happen, most likely in 2008.

Seattle Seahawks +1800

Their window of opportunity is closing – quickly. If RB Shaun Alexander is not totally healthy, it’s going to be a long season in the great Northwest.

Kansas City Chiefs +6000

If head coach Herman Edwards doesn’t run Larry Johnson into the ground, the Chiefs could make a run at the AFC championship – in 2009. Until then, save your money people.

Carolina Panthers +2000

Speaking of windows closing, the Panthers had better start realizing that theirs is closing quickly. Carolina could have a legitimate shot at winning the NFC championship, but everything will have to break just perfectly for them.

Dallas Cowboys +2000

I like the Cowboys a lot this year. They should be solid on both sides of the ball and could reach the Big Dance if quarterback Tony Romo continues his eye-opening growth from a year ago.

Washington Redskins +4000

I love Joe Gibbs – too bad the Redskins have more holes than Swiss cheese. Unless Doug Williams and ‘The Smurfs’ come out of retirement, check back with the Skins next year.

New York Giants +3000

It’s only a matter of time before head coach Tom Coughlin is shown the door. Until he is, stay away from the G-Men.

Chicago Bears +1500

There is no doubt the Bears can reach the Super Bowl, likely on the strength of the powerful defense alone. However, the Bears will be offensively challenged once again if Rex Grossman is the starting quarterback.

Philadelphia Eagles +2000

Philly is another team that bettors should think long and hard about reaching the 2007 Super Bowl. A healthy Donovan McNabb will get this team into the postseason at the very least. Now if only the Philadelphia faithful can inject the laid-back McNabb with some of Jeff Garcia’s moxie.

New Orleans Saints +1800

The Saints were the feel-good story of the league last season, but proved they were for real over the long haul and in the postseason. There is no reason why this team shouldn’t contend for the NFC Championship in 2007.

Baltimore Ravens +1800

The Ravens have the defense and a much-improved offense. If quarterback Steve McNair can stay healthy, the Ravens could find themselves playing on the final weekend.

Here are the odds on a bunch of other team, all of them pretenders, for the 2007 Super Bowl title.

Jacksonville Jaguars +2400

Minnesota Vikings +5500

Tampa Bay Buccaneers +4500

Atlanta Falcons +4200

Miami Dolphins +5500

Oakland Raiders +15000

St. Louis Rams +5500

Buffalo Bills +9000

Cleveland Browns +9500

Detroit Lions +9000

Arizona Cardinals +3500

New York Jets +4000

Green Bay Packers +5500

Houston Texans +4000

Tennessee Titans +4000

San Francisco 49ers +3000

Best Bang For Your Buck With a Legitimate Chance:

Chicago Bears +1500

Baltimore Ravens +1800

Philadelphia Eagles +2000

New Orleans Saints+1800

Seattle Seahawks +1800

Dallas Cowboys +2000

Final Four in each conference are:

AFC: Colts, Patriots, Ravens, Broncos

NFC: Bears, Eagles, Saints, Cowboys

Conference Champions: Patriots vs. Cowboys

Super Bowl Winner: New England Patriots

icking the Patriots is obviously the popular pick this offseason, seeing as how they are absolutely loaded on both sides of the ball after revamping their roster this offseason.

While I think the Colts could meet the Pats in the AFC title game for a second consecutive season. I just don’t see anyone beating New England and Bill Belichick this season.

In the NFC, there are several teams that could genuinely reach next season’s Super Bowl, including all four of my ‘Final Four’ teams.

Though I am arguably the biggest Dallas Cowboys hater in the U.S., I am a big fan of new head coach Wade Phillips, and think his presence in the Big D this season could be enough to vault this young team over the top.

So there you have it BetUS football bettors. The 2008 Super Bowl winner will be the New England Patriots.