Setting the NFL betting line before preseason starts can be difficult, and sometimes they can be off. This year's busts aren't exactly busts, but it seems that some linesmakers are giving these three teams too much credit.
Philadelphia (+700) - Granted, the Eagles went to the NFC championship game and have been to four since 2001, but this year could be a little different. First, longtime defensive coordinator Jim Johnson died this summer, and it'll be interesting to see if replacement Sean McDermott, who has been with the Eagles since 1998, can inspire the team like Johnson did. Also, middle linebacker Stewart Bradley was lost for the season with a knee injury, which leaves a big hole in the heart of the defense. Donovan McNabb still has no receiving targets outside of DeSean Jackson until rookie Jeremy Maclin proves himself, and same goes for LeSean McCoy, who was drafted to back up Brian Westbrook. They're a solid team, but they're not good enough to be the favorite in the NFC. They may not even be one of the top sports picks to win their division.
San Diego (+750) - The Chargers got to the playoffs by being in a weak AFC West, but a few questions need to be answered. Is LaDainian Tomlinson done, or is it Darren Sproles' turn now? Is Vincent Jackson really a 1,000-yard receiver? Is Shawne Merriman fully healthy and ready to be the disruptive force he was before? With the rest of the division still in disarray, the Chargers should be able to claim their fourth straight AFC West crown and fifth in six years, but with New England and Pittsburgh looking as strong as ever, getting to the Super Bowl may be too much to ask of them in your gambling software.
Dallas (+1200) - Even with no Terrell Owens, the Cowboys will have all eyes on them this year. They haven't even won a playoff game since 1996. Roy Williams and Patrick Crayton have not shown that they'll be able to pick up the slack left by Owens, and Tony Romo hasn't proven he can come through in clutch situations. The defense is solid enough, but the offense needs to hold up its end of the bargain. Like Philly, they're in the tough NFC East, and may not even get to the playoffs. Stay away from them in your sportsbook.
--BetOnline.com
Philadelphia (+700) - Granted, the Eagles went to the NFC championship game and have been to four since 2001, but this year could be a little different. First, longtime defensive coordinator Jim Johnson died this summer, and it'll be interesting to see if replacement Sean McDermott, who has been with the Eagles since 1998, can inspire the team like Johnson did. Also, middle linebacker Stewart Bradley was lost for the season with a knee injury, which leaves a big hole in the heart of the defense. Donovan McNabb still has no receiving targets outside of DeSean Jackson until rookie Jeremy Maclin proves himself, and same goes for LeSean McCoy, who was drafted to back up Brian Westbrook. They're a solid team, but they're not good enough to be the favorite in the NFC. They may not even be one of the top sports picks to win their division.
San Diego (+750) - The Chargers got to the playoffs by being in a weak AFC West, but a few questions need to be answered. Is LaDainian Tomlinson done, or is it Darren Sproles' turn now? Is Vincent Jackson really a 1,000-yard receiver? Is Shawne Merriman fully healthy and ready to be the disruptive force he was before? With the rest of the division still in disarray, the Chargers should be able to claim their fourth straight AFC West crown and fifth in six years, but with New England and Pittsburgh looking as strong as ever, getting to the Super Bowl may be too much to ask of them in your gambling software.
Dallas (+1200) - Even with no Terrell Owens, the Cowboys will have all eyes on them this year. They haven't even won a playoff game since 1996. Roy Williams and Patrick Crayton have not shown that they'll be able to pick up the slack left by Owens, and Tony Romo hasn't proven he can come through in clutch situations. The defense is solid enough, but the offense needs to hold up its end of the bargain. Like Philly, they're in the tough NFC East, and may not even get to the playoffs. Stay away from them in your sportsbook.
--BetOnline.com
