NFL betting is here and now's the time to start placing bets -- but maybe not on the preseason. There are few incarnations of sport more unpredictable than preseason NFL football. We never know who will start or who will get how many snaps, so it's almost like we know nothing about the teams facing each other. If you want to win money with more educated picks, avoid games for now and consider betting online on some regular-season win totals like these:
Seattle Seahawks OVER eight wins (-130)
For all the love the Cardinals got last year, many NFL picks followers forget that Arizona won just nine games last season. The NFC West remains a weak division and Seattle could seize the opportunity for a comeback in 2009. The offense should improve with a healthy Matt Hasselbeck under center and a strong stable of receivers in T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Nate Burleson, Deion Branch and Courtney Taylor. Tight end John Carlson is a rising star and first-round draft pick Aaron Curry should do wonders for the defense.
Chicago Bears OVER 8.5 wins (-160)
This one feels like a steal. Adding Jay Cutler should revitalize the Bears. It's not just that he'll boost the offense; it' s that he'll help the veteran defense indirectly. With fewer three-and-outs from the offense, the "D" won't be on the field nearly as much and should stay fresher. Considering that the Bears have as good a chance as any team to win the NFC North, it's safe to say they'll top eight wins.
Miami Dolphins UNDER seven wins (EV)
Is it crazy to pick an 11-win division champ to win six or fewer games? About as crazy as picking a one-win team from 2007 to win 11 in 2008 -- the jump Miami made last season. Too much went right for the Dolphins; Chad Pennington somehow stayed healthy and the Ronnie-Brown-led Wildcat offense baffled opposing defenses. I'm betting management of every Dolphin rival is totally ready for the Wildcat this time around. And do you really think brittle Pennington can play another full season? The "D" should improve but, even with Gibril Wilson and Vontae Davis, the pass "D" has a long way to go. The Dolphins could be a bust in 2009.
-- BetOnline.com
Seattle Seahawks OVER eight wins (-130)
For all the love the Cardinals got last year, many NFL picks followers forget that Arizona won just nine games last season. The NFC West remains a weak division and Seattle could seize the opportunity for a comeback in 2009. The offense should improve with a healthy Matt Hasselbeck under center and a strong stable of receivers in T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Nate Burleson, Deion Branch and Courtney Taylor. Tight end John Carlson is a rising star and first-round draft pick Aaron Curry should do wonders for the defense.
Chicago Bears OVER 8.5 wins (-160)
This one feels like a steal. Adding Jay Cutler should revitalize the Bears. It's not just that he'll boost the offense; it' s that he'll help the veteran defense indirectly. With fewer three-and-outs from the offense, the "D" won't be on the field nearly as much and should stay fresher. Considering that the Bears have as good a chance as any team to win the NFC North, it's safe to say they'll top eight wins.
Miami Dolphins UNDER seven wins (EV)
Is it crazy to pick an 11-win division champ to win six or fewer games? About as crazy as picking a one-win team from 2007 to win 11 in 2008 -- the jump Miami made last season. Too much went right for the Dolphins; Chad Pennington somehow stayed healthy and the Ronnie-Brown-led Wildcat offense baffled opposing defenses. I'm betting management of every Dolphin rival is totally ready for the Wildcat this time around. And do you really think brittle Pennington can play another full season? The "D" should improve but, even with Gibril Wilson and Vontae Davis, the pass "D" has a long way to go. The Dolphins could be a bust in 2009.
-- BetOnline.com
