The Bum's 2016 NFL Betting Preview:

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2016 NFL Betting Preview: AFC South

The AFC South is back, and oh boy, here we go again with this division. The Indianapolis Colts should once again be the favorite to win this division. But, keep in mind, the Houston Texans came away as the divisional champion last season.

The division has gotten better, that’s for sure, but in the end, how competitive will it be with the rest of the teams in the National Football League. Let’s take a look at our NFL Betting Preview for the AFC South.

Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts have their quarterback returning, and he got paid. Chuck Pagano is still the head coach of the Colts, and Ryan Grigson remains as the General Manager. The Colts went 8-8 last season, after a pre-season full of hype.

The problem with the Colts is they still do not have the running game many would like to see them have. Will T.Y. Hilton be able to emerge as a leader in the receiving core, and will the defense avoid completely collapsing this season? Those are some question marks with the Colts, but if Andrew Luck stays healthy, this looks like the best team in the division.

Houston Texans
The Houston Texans made several moves in the off-season in which should make them a contender. Brock Osweiler is their starting quarterback. Osweiler will get all the looks, instead of none of the looks behind Peyton Manning. The Texans have also added LaMar Miller, who should settle into a big time role with Houston.

The defense is loaded behind J.J. Watt. Last season, the Texans ranked second in pretty much every category. Remember, the city of Houston will host the Super Bowl this season, and no team has ever played in the Super Bowl in their own city. Could this be the first?

Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans have welcomed Marcus Mariota back as their starting quarterback. The second season for Mariota should prove to see significant maturity. The Titans have added DeMarco Murray and put him along with Delanie Walker, and that’s the extent of their offense.

Mike Mularkey is in as the head coach of the Titans, and they will see improvements. With an average offense, the defense will have to be better than last season. If it’s not, it will be another struggle city for the Titans.

Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars were 6-10 last season, but you know they are getting much of the hype in the division. The Jaguars have improved, and have a ton of young players that should be good. But, they should, as they have been picking at the top of the draft for years.

Is Blake Bortels ready to compete with the rest of the quarterback core in the division? The Jaguars are led by Gus Bradley, who is enthusiastic, but will that win football games? Jacksonville is an interesting case study for 2016.

Betting on the AFC South
When you are looking to bet on the Winner of Super Bowl 51, it appears the Indianapolis Colts come in a little overlooked. The Colts are listed at 20/1 at BetDSI, which is pretty good odds for a franchise quarterback led team.

After the Colts, the Houston Texans are next on the list from teams in the AFC South. Houston is at 40/1, followed by the Tennessee Titans at 75/1, and then lastly, the Jacksonville Jaguars are still one of the biggest underdogs in the league, at 85/1 on BetDSI.

When looking at win totals for the 2016 season, the Indianapolis Colts are given 8.5, with the Houston Texans next at 8, followed by the Jacksonville Jaguars, at 6, and the Tennessee Titans at 5.5.

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2016 NFL Betting Preview: Denver Broncos

It’s time to start looking ahead at the individual teams inside the National Football League. Each and every team comes into the season with a great amount of optimism, and their fans are buying in.

In the National Football League, there are 32 teams, and the defending champion is the Denver Broncos. They are once again in the AFC West conference. It’s time to give our 2016 NFL Betting Preview for the Denver Broncos.

Denver on Offense
The Broncos offense will see a much different look, as Peyton Manning is gone, Brock Osweiler is gone, and now Mark Sanchez is the starting quarterback. The running backs for the Denver Broncos will remain C.J. Anderson and Ronnie Hillman, with DeMaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders continuing to emerge as one of the top duos as the wide receivers.

Owen Daniel is expected to be the starting tight end for the Broncos in 2016. Can the offensive line protect Sanchez enough to keep him on his feet enough this season?

Broncos Continue to Dominate on Defense
On the defensive side, the Denver Broncos certainly hope they can wrap up a deal with the best defensive player in all of the National Football League in Von Miller. Miller will certainly lead the charge on the defensive side, along with DeMarcus Ware on the other side.

The Broncos may have taken a hit or two to the depth chart, but look for this Denver team to continue showing the league they are an elite unit, and can win games with their defense.

Broncos 2016 Schedule
The Denver Broncos start the season at home with the Carolina Panthers. It should be a fun rematch of the Super Bowl, but a tough start for the defending champion.

Then, the Indianapolis Colts come to town, before Denver finishes the first month of the season at Cincinnati. Once October arrives, the Denver Broncos will start in Tampa Bay, before hosting Atlanta, making a trip to San Diego, before hosting the Houston Texans and San Diego Chargers.

In November, the Broncos are at the Raiders, Saints, and following their bye week, they will host the Kansas City Chiefs. Finally, the last five games of the season start with trips to Jacksonville and Tennessee, before hosting the New England Patriots. Week 16 and 17 are at the Kansas City Chiefs, and then at home against the Oakland Raiders.

Betting on the Denver Broncos
Of course, the Denver Broncos are going to be one of the favorites to win the Super Bowl in February. Super Bowl 51 starts with the Broncos listed at the top of the sportsbook, at 12/1 over at MyBookie.

The Denver Broncos are also near the top when looking at win total for the 2016 season as well. You can bet on the Denver Broncos at 9.5 wins at MyBookie.

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2016 NFL Betting Preview: Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers are looking to get back to where they finished the season last year, except this season win the final game. Carolina was outstanding during the regular season, flirting with going unbeaten.

The Panthers have the league’s Most Valuable Player, and a head coach in Ron Rivera, who is not going to settle with the 2016 season. Let’s take a look at the 2016 NFL Betting Preview for the Carolina Panthers.

Panthers Offense
The Carolina Panthers offense starts and ends with Cam Newton. The defending Most Valuable Player behind center was fantastic last season, despite playing without Kelvin Benjamin. Benjamin is back from his torn ACL, and appears to be a top target for Newton.

Cam finished with 45 touchdowns last season, and led Carolina to 31.2 points per game. Look for Ron Rivera, and offensive coordinator Mike Shula put together a great game plan, which will also include running backs Mike Tolbert and Jonathan Stewart. There is no reason to predict the Carolina offense skip a beat from last season.

Defensive Unit for Carolina
Look for the Carolina Panthers to be great on defense once again. Sure, we have all heard about the loss of Josh Norman, but they have plenty to pick up the missing pieces. Guys like Thomas Davis and Luke Kuechly should be very disruptive to quarterbacks.

The first step that Kuechly has is one of the best in all of the National Football League. We’ve heard about the offense, but this defense has the chance to be the top unit in all of the NFL in the fall and winter of 2016.

Panthers 2016 Schedule
The Carolina Panthers are not going to have an easy path to return as NFC South Champions, but they are the best roster in the division. The schedule for the Carolina Panthers start the season on the road in a Super Bowl Rematch against the Denver Broncos.

Following that, the Panthers have two games they should win at home; against the 49ers and Vikings. Once October starts, the divisional play gets going. Carolina is at Atlanta, and then coming home to host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Panthers then go to New Orleans, before hosting the Arizona Cardinals.

The next month sees the Panthers on the road at Los Angeles and Oakland to begin and end, with home games against the Chiefs and Saints sandwiched between. The final five games of the season for Carolina are at Carolina, with San Diego, at Washington, with Atlanta, and then finish the season on the road at Tampa Bay.

Betting on the Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers will be popular when folks start looking at their 2016 NFL betting. The Carolina Panthers are one of the favorites to win the 2016 Super Bowl. It’s Super Bowl 51, and the Panthers are given 13-1 odds to win it all at most of our top NFL sportsbooks.

The Panthers are also given a win total of 10.5 in the 2016 season. That’s a lot of wins, but if any team can exceed that, it’s definitely Ron Rivera, Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers!

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2016 NFL Betting Preview: Pittsburgh Steelers

One of the sexiest picks to win Super Bowl 51 in Arizona this February is Mike Tomlin, Ben Roethlisberger, Antonio Brown, Le’Veon Bell and company. The Pittsburgh Steelers have a ton returning, and have added some missing pieces that could lead them to the biggest trophy in all of the National Football League.

The Pittsburgh Steelers will be in a tough division; the AFC North, but should be in pretty good shape with their roster. Here is a look at our 2016 NFL Betting Preview for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Steelers Offense
The Pittsburgh Steelers offense on paper is one of the best in all of the National Football League. The Steelers have a Big 3, and added help to make them tough to stop all season long. Of course, the big issue is injuries. Can the Steelers withstand injuries that could, and often do happen inside a National Football League season?

Ben Roethlisberger is back behind center, and he needs to calm the reckless nature and stay on the field. Big Ben is back for his 13th season. When he was on the field, the Steelers averaged more than 335 passing yards per game. Without him, Pittsburgh was no where near as effective. Le’Veon Bell could be the most explosive running back, and many are saying Antonio Brown IS the best receiver in the game.

Pittsburgh’s Defense
The Pittsburgh Steelers have used several seasons of early round draft picks on the defensive side of the football. The Steelers used five of six first round picks and all of their first and second round picks in the last three drafts on defense.

Steve McLendon, at nose tackle is gone, but Javon Hargrave should be able to pick up the missing pieces there. The Steelers are strong at end with Cameron Heyward and Stephon Tuitt. Inside linebacker Ryan Shazier and Lawrence Timmons are tough cookies as well. Look for guys like Bud Dupree and Jarvis Jones to have big roles in the Mike Tomlin defense as well.

Pittsburgh 2016 Schedule
The Pittsburgh Steelers start the 2016 season on the road at the Washington Redskins. Kirk Cousins and company are the defending NFC East Champion, so no easy game for the Steelers. Then, Pittsburgh comes home and takes on a huge rival, in Cincinnati in Week 2.

The final game of the month for the Steelers is at the Philadelphia Eagles. Once October arrives, the Steelers start at home with Kansas City and the New York Jets. After that, two AFC East foes with the Miami Dolphins on the road and at home against the New England Patriots. The month of November sees three road games; at Baltimore, at Cleveland and at Indianapolis. The second game of the month is their lone home game with the Dallas Cowboys.

The final five games of the season for the Steelers see home games at the beginning and end of December with the Giants and Ravens, with road games at Buffalo and Cincinnati sandwiched between. The final game of the season for the Steelers comes on New Years Day at home against the Cleveland Browns.

Betting on the Pittsburgh Steelers
When you are looking to bet on the Pittsburgh Steelers for future bets, there are two good ones we want to present to you. Of course, they are the popular bets in the National Football League as well.

When you are looking at a season win total for Pittsburgh, you can grab them at 10.5 wins. The Steelers will have a tough task to get to 11 wins, but if you are going to win the Super Bowl, you’ll probably have to win at least 10 to get into the postseason, and 11 is very likely.

To win Super Bowl 51, the Pittsburgh Steelers are listed at 10-1 at most sportsbooks. That’s one of the lowest odds, but even at that, a wager of $100 would win you $1000. That’s pretty impressive for a team as good as the Steelers.

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2016 NFL Betting Preview: Arizona Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals are going to be a pick for many to get back deep into the postseason, and this season under Bruce Arians get to the Super Bowl.

Keep in mind, the Super Bowl will be played on their home field, and no team has ever played a Super Bowl at home. Let’s take a look at the 2016 NFL Betting Preview for the Arizona Cardinals.

Cardinals Offense
Bruce Arians comes into the season with a 34-14 record as a head coach. Arians continues to show the ability to win football game, and lead teams. The Cardinals offense this season will continue to rely on veteran Carson Palmer at quarterback.

Can he bounce back from his brutal postseason game, where he threw four interceptions? David Johnson is the top running back for the Cardinals. Johnson emerged with over 1,000 rushing yards last season for Arizona. The receiving core in Arizona features Larry Fitzgerald, John Brown and Michael Floyd.

Arizona on the Defensive Side
The Cardinals are a team that plays five defensive backs on nearly on snap. The Cardinals have some great names on the defensive side of the football. Dwight Freeney led the team with 8 sacks last season, and now Chandler Jones has joined the team.

Those two should do a solid job of getting after quarterbacks. Robert Nkemdiche has joined the Cardinals as well, and we will see how the first round pick fares in the league. Arizona is seeking a shut-down cornerback to go along with Patrick Peterson. Last season, Justin Bethel struggled and Tyrann Mathieu is still looking to grab more health.

Cardinals 2016 Schedule
The Arizona Cardinals will start the season with a pretty challenging Week 1 game. The Cardinals start the season with both the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers coming to town. Following that, the Cardinals end the month in Buffalo.

Once October starts, Arizona will host the Los Angeles Rams, before going on the road to San Francisco in two NFC West games. Then, the Cardinals host the Jets and Seahawks, before wrapping up the month on the road at the Carolina Panthers. In November, the Cardinals have a trio of games; with the final two on the road. They start the month with their bye week, followed by a home game with San Francisco.

Arizona wraps up the month at Minnesota and Atlanta. The final five games for the Cardinals start with a home game against Washington, a road game at Miami, a home game with New Orleans, and trips to Seattle and Los Angeles to wrap up the season.

Betting on the Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals are going to be a popular pick in the National Football League. The Cardinals come into the season in a battle with the Seattle Seahawks for the NFC West. The Cardinals are projected to win 9.5 games in 2016.

The Cardinals, as you saw, have an interesting schedule, but should fare well. The Cardinals pick to win the Super Bowl would be one that paid fairly handsomely. The Arizona Cardinals are listed at 18/1 (at Bookmaker) to win Super Bowl 51.

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2016 NFL Betting Preview: Green Bay Packers

It’s never a bad idea to pick the Green Bay Packers to win games in the postseason. This season is no different, as many are projecting Aaron Rodgers and his Green and Yellow crew to get to Phoenix in February for Super Bowl 51.

The Packers play in the NFC North with the Bears, Vikings and Lions. Here is a look at the 2016 NFL Betting Preview for the Green Bay Packers.

Green Bay on Offense
The big news for Mike McCarthy’s offense is not the fact they have one of the best quarterbacks in all of the league. The fact that Jordy Nelson is back for the Packers is monstrous news. Nelson missed the entire season last year with a torn ACL.

Now, Nelson should join Randall Cobb as a tremendous duo. Cobb saw his numbers fall a little bit, without Nelson a season ago. Eddie Lacy appears serious about taking over as a dominating running back for Green Bay. If he does; that’s a pretty solid fearsome foursome for the Green Bay Packers.

Packers Defensively
Green Bay defensive coordinator Dom Capers knows this season is the year he must see a huge improvement in his defense. The unit took a step forward last season, but they must continue to improve if they want a shot at the Super Bowl.

Mike Daniels signed a huge extension in the offseason, and he will join Kenny Clark. Some other news for Green Bay; B.J. Raji retired, and Clay Matthews is going to move back outside. Julius Peppers continues to play at a high level, and will lineup opposite of Matthews.

Packers 2016 Schedule
The Green Bay Packers start their 2016 season with two straight road games. Green Bay is in Jacksonville to open it up, and then will travel to divisional rival Minnesota. The Packers first home game is in Week 3, as they host the Detroit Lions.

Once October arrives, the Packers will play three straight home games; with the New York Giants, Dallas Cowboys and Chicago Bears. The Packers then finish October on the road at Atlanta. In November, Green Bay starts with a home game against the Indianapolis Colts, before going on the road for three straight games. The Packers are in Tennessee, Washington and Philadelphia.

The final five games of the season for Green Bay start with two home games against the Houston Texans and Seattle Seahawks, before a trip to Chicago, a home game against Minnesota, and a road trip to Detroit.

Betting on the Green Bay Packers
When you are looking to bet on the Green Bay Packers, you are going to have to be ready for them to be one of the Super Bowl contenders. If you bet early enough; taking the Packers to win Super Bowl 51 may not be a bad idea.

The Packers play in the NFC North and are listed at 11/1 to win the Super Bowl in February. The Packers are also given a pretty high win total for the 2016 season as well. The Packers win total is listed at 10.5.

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Time Zone Trends
July 12, 2016

There isn’t a great deal of travel in the NFL compared to the NBA, MLB, and NHL due to the length of the season. However, flying across the country for a Sunday afternoon game isn’t the easiest task as many of these teams going either from the east coast to west coast or vice versa have struggled. The numbers were very telling last season that these teams struggled from a straight-up standpoint, but did those numbers translate from the against the spread perspective?

For the purposes of this discussion, ten teams that play in the Central and Mountain Time Zones were not included since they never travel more than two time zones during the season. These teams include the Bears, Cowboys, Broncos, Packers, Texans, Colts, Chiefs, Vikings, Saints, and Titans. The Cardinals are the exception to the rule since the state of Arizona doesn’t observe Daylight Savings Time as September through November this team plays on Pacific Time at home. From November through January, the Cardinals are on Mountain Time, so we’ll include them as one of the 22 teams that can travel three time zones.

In 2015, teams that play in the Eastern Time Zone traveled three time zones 16 times, as these clubs won straight-up only four times. However, these squads posted an 8-8 ATS record, as the only team that won twice out west was Cincinnati, who beat Oakland and San Francisco, while covering in a loss at Arizona. East coast teams that were listed as favorites compiled a 2-4 SU/ATS mark, but the underdogs struggled with a 2-8 SU record in spite of covering six of 10 times.

Flipping it around with the five teams that traveled from west to east (Cardinals, Raiders, Chargers, 49ers, and Seahawks), those squads put together a 6-10 SU and 9-6-1 ATS record in 16 opportunities last season. The ‘over’ hit in 11 of 16 games, as the Cardinals and 49ers each went 3-1 to the ‘over’ when traveling to the east coast. San Francisco was winless in four trips to the east coast, falling to the Steelers, Giants, Browns, and Lions with three of those defeats coming by double-digits.

This season, there are 43 situations in which teams travel three time zones, but that number has been jacked up due to the AFC East facing the NFC West and the NFC South taking on the AFC West in interconference play. With the Rams moving from St. Louis to Los Angeles this season, that makes for more opportunities of teams traveling across the country. The Rams, Cardinals, and 49ers all travel to the east coast four times each in 2016, while the Seahawks venture to the east coast for three contests.

The Buccaneers avoided long road trips in 2015, but Tampa Bay heads west for three separate trips this season. In Week 2, Tampa Bay travels to Arizona, one week after the Cardinals host the Patriots. The Bucs venture to California twice in a seven-week span, going to San Francisco in Week 7 and San Diego in Week 13. The Falcons also have it rough with three games on the west coast, including twice to the Golden State. Atlanta heads to Oakland in Week 2 and Los Angeles in Week 14, while making a trek to Seattle in Week 6 one week following a trip to face the defending champion Broncos in Denver.

Three times in 2016 teams will play consecutive games on the opposite coast, but all will likely remain there for those two weeks. The Panthers head west in Week 12 to battle the Raiders in Oakland, followed by a playoff rematch in Week 13 at Seattle. The Raiders travel to Florida for back-to-back games in Weeks 7 and 8 against Jacksonville and Tampa Bay, while the Dolphins go to California for contests against the Chargers in Week 10 and the Rams in Week 11.

Not one team in the AFC North (Bengals, Browns, Ravens, and Steelers) travels more than two time zones this season. The Giants are the only NFC East squad that doesn’t venture west of Texas, but New York battles Los Angeles in London in Week 7 (Cowboys excluded being in Central Time Zone).

As the Rams return to Los Angeles for the first time since 1994, the landscape of travel changes with no more trips to St. Louis. Four eastern teams make the longer trip from what would have been eastern Missouri to southern California this season with the Rams’ move as the Bills (Week 5), Panthers (Week 9), Dolphins (Week 11), and Falcons (Week 14) all travel to Los Angeles this season.

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2016 NFL Betting Preview: New England Patriots

New England Offensive
Obviously, now with Tom Brady not under center, the New England Patriots could have a huge problem. The Patriots will turn to Jimmy Garoppolo once again. The Patriots should be fine with him at quarterback. New England head coach Bill Belichick has won 187 games on the season, and has a chance at 200.

The Patriots will throw the football to Rob Gronkowski. If the Patriots need a formation where they go two tight ends, sure Martellus Bennett could step up. The running game will feature Dion Lewis as the first chance running back.

Patriots on Defense
The New England Patriots have one of the strongest defenses in the National Football League. The Patriots have one of the top corner in the game in Malcolm Butler. Matt Patricia, the new defensive coordinator will use guys like Logan Ryan, Devin McCourty and Patrick Chung to contend for another title.

The Patriots lost Akiem Hicks, Domimique Easley and Chandler Jones, but look to pick up the pieces with Chris Long. The Patriots should be solid, but how solid will they have to be to win postseason games.

2016 Patriots Schedule
Clearly, the New England Patriots are going to be in a little more trouble to start the 2016 season without their quarterback. The Patriots have an interesting schedule during the season. They start the season at Arizona, before finishing the first month with games against Miami and Houston.

Then, in Week 4, the Patriots host the Buffalo Bills. New England then finishes October with a trip to Cleveland, a home game against Cincinnati, and then two road games; at Pittsburgh and Buffalo. November arrives, and you will see the Patriots play three games.

They take on Seattle, at home, followed by a trip to San Francisco and then the New York Jets. On Sunday, the Los Angeles Rams are at New England, followed by a home game against Baltimore. The final three games see the Patriots play at Denver and Miami, with a game against the Jets mixed in between.

Betting on the Patriots
It’s interesting what the betting lines have done for the New England Patriots. Obviously, now with Tom Brady missing the first quarter of the season, New England has had their odds changed. New England was 15/2 when they opened up betting at MyBookie.

Now, they have fallen to 9.5 – 1. For the win total, as of last checked, the Patriots came in at 10 wins. With a tough schedule, and a loss of the best quarterback in the game right now, it will be interesting to see what New England does. This is a tough bet!

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2016 NFL Betting Preview: Houston Texans

Some changes have been made in Houston, but the core is back from their 2015 AFC South title. After starting 2-5, the Texans went on to finish 9-7 and won the divisional title over the Colts. The postseason did not go the way Bill O’Brien and Houston envisioned it.

The Kansas City Chiefs blew them out 30-0 at home. The Texans defense should be one of the best in the game, after finishing third last season. Brock Osweiler is there at quarterback, as they paid him for four seasons, and more than $70M. Let’s take a look at the 2016 NFL Betting Preview for the Houston Texans.

Houston Offensively
Not only did the Texans bring over Brock Osweiler, who was the back-up in Denver for Peyton Manning, they also brought in a new running back in Lamar Miller. Miller spent the first part of his NFL career in Miami. For Osweiler, he is known as fearless in the pocked, and at 6’8, can be hard to drag down at times.

DeAndre Hopkins is one of the top wide receivers in all of the National Football League. He caught 111 passes for more than 1,500 yards and 11 touchdowns a season ago. Will Fuller was drafted by the Texans, and should be a great complement to the stud Hopkins.

Texans Defense
There are certainly other players on the defensive unit for the Houston Texans, but all the talk will continue to be on the three time NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Last season, he recorded 17.5 sacks, and hit the quarterback 50 times. Romeo Crennel has been creative as the defensive coordinator to put Watt in different spots.

Whitney Mercilus is the second pass rusher for the Texans, and he had 12 sacks a season ago. Jadeveon Clowney hopes to contribute with an injury free season for the first time in his career. Kareem Jackson and Johnathan Joseph are the starting corners, and are both entering their sixth season as the starters.

Houston’s 2016 Schedule
The Houston Texans are going to start the 2016 season with two straight home games. The Chicago Bears and Kansas City Chiefs come to town to start the season. The Texans then go on the road to New England to wrap up the first month of the season.

In October, Houston plays every other team at home. Houston hosts Tennessee, Indianapolis and Detroit, with road games at Minnesota and Denver sandwiched in between. Moving on to November is where things could be interesting. The Texans have the first weekend off in November, before two straight road games at the Jacksonville Jaguars and Oakland Raiders.

The final game in November is at home against the San Diego Chargers. In December, the first of five games is at Green Bay, with a trip to Indianapolis to follow. The Texans then come home and will face the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cincinnati Bengals, before finishing the 2016 season on the road in Nashville, against the Tennessee Titans.

Betting on the Houston Texans
When you are betting on the Houston Texans, they are an underdog to win the division, behind the Indianapolis Colts. The best two bets that seem to be available for the Texans include winning the Super Bowl, and the win total.

The odds at MyBookie placed on the Houston Texans to win Super Bowl 51 in Phoenix are listed at 40/1. Finally, if you are looking at win totals for a future bet, the Houston Texans are given 8 wins as their odds. It’s pretty mixed how folks feel the Houston Texans will fare in 2016.

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2016 NFL Betting Preview: Minnesota Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings are looking to get back to the postseason, after their heartbreaking postseason loss of a season ago. Last season, Mike Zimmer and his Vikings used 23 year old Teddy Bridgewater at quarterback. The team was ranked 29th offensively a season ago.

Laquon Treadwell was the top pick for Minnesota, which the Vikings hope will give Bridgewater someone to throw to. Minnesota also added left guard Alex Boone and right tackle Andre Smith. Things are looking up for the Vikings, but will the Blair Walsh curse live on?

Minnesota on Offense
Norv Turner remains as the offensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings. The offense has been under fire, and will be again in 2016. The Vikings over the last couple seasons have not improved much offensively, especially on the line. Tony Sparano was hired to help out, but the line is still a question mark.

Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater has won 17 games as the starting quarterback, which ties two guys by the name of Warren Moone and Brett Favre for most wins in their first two seasons. Minnesota will see 31 year old running back Adrian Peterson following his season, where he became just the third player in NFL history to lead the league in rushing at 30 years or older.

Defensive Unit for Vikings
Minnesota is known for their very aggressive style of defense, and their pressure oriented 4-3 scheme. When Zimmer arrived in Minnesota, the Vikings were allowing 30 points per game, and last year they were fifth in the NFL at 18.9 per game.

Harrison Smith will be all over the line of scrimmage, along with the big man, with long length Anthony Barr. The Vikings have a bunch of incredible athletes on the defensive side. The question will be – can they put it all back together, and will they all stay healthy?

Vikings 2016 Schedule
The Minnesota Vikings play a rather tough schedule in 2016. The Vikings start the opening month with a trip to Nashville to open up against the Titans, followed by a home game with Green Bay, and a road trip to Carolina. In October, home games with the New York Giants and Houston Texans and followed by road trips to Philadelphia and Chicago.

Once November arrives, the Detroit Lions, and Arizona Cardinals come to town, while the Lions go to Washington and Detroit. The final five games of the season for the Vikings are at home against Dallas, on the road at Jacksonville, with Indianapolis, at Green Bay, and then they finish at home against the Chicago Bears.

Betting on the Minnesota Vikings
If you are looking to bet on the Minnesota Vikings, we do not advise of it. The Vikings found of bunch of fortunate breaks last season. The Vikings are our pick to completely bust this season. But, for those of you that insist on betting on Minnesota, their odds to win Super Bowl 51 are listed at 18/1 over at MyBookie.

When you are looking at a future bet for win totals, the Minnesota Vikings are given odds of winning 9 games. There are much better bets out there in the world of sports betting than these two on the Minnesota Vikings.

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2016 NFL Betting Preview: Seattle Seahawks

Pete Carroll and his Seattle Seahawks are back at the top of the NFC chain of command. The Seahawks will look to get back to the Super Bowl in February for the third time in four seasons.

Pete Carroll continues to do an incredible job as the head coach of the Seahawks, but they have another loaded roster in the great Northwest. Look for quarterback Russell Wilson to put together a solid season, especially after the marriage this off-season.

Seattle will have to contend with the Arizona Cardinals to win the NFC West.

Seattle Seahawks on Offense
The Seahawks have improved in each season Russell Wilson has been the quarterback. Wilson has been to the postseason four times in his career, and to the Super Bowl twice. The Seahawks will look to figure out a way to replace running back Marshawn Lynch, and right guard J.R. Sweezy.

Thomas Rawls will look to bounce back from his broken ankle, and will get the first look at running back. Alex Collins and C.J. Prosise will get the chance behind Rawls. The receiving core for the Seahawks will start with Jermaine Kearse and Doug Baldwin as the veterans, with Tyler Lockette as the deep threat. Jimmy Graham is still the starting tight end for Seattle.

Seattle on Defense
The Legion of Boom is back for the Seattle Seahawks. The team is looking to lead the NFL in points allowed for the fifth straight season. The Seahawks welcome back guys like Michael Bennett, Kam Chancellor, Earl Thomas and Jeremy Lane, along with the name everyone knows defending the pass; Richard Sherman.

The Seahawks will look for big seasons from Bobby Wagner and K.J. Wright as the inside and outside linebackers. No matter who is on the field, the Seattle defense is going to be a force to reckon with.

2016 Seahawks Schedule
The Seattle Seahawks start the 2016 season at home against the Miami Dolphins. That will be followed by a road game at the Los Angeles Rams, the first game in Los Angeles, and then they end the month with a home game against San Francisco.

In October, the Seahawks play three road games at the Jets, before coming home against the Atlanta Falcons, and then playing at Arizona and New Orleans. Once we get to November, the Seattle Seahawks are at home with Buffalo, at New England, with Philadelphia and then on the road at Tampa Bay.

Once December starts, the Seattle Seahawks host the Carolina Panthers, go on the road to Green Bay, before finishing the month with home games against Los Angeles and Arizona. The final game of the season for the Seahawks is at the San Francisco 49ers.

Betting on the Seattle Seahawks
Pete Carroll and the Seattle Seahawks are another good team to wager on this season. The Seahawks are looking for their third trip to the Super Bowl in four seasons. It will be awfully tough for the Seahawks, but they have the talent on paper to get it done.

If you are betting on the Seattle Seahawks to win the division, they are the favorite at Bookmaker. The Seahawks are listed at 10.5 wins, which is more than Arizona, who is listed at 9.5. To win the Super Bowl, the Seattle Seahawks are one of the favorites to win it all. You can grab Seattle at 10/1 odds over at Mybookie to win Super Bowl 51 in Phoenix.

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2016 NFL Betting Preview: Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys have a ton of potential to be a real monster out of the National Football League this season. The biggest question with the talent on the Dallas Cowboys roster is, can they put everything together, can they stay healthy, and can they stay out of trouble?

Tony Romo and Dez Bryant pose one of the top passing duo’s in all of the National Football League. The Cowboys defense has gotten better every season, and they are bound to be able to slow down the rest of the NFC East.

Dallas Offensively
The Dallas Cowboys will need Tony Romo on the field at all times this season. Romo broke his left collarbone twice last season. The 36 year old quarterback has not played a full season since the 2012 season. If Romo is not on the field, it’s Kellen Moore or Dak Prescott.

At running back, the Cowboys are going to turn to Ezekial Elliott, but his character has been questioned a bit following a domestic violence accusation in July. After the rookie it’s Alfred Morris and Darren McFadden. Dez Bryant is like Romo, and needs to be on the field for the Cowboys. When Bryant and Romo connect, they are deadline. Also in the offense for the Cowboys is 34 year old tight end Jason Witten.

Cowboys on Defense
Dallas needs to figure out a way to get to the quarterback. Last season, the Cowboys had just 31 sacks last season. Greg Hardy is gone from the Cowboys roster, and in came DeMarcus Lawrence, a second round pick. Randy Gregory continues to remain on the Cowboys roster, but will miss the first four games of the season.

The main cog on the Cowboys defense will be Sean Lee. Lee missed a game last season with concussion, but still earned a Pro Bowl Berth. The Cowboys also welcome back Rolando McClain, after 80 tackles in 11 games a season ago.

2016 Cowboys Schedule
The Dallas Cowboys will start the season on Sunday September 11th against divisional rival, New York Giants. Following that, the Cowboys are on the road at the Washington Redskins, and then wrap up September with a home game against the Chicago Bears.

In October, the Cowboys play their first and third games on the road at San Francisco and Green Bay, with home games on the front and back end against the Cincinnati Bengals and the Philadelphia Eagles. Once we arrive in November, the Cowboys start on the road at Cleveland and Pittsburgh, and end at home with Baltimore and Washington.

The final five games start with two on the road; at Minnesota and the New York Giants, before home games with the Buccaneers and Lions, before finishing the season at the Philadelphia Eagles.

Betting on the Dallas Cowboys
When you are betting on the Dallas Cowboys, the first thing to look at should be their chances to win the NFC East. The Cowboys have the best roster in the division, but if they can stay healthy, and put everything together is the major key.

The Dallas Cowboys are projected at 9 wins in their win total. The Cowboys have the most of any team in the division. If you are looking at the Dallas Cowboys, led by Tony Romo and Dez Bryant to win the Super Bowl in February, you can grab them at pretty good odds.

The betting odds at MyBookie to win Super Bowl 51 for the Dallas Cowboys is 16/1.

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2016 NFL Betting Preview: New York Giants

The New York Giants are back for a 2016 season without their long time head coach Tom Coughlin. The Giants turn to Bob McAdoo, who will certainly have the team looking different. It’s a new time of New York Giants team, and it’s yet to be seen what kind of toughness this group will bring.

A couple things we are sure of with the New York Giants, they have Eli Manning, and they have Odell Beckham Jr. After that, there are certainly some question marks. In the end, they have a chance out of the NFC East.

New York Offense
The New York Giants are still run offensively by the right arm of Eli Manning. McAdoo has been running the offense for the past two seasons, so no big change there. The Giants have turned towards a quick throw, short pass type team. Odell Beckham Jr is one of the most dangerous threats in all of football.

The problem with the Giants is no proven #2 receiver. The Giants will look at guys like Rueben Randle or possibly rookie Sterling Shepard to take that role. The running game still is a work in progress, which certainly is bad news in such a tough league like the National Football League.

Giants Defense
The Giants will have to be better on the defensive side of the football this season. The pass rushing for New York was awful until Jason Pierre-Paul came back. The Giants have brought him back, and are hoping for 16 games this season. Robert Ayers is also gone from the Giants. Janoris Jenkins has been added to the secondary, along with Eli Apple, who played his college football at Ohio State.

Teaming with Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, the defense certainly has the potential. Linebacker issues seem to plague this Giants team, and the Giants will have July and early August to figure that out.

Giants 2016 Schedule
The New York Giants start the 2016 season on the road, at their biggest rival, the Dallas Cowboys. That’s the line road game for the Giants during the first month of the season. The Saints and Redskins come to town in September.

Once October arrives, the Giants are on the road at Minnesota and Green Bay, before coming back home to host the Baltimore Ravens. They finish the month on October 23rd at the Los Angeles Rams. In November, the Giants start with three straight home games. The Eagles, Bengals and Bears will all three come to town, then the Giants are on the road at the Cleveland Browns.

Once December arrives, the first of their final five games is in Pittsburgh, against the Steelers. After that, the Giants finish with home games with the Cowboys and Lions, then road games on the road at the Eagles and Redskins.

Betting on the Giants
The New York Giants, who are under new leadership will be a tough team to beat all season long. The defense is improved and they have a quarterback that knows how to win. The Giants and Cowboys will be battling at the top of the NFC East, if they both remain relatively healthy.

If you are going to bet on the New York Giants, they are given interesting odds to win the Super Bowl at MyBookie. The New York Giants have pretty good MyBookie odds to bet on at 32/1. The win total put beside the New York Giants is interesting. While the Dallas Cowboys were given 9 wins, the New York Giants are next at 8.5.

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AFC North Outlook
July 26, 2016

In recent years, the AFC North has been one of the most competitive divisions with 11 North squads in the playoffs the past five seasons as the division has snagged six wild card spots including taking both AFC spots in 2011 and 2014.

The Bengals, Ravens, and Steelers have mostly shuffled around in the top spots in recent years with the one constant being a basement finish for the Browns. The scenario is expected to be similar in 2016 with the Browns being the only team in a major transition, but there will be a lot to watch for in the North in the upcoming preseason.

BALTIMORE RAVENS
Over/Under Win Total: 8.5 (EVEN OVER, -130 UNDER)
Odds to win the AFC North: 11/4
Odds to win the AFC: 14/1
Odds to win Super Bowl: 33/1

STAFF CHANGES: Former Vikings head coach Leslie Frazier is now the defensive backs coach with Matt Weiss moving over to linebackers coach after Ted Monachino was hired as the new Indianapolis defensive coordinator. Joe Cullen is now the defensive line coach, but Frazier is a big hire for John Harbaugh’s staff as he has a lot of credibility in the league and could easily be in line for a defensive coordinator position in the near future.

KEY POSITON BATTLE: Running Back
Six players are in camp for likely four spots as Justin Forsett’s lead role could be challenged. Lorenzo Taliaferro filled in admirably last season and he will get an opportunity. Veterans with experience including Trent Richardson and Terrance West will be looking to earn a backup spot while rookie Kenneth Dixon had a great career at Louisiana Tech and will be in the mix after being a fourth round draft pick.

OTHER POSITIONS TO WATCH: Tight end features four pretty big names with Benjamin Watson, Dennis Pitta, Crockett Gillmore and Maxx Williams on board. All four could make the team with the Ravens often utilizing the tight end in the offense but that would mean trimming the roster in other spots. The left side of the offensive line has some question marks with Eugene Monroe retiring, while cornerback also is likely to feature a spirited battle for the defense.

SEASON OUTLOOK: Baltimore won the Super Bowl after the 2012 season and has finished third in the AFC North each of the three seasons since, although they did make the playoffs in 2014. Last season’s 5-11 campaign was the worst since Brian Billick’s final season with the team and while a lot of signs point upward for the Ravens, they sit in a division with two serious AFC contenders and moving up will be a challenge. Baltimore’s schedule is favorable early in the season as this is a team that needs to take advantage with a strong start. Several key games between fellow AFC wild card candidates are in the first two months and those games could make or break the season for the Ravens.

CINCINNATI BENGALS
Over/Under Win Total: 9.5 (-135 OVER, +105 UNDER)
Odds to win the AFC North: 7/4
Odds to win the AFC: 8/1
Odds to win Super Bowl: 18/1

STAFF CHANGES: There was some speculation that Marvin Lewis could be let go after another playoff failure last season. That didn’t happen but offensive coordinator Hue Jackson headed across the state to Cleveland. Former quarterbacks coach Ken Zampese will be the team’s third offensive coordinator in three years. Cincinnati also lost three defensive coaches to other teams and Kevin Coyle has returned to the team to fill the defensive backs position under defensive coordinator Paul Guenther.

KEY POSITON BATTLE: Defensive Tackle
It is a good problem to have but Cincinnati has great depth on the defensive line and there should be a good battle to earn spots on the roster. Geno Atkins and Domata Peko are the presumed starters, but DeShawn Williams and Pat Sims will make a push with Sims being a factor last season though his age and contract might make him expendable. Brandon Thompson might not be able to play right away coming off an ACL injury from late last season as he may be left inactive early in the season. Andrew Billings was also a fourth round pick that many graded much higher, but concerns over a possible knee issue pushed the Baylor product back to the mid-rounds.

OTHER POSITIONS TO WATCH: At cornerback, William Jackson III is a candidate to push for a starting spot as Cincinnati’s first round draft pick. Leon Hall left the team so there may be an opportunity, but he will be in competition with 2014 first round pick Darqueze Dennard and Dre Kirkpatrick and Adam Jones are still on the roster. With the departure of Marvin Jones and Mahomed Sanu, there are openings at wide receiver. Brandon LaFell was signed and Tyler Boyd, a second round draft pick out of Pittsburgh, will get an opportunity to earn playing time as well. Brandon Tate seems likely to maintain a spot in the offense with his experience in the offense and capability to contribute on special teams as well.

SEASON OUTLOOK: The Bengals never seem to be the AFC North favorites, but they have won three of the last seven division titles while making the playoffs six of the last seven seasons. Cincinnati has been 10-6 or better in each of the last four seasons and if Andy Dalton returns to form, this is a team that should be considered a serious threat in the AFC, especially with the North teams appearing to have favorable schedules as a whole this season. The early season schedule is difficult, playing on the road vs. playoff contenders in four of the first six weeks plus hosting the Super Bowl champions as the pressure will on early this year coming off last season’s miserable ending with another devastating playoff loss.

CLEVELAND BROWNS
Over/Under Win Total: 4.5 (-115 OVER, -115 UNDER)
Odds to win the AFC North: 20/1
Odds to win the AFC: 50/1
Odds to win Super Bowl: 100/1

STAFF CHANGES: Former Raiders head coach and 2015 Cincinnati defensive coordinator Hue Jackson will be Cleveland’s ninth head coach since the team was reactivated in 1999. Only Romeo Crennel lasted as long as four seasons and none have produced a winning record, although Butch Davis did lead the Browns to the playoffs with a 9-7 season in 2002. Former Colts offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton will be an associate head coach and will lead the quarterbacks as Jackson intends to lead the offense himself. Ray Horton was the defensive coordinator for the Browns in 2013 and he served in that role for the Titans the past two seasons. He is back in Cleveland to lead the defense for Jackson’s staff this season while Chris Tabor is a holdover running special teams.

KEY POSITON BATTLE: Quarterback
The Browns resisted drafting a quarterback in April and instead signed Robert Griffin III, who starred for the Redskins in his rookie season of 2012 only to fall out of favor with the organization. Josh McCown will be a veteran option if that plan fails with Austin Davis, who is also from the 2012 draft class, in the mix as well. Davis played in a handful of games for the Rams in 2014 and also filled in with mixed results last season before the Browns turned to Johnny Manziel.

OTHER POSITIONS TO WATCH: Linebacker appears to be an area with little stability for the Cleveland defense. Rookies Joe Schobert and Scooby Wright could compete for time with free agent Demario Davis as well as the other returning players on the roster. Eyes will also be on first round draft pick Corey Coleman and the wide receiver position with Andrew Hawkins and Terrelle Pryor also returning while the team still will be waiting on any chance that Jose Gordon could return.

SEASON OUTLOOK: After a modestly successful 7-9 season in 2014, the Browns fell back to 3-13 last year and in seven of the last eight years Cleveland has failed to top five wins. They are firmly expected to struggle in the AFC North this season and likely finish back among the worst teams in the league. Cleveland does have some promising matchups in the first two months of the season as it wouldn’t be impossible for the Browns to have a competitive start if Hue Jackson can find the right mix on offense as the defense should be capable. The late-season schedule looks difficult as a slow start could spell a very challenging season as the best opportunities for wins should be early in the season.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS
Over/Under Win Total: 10.5 (-125 OVER, -105 UNDER)
Odds to win the AFC North: 13/10
Odds to win the AFC: 11/2
Odds to win Super Bowl: 12/1

STAFF CHANGES: Keith Butler took over for Dick LeBeau last season as the defensive coordinator for the Steelers and the results were promising with a high sack and high turnover unit that was very good against the run. The staff under Mike Tomlin remains mostly intact from last season with Todd Haley leading the offense. Tomlin is actually the fifth longest tenured head coach in the league with the same team and the stability for the organization makes the team one of the AFC favorites again this season.

KEY POSITON BATTLE: Safety
The secondary went through some ups-and-downs last season for the Steelers and it will be a position of interest in preseason action. Will Allen started 13 games last season for the Steelers, but he was not re-signed. Robert Golden started three games early in the year at strong safety, but played less late in the season although he was re-signed to a three-year deal. Shamarko Thomas has been mostly a bust for the Steelers and may be in his last opportunity to earn meaningful time on the field. Sean Davis was a second round pick in the draft and the opportunity to take the spot is there.

OTHER POSITIONS TO WATCH: Kicker has been an interesting position for the Steelers in recent years as Josh Scobee was dismissed midseason last year. Chris Boswell did the job the rest of the season including hitting some big kicks in the playoffs, but long-time Steelers kicker Shaun Suisham is back after missing last season due to an ACL injury. It seems likely Boswell keeps the job but Suisham will get an opportunity. Alejandro Villanueva and Ryan Harris could be in a heated battle at left tackle as the position was a weak spot for the team last season. Landry Jones and Bruce Gradkowski will also provide the Steelers with a battle for the back-up spot behind Ben Roethlisberger, who missed some time last season and seems to constantly make his way to the injury report.

SEASON OUTLOOK: As one of the most popular teams in the league and one of the most stable organizations, the Steelers have almost always been considered one of the AFC favorites in recent years and that won’t change this season. Pittsburgh was very close to making the AFC Championship last season and the defense showed promising signs last season to go along with a very productive offense that should battle fewer injuries than last season. Optimism for Pittsburgh is also built on a schedule draw that many rate among the most favorable slates in the league.

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Win Total Outlook - NFC
July 20, 2016


The 2016 NFL regular season begins on Thursday Sept. 8 and our staff has taken a look at Win Total tendencies for all 16 teams in the NFC for the past five seasons.

Be sure to check out all the results and take a look at VegasInsider.com handicapper Joe Nelson’s in-depth Schedule Analysis for each division as well.

NFC East - Schedule Analysis

2016 Non-Divisional Opponents (NFC Central, AFC North)

Dallas (2016 Win Total per Las Vegas Westgate - 9, Over -120)

The Cowboys win total is usually inflated based on its popularity and the oddsmakers have fared well with the team going ‘under’ in four of the last five seasons. Since Tony Romo became a full-time starter in 2006, the team has never lost more than eight games in a season when he’s healthy but they’ve only won nine or more three times. Going 4-12 last season certainly helps the 2016 slate with last=place games set against the Buccaneers and 49ers. They also get three primetime games at home and the Thanksgiving Day game, which is both surprising and beneficial.

N.Y. Giants (8, Over -120)

The Giants are another club that has burned ‘over’ bettors recently. The team has posted three straight losing seasons, yet they’re expected to go at least .500 this fall. Ben McAdoo takes over for Tom Coughlin as coach and he’s been handed a generous schedule. New York does play three sets of back-to-back road games but they don’t travel further than the Central Time zone. Instead of going to Los Angeles, the Giants will meet the Rams in London.

Washington (7, Over -140)

Even though the Redskins won the NFC East last season, most believe that effort was a fluke. Jay Gruden has a chance as coach to prove the naysayers wrong but history has shown us that Washington hasn’t had back-to-back winning seasons since 1997. Washington only faced two playoff teams (0-2) last season and now meet six in 2016 which includes the first-place winners Carolina and Arizona. Three of the first four games for the ‘Skins are at home but they’ll be underdogs (Steelers, Cowboys) in two of those games. The franchise will also make their first trip to London this season when they meet the Bengals in a scheduled road game in Week 8.

Philadelphia (7, Under -120)

The Eagles went 7-9 last season and it appears the days of winning anywhere from eight to 11 wins under former coach Andy Reid are long gone. Rookie head coach and former Eagles QB Doug Pederson takes over in Philadelphia and the expectations from the oddsmakers are much lower. The Eagles have an early bye (Week 3) and follow that break with four of five on the road. Playing seven games versus playoff teams from last year won’t be easy, especially with a less talented roster and quarterback. Before you back up the bus and bet ‘under’ this season, note that the Eagles haven’t had back-to-back losing seasons since 1999 when Reid took over for Ray Rhodes.

NFC EAST WIN TOTAL RESULTS (2011-2015)

Team 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Dallas Cowboys 8-8 8-8 8-8 12-4 4-12
Win Total 9 8.5 8.5 8 9.5
Result

New York Giants 9-7 9-7 7-9 6-10 6-10
Win Total 9.5 9 9 8 8
Result

Philadelphia Eagles 8-8 4-12 10-6 10-6 7-9
Win Total 10.5 10 7.5 9 10
Result

Washington Redskins 5-11 10-6 3-13 4-12 9-7
Win Total 6 6.5 8 7.5 6
Result


NFC North - Schedule Analysis

2016 Non-Divisional Opponents (NFC East, AFC South)

Green Bay (10 ½, Over -165)

The Packers have posted double-digit wins in six of the eight seasons since Aaron Rodgers became the starting quarterback yet they’ve seen the ‘under’ go 3-2 in their win total wagers the last five years. Winning 11 games isn’t easy in the NFL but the oddsmakers are expecting Green Bay to make a serious run at it. Playing games versus two of the weakest divisions (NFC East, AFC South) in football will help that cause, plus the Packers host the Colts, Texans and Seahawks. Outside of a Week 2 road trip to Minnesota’s new venue, Green Bay will likely be favored in every other game this season and that’s why its win total is shaded heavily (-165) to the high side.

Minnesota (9 ½, Over -130)

Mike Zimmer and the Vikings are 2-0 to the ‘over’ in win total wagers but the bar has been raised two games in 2016. Defensively, Minnesota was ranked fifth in points and 13th in yards but some pundits might question whether or not the new venue will give opponents a better chance indoors. Playing three primetime games at home helps but first-place games versus the Panthers and Cardinals are daunting. Fortunately, road trips to Tennessee and Jacksonville look winnable.

Chicago (7 ½, Under -135)

The Bears have been one of the best fades in win total wagers of the last five seasons, going 4-1 to the ‘under.’ However, the oddsmakers are expecting Chicago to improve off its 6-10 record last season and the schedule doesn’t look imposing on paper. The Bears finish with four of their last six games at Soldier Field and the longest road trip of the season takes them to Tampa Bay, which is filled with plenty of Chicago transplants. John Fox has never won a Super Bowl as head coach but he’s also never had back-to-back losing seasons in his career.

Detroit (7, Over -125)
After having win total ranging from 8 to 9 wins the last five years, the oddsmakers have lowered the bar for Jim Caldwell and company this season. Considering the Lions closed the season with a 6-2 record in 2015 and one of the losses was the Hail Mary setback to Green Bay, some bettors might question this year’s number. Playing back-to-back road games are very difficult to overcome in the NFL and Detroit will face this dilemma three times this season.


NFC NORTH WIN TOTAL RESULTS (2011-2015)

Team 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Chicago Bears 8-8 10-6 8-8 5-11 6-10
Win Total 8.5 9.5 8.5 8.5 6.5
Result

Detroit Lions 10-6 4-12 7-9 11-5 7-9
Win Total 8 9 8 8.5 8.5
Result

Green Bay Packers 15-1 11-5 8-7-1 12-4 10-6
Win Total 11.5 12 10.5 10.5 11
Result

Minnesota Vikings 3-13 10-6 5-10-1 7-9 11-5
Win Total 7 6 7 6 8
Result

NFC South - Schedule Analysis

2016 Non-Divisional Opponents (NFC West, AFC West)

Carolina (10 ½, Over -120)
After posting a 15-1 record and losing in the Super Bowl to Denver last February, the oddsmakers are buying Carolina this season. Their win total has jumped from 8 ½ to 10 ½ and bettors should note that the Panthers have never posted back-to-back winning seasons since the franchise began in 1995. Carolina should be favored in all eight of its home games barring key injuries but three trips to the West Coast plus a visit to Denver could have ‘over’ bettors backing off Cam Newtown and company this season. Final note – the last three teams (Steelers, Patriots, Packers) to win 15-plus games in a regular season all finished with 11 the next season.

Atlanta (7, Over -135)
The Falcons have a win total of 7 but the money is shaded to the high side and a few offshore books have pushed the number up to 7 ½. After starting last season 5-0 and 6-1, rookie head coach Dan Quinn and the Falcons were humbled by losing by seven of their final nine games behind an offense that was hard to watch in the second-half of the season. Another 8-8 record seems probable but the wins might come later in the season, especially with the Falcons playing four of their first six on the road.

Tampa Bay (7, Over -125)
The Buccaneers pushed their win total (6-10) last season and has only gone ‘over’ once in the last five years, which occurred in Week 17 of the 2012 season. Despite winning six games overall and losing five of the final six, oddsmakers raised the win total on the Bucs this season and bettors could be scratching their heads. None of the wins came against playoff teams in 2015 and three of the four losses versus playoff teams came by double digits. Tampa Bay hasn’t won eight-plus games since 2010 and new head coach Dirk Koetter will be tasked to do so this season.

New Orleans (7, Under -120)
The oddsmakers have finally jumped off the Sean Payton bandwagon in “The Big Easy” and listed the Saints with a win total of 7 for the 2016 season. Including the “Bounty Gate” season when he wasn’t on the sidelines, New Orleans has never won less than seven games which makes the ‘over’ appear to be a lean. If the Saints look to turn it around, they’ll need to improve on the league’s worst defense (29.8 PPG) and a 7-9 record at the Superdome the last two seasons.


NFC SOUTH WIN TOTAL RESULTS (2011-2015)

Team 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Atlanta Falcons 10-6 13-3 4-12 6-10 8-8
Win Total 10 9 10 8.5 8.5
Result

Carolina Panthers 6-10 7-9 12-4 7-8-1 15-1
Win Total 4.5 7.5 7.5 8 8.5
Result

New Orleans Saints 13-3 7-9 11-5 7-9 7-9
Win Total 10 9.5 9 10 8.5
Result

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 4-12 7-9 4-12 2-14 6-10
Win Total 8 6 7.5 7 6
Result


NFC West - Schedule Analysis

2016 Non-Divisional Opponents (NFC South, AFC East)

Seattle (10 ½, Over -135)
The ‘Hawks had their win total ‘over’ run snapped last year despite winning 10 games. Surprisingly, three of the six losses came at CenturyLink Field. Plus, three of the setbacks came by four points or less and the largest margin was only by 10 points. The first four games out of the chute in 2016 look very winnable but road trips to New Orleans, New England and Green Bay aren’t gifts.

Arizona (10, Over -120)
The Cardinals have seen the ‘over’ go 4-1 the last five seasons and the last three years have been easy winners, all under head coach Bruce Arians. If you include Arians job as understudy with the Colts, he’s gone 34-14 in the NFL regular season. Going ‘over’ 7, 7 ½ and 8 wins is much easier than ‘over’ 10 victories but the schedule has the Cardinals playing six of their first nine games in the desert. If Arizona doesn’t start 6-3 or 7-2, the ‘under’ could be a solid lean knowing five of the final seven are on the road.

L.A. Rams (7 ½, Under -130)
New home, same coach in Jeff Fisher and that hasn’t been a good thing for the Rams. The club has never won more than seven games in his first four seasons at the helm. Playing in Los Angeles could certainly play a toll traveling to the Jets, Patriots, Saints and Buccaneers. Giving up a home game to play the N.Y. Giants in London could spell trouble and a matchup versus the defending NFC champion Carolina Panthers at home won’t be easy either. The ‘under’ has gone 4-1 in the last five seasons for the Rams and that’s with win totals listed between 6 and 7 ½ victories.

San Francisco (6, Under -160)
The 49ers surprised oddsmakers the first three years under head coach Jim Harbaugh and cashed ‘over’ wagers but came back to reality in his final season and went backwards again last year under Jim Tomsula (5-11). The 49ers expected to be the worst team in the NFC but the Chip Kelly era could open some eyes. Even though he was let go a week early last season with Philadelphia, he still produced a 26-11 record with the Eagles and he did go 46-7 while coaching on the West Coast with Oregon.

NFC WEST WIN TOTAL RESULTS (2011-2015)

Team 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Arizona Cardinals 8-8 5-11 10-6 11-5 13-3
Win Total 7 7 5.5 7.5 8.5
Result

Los Angeles Rams 2-14 7-8-1 7-9 6-10 7-9
Win Total 7.5 6 7.5 7 7.5
Result

San Francisco 49ers 13-3 11-4-1 12-4 8-8 5-11
Win Total 7.5 10 11.5 10.5 6.5
Result

Seattle Seahawks 7-9 11-5 13-3 12-4 10-6
Win Total 6 7.5 10.5 11 11
Result