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NFC Conference Team PreviewsArizona Cardinals Cardinals 2007 Team Preview: In 2007, coaching and motivation are the issues. The Cardinals have the pieces to succeed and several of the developing players now have veteran experience. The NFL betting community supporting them have a chance to smile this year. The key to the defense is whether Karlos Dansby can finally emerge as a star in the middle of 3-4 alignments and on the outside in the 4-3. Last year, their regular season 5-11 straight up record manufactured an against the spread mark of 8-8. The Cardinals open the season on the road against the 49ers, where they are early 3-point underdogs. NFL odds (futures) have them listed at +2000 to win their division. Cardinals added: FB Terrelle Smith, OL Mike Gandy, C Al Johnson, OT Levi Brown (Rookie). Hired Former Steelers offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt as head coach and former Cowboys receivers coach Todd Haley as offensive coordinator. Departed: T Leonard Davis, G Milford Brown, OL Chris Liwienski, FB Obafemi Ayanbadejo. Atlanta Falcons Falcons 2007 Team Preview: Michael Vick has a federal case hanging over him and the team, and most likely won't be calling signals for the Falcons in 2007. If Joey Harrington becomes the starter, the Falcons will bury their NFL betting supporters. It might be better if Vick was suspended by the league or given a leave of absence by the team. Defensively, the Falcons desperately need to step up. Last year, they surrendered 20.5 points per game and 332.8 yards. Last year, the Falcons regular season 7-9 straight up record manufactured an against the spread mark of 8-8. The Falcons open the season on the road against the Vikings, where they are early 2½-point underdogs. NFL odds (futures) have them listed at +2000 to win the NFC championship. Falcons added: WR Joe Horn, QB Joey Harrington, QB Chris Redman, FB Ovie Mughelli, OL Toniu Fonoti. Hired head coach Bobby Petrino, the former offense-minded coach at Louisville, and former Cincinnati receivers coach Hue Jackson as offensive coordinator. Departed: QB Matt Schaub, FB Justin Griffith, WR Ashley Lelie, G Matt Lehr. Carolina Panthers Panthers 2007 Team Preview: Health permitting, the offense should be able to score ample points in 2007. There may not be another wideout on the roster that can prevent the constant double-teaming of Steve Smith. Smith will be a huge factor to NFL betting enthusiasts, who will be banking on the Panthers to cover spreads. The defense has some of the best talent in the NFL, but it's time for Dan Morgan to stay healthy and for guys like Ken Lucas and Chris Gamble to live up to their talent levels. Last year, the Panthers regular season 8-8 straight up record manufactured an against the spread mark of 6-9-1. The Panthers open the season on the road against the Rams, where they are early 1-point underdogs. NFL odds (futures) have them listed at +2400 to win Super Bowl XLII. Panthers added: WR Dwayne Jarrett (Rookie), former Cleveland assistant Jeff Davidson as offensive coordinator to replace the fired Dan Henning. Departed: WR Keyshawn Johnson, TE Kris Mangum. Chicago Bears Bears 2007 Team Preview: The Bears return a majority of last season's Super Bowl team in 2007, but there are serious questions for the NFL betting world heading into the season. Will Lance Briggs hold out? Will quarterback Rex Grossman become consistent? And if he shows, will his contract issues poison the locker room? The losses of Tank Johnson and Ian Scott hurt the depth at defensive tackle, and there's no telling how long it will take Tommie Harris to return to full health. It also remains to be seen whether the departure of defensive coordinator Ron Rivera is going to have an impact. Last year, the Bears regular season 13-3 straight up record manufactured an against the spread mark of 9-7. The Bears open the season on the road against the Chargers, where they are early 6-point underdogs. NFL odds (futures) have them listed at +400 to win the NFC title. Bears added: TE Greg Olsen (Rookie), FB Obafemi Ayanbadejo. Departed: RB Thomas Jones, WR Justin Gage. Dallas Cowboys Cowboys 2007 Team Preview: In 2007, Wade Phillips will replace Bill Parcells as new head coach. Last year, their regular season 9-7 straight up record manufactured an against the spread mark of 8-7-1. Offensive coordinator Jason Garrett is hailed as one of the most brilliant minds in the business, but the fact remains that he's been an assistant coach in the NFL for only two years, and he's dealing with a quarterback who is still developing. The Cowboys open the season at home against the Giants, where they are early 3½-point favorites. NFL odds (futures) have them listed at +175 to win their division. Cowboys added: OL Leonard Davis, T Jim Molinaro, QB Brad Johnson. Hired former Miami QBs coach Jason Garrett as offensive coordinator and former Chicago QBs coach Wade Wilson as QBs coach. Departed: QB Drew Bledsoe, OL Jason Fabini, C Al Johnson, G Marco Rivera. Detroit Lions Lions 2007 Team Preview: Despite quarterback Jon Kitna's guarantee of winning ten games or more in 2007, the Lions most likely fulfill the promise. However, Kitna company should be solid if the offensive line can help. There isn't a Pro Bowl-level player in the bunch, and tackles Jeff Backus and George Foster both had disappointing 2006 season. NFL betting enthusiasts should be aware of the Lion's suspect defense. They will struggle if the defensive line can't produce an abundance of pressure. The lacking secondary and sub-par core is going to get burned in pass coverage. Last year, their regular season 3-13 straight up record manufactured an against the spread mark of 6-10. The Lions open the season on the road against the Raiders, where they are early 2½-point underdogs. NFL odds (futures) have their regular season win total set at 6 over -135. Lions added: WR Calvin Johnson (Rookie), RB Tatum Bell, RB T.J. Duckett, WR Shaun McDonald, WR Marcus Robinson, WR Kevin Kasper, OL George Foster, OL Edwin Mulitalo, QB Drew Stanton (Rookie), QB J.T. O'Sullivan. Departed: QB Josh McCown, WR Mike Williams, TE Marcus Pollard, OL Rick DeMulling, G Ross Verba, FB Cory Schlesinger. Green Bay Packers Packers 2007 Team Preview: Football betting Packer backers will again be banking on the arm of Brett Favre in 2007, who should see better protection this season, but there is an abundance of still-developing youth on offense. When healthy, Donald Driver is one of the most underrated wideouts in the league, but he needs Greg Jennings to surface as a consistent second option. The backfield is the biggest question mark offensively. Vernand Morency isn't a superior back, and although rookie Brandon Jackson fits the zone blocking scheme, he's got to prove he can stay on the field and be productive. Defensively, Green Bay will be average at best. In 2006, they allowed 22.9 points per game and 320.9 yards. Last year, their regular season 8-8 straight up record manufactured an against the spread mark of 7-8-1. The Packers open the season at home against the Eagles, where they are early 3-point underdogs. NFL odds (futures) have them listed at +4000 to win Super Bowl XLII. Packers added: RB Brandon Jackson (Rookie). Offensive assistant Joe Philbin promoted to replace outgoing offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski. Departed: RB Ahman Green, TE David Martin. Minnesota Vikings Vikings 2007 Team Preview: In 2007, the Vikings will decide between quarterbacks Tarvaris Jackson or Brooks Bollinger. But, unless there is some kind of miraculous development, the quarterback spot is going to be a significant issue. Troy Williamson has to consistently catch the ball deep and develop into more than a speedy option on slants and shorter routes. The addition of RB Adrian Peterson will help the men in purple create balance and strength for the NFL betting group that backs them. The defense has plenty of talent to compete in the NFC, but unless Williamson, Billy McMullen and Sidney Rice do something to stretch opponents, it's going to be an offensive grind. Last year, their regular season 6-10 straight up record manufactured an against the spread mark of 7-9. The Vikings open the season at home against the Falcons. NFL odds (futures) have them listed at +5000 to win Super Bowl XLII. Vikings added: RB Adrian Peterson (Rookie), WR Sidney Rice (Rookie), WR Bobby Wade, WR Cortez Hankton. Departed: QB Brad Johnson, WR Travis Taylor, TE Jermaine Wiggins, T Mike Rosenthal, OL Jason Whittle. New Orleans Saints Saints 2007 Team Preview: The NFL betting community that supports the Saints may be smiling this campaign. Offensively, the Saints will again be stacked in 2007, even with the departure of Joe Horn. Key to victory will be the ability to spread the ball around to the wealth of options at wideout, tight end and the backfield, and still develop Reggie Bush into a more effective ball carrier. Defensively, depth in the secondary is better than last season, but not deep enough that the Saints can expect to cope with injuries. Fred Thomas is a deep liability for the pass defense no matter where he plays and needs to stay healthy throughout the year. Last year, the Saints regular season 10-6 straight up record manufactured an against the spread mark of 10-6. The Saints open the season on the road against the Colts, where they are early 6½-point underdogs. NFL odds (futures) have them listed at +1800 to win Super Bowl XLII. Saints added: WR Robert Meacham (Rookie), WR David Patten, TE Eric Johnson. Departed: WR Joe Horn, TE Ernie Conwell, OL Montrae Holland. New York Giants Giants 2007 Team Preview: Last year, the Giants' regular season 8-8 straight up record manufactured an against the spread mark of 7-8-1. If the Giants are to better their numbers in 2007 they'll have to do so minus Tiki Barber. Running backs Reuben Droughns and Brandon Jacobs will be carrying the load. The NFL betting community should be leery of the defense, who has problems at linebacker and secondary positions. Sliding Mathias Kiwanuka to outside linebacker is an intriguing move, but there's no telling if he can shore up the position. The entire secondary comes back, but that's not exactly a good thing. Unless first-round pick Aaron Ross can be a factor right away, this is a unit that will continue to give up big plays. The Giants open the season on the road against the Cowboys, where they are early 3½-point underdogs. NFL odds (futures) have them listed at +275 to win their division. Giants added: RB Reuben Droughns, WR Steve Smith (Rookie), QB Anthony Wright, G Zach Piller. Promoted Kevin Gilbride to offensive coordinator. Departed: RB Tiki Barber, WR Tim Carter, T Luke Petitgout, T Bob Whitfield. Philadelphia Eagles Eagles 2007 Team Preview: Philadelphia could produce another interesting season for the NFL betting community. Barring another run of injuries the offense should be decent in 2007. Defensively, the big question becomes: Can the Eagles figure out a way to stop the run? Last year, they allowed 136.4 yards on the ground and 328.1 overall. The defensive tackle rotation is average, but nothing special. Former first-round pick Brodrick Bunkley could go a long way toward changing that if he gets his act in gear and shows proper motivation in practice. Last year, their regular season 10-6 straight up record manufactured an against the spread mark of 8-7-1. The Eagles open the season on the road against the Packers, where they are early 3-point favorites. NFL odds (futures) have them listed at +175 to win their division. Eagles added: WR Kevin Curtis, QB Kelly Holcomb, QB Kevin Kolb (Rookie). Departed: QB Jeff Garcia, WR Donte' Stallworth. Bet on the Philadelphia Eagles San Francisco 49ers 49ers 2007 Team Preview: With Frank Gore, Darrell Jackson, Ashley Lelie and a healthy Vernon Davis, quarterback Alex Smith has the pieces around him to score points in 2007 for the NFL betting people who support him. But the pressure is on the defensive additions to make the 49ers a division challenger. New defensive coordinator Greg Manusky has his work cut out for him. Last year, their regular season 7-9 straight up record manufactured an against the spread mark of 9-7. The 49ers open the season at home against the Cardinals, where they are early 3-point favorites. NFL odds (futures) have them listed at +800 to win their division. 49ers added: WR Darrell Jackson, WR Ashley Lelie. Promoted QB coach Jim Hostler to offensive coordinator. Departed: Offensive coordinator Norv Turner, WR Antonio Bryant, TE Eric Johnson, OL Jeremy Newberry. Bet on the San Francisco 49'ers Seattle Seahawks Seahawks 2007 Team Preview: Offensively, the Seahawks will be good in 2007 and the NFL betting group supporting them could profit. Shaun Alexander should return to his good production. With the departure of Darrell Jackson, the wide receivers should be a solid and dependable corp. The defense will be suspect - particularly the defensive line. Other than the underachieving Marcus Tubbs, the defensive tackles are a rotation of energy guys. With the addition of Patrick Kerney, sack production shouldn't be a major problem for this group. Last year, their regular season 9-7 straight up record manufactured an against the spread mark of 6-9-1. The Seahawks open the season at home against the Buccaneers, where they are early 6-point favorites. NFL odds (futures) have them listed at +600 to win their division. Seahawks added: TE Marcus Pollard. Departed: WR Darrell Jackson, TE Jerramy Stevens, C Robbie Tobeck. St. Louis Rams Rams 2007 Team Preview: There still aren't enough consistent impact players for the Rams to be a division threat in 2007. James Hall is a solid addition at defensive end and should help their NFL betting investors. First-round pick Adam Carriker is a run-stopper who is going to have a period of adjustment moving to defensive tackle. Will Witherspoon has to do a better job of shedding blockers and Piso Tinoisamoa has to stay on the field. Last year, their regular season 8-8 straight up record manufactured an against the spread mark of 9-7. The Rams open the season at home against the Panthers, where they are early 1-point favorites. NFL odds (futures) have them listed at +2000 to win their division. Rams added: WR Drew Bennett, TE Randy McMichael, WR/KR Dante Hall. Departed: WR Kevin Curtis, WR Shaun McDonald, G Adam Timmerman. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Buccaneers 2007 Team Preview: NFL betting fans know that quarterbacking is the most pressing issue for the Bucs in 2007. It will be a difficult task for Jeff Garcia to step in and transform this offense. However, he will have a good target in Joey Galloway, the only consistent wide receiver on the roster. While last season's eight-game run was Garcia's best since 2003, he had a better overall team around him in Philadelphia. Even with the addition of defensive end Gaines Adams, the key pieces of the defense just keep getting older. Last year, the Buccaneers regular season 4-12 straight up record manufactured an against the spread mark of 6-9-1. The Buccaneers open the season on the road against the Seahawks, where they are early 6-point underdogs. NFL odds (futures) have them listed at +2000 to win the NFC title. Bucs added: QB Jeff Garcia, WR David Boston, TE Jerramy Stevens, FB B.J. Askew, OL Luke Petitgout, OL Matt Lehr, rights to retired QB Jake Plummer. Departed: QB Tim Rattay, T Kenyatta Walker, OL Sean Mahan, OL Cornell Green. Bet on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Washington Redskins Redskins 2007 Team Preview: The 2007 campaign is about whether the pieces around quarterback Jason Campbell can help him mature on offense. Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts have the ability to handle defenses and make Campbell's life easier, but the young quarterback has got to find options beyond Santana Moss this year. That means it's time for Antwaan Randle El and Brandon Lloyd to start earning their paychecks after dismal last season. The defense needs to show some consistency and motivation, if they are to build bankrolls for the NFL betting enthusiasts. In 2006, they surrendered 355.5 yards per game and allowed 23.5 points. Last year, their regular season 5-11 straight up record manufactured an against the spread mark of 5-9-2. The Redskins open the season at home against the Dolphins, where they are early 3-point favorites. NFL odds (futures) have them listed at +400 to win their division. Redskins added: OL Jason Fabini, OL Ross Tucker. Departed: WR David Patten, RB T.J. Duckett, T Jim Molinaro, G Derrick Dockery, TE Christian Fauria. |
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