Buffalo Bills: 2010 NFL Season Betting Preview

Buffalo Bills
(+14250) – Odds to Win the Super Bowl
(Over 5.5, +120: Under 5.5, -140) – Over/Under Total Wins
(+385) – Odds to Win Division

Oh the Buffalo Bills. I must say, I have a little more hope for them with Dick Jauron out of the picture, but by no means do I expect them to play like a contender. They certainly have a talented trio of running backs, and 1st Round Draft Pick, C.J. Spiller is a talented touchdown maker indeed – something the Bills had a very tough time scoring in 2009. But as much as offense was a problem for Buffalo (and it will likely continue to be in 2010), their inconsistencies defensively will hurt them again. While their secondary ranks out pretty well (allowed just 184 yards per game, 2nd in the NFL), it might be a false statistic – I mean, why pass on a talented ball-hawking secondary when you can just run? Most teams figured that out and decided not to pass at all, and that worked out pretty well for the Bills’ opponents as Buffalo gave up 156 rushing yard per contest, good for 30th in the NFL. Buffalo did take a tough DT (Torrell Troup) and a DE (Alex Carrington) in 2 of their first 3 rounds of the draft, but this team needed lots of help and they still don’t have an answer to their reoccurring question at quarterback. TO is gone, and say what you will, he was their best pass catching weapon by far. They have a completely new coaching staff, but at least it’s one that highlights the teams’ strengths – running the football. The Bills Super Bowl Odds are huge for a reason, even in a blue-moon type situation 10 total wins is probably the limit and there’s no way to win a Super Bowl with 10 total wins. At least I don’t think so… Winning the division seems impossible with 3 very solid teams ready to give the playoffs a run. Over/Under 5.5 wins, I’d lean on over. They had so many injuries last season, and they were all playing for a coach on the way out – never easy – and they still won 6 games. With a decent running game to lean on, 6 wins seems like a good bet to me.

Baltimore Ravens: 2010 NFL Team Preview

Baltimore Ravens
(+1015) – Odds to Win the Super Bowl
(Over 9.5, -155: Under 9.5, +135) – Over/Under Total Wins
(-135) – Odds to Win Division

The Ravens were a couple wins away from a Super Bowl showing, but couldn’t get by their arch nemesis, Peyton Manning, and his Colts. They were very good defensively, but their awesome rushing attack led by Ray Rice, and solid sophomore quarterback play out of Joe Flacco, really saw them flourish into a balanced team. With the addition of Anquan Boldin, the offense is expected to be even stronger, as they plan on being even more balanced team wide. But it’s not all sunshine for the Ravens. One of their young talented draft picks, Sergio Kindle – who many touted as a steal late in the first round, recently had a run-in with a couple flights of stairs and came out on the losing side of that battle. He may not contribute right away, if this year at all, as his skull is fractured. The Ravens also won’t have Ed Reed, at least not likely, until partway through the season. He’s still recovering from his hip surgery, and isn’t expected to come back until he’s been given a full bill of health. For those that don’t know, he might be the best safety in the league – a truly special ball hawk and leader in what was a semi-shaky secondary with him. The Ravens have Ken Hamlin to fill in for Ed until he’s healthy, and can hopefully lean on the offense a little more with Joe Flacco coming into his 3rd year, Ray Rice becoming a house hold name, and Boldin bringing his talents to Baltimore. I still think their over/under total wins of 9.5 is a tough one, and would probably stay away. They don’t have a great payout for winning the Super Bowl either, and they are even favorites to take the AFC North. Both Pittsburgh and Cincinnati have just as good of chances to complete those tasks. I would steer clear of the Bengals’ preseason bets as a couple close games in the AFC North will decide too much of their fate.