Bettors aren't bullish on Giants' chances at a repeat (NFC East comments only)
By Mike Wilkening
http://www.profootballweekly.com
Think back to a year ago at this time. The Bears were regarded as bona fide NFC contenders. The Vikings? They were considered cannon fodder.
But in Las Vegas, the “sharps” — bettors who make a living betting on pro football —suspected otherwise. And they backed it up at the windows, wagering the “Under” on regular-season wins for Chicago and the “Over” on Minnesota’s regular-season wins, according Jeff Stoneback, sports book manager at The Mirage hotel and casino.
Both bets cashed.
So who do the professional bettors like this season? Well, not the defending champion Giants, to name one team. And they are on the 49ers’ bandwagon, smoldering wreckage be damned, just like they were last year.
Here’s a rundown of the regular-season win totals the MGM Mirage has set for each of the 32 NFL teams. All information on wagering trends is courtesy of Stoneback, who noted that casual bettors usually don’t take an active interest in the regular-season win totals until mid-August or so.
Dallas Cowboys
Projected wins: 11 (Over: -105; Under: -115)
Betting trends: To my surprise, nothing much to report.
Wilkening’s first take: If taking the Over, comfort yourself with this statistic: Tony Romo is 11-2 in regular-season road starts.
New York Giants
Projected wins: 9 (Over: Even; Under: -120)
Betting trends: According to Stoneback, professional bettors have been playing the Under. And, to date, the betting public also has been skeptical. To wit: The Giants’ odds to win Super Bowl XLIII opened at 7-1 at the MGM Mirage properties, but they have floated up to 12-1.
Wilkening’s first take: Don’t be surprised if the Giants are unbeaten entering October. Their first three games: vs. Washington, at St. Louis, vs. Cincinnati, then their bye week. Sure, the schedule gets tougher thereafter. But still …
Philadelphia Eagles
Projected wins: 9 (Over: Even; Under: -120)
Betting trends: Some interest in the Over.
Wilkening’s first take: You have to read the tea leaves about QB Donovan McNabb’s shoulder. That may be tough — I can’t see him getting a lot of work in the preseason as it is.
Washington Redskins
Projected wins: 8 (Over: +120; Under: -140)
Betting trends: The Under has been popular. Stoneback surmises it has much to do with first-year head coach Jim Zorn.
Wilkening’s first take: If the players buy into Zorn’s system, the Redskins could be tougher than expected. But they are stuck in a loaded NFC East, so I understand the interest in the Under.
http://www.profootballweekly.com
Think back to a year ago at this time. The Bears were regarded as bona fide NFC contenders. The Vikings? They were considered cannon fodder.
But in Las Vegas, the “sharps” — bettors who make a living betting on pro football —suspected otherwise. And they backed it up at the windows, wagering the “Under” on regular-season wins for Chicago and the “Over” on Minnesota’s regular-season wins, according Jeff Stoneback, sports book manager at The Mirage hotel and casino.
Both bets cashed.
So who do the professional bettors like this season? Well, not the defending champion Giants, to name one team. And they are on the 49ers’ bandwagon, smoldering wreckage be damned, just like they were last year.
Here’s a rundown of the regular-season win totals the MGM Mirage has set for each of the 32 NFL teams. All information on wagering trends is courtesy of Stoneback, who noted that casual bettors usually don’t take an active interest in the regular-season win totals until mid-August or so.
Dallas Cowboys
Projected wins: 11 (Over: -105; Under: -115)
Betting trends: To my surprise, nothing much to report.
Wilkening’s first take: If taking the Over, comfort yourself with this statistic: Tony Romo is 11-2 in regular-season road starts.
New York Giants
Projected wins: 9 (Over: Even; Under: -120)
Betting trends: According to Stoneback, professional bettors have been playing the Under. And, to date, the betting public also has been skeptical. To wit: The Giants’ odds to win Super Bowl XLIII opened at 7-1 at the MGM Mirage properties, but they have floated up to 12-1.
Wilkening’s first take: Don’t be surprised if the Giants are unbeaten entering October. Their first three games: vs. Washington, at St. Louis, vs. Cincinnati, then their bye week. Sure, the schedule gets tougher thereafter. But still …
Philadelphia Eagles
Projected wins: 9 (Over: Even; Under: -120)
Betting trends: Some interest in the Over.
Wilkening’s first take: You have to read the tea leaves about QB Donovan McNabb’s shoulder. That may be tough — I can’t see him getting a lot of work in the preseason as it is.
Washington Redskins
Projected wins: 8 (Over: +120; Under: -140)
Betting trends: The Under has been popular. Stoneback surmises it has much to do with first-year head coach Jim Zorn.
Wilkening’s first take: If the players buy into Zorn’s system, the Redskins could be tougher than expected. But they are stuck in a loaded NFC East, so I understand the interest in the Under.
posted by The Gryphon at 8:47 PM
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