Packers Patriots Favored in Super Bowl XLVII
In less than three weeks, the 2012-13 NFL regular season kicks off in the US, and in anticipation, most online sports betting sites have posted a range of NFL betting markets, including the Super Bowl XLVII winner.
Currently the Green Bay Packers and the New England Patriots are the joint 6/1 favorites to lift the Vince Lombardi trophy in the final on February 3 next year at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana.
But a lot can happen between now and then.
Despite causing a big upset by winning the Super Bowl last year, the New York Giants are way down the odds to win again this season on 20/1. No doubt because most NFL oddsmakers believe the Giants 'just got lucky', and that they'll be no match for teams that used the off-season to bolster their ranks.
Packers Should Be Big Contenders in 2012
The Green Bay Packers are a prime example. While many NFL betting fans thought they had the strength to make it all the way to the Super Bowl, they faltered badly in the playoffs, losing 37-20 to the Giants. As a result, they used the off season to make the necessary tweaks and changes to put them in contention this year.
This has meant keeping most of their key starting players, as well as hiring former Colts center Jeff Saturday to help quarterback Aaron Rogers improve his defensive reads. Former Bengals running back Cedric Benson was also added to the line up, although whether Rogers will utilize him this season will remain to be seen.
Although the NFC North division is acknowledged to be one of the toughest and most competitive in the NFL, Green Bay are expected to come out on top once again, which is why they're so highly favored by bookmakers.
Patriots Have a Lot to Prove this Season
Looking at the New England Patriots, they have the most to prove this year after failing to win the Super Bowl by just 4 points. While on paper the New Englanders were the superior team, on the day, the New Yorkers proved to be even more hungry for a victory.
Because of this, expect the Patriots to be hungrier than ever to face off in New Orleans in February next year, which is very achievable considering they're one of the most consistent teams in the league. Plus, they have Bill Belichick as their head coach, one of the most admired coaches in the NFL.
Starting quarterback Tom Brady is expected to rack up the points once again this season, and he'll surely benefit from the addition of former Rams' wide receiver Brandon Lloyd, who two years ago led the NFL in receiving yards. Plus it won't hurt the Patriots' chances any that they are in one of the easiest divisions.
Betting Odds to Win Super Bowl XLVII
Here are the Super Bowl XLVII Winner odds at highly rated online betting site, Bodog:
Green Bay Packers - 6/1
New England Patriots - 6/1
Houston Texans - 12/1
Philadelphia Eagles - 12/1
San Francisco 49ers - 14/1
Baltimore Ravens - 18/1
New Orleans Saints - 18/1
Denver Broncos - 20/1
New York Giants - 20/1
Pittsburgh Steelers - 20/1
San Diego Chargers - 22/1
Detroit Lions - 25/1
Atlanta Falcons - 28/1
Chicago Bears - 28/1
Dallas Cowboys - 28/1
New York Jets - 28/1
Carolina Panthers - 40/1
Cincinnati Bengals - 40/1
Kansas City Chiefs - 50/1
Seattle Seahawks - 50/1
Arizona Cardinals - 66/1
Miami Dolphins - 66/1
Tennessee Titans - 66/1
Buffalo Bills - 80/1
Washington Redskins - 80/1
Oakland Raiders - 100/1
St. Louis Rams - 100/1
Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 100/1
Indianapolis Colts - 125/1
Minnesota Vikings - 150/1
Jacksonville Jaguars - 175/1
Cleveland Browns - 200/1
