NFL Offseason News – May 19
Bears sign lineman Webb to four-year deal
Sports betting gurus who follow the NFL are aware that in Chicago, the Bears' fate pretty much begins and ends with the performance and the mental toughness of quarterback Jay Cutler. Being aware of this, bettors will need to realize that Cutler's quality is also at least somewhat dependent on the level of protection he receives. Therefore, it was and is notable that on Sunday, May 16, the Bears signed offensive lineman J'Marcus Webb to a four-year contract. The seventh-round pick is an offensive tackle, the most important position on an offensive line. If he can overcome his low place in the draft pecking order and make a breakthrough, the Bears could have themselves a steal. It remains to be seen, though, how good Webb will turn out to be.
Chiefs get tight end Banks
On Monday, May 17, the Kansas City Chiefs acted quickly to snatch up a player they evidently wanted. After the Atlanta Falcons released tight end Leroy Banks on Thursday, May 13, the Chiefs plucked him four days later. Kansas City coach Todd Haley is a former offensive coordinator, and he has former Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis as his current offensive coordinator with the Chiefs. When Weis was at Notre Dame, he had a superb collection of tight ends that he used frequently. Therefore, the decision to bring in another tight end - while perhaps not a great one - could ultimately benefit Kansas City's passing game. Quarterback Matt Cassell certainly hopes this move works out for his own sake, and for the sake of his relationship with Weis, his new play caller.
Redskins sign veteran defensive lineman in continuous push for pass rushing
NFL betting observers have to take note of what's happening in D.C.
The Washington Redskins signed veteran defensive lineman Vonnie Holliday on Monday, May 17. Holliday has 12 years of NFL experience to his credit, most recently for the Denver Broncos in 2009 when he accumulated five sacks, two forced fumbles and 33 tackles in 16 games.
The signing continues a steady progression in which the Redskins have loaded up on defensive linemen in the offseason. The team traded for Adam Carriker and signed Maake Kemoeatu, plus Howard Green and Darrion Scott, among others. Everyone's naturally inclined to talk about new quarterback Donovan McNabb and focus on the offensive side of the ball, and that's entirely understandable. However, if Washington can develop enough of a defensive presence - and Holliday would certainly appear to be a solid addition as a third-down pass-rushing specialist - the Redskins might challenge in the NFC East even without a top-flight offense.
NFL News- Pacman Gets another Chance, While Willis Gets The Big Money
Pacman Gets Another Chance
The Cincinnati Bengals appear to have signed former Tennessee Titan, Dallas Cowboy and ruffian Adam 'Pacman' Jones. Jones a cornerback looks to revitalize his career with the Bengals a team known for giving players with trouble outside of the game a chance to rehabilitate their careers. Bengals owner Mike Brown along with head coach Marvin Lewis, have become famous for redeeming players with trouble outside the game, as from 2007 to 2009 the Bengals had players who had been in and out of jail. If Pacman can revitalize his career in Cincinnati, at the very least he will add depth to one of the league's best safety cores, which also includes star safety's Johnathan Joseph, Leon Hall and Wake Forest star safety Brandon Ghee. Ghee drafted in the third round was touted by some experts as being the fastest defensive player in the entire draft. With such depth at safety, Bengals fans can feel great about placing on their team at online sports betting sites.
Willis Gets The Big Money
Linebacker Patrick Willis has 50 million reasons to assure that the San Francisco 49ers defense becomes the best in the league. Yesterday Willis signed a five year 50 million deal with a guarantee of 29 million dollars. Willis the leader of the defense is an important cornerstone to the 49ers who have not had much success since the departures of Terrell Owens and Jeff Garcia a few years ago. However, with Willis leading the defense and Alex Smith looking to lead the offense, 49ers fans have every right to place high expectations on the team when they bet sports online such as the NFL. Coach Mike Singletary a defensive hall of famer in his own right believes that Patrick Willis has yet to meet his potential. This is impressive seeing as how Willis only in his fourth year has already been named to the All-Pro team and drawn comparisons to future hall of famer and leader of the Baltimore Ravens Ray Lewis.
Tebow Won't Attend NFL Draft on Thursday
Tim Tebow, former quarterback for the University of Florida Gators, will watch Thursday's NFL Draft from home, rather than travel to the event. It is expected that Tebow will be a second round draft pick, meaning that unless there is some upset with regard to the picks, he won't be chosen until Friday.
The Heisman Trophy winner relayed through league officials that it would be too hard to travel with his entire family and arrive in time for Thursday's event. Instead, he will watch with family from home in Jacksonville, Florida.
Tebow led the Gators' to two National Championships during his NCAA career, however, many sportsbook cappers have questioned whether or not his skills will translate to the NFL, where many teams base their offense around a serious passing game. Tebow announced his intention to refine and re-evaluate aspects of his game, and showcased the changes made at last month's Pro Day. There have been a litany of rumors surrounding Tebow and the Buffalo Bills, including reports of Tebow having dinners with Jim Kelly.
Fans of sports betting are pointing to the situation surrounding Tebow as being one of the more intriguing storylines of the NFL Draft. While some pundits maintain that the QB will shock many and rise as high as a first round draft pick, others are predicting a second or even third round spot. The NFL has recognized the interest surrounding the drama, and has announced their plans to have an NFL Network camera following Tebow during the draft.
The 75th annual NFL Draft kicks off Thursday night.
Brady will outduel Manning on Sunday night
Patriots at Colts
Sunday, Nov. 15 at 8:20 p.m. ET
The hometown Colts are favored by three in this matchup. Peyton Manning and Tom Brady are the main topic of discussion, and fairly so. Their grip on the title of "NFL's top two quarterbacks" isn't loosening, even with Drew Brees playing so well in New Orleans. Brady and Manning share nearly identical stats, with 16 touchdowns and five interceptions a piece.
On Sunday night, though, Brady gets a big edge. Indy defensive backs Kelvin Hayden and Marlin Jackson won't be suiting up, meaning two rookies will start at corner. Randy Moss should have a field day. Bet on the Patriots to win.
Bengals at Steelers
Sunday, Nov. 15 at 1:00 p.m. ET
This should be a brutal, hard-hitting contest. Both teams are tied at 6-2 (Pittsburgh is favored by seven), but Cincy has the lead in the AFC North thanks to a Week 3 win over Pittsburgh. The Bengals came through in the dying seconds of the game but may have sparked Pittsburgh's five-game winning streak.
The Steelers and Bengals can both play defense, and both are brilliant at stopping the run. That gives Pittsburgh a big advantage. If the Steelers ground game is stuffed, they can turn to Ben Roethlisberger to carry the offense; the Bengals, however, don't have the same confidence in Carson Palmer, who's been average at best this season. Look for the Steelers to shut down the run and Big Ben to spearhead a win.
Eagles at Chargers
Sunday, Nov. 15 at 4:15 p.m. ET
Sportsbook odds like the Chargers by two. This is a tough matchup to handicap since neither team has been particularly consistent over the past few years. Philly dropped a heartbreaker to the Cowboys last week after allowing a long touchdown pass in the fourth quarter. The defense shouldn't be blamed, though, and played fairly well save for that one play. The offense was ineffective—Donovan McNabb must get on track.
The Chargers won their third straight with a last-second comeback over the Giants. Philip Rivers looked calm and collected during the game-winning touchdown drive. His favorite target, Vincent Jackson, has quietly turned into one of the NFL's top receivers. Defensively, the Chargers might be turning a corner. Shawne Merriman, held sackless in his first five outings, has four QB drops in his past two starts.
This is the perfect letdown game we've grown accustomed to San Diego over the past few seasons. Yes, the Chargers won three straight, but two wins came over Oakland and Kansas City. Look for the defense to sag once again while McNabb hooks up with his explosive receivers a few times. Bet on Philly.
Panthers could pull out upset against Saints
NFL betting lines in your sportsbook for Carolina’s trip to New Orleans on Sunday are banking on a beatdown by the Saints, but the Panthers may be able to cover the massive point spread given.
Panthers vs Saints odds – Sunday, November 8, 4:05 PM ET
Jake Delhomme wasn’t great, going 7-of-14 for 90 yards and a touchdown in the Panthers’ 34-21 win over Arizona on the road, and maybe that’s all he needs to be if the Carolina defense keeps it up. The Panthers picked off Kurt Warner five times and forced six turnovers overall, and they’re currently ranked first in the league in pass defense.
The Saints came away with a 35-27 win at home over Atlanta in a sloppy Monday night affair that featured seven turnovers, including three by the Saints. New Orleans outscored Atlanta 21-0 in the second quarter highlighted by Jabari Greer’s 48-yard interception return, but coach Sean Payton won’t be impressed with those turnovers.
The Saints are a 13-point favorite at home, but here are a couple of things to consider: Delhomme is a Louisiana boy, and he signed with the Saints, playing six games from 1999 to 2002. Since 2003, Delhomme is 8-2 against the Saints and he’s never lost to them in New Orleans. We’re not saying that the Panthers will win, but the Saints won’t beat them by 13 points, especially with Carolina’s pass defense.
NFL betting pick: Carolina +13