The New England Patriots were a bettor’s dream for the first half of the season in 2007, as they covered their first eight games. And while they weren’t nearly the “covering machine” in the second part of the year, they did continue to win their games. As we know they missed a perfect season by one game, a big one, when they were surprised in the Super Bowl vs. the New York Giants.

But a new season draws near and there is plenty of speculation on what kind of Patriot club will take to the field when the real games kick-off.

Advertisement

Let’s be clear, Bill Belichick and his team will still be a force to be reckoned with, so don’t expect a .500 season and no playoffs.

No, another 16-0 regular season is not in the cards, but they remain one of the favorites in the league. Books have their season win total set at 12 (or 11.5 is also out there). They are the prohibitive favorite to be the top team in the AFC East, listed as a -1000 favorite.

They are also the odds-on favorite at SPORTSBETTING.COM to not only make a return trip to the Super Bowl as the AFC champion (+200); they are also the odds-on to take home the Super Bowl at +350.

With Randy Moss as a target, Tom Brady put up great numbers in ‘07 and cruised to the NFL MVP award. Brady is listed at +500 to repeat the feat this year, while Moss is listed as a +1000 MVP option.

Brady is also listed as an odds-on favorite (+350) to lead the league in passing yards for the second straight season.

Last year Randy Moss was beaten out by Reggie Wayne for the league lead in reception yards, but is listed at +500 to have the most receiving yards at the end of this season.

The Pats lost their preseason opener to the Baltimore Ravens 16-15 (listed at -3.5) but let’s be honest, we can’t tell anything from that result.

Next up for New England? A date with the Buccaneers in Tampa Bay on Sunday and the Patriots are sitting as a 1-point road favorite with a Total of 34.5. Although the Pats cashed in a lot of Overs in the early goings of the last year’s regular season, they went Under six out of their last seven games.

We should see more of Brady and Moss this week and while getting a win is not the priority, we can see this Pat team not wanting to start the preseason 0-2. You might see a little extra out of them this weekend.

Looking toward the regular season, they’re still a very talented team offensive team. Yes, they have holes on defense, but they face one of the weakest schedules of any team in the league and will still be able to rack up points, something many of their opponents on the 2008 card will struggle with.

Those hoping for a big drop off probably won’t get their way.

Enjoy all the NFL action this weekend.

Check out SPORTSBETTING.COM for all the NFL preseason lines and wagering options.