When wagering on NFL season win totals, you must do your homework! Surprisingly I've found four clubs that have tremendous value.
This is a first of a four part series for gamblers who enjoy placing future wagers.
Arizona Cardinals: 7.5 wins
Head coach Dennis Green and the Cardinals seem to be an early favorite by some critics to win the NFL's poorest division, the NFC West.
He brought in former MVP quarterback Kurt Warner, who's seen his best days. Warner is the epitome of a "timing quarterback". He needs a stout offensive line protecting him.
The Cardinals offensive line is hardly a stellar unit. Left tackle Leonard Davis has yet to live up to expectations. Free agent acquisition right tackle Oliver Ross is a solid lineman, and should offer leadership. However the interior is made up of young and relatively unproven players. I expect defenses to blitz the middle all season long with success.
Running back Marcell Shipp is talented, but he missed the entire 2004 season due to a training camp injury (broken fibula).Rookie runner J.J. Arrington, most believe was a 2nd round steal. But at only 5-9 could he be counted on making a huge contribution if needed? He's expected to be the "change-of-pace" runner in this offense.
The wide receivers are the strength of this unit. But the one thing this talented trio of Anquan Bolden, Larry Fitzgerald and Bryant Johnson lack is break-away speed. That's what this offense lacks overall. With the exception of the aforementioned Arrington, there is no homerun threat.
The defensive line is lead by All Pro end Bertrand Berry. He's joined by free agent Chike Okeafor who will help form a solid pair of bookends. The linebackers are young and fast and are led on the outside by second year player Karlos Dansby, who is a star in the making. Orlando Huff and Gerald Hayes will compete for the starting job in the middle. Overall, a very solid group with depth.
The secondary features first-round pick Antrel Rolle out of Miami. Who steps in and starts at left corner? David Macklin mans the other side. Strong safety Adrian Wilson got a well deserved contract extension in the offseason. He's joined by veteran free safety Robert Griffith. The 34-year old is an upgrade over last year starter Ifeanyi Ohalete.
The special teams coverage units were bad last season and have been overhauled. Kicker Neil Rackers was 22-29, including 5 for 9 on kicks of 50 yards or more. His kickoffs are among the best in the league. Punter Scott Player comes off a stellar year, booming a career high 32 punts inside the 20-yard line.
Now let's take a look at the 2005 schedule. Based on last year, it's considered the easiest in the entire NFL. The Cards open up on the road at the New York Giants. Then, their home opener features the other ex- Warner led team, the St. Louis Rams. Can we pencil in either of these matchups as wins?
The Cardinals home schedule features games versus the likes of the Carolina Panthers, Jacksonville Jaguars and the defending NFC Champions, Philadelphia Eagles.
Road matchups include the Dallas Cowboys, Detroit Lions, St. Louis Cardinals, and the Indianapolis Colts.
Pick: UNDER 7.5 wins minus 110
Reason: They have a good defense, but the offensive line and quarterback play is very shaky. More importantly, the schedule is a huge factor. I see this club struggling to win six or seven games.
