NFL Week 7 Betting Preview

Week 6 provided some classic games with tremendous finishes. The New Orleans Saints victory over the Eagles confirmed the transformed Saints as a force to be reckoned with. The Chicago Bears were the beneficiaries of one of the NFL's biggest ever "chokes" as the hapless Arizona Cardinals gave up two defensive touchdowns and a punt return touchdown in the last ten minutes to lose a 20 point lead and keep the formidable Bears unbeaten even after an off night. Finally (and unfortunately for me) the Seattle Seahawks kicker nailed a 52 yard field goal as time expired to enable them to sneak past the St Louis Rams.

Week 7 shapes up with a number of solid odds on chances likely to record comfortable wins. Examples include the Eagles versus the Buccaneers, the Chargers versus the Chiefs and the Broncos against the Browns. Elsewhere there are several battles between frankly poor teams that I would avoid as a betting medium, especially as the home teams are all priced at odds on. These would include the disappointing Dolphins against the Packers, the Jets against the Lions and the Cardinals against the Raiders.

Instead I think there are two games to focus on this week. Firstly one firm, VC Bet, prices up the talented and in contention Jacksonville Jaguars at 10/11 to beat the one win perennial basement dwellers the Houston Texans. If this is not a mistake this is an incredible price. The Texans, an expansion franchise in 20023, remain years away form having a competitive team despite some talented individual players. The Jaguars are very solid defensively and will win comfortably. If you can get on, get on. After me though please.

Secondly a more controversial choice. The improving Carolina Panthers visit the Cincinnati Bengals in what I feel is an even money game. Even though the Bengals surprisingly lost to the Buccaneers last weekend I feel they be in the play off mix come January. Led by QB Carson Palmer who has multiple receiving threats and backed up by an improved defense they are a team to be reckoned with. However so are the Panthers with WR Steve Smith now providing the deep threat required for the offense to function effectively and the defense, led by league sack leader Julius Peppers, a real force. The game is priced with the Bengals at 8/15 best price and the Panthers at 17/11 (Expext.com) his reflects the Panthers slow injury ridden start. I have said before that I expect the Panthers to be stronger as the season progresses. 17/11 is an attractive price as they return to form.

Finally an update on Superbowl prices. The market leaders are as follows:

Chicago Bears 9/2
Indianapolis Colts 6/1
New England Patriots 11/1
Seattle Seahawks 11/1
San Diego Chargers 12/1

Note that four AFC teams lie behind the NFC Bears in the betting. This is interesting as it provides value elsewhere in the NFC should the Bears, who looked shaky in Arizona, slip up. Other NFC prices include Carolina at 12/1, Philadephia at 20/1, Dallas at 25/1 and New Orleans at 33/1. For value alone, I think those teams are worth looking at to oppose Chicago to be the NFC's representative in the superbowl. My thought remains Philadelphia but New Orleans at 33/1 with the momentum they are generating is beginning to hover in my thoughts.

Selections

Jacksonville Jaguars to beat the Houston Texans at 10/11 (VC Bet)
Carolina Panthers to beat the Cincinatti Bengals at 17/11 (Expext.com)

Ed note: Make your NFL bets over at VC Bet

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