NFL Betting: Ravens Get First Shot At “Dream Team” This Preseason

All of the talk about the Philadelphia Eagles as a “dream team” this coming sports betting season is definitely premature, something that head coach Andy Reid has already stepped up and said. The problem is that while the Eagles have admitted that they are far from being a dream team this year, the rest of the league has taken notice and is already looking forward to getting their shot at popping them in the mouths. First on that list is the Baltimore Ravens, who land in Philadelphia looking to prove that the Eagles aren’t so special at all.

Baltimore Ravens @ Philadelphia Eagles

Thursday August 11, 2011 – 7:30 PM ET

Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

NFL Betting Lines: Philadelphia Eagles – 3

The Baltimore defense likely won’t rely on their starters for too long in this game, and it is doubtful whether safety Ed Reed will even see the field among others. The key for both teams will be establishing offenses with tons of potential, but that have a lot of work to do after a lockout-shortened training camp period.

NFL Betting Preview: Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens feel as confident as ever going forward with Joe Flacco one year closer to reaching his potential in Cam Cameron’s offensive system. However, gone are veterans Todd Heap and Derrick Mason, and the team will need to find replacements for both in a hurry. Baltimore signed running back Ricky Williams to help Ray Rice in the backfield, and their ability to rush the football will be key as the Ravens relied on the play-action pass more than any other offense in the NFL last season. There are openings on the defensive line and secondary for young players to step up, and it will be interesting to see how they perform against a talented Eagles’ offense.

NFL Betting Preview: Philadelphia Eagles

There is little doubt that the Eagles want to establish a dominant culture from the outset, but putting together all of the pieces that they acquired in the offseason won’t necessarily be easy. Philadelphia’s defense can be stellar with Nnamdi Asomugha and Domenique Rodgers-Cromartie joining Asante Samuel in the secondary, but first the team will need to plug in a capable front-seven to protect them with question marks on both the defensive line and at linebacker. The Eagles’ offense will open under Michael Vick, but it will be most interesting to see how much of a grasp Vince Young has on the playbook so far, and whether or not he is capable of being the No. 2 ahead of Mike Kafka.

NFL Betting Preview: Outlook & Pick

The Eagles still have a lot of work to do, and the players will feel a sense of pressure under the media spotlight that has been placed on them because of all of their sports betting bonus offseason activity. Meanwhile, Baltimore will approach this game with much more tempered expectations, and it will serve them well on the road.

Gambling Advisor blog Pick: Baltimore Ravens + 3

Can Teams That Brought In Most Free Agents Contend For Super Bowl 46?

Due to the sports betting NFL lockout, free agency for the 2011 offseason, has gone by quicker than ever. As a result, many teams were left scrambling, as they no longer had the luxury of playing hard ball with their players, since other teams in desperate need for star players were around to sweep them up. While some teams appear to be improved for the upcoming NFL betting lines season, others seem to be far off from contention. Today we will be looking at the teams that are most improved due to free agency.

Comparable to the 2008 New York Yankees after missing the playoffs, the Philadelphia Eagles recognized their main area of weakness and rebuilt through free agency this offseason. The Eagles defense was average at best in 2010 and in order to compete for an NFL Super Bowl title, the Eagles needed some serious upgrades. Similar to the 2008 Yankees, who brought in pitchers CC Sabathia and AJ Burnett, to be their workhorses, the 2011 Philadelphia Eagles shocked the rest of the league by landing free agents, Nnamdi Asomugha and Jason Babin.

On paper, the 2011 Philadelphia Eagles are arguably the favorite to win the Super Bowl coming out of the NFC, ahead of last season’s Super Bowl winner, the Green Bay Packers. While the defense has improved greatly, Philadelphia returns essentially the same offense as last season. In theory, if Michael Vick can stay healthy, the Eagles can thank free agency for a Super Bowl ring.

Another team that made a few big and bold moves was the Houston Texans. Last year’s worst defensive team, will no longer have the smack down laid on them by the rest of the league. The Texans shocked everyone, by signing former Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Jonathan Joseph. As we mentioned earlier, because of the lockout, teams could no longer play hard ball with their free agents. For Joseph, leaving Cincinnati and joining a young Houston Texans squad will be providing him with an excellent opportunity to play a more important role.

Aside from bringing in underrated cornerback Jonathan Joseph, the Houston Texans biggest offseason acquisition actually came from the coaching ranks. Earlier this year, before the NFL lockout, the Texans were able to hire former Dallas Cowboys Head Coach Wade Philips as the team’s new defensive coordinator. Throughout his career, Philips has been able to turn mediocrity into stardom, as he turned a horrific San Diego Chargers defense into one of the best in the league. In theory, with an improved defense, the Texans should be able to finally make the playoffs, and perhaps the Super Bowl.