By

Tony George
Sports Audio Shows / Midwest Sports

With the recent W/L over and unders released by Las Vegas odds makers, it is apparent that the St. Louis Rams are in the eyes of all who figure the odds, as the team to beat in 2002 in the NFC, pitting them against the Steelers as the favorite in the AFC. Here are the current lines as of 7/22/02:

St. Louis Rams 11 1/2 (UNDER minus $1.40)
Green Bay Packers 10 (OVER minus $1.80)
Pittsburgh Steelers 10 (OVER minus $1.80)
San Francisco 49ers 10 (OVER minus $1.15)
Philadelphia Eagles 10 (UNDER minus $1.30)
Denver Broncos 9 1/2 (OVER minus $1.30)
Miami Dolphins 9 1/2 (OVER minus $1.15)
Oakland Raiders 9 1/2 (UNDER minus $1.30)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 9 1/2 (UNDER minus $1.30)
Indianapolis Colts 9 (OVER minus $1.80)
Seattle Seahawks 8 1/2 (OVER minus $1.50)
Chicago Bears 8 1/2 (OVER minus $1.30)
New England Patriots 8 1/2 (OVER minus $1.15)
Tennessee Titans 8 1/2 (UNDER minus $1.15)
New York Jets 8 1/2 (UNDER minus $1.30)
Washington Redskins 8 1/2 (UNDER minus $1.30)
Cleveland Browns 8 1/2 (UNDER minus $1.60)
Minnesota Vikings 8 (OVER minus $1.15)
Atlanta Falcons 7 1/2 (OVER minus $1.50)
Baltimore Ravens 7 1/2 (UNDER minus $1.30)
New York Giants 7 1/2 (UNDER minus $1.30)
Kansas City Chiefs 7 1/2 (UNDER minus $1.50)
San Diego Chargers 7 (OVER minus $1.50)
Jacksonville Jaguars 7 (OVER minus $1.15)
Buffalo Bills 7 (OVER minus $1.15)
Cincinnati Bengals 7 (UNDER minus $1.40)
New Orleans Saints 7 (UNDER minus $1.50)
Dallas Cowboys 6 1/2 (OVER minus $1.50)
Arizona Cardinals 6 1/2 (OVER minus $1.15)
Detroit Lions 6 (OVER minus $1.15)
Carolina Panthers 5 1/2 (OVER minus $1.60)
Houston Texans 4 1/2 (UNDER minus $1.30)

Let's find some opportunity on this list. I honestly think the Texans will win 6 to 7 games this year. Let us not forget that Dom Capers took the Panthers to the Championship game only 2 years after that team appeared in the NFL. If you look deep into the roster you find talent and experience not only at the player level, but the coaching level. Why do you think that number is only -130, it is worth a shot. The Saints are in for a long year as the number reflects that and if anything, it may be high for wins, especially in the division they are in. The number on the Colts surprises me a little, as most think Dungy can turn it around on the defensive end in just one short spring and summer, but the tools on offense are there to play with anyone, and a healthy Edgirin James may be the difference this season, as the Colts have all the tools in place to make a run in 2002.

The one team that really intrigues me is the Chicago Bears. Jim Miller is a decent QB and Chandler being picked up from Atlanta holds some promise, Anthony Thomas is a solid RB, the WR's are above average, and I think John Davis will make an impact at Tight End. On the defensive side, the Bears have some solid players as DB's, as Mike Brown really emerged last season, and the LB's are very solid. Overall their defense is very sound, especially at home. I think the 8.5 is too low and other than the Packers, the Bears stand alone in the newly appointed NFC North. Looking into the AFC, the team the Oddsmakers like is Pittsburgh, and I agree, as they was my pick last season to go to the Super Bowl, but who would have thunk the Pat's would be there? Anyway the defense always keeps the Steelers hanging around, and it appears to be the strong suit again in 2002. The offense will be business as usual, with Bettis carrying the load, with some strong backups, and Kordell Stewart backed up by long time Lion bust Charlie Batch, who really fits the offense well for his style. He has a better arm than Stewart. 10 wins is too low based on division foes, Baltimore, Cincy, and Cleveland.

These are just a few of the teams I have looked over in depth, but a few dark horse picks would be appropriate so here they are for you: Arizona OVER 6.5. Washington UNDER 8.5, KC OVER 7.5, Broncos UNDER 9.5 and finally my dark horse is Mike Holmgren's Seahawks OVER 8.5, as I think the Birds may have a very surprising year, even in a tough division. Food for thought boys as we look to another great year in the NFL where free agency has made it anyone's ballgame, just ask the Pats and Ravens from the last 2 years!