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As NFL preseason projections continue to roll in, in spite of a questionable start to the season, last year’s worst division is showing up with odds makers for the best of the west in the NFC. Although the St. Louis Rams came a long way from a single win in 2009 to a 7-9 record in 2010, they are actually listed behind San Francisco at even money by the sportbooks.
Jim Harbaugh will be taking over from Mike Singletary, arguably one of the worst 49ers coaches in recent history, but not many prognosticators see him as the savior for a team that posted a 6-10 record last season. San Francisco does have a decent defensive line up and Alex Smith at quarterback should do an acceptable job but probably not good enough to get the team to the playoffs. It’s really doubtful the 49ers will see a better record than last year’s 6-10.
As for the Rams, Sam Bradford was impressive as a rookie quarterback and will likely get better, but he is equally unlikely to get that much better in one year, especially with the team being locked out during the offseason. As for futures bets for the coming season the Rams are behind the 49ers but they probably deserve better. Some of the pressure on Bradford will be shifted to running back Steven Jackson and with 43 sacks recorded last year by Chris Long and James Hall, the defense adds to the team’s value in preseason betting.
The Arizona Cardinals hold a preseason line with odds of 100 to one to be able to land in the superbowl this year. While the jury is still out on its ability to land quarterback Kevin Kolb, last year’s worst position player could actually end up being its choice. If the Cardinals can land Kolb it will be a big step forward from last year’s ranks. Without him, Derek Anderson, a huge disappointment to Cleveland could end up being the starter by default and not due to talent. While with the Browns Anderson showed flashes of brilliance, but they quickly faded.
However, even with a good quarterback the Cardinals are not expected to rise above second place in the four-team division and will likely barely end above Seattle, anticipated to hold up their spot at the bottom of the division, despite winning the division last year with a 7-9 record.
Matt Hasselbeck has had trouble remaining healthy and it is still unsure if he will be able to return this season and production from back up QB Charlie Whitehurst, along with the rest of the Seahawks’ offensive skill positions doesn’t offer much optimism for a great season. The Seahawks will also need to fill in many of the holes in the defensive line to keep their opponents from seeing daylight on the way to the end zone.
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» Latest 2011/2012 Superbowl XLV (45) the Latest Betting Odds
» 2011 NFL Lockout in the Red Zone - Brief Overview
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