Wildcard Watch – Texans Rising as Underdog Value in AFC

It’s easy to pick favorites when you’re perusing our NFL betting lines with the AFC. Pittsburgh has already been tagged by yours truly to repeat, and the return of Tom Brady has launched the Patriots in to the mix as well. The fun part is searching for gangbuster value in the futures, because a simple $100 bet can reap you big rewards come January.

So that being said, which two teams have your greatest Wildcard Value heading in to the 2009-10 season? You may be surprised by my picks, but that’s the fun in a wildcard watch. Betting men are all about taking chances, and these two teams are the ones to watch in terms of risk/reward.

AFC Furious Underdog – Houston Texans

To Win Division: +325

To Win AFC: +1800

To Win Superbowl XLIV: +4000

Why To Bet: The AFC South is falling apart at the seems. Tennessee lost the most integral part of their defense (Haynesworth) and there’s no telling just how effective Kerry Collins will be given the Vince Young drama. Indianapolis is getting ravaged by injuries and is losing its consistency. The Jaguars suck.

The Texans are the best “on paper” team if Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson can stay fully healthy for 16 games. With the rise of Mario Williams and the Texans defense, which has improved statistically every year, Houston is a logical underdog bet.

Why Not To Bet: Given the value to win the division, the Texans are my favorite underdog pick in the AFC. To say they will romp and stomp the AFC is a bit ludicrous, especially with the Steelers standing in their way, and a lack of playoff experience overshadowing any hype I could possibly generate. But hey, they call it “gambling” for a reason, right?

Verdict: Escaping out of the crumbling AFC South is the easy part for a Texans teams that could take the league by storm. Getting out of the AFC in its entirety is a whole different story. But if I could be $325 richer with a bet on the Texans now, then that’s a bet I’m willing to take.

Wildcard Watch – Tampa is the Best Underdog Bet in NFC

For all intents and purposes, the NFC is wide open. Initial favorites include (surprise, surprise) the Cowboys, Giants and Eagles. But who are you looking to make some noise in the title picture, be it divisional or league wide? I know who I’ve got my eyes on already.

NFC Furious Underdog – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

To Win Division: +400

To Win NFC: +1800

To Win Super Bowl ILV: +4000

Why To Bet: I love what Tampa has done this offseason, with my only question mark being the release of Derrick Brooks. Everyone else had to go. Moving Jermaine Phillips to linebacker is a great move given his physicality and tackling ability. The Bucs defense made some leaps last year, and it will all depend on Gaines Adams’ ability to become an elite pass rusher.

But the offense has plenty to be excited about. Tampa’s offensive line proved to be a valuable asset to the team, which is surprising considering their youth. But with Ahmad Bradshaw and Kellen Winslow Jr. joining an offensive side that already boasts Antonio Bryant, Earnest Graham and Cadillac Williams, Tampa has given whichever quarterback they choose the weapons that guy needs to succeed.

Why Not To Bet: Raheem Morris is a first year coach, but the Bucs are already raving about his ability to relate to players. He’s a defensive coordinator by trade, so the focus will remain on keeping the Bucs as one of the better NFL defenses around.

Offensively, the quarterback situation is a big gamble. Joshua Freeman is not NFL ready. Brian Griese is…Brian Griese. In short stints in Pittsburgh, Byron Leftwhich showed that he still has what it takes to win games and produce at the quarterback position. The fear here is that the quarterback position becomes embroiled in controversy between the veteran Leftwhich, and the franchise-quraterback-to-be, Joshua Freeman.

Verdict: When you look at the Bucs on paper, insulated and exclusive of any other team, they look like they’re headed in the right direction. When you compare them to their division, it’s a lot tougher. But here’s what they have going for them…

Carolina has Jake Delhomme, and any betting man knows not to trust him. There’s no clue how well Julius Peppers is going to react to this whole franchise tag debacle seeing as how he obviously wanted to be traded.

Atlanta has a sophomore quarterback avoiding hype and a sophomore slump. Their defense is still a work in progress. I know the landing of Tony Gonazlez has everyone wetting their NFL betting appetites, but Atlanta could be a mainstay in the playoff picture…although they could also be a flash in the pan.

New Orleans has been a consistent failure for the last three seasons, even with Drew Brees launching a billion passing yards per season. Their secondary is by far one of the worst in the league, and consistently gets blown up for big yardage. One of the reasons that Tampa never enjoyed success against the Saints is because they couldn’t thrown downfield. Exit Jeff Garcia and enter big-arm Leftwhich or canon boy, Joshua Freeman.

Given what I like about Tampa and what I don’t like about other teams, Tampa is my wildcard team for 2009. Bet in our NFL futures now before others catch on and the linemovers get wise to your forward thinking!

Belmont Park Picks – Handicapping Winners

Padding Your Bankroll: Friday June 26

Friday is generally reserved for Happy Hour for many as the work week is ending, but with a 3:00 ET post time for the opener at Belmont Park and a 6:00 ET post time for Churchill Downs, I strongly recommend skipping a trip to the bar and head straight home to fire up the computer.

The Belmont Park cards holds some potential if the rainy weather holds off. The turf course was listed as yielding for Thursday and there is a 50% chance of thunderstorms on Friday.

I am thinking Mother Nature is going to give us a reprieve and there will not be enough rain to force the turf races onto the main track.

Our play of the day could be a profitable one. My top two picks are 20/1 and 10/1 on the morning line respectively. If we can get one of them home first, we may pad our bankroll handsomely today.

Today’s Play of the Day from Belmont Park:

BEL Race 4 Md $25,000 (4:30 ET)

#5 We Get It 20/1

#9 Flying by the Pole 10/1

#12 He Struck It Rich 4/1

#7 Last Noble 5/1

Analysis: #5 We Get It gets a stab here at what likely will be a generous price. He came back off an eight-month layoff last out and caught slop, breaking poorly and ducking inward, then drifted out in the stretch while making up some ground late. Blinkers are added today for the Guillo barn that is having a strong meeting. The barn is hitting at a 28% clip and is 5 for 11 when adding blinkers. The gelding is by Officer out of an unraced Deputy Minister mare that has dropped two winners including More Fascination ($71K), a three-time winner on turf. Worth a look here at a big price.

#9 Flying by the Pole will also likely be a nice price. He caught a muddy surface and a 16-length winner last out in a race taken off the turf. Two back on the turf off a 2 1/2 month break he raced in mid pack, made a six wide run and flattened out in the stretch. The Penna barn is hitting at a 33% clip overall on the year and has been sending out live runners here, hitting with 6 of 17 starters. I don’t think we have seen the best out of this gelding yet.

Wagering

WIN: #5 to win at 12/1 or better.

EX: 5,9 / 5,7,9,12

TRI: 5,9 / 5,7,9,12 / 2,3,5,7,9,12

Today’s Pick 3 Play from Belmont Park:

Starting in Race 7: $1: 2,6,10 / 2,4,8,10 / 2,10 = $24

BEL Race 7 Clm $25,000N2L (6:04 et)

#2 Chinese Whisper, #10 Alabama Man, #6 Beneath the Crown

#2 Chinese Whisper came from far out of it last out to rally for second, beaten a length for the top spot. He got a solid pace to run at and really did not have much of an excuse as the beaten fav other than coming back quickly with just a week off. This guy was third in the G1 Gran Criterium back in ’06 and finished in the money in a couple of G3′s in ’07. Ramon takes over and he seems like passing the non-winners of two level should be a snap, but he failed in his last two tries. Perhaps he needs more than a flat mile, but there are no viable options in this group and we’ll have to back him here, likely at less than his 5/2 ML.

#10 Alabama Man makes his first start since last November where the gelding tracked the early pace and faded to finish sixth at this level in the mud. The gelding broke his maiden over the turf here three back against $45K maiden claimers and the ground had some give to it that day and likely will again here. The barn is 20% winners with horses coming back off a +180 day layoff.

BEL Race 8 Perfect Sting S. (6:36 et)

#4 Shared Account, #10 Dynaslew, #2 Dame Ellen, #8 Fast Tigress

#4 Shared Account is an interesting longshot sent out by one of our favorite barns. The filly showed some promise by winning her first two career starts, then things went bad as she was outrun in a couple of G2′s in Florida. She was given two months off and returned with a sharp win last out versus Alw-2 foes at Del Park. That has turned out to be a key race as three she beat that day have turned around and won their next starts. Now she tries turf for the first time for a barn that is 17% winners with horse trying the weeds for the first time. She is by Pleasantly Perfect (18% first turf from a limited sampling) out of a Smart Strike mare that has dropped two other winners including one turf winner. Rose is in to ride and we should catch a decent price.

#10 Dynaslew draws a tough post and is facing winners for the first time here. She was a smart looking maiden winner last out in her third career start and first off a two-month break. Two back she ran a game second behind Ailbe, who returned to finish fourth and then beat Alw-1 company in her next two starts. That 4/2 race produced a total of four next out winners including our second pick. She has a real nice pedigree, by Dynaformer out of the stakes winner Slews Final Answer ($358K).

BEL Race 9 Alw $43,000N1X (7:08 et)

#10 Munition, #2 Woodrunner

#10 Munition makes his first start since a fifth place finish at Gulfstream Park back in February versus $16K starter allowance company. The winner of that race was Steppedoutofplace, who returned to beat $10K starter allowance company in his next start. The runner up Indian Arm also won next out, taking a $30K non-winners of three. The gelding won over the turf here last fall versus $35K non-winners of two for his second career win on turf. The barn is 18% winners (with a +ROI) with horses coming back off a 61-180 day layoff. He looks like he fits here as he faces NY breds for the first time since ’07 and we should catch a decent enough price.

#2 Woodrunner makes his third start of his current form cycle after a third place finish last out at this level. The winner of the race was Kutais, who came back to beat NY bred Alw-2 optional claimers in his next outing on 6/11. The gelding is a half bro to a couple of stakes winners, top earner Run WIth the Lark ($260K). Picks up Ramon and looks like a legit contender in here although he really had no excuse not to win at this level last out.

Price Plays From Belmont Park:

These are price plays to watch today. A small win-place wager is in order or if your pockets are deep enough, use these runners in your trifecta and Pick 3 and Pick 4 wagers. One or two of these could be the difference between a regular day at the track and hitting the IRS window with a signer.

R4: #5 We Get It 20/1

R4: #9 Flying by the Pole 10/1

R5: #6 Devilshameye 15/1

R6: #1 Liberty Lace 10/1

R7: #7 Hot Pace 8/1

R8: #4 Shared Account 12/1

R9: #10 Munition 12/1

Good luck padding your bankroll today!

Wimbledon Third Round – Cilic and Haas fight for Spot in 4th Round

London, Great Britain – Croatian sensation Marin Cilic advanced into the third round after he persevered in a five-set thriller against Sam Querrey of the USA. The 11th seed Cilic had his hands full with Querrey right from the start going a set down before leveling the match in the second set and taking the lead in the third. An inspired surge from Querrey saw the American level the match two all. But credit goes to Cilic for keeping his composure in the deciding set as he went on to close the match 4-6, 7-6, 6-3, 6-7, 6-4. Next up for Cilic is another tournament seed, Tommy Haas the 24th seed and recent Halle champion.

Haas got a free pass into the third round when Michael Llodra had an unfortunate accident colliding with a ball girl, the umpire’s chair, the cooler, the player’s chair and everything else in his path while in pursuit of a drop shot down 4-3 in the first set.

Elsewhere, Igor Andreev and Andreas Seppi will battle for a spot in the fourth round. Seppi took out James Blake in the first round and persevered over Marc Gicquel in five sets. While Igor Andreev beat Korolev in the first round in four sets and followed up with a straight set victory over Vincent Spadea .

Tennis Betting Line: Tommy Haas -150 Marin Cilic +110

Match Time: 06:00 A.M. Eastern Time Friday June 26 2009

Tennis Betting Verdict: As the tennis betting line indicates this will be a tight match. Haas is the 24th seed at Wimbledon, ranks at No.34 in the world ( well below No. 13 Cilic), but he enters this match as the bookies favourite at -150.

Tommy Haas is in his thirties and a seasoned veteran of the game but he is playing some of the best tennis of his career right now. He won the Halle title in his native Germany a few weeks ago and he is 17-9 on the season. Definitely, a threat on grass and one of the best playmakers on the ATP Tour. The bookies are taking his stock seriously against a talented up-and-comer like Cilic.

It will be the first time Haas meets the 20-year-old Croatian, who is 27-10 on the season. Haas has an advantage over Cilic in that he didn’t play a full second round match, whereas Cilic was kept on court for well over three hours against Querrey. Haas has experience and I really like his chances against Cilic. Of course, Cilic is ranked in the top 20 for a reason and the bookies take stock of this by tipping him as a modest underdog at +110. Clearly, he is not expected to be a pushover. He has a great serve and a killer backhand. All in all this should be an entertaining match. Plenty of value, whichever way you slice it.

Tennis Free Picks: Haas in four sets

Tennis Betting Line: Igor Andreev vs. Andreas Seppi

Match Time: 06:00 A.M. Eastern Time Friday June 26 2009

Tennis Betting Verdict: Apart from the four-setter in the first round against Korolev, Andreev has been untroubled thus far. Of course, he has only played two rounds at SW19. Andreev is an uber talented Russian, who is a clay-court specialist. Moreover, he plays like a Spaniard on all surfaces; his forehand shot is one of the best in the business – sometimes it is hard to find his backhand. He owns a 5-1 edge over Andreas Seppi so he should enter this match optimistic about his chances. In fact, I myself am optimistic about his chances. Seppi is a bit of a dark horse and has done great to reach the second round –he benefited from Nadal’s withdrawal from the tournament as instead of opening against Del Potro he faced Blake. I expect Seppi to play a good match but Andreev to win. Of course, should Seppi win it would not be a huge surprise.

Tennis Free Picks: Andreev in four sets

Wimbledon Ladies – Zvonareva and Dementieva Headline Action

London, Great Britain – Day five of Wimbledon serves up third round action on the women’s front with Vera Zvonareva, Elena Dementieva headlining action. Here is a look at some of the standout matches on the cards at BetOnline Sportsbook.

Tennis Betting Line: Vera Zvonareva +110 Virgine Razzano -150

Match Time: 06:00 A.M. Eastern Time Friday June 25, 2009

Tennis Betting Verdict: I am rather surprised at this tennis betting line (what are the bookies thinking?) because Vera Zvonareva is one of the most on form players this season. She is 20-5 on the season and ranks No.7 in the world. Typically, she coasts under the radar at tournaments, garnering very little attention, seemingly sneaking up out of nowhere. Indeed, she trails lifetime 2-4 to Razzano; having lost to her twice in 2009. However, the most recent encounter Zvonareva withdrew from the match. Their earlier battle in Dubai was a tight affair 7-6(7), 7-5). Methinks, Zvonareva will avenge that loss tomorrow with a comprehensive victory over Razzano.

Tennis Free Picks: Zvonareva in straight sets

Tennis Betting Line: Francesca Schiavone +185 Marion Bartoli -250

Match Time: 06:00 A.M. Eastern Time Friday June 25, 2009

Tennis Betting Verdict: Bartoli was once a runner-up at the All England Club, beating Justine Henin in the semis before losing to Venus in the final. She clearly has grass court skills. However, she has not replicated the heroics of that Wimbledon since. Where she is vulnerable is in her movement and fitness. Schiavone is a very fit player and is a real threat to Bartoli. Methinks, Schiavone has the game to upset Bartoli.

Tennis Free Picks: Schiavone in three sets

Tennis Betting Line: Dominika Cibulkova -115 Elena Vesnina -125

Match Time: 06:00 A.M. Eastern Time Friday June 25, 2009

Tennis Betting Verdict: Cibulkova was recently a French Open semi-finalist. She is a fast-rising teenager and a player to watch. Seeing that she made a significant breakthrough at the last Grand Slam her confidence should be high. She is a tough competitor and I like her chances even against an impressive Elena Vesnina.

Tennis Free Picks: Cibulkova in three sets

Tennis Betting Line: Regina Kulikova +600 Elena Dementieva -1200

Match Time: 06:00 A.M. Eastern Time Friday June 25, 2009

Tennis Betting Verdict: Dementieva has an easy match next against Regina Kulikova. On paper, at least. The Russian has had a good season thus far and she enters this match as the heavy favourite. It is her match to lose.

Tennis Free Picks: Dementieva in straight sets

Wimbledon Third Round – Djokovic and Robredo eye fourth round

London, Great Britain – Novak Djokovic has received the least attention of the top five seeds at Wimbledon. Very few believe he has a shot at the Wimbledon title, believing he is in danger of falling sooner than later. Djokovic is overshadowed by Federer (for obvious reasons) and Murray (British sentiment) who are in form right now and favoured to emerge into the final from their respective draws. Because they are gaining all the attention Nole simply has not featured in the discussion. Indeed, Djokovic might have something to say about that but for now he is happy to coast under the radar. Djokovic faces Mardy Fish in the third round on Friday, with a spot in the fourth round on the line. Elsewhere in his corner of the draw, Tommy Robredo and Dudi Sela will battle for a spot in the fourth round.

Tennis Betting Line: Tommy Robredo -155 Dudi Sela +115

Match Time: 06:00 A.M. Eastern Time Friday June 25 2009

Tennis Betting Verdict: Tommy Robredo fell into a relatively easy section of the draw, at least where early rounds are concerned. Yet, despite the lesser calibre of his opponents in the first two rounds, Robredo was pushed to the brink. He needed five sets against qualifier Luka Gregorc and journeyman player Stefan Koubek. Already in two rounds, Robredo has clocked a lot of hours on the luscious lawns of the All England Club. Luckily, he is one of the fittest players on the tour.

On the other hand, Dudi Sela is also coming off back-to-back marathon matches. But if there were a distinction between Sela and Robredo that could decide which player has the edge then it would be fitness. Sela is a hard worker but not nearly as fit as Robredo is. Therefore, considering that all things are equal, Robredo should have plenty more gas left in the tank. Moreover, Robredo is a top player and a seasoned veteran. He is also playing some really good tennis lately and recently was a quarterfinalist in Paris.

Tennis Free Picks: Robredo in four sets

Tennis Betting Line: Mardy Fish +325 Novak Djokovic -550

Match Time: 06:00 A.M. Eastern Time Friday June 25 2009

Tennis Betting Verdict: Serbian Novak Djokovic is the tournament fourth seed and American Mardy Fish is the 28th seed. They have met twice before with Djokovic beating Fish both times, once in a title match at the Indian Wells Masters. Both encounters were on hard courts. This is their first ever meeting on grass. Both players when on form can be devastating. Djokovic is the more consistent of the two.

This is the most anticipated match on the books tomorrow. Djokovic enters this match as the bookies favourite with a bounty of -550. Fish is rather underrated in my opinion at +325. If the tennis betting line were an indication then Djokovic would be the sure play. On paper, the way these two players stack up I would agree. Yet, methinks, it will not be as straightforward. Proponents of the theory: Djokovic will fall sooner than later at Wimbledon, this is the match that could potentially see that prophecy realised. Anything can happen. Hewitt dumped Del Potro today. No reason why Fish can’t play another match like the one he did when he beat Federer at Indian Wells. Granted it is more likely that Djokovic will persevere but there is more value on Fish at +325. Heck. I wouldn’t mind Fish going to the next round.

Tennis Free Picks: Fish in five sets

Wimbledon Third Round – Verdasco and Tsonga on collision course

London, Great Britain – Fernando Verdasco and Jo Wilfried Tsonga are on the cards as Wimbledon betting continues at BetOnline Sportsbook. Verdasco will take on fellow Spaniard, Albert Montanes on Friday, with a spot in the fourth round on the line; meanwhile, Tsonga will battle big-serving Ivo Karlovic for a spot in the fourth round. Verdaso and Tsonga are on a collision course at SW19 and if both persevere tomorrow, they will set up a scintillating fourth round clash that sports bettors can’t wait to spot.

Tennis Betting Line: Fernando Verdasco -1200 Albert Montanes +600

Match Time: 06:00 A.M. Eastern Time Friday June 25, 2009

Tennis Betting Verdict: Fernando Verdasco has been relatively untroubled on his path to the third round. He opened his Wimbledon campaign with a straight set victory over wild card James Ward. In the second round, he dropped one set to Kristof Vliegen before eking out the Belgian in four. Next up is Albert Montanes who benefited from an easy section of the quarter to reach the third round. The Spaniard faced a qualifier in his opener and an out-of-form Canas (wild card) in the second round. Montanes is predominantly a clay courter. Grass is not his best surface. He has taken advantage of his section but in his next match, his vulnerability on this surface should be exposed. Verdasco has some skills on fast surfaces. Though not essentially a grassie himself he is in the midst of a standout season. He is on form and has confidence. He should advance relatively easily.

Tennis Free Picks: Verdasco in straight sets

Tennis Betting Line: Ivo Karlovic +160 Jo Wilfried Tsonga -210

Match Time: 06:00 A.M. Eastern Time Friday June 25, 2009

Tennis Wagering Verdict: For a 6’10 player, the tallest player on the ATP tour, Karlovic moves rather well. He serves big and grass is kind to his serve, making it virtually difficult to return. Karlovic plays rather well on grass and has won the Nottingham title twice. Interestingly enough he has not been able to transfer that success to the All England Club. In six visits, Karlovic has never been to the R16 only once. The last four years have seen him ousted in the first round.

Tsonga has won two titles this season and arrives in London on the heels of a R16 appearance at the French Open and a second round exit in Halle (l. to eventual champion Haas). Tsonga is making his second career visit to the All England Club. In his debut in 2007, he reached the R16. Last year at this time, he was injured.

This is the first-ever career meeting between Karlovic and Tsonga. The popular Frenchman enters this match as the favourite, listed at -210. I would like to sing his praises and recommend him as the sure play, but the fact of the matter is Tsonga has been short on confidence lately. That said, grass courts suit his game. If he serves well against Karlovic, and converts on break points when he gets the chance, he should win this match. But it won’t be easy.

Tennis Free Picks: Tsonga in five sets

Wimbledon Third Round – Federer and Soderling will meet

London, Great Britain – Five-time Wimbledon champion, and 2008 runner-up Roger Federer has advances to the third round at Wimbledon in relative ease. Federer is gunning for his sixth career Wimby crown and 15th overall Grand Slam title – a feat if he were to accomplish would mark a new record and set him apart from all the legends of the game.

Next up for Federer is Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany who took out Djokovic in the third round of the French Open – an important victory for the German that might give him enough confidence to audaciously halt Federer in his tracks at the All England Club.

Elsewhere, Robin Soderling – the 2009 French Open finalist – is set to battle Nicolas Almagro for a spot in the fourth round. If Federer and Soderling persevere tomorrow they would set up a scintillating rematch of the French Open final in the fourth round of Wimbledon.

Tennis Betting Line: Robin Soderling -650 Nicolas Almagro +375

Match Time: 06:00 A.M. Eastern Time Friday June 25 2009

Tennis Betting Verdict: Robin Soderling shot to fame a few weeks ago when he ended Rafael Nadal’s undefeated run at the French Open. Soderling stunned Nadal – and the worldwide tennis betting community – when he beat Nadal in four sets in the fourth round. He went on to carry the momentum to a runner-up finish at the French Open, losing to Federer in straight sets in the final. In reaching the final, Soderling proved his victory over Nadal was not a one-off. Soderling is playing with more confidence now than ever before.

He opened his campaign with a four set victory over Muller and followed up with another four set victory over Marcel Granollers to reach the third round. He enters the third round encounter against clay court specialist Nicolas Almagro as the huge favourite. Almagro has played back-to-back five setters to book his third round spot. He has to be a bit pooped. Grass is not his best surface and he will have his hands full against Soderling. In both his previous matches at the All England Club he found a way to persevere and win. Though, he might give Soderling a good match, this time his chances of persevering are slim.

Tennis Free Picks: Soderling in four sets

Tennis Betting Line: Philipp Kohlschreiber +1400 Roger Federer -6500

Match Time: 06:00 A.M. Eastern Time Friday June 25 2009

Tennis Betting Verdict: The way Federer has been playing this last month and especially at the All England Club there is very little chance he will wobble. His confidence is back, so is his serve and forehand. He won the Madrid title and went on to win the French Open title. He is back on his beloved luscious lawns of the All England Club, bent on reclaiming his beloved Wimbledon throne. For a player to beat him he would have to play out of his mind. For all the skill Kohlschreiber posses I just don’t see him capable of doing it. Should he mastermind the upset it will be equivalent to Soderling’s win over Nadal at the Frenchy – maybe even surpassing it.

Tennis Free Picks: Federer in straight sets

AFC North Odds – Steelers and Ravens in Race for Supremacy

2009 NFL Wagering Preview

While the Pittsburgh Steelers rode a wave of momentum all the way to Super Bowl XLIII where they beat the Arizona Cardinals in one of the most thrilling Super Bowl finishes in recent memory, nothing is certain in the new-age NFL where teams can go from worst-to-first and vice versa at the drop of a dime.

With that thought in mind, let’s take a look at the 2009 AFC North division odds in the BetOnline Sportsbook.

While the Steelers are clearly the favorite to win the AFC North in 2009 after narrowly beating out the Baltimore Ravens last season, let me once again, state the fact that nothing is ever ‘etched in stone’ in the NFL..

Pittsburgh Steelers -225 (12-4 SU, 9-7 ATS, 8-8 O/U)

The Steelers have followed the same blue print for franchise success since Hall of Fame head coach Chuck Knoll led the team to four Super Bowl titles during the 1970s. Now led by Mike Tomlin, the Steelers play with the same run-heavy, defense-oriented, philosophy that has been so successful for the ballclub over the decades. While Pittsburgh didn’t make many free agent transactions and drafted defensive tackle Evander Wood with the 32nd overall draft pick, I fully expect this team to be as competitive as ever should they avoid the costly injury to one of its key players.

Baltimore Ravens +320 (11-5 SU, 12-4 ATS, 9-6-1 O/U)

The Ravens had a spectacular 2008 season despite starting a rookie quarterback all season long in former Delaware Blue Hen Joe Flacco. Now, after adding veteran center Matt Birk and drafting rookie tackle Michael Oher with the 23rd pickoff the draft, the Ravens are set to take another step toward their goal of reaching Super Bowl XXLIV. However, I will go on record right now to say that Baltimore’s failure to add a speed receiver either through the draft or in free agency, could come back to haunt them.

Cincinnati Bengals +800 (4-11-1 SU, 7-9 ATS, 5-10-1 O/U)

The ‘Bungles’ were back in full force in 2008 NFL sports betting members, looking as inept as ever while dealing with a slew of injuries and off-field issues that sunk the franchise before the regular season ever began. Now, with starting quarterback Carson Palmer returning form a season-long in jury and the franchise drafting offensive tackle Andre Smith to help protect the fragile Palmer, Cincinnati believes it can take a step forward from its recent failures. However, if Cincinnati’s front office thinks the additions of free agent wide receiver Laveranues Coles, quarterback J.T. O’Sullivan and running back Brian Leonard are going to be enough to help this team compete with the likes of Pittsburgh and Baltimore, they are sadly mistaken. The fact of the matter is that the Bengals have worked overtime to destroy everything head coach Marvin Lewis built in his first couple of season of turning the franchise around. Now, NFL bettors can expect more of the same Pop Warner football from the Bengals in 2009.

Cleveland Browns +900 (4-12 SU, 6-9-1 ATS, 6-9-1 O/U)

The Browns made a wise move by hiring former New York Jets head coach Eric Mangini to replace the fired Romeo Crennel, no matter how much I personally liked Crennel as a person. However, the Browns will have their work cut out for them in the powerful AFC North and will likely take at least two seasons under Mangini before they become really competitive. The Browns parted ways with talented but enigmatic tight end Kellen Winslow and added veterans David Patten (WR), Robert Royal (TE) and Floyd Womack (G) in the hopes of giving the team more stability as it transitions under Mangini. Still, expect this team to stay under .500 at least for 2009 while Mangini transforms this team into his own.

Division Analysis: While it’s hard to bet against the Pittsburgh Steelers winning the AFC North in 2009, I fully believe they will be seriously challenged by the Baltimore Ravens before eking out the division title and making another strong postseason run toward their second consecutive Super Bowl championship.

I say the Steelers win the AFC North in 2009 by the skin of their collective teeth, but throwing some money on the Ravens just in case, particularly seeing their terrific division odds, is an excellent idea.

2009 Division Winner: Pittsburgh Steelers

Wimbledon Update – Roger Cruising, Venus Playing Hurt

Next stop for the Roger Federer history train: Phillipp Kohlschreiber. Tennis betting is heating up at Wimbledon, which heads into the third round this weekend with Federer at the top of his game. Going for his 15th career Grand Slam title and sixth crown at the All England Tennis Club, Federer is a huge –6500 favorite for Friday’s match with Kohlschreiber (+1400).

Federer came into Wimbledon as the favorite, even before World No. 1 and defending champion Rafael Nadal announced he would forgo the event because of tendinitis in his knees. With Nadal out of the way, another possible roadblock fell by the wayside on Thursday when Lleyton Hewitt stunned fifth-seeded Juan Martin del Potro.

If Federer can get by Kohlschreiber, he could run into Robin Soderling, who is a –650 fave for his third-round match with Nicolas Almagro (+325). Soderling was the runner-up to Federer at the French Open, when the Swede shocked Nadal in the fourth round. Beyond a potential match with Soderling lies the other predominant storyline at Wimbledon, namely the attempt by Andy Murray to become the first Brit since 1936 to cash at the All England Club.

Murray looked on form in his victory over Ernests Gulbis on Thursday, with 36 winners to go along with only five unforced errors. The World No. 3 draws Viktor Troicki in the fourth round, with a potential match with Gilles Simon on the horizon.

Venus playing hurt?

Women’s favorite and defending Wimbledon champion Venus Williams rolled over Kateryna Bondarenko in the second round on Thursday, but that was only part of the story. Williams played the match with support tape on her knee, calling into question if she’s fully healthy in her All England title defense.

Sister Serena was even more impressive in her victory over Jarmila Groth on Wednesday, and now meets Roberta Vinci in the third round on Friday. Serena is priced as an almost unbettable –3000 favorite, with Vinci on the board at +1000.

Bettors looking for value on Friday should handicap the third-round match between Nadia Petrova (-350) and Gisela Dulko (+225). The 10th-ranked Petrova has had an easy go of it so far, but could run into trouble against Dulko after the Argentinian upset Maria Sharapova in the second round on Wednesday.

World No. 1 Dinara Safina is also into the third round after dispatching Rossana De Los Rios on Thursday, while French Open champion Svetlana Kuznetsova dropped Pauline Parmentier in less than an hour to keep the Grand Slam back-to-back alive.

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