Boys of Summer – Watch Out as These MLB Ball Clubs Heat up Along With Summer Temperatures

With extremely tight races taking place in every division in the majors, except the AL Central where the Cleveland Indians have gone absolutely bonkers, baseball bettors everywhere know the 2011 MLB regular season is about to warm up in a big way along with the approaching summer temperatures.

With that thought in mind, MLB gamblers everywhere need to know which teams start to play at an even higher level than normal when the summer temps start to make fly balls carry just a bit further than normal.

Thanks to my always in-depth research, MLB gamblers everywhere will get a good idea of what the approaching summer months may bring as far as on-field play is concerned.

With the month of June just around the corner, let’s take a look back at which teams went on a torrid run during June of 2010.

Last season, the Texas Rangers recorded the best record in all of baseball in June (21-6) en route to its first American League Pennant in franchise history.

The Boston Red Sox, Chicago White Sox and Los Angeles Angels all went 18-9 in the month of June while the New York Mets went 18-8 and Atlanta 17-11 during the month.

After going 16-10 in June of 2010, the New York Yankees posted an incendiary 21-7 record in the month of July, with the San Francisco Giants being the only other team to win 20 games in the month (20-8).

The Tampa Bay Rays went 19-7 last July while the ChiSox and their impressive 18-8 mark makes them the only team in all of baseball to make the June and July ‘hottest teams’ list.

MLB gamblers saw the Cincinnati Reds post a neckbreaking 19-8 record in August of 2010 en route to their surprising – but well-deserved NL Central Pennant.

Two more of last season’s playoff teams, the Philadelphia Phillies and Minnesota Twins both went 18-10 while the Atlanta Braves join the ChiSox as another team that burned up the books in two summer months a year ago by going 18-11.

The Baltimore Orioles went on a 17-11 run last August after getting jolted awake by the hiring of veteran manager Buck Showalter while the lowly Houston Astros went 17-12 in the month.

Last but not least, the Tampa Bay Rays join the White Sox and Braves as the only three teams to win at least 17 games in two of the three summer months.

Recent history says watch the Rays, ChiSox and Braves and I think all three ballclubs will have solid summer months, but there are a few other teams that I think will heat up as the summer arrives. In the American League, I like the Red Sox, Yankees, Rangers, Angels to make a move up the standings this summer while Philadelphia, Cincinnati, Colorado and San Francisco make a move to do the same in the National League.

Can Vancouver Carry the Hopes of a Nation?

We’re down to the NHL’s version of the final four as Vancouver battles San Jose in the West in a meeting of perennial underachievers, while Boston clashes with Tampa Bay in the East without their best players. It has been a phenomenal Stanley Cup playoffs so far, and you can expect the drama and skill levels to increase as players get closer to the grand prize. Here is a look at how the odds are breaking it down.

Vancouver (+115): It should be no surprise that the Presidents’ Trophy winners are the favorites after defeating Chicago and Nashville, and they’re off to a good start after coming back to beat the Sharks in Game 1 at home. Still, how confident can you be in goaltender Roberto Luongo, especially after he gifted a goal to San Jose’s Joe Thornton in the series opener?

Boston (+325): The Bruins got run out of their building in Game 1, but they bounced back in a big way with a 6-5 win in Game 2. While you can’t underestimate the loss of Patrice Bergeron to a concussion, which robs the Bruins of their best player, rookie forward Tyler Seguin exploded in Game 2 with four points (two goals, two assists). Bergeron is one of the best two-way players in the NHL, he’s arguably the best faceoff player left in the postseason, and you can put him out in any situation. He says he is recovering nicely, and if he can get back in the lineup, the Bruins will have an even stronger opportunity to advance to the Stanley Cup finals and win it. 

Tampa Bay (+350): The Lightning are no joke, and after dismantling the Bruins in Game 1 on the road they had won eight straight games, spanning matchups with Pittsburgh and Washington as well. Goaltender Dwayne Roloson is a frontrunner for the Conn Smythe, and while we all know about Martin St. Louis, Vincent Lecavalier and Steven Stamkos, the Lightning have been getting goals from a number of different sources, notably Sean Bergenheim, who has eight.

San Jose (+475): The Sharks were badly outplayed in the third period of their 3-2 loss in Game 1 as they were outshot 13-7 and allowed two goals in a span of 1:19, but all is not lost in San Jose, who got good games from Thornton, Patrick Marleau and Logan Couture. Goaltender Antti Niemi kept the Sharks in the game, and he has experience against the Canucks from his time in Chicago, a team that was (and likely still is) Vancouver’s nemesis for the past two years in the playoffs, and he outplayed Luongo in Game 1. They’re a very good team at home, so if they can manage to go back to San Jose with a split after Game 2, it’s going to be a very tight series.

Premier League Betting Tips – Manchester United at West Ham United action

Premier League betting returns to the forefront of soccer-betting markets at BetOnline Sportsbook, as Game week 31 gets with Manchester United at West Ham United at Boleyn Ground.

Manchester United leads the Premier League table with 63 points, five points clear of Arsenal and a whopping nine points ahead of Chelsea FC. Man U will aim to extend their lead over the field and to cement their stranglehold on the title with a crucial win at West Ham United.

However, the Hammers have shown potential for better things recently than their current position would indicate, which suggests that although they remain on the chopping block (or thereabouts) they shouldn’t be underestimated.

Soccer  Betting Line:

West Ham United +½  +110   +360   2½  O -120   U +100    1  O +105   U -135   Draw   +250    
Manchester United  -½  -130   -130  2½  O -120   U +100     1½  O -125   U -105 Draw   +250

Match Time: 07:45 AM Eastern Time (12:45 Local Time) Saturday April 2, 2011

Soccer Betting Verdict: Manchester United bestride the Premier League table as if it were their personal playground. They are 18-9-3 on the season and taken in its totality, such form is a formidable by any team’s standards.

That said, taking their road form in isolation they are just 4-8-3 on the season, a record that reveals, in no uncertain terms, a less than convincing form away from the Old Trafford. Indeed, such a record opens the door for other teams, at the very least to share in the spoils.

West Ham United is desperate for any points as they are still hovering near the danger zone, despite climbing out of the league’s cellar to 17th spot. And they do have a glimmer of hope actually, over and above that that comes from Man U’s questionable travelling form.

West Ham has elevated their level of play across the board but also, more significantly, at home. They are 3-1-2 in their last five home fixtures, which includes a two-match winning streak against Liverpool and Stoke City.

Whilst form bodes well for them, it hasn’t exactly sanctioned a favourable outlook in market terms. They are still the underdogs at +360. This market cast though shouldn’t preclude a bet on them to win for those soccer-betting regulars that fancy their chances. That said the best bet here would be the draw at +250.

Soccer Free Picks: Draw +250

ATP Miami Masters Betting – Djokovic and Troicki collide for a spot in the quarters

Miami, Masters – Another Masters Series event, another matchup between Novak Djokovic and his compatriot, friend and Davis Cup teammate, Viktor Troicki. Let’s hope that this time – because, quite frankly, the last time they met (at the previous Indian Wells Masters) was embarrassing, to say the least –Troicki is a bit more competitive. There was nothing respectable or memorable about that account – save for Troicki bending his racquet over his knee. Now that was something.

We can hope all we want for a competitive high-octane affair but relying on Troicki to deliver is just not feasible. I mean, he’s barely made a dent in the head-to-head series with Djokovic, trailing as he does by a discouraging 1-8. The only win coming way back in 2007 in Umag, Croatia – incidentally, their first-ever clash.

Since then, Djokovic has reeled off eight straight wins over him, including the Indian Wells whitewash affair 6-0, 6-1. The worst aspect of the series is that it seems as if Troicki doesn’t even try, just caves in to Djokovic’s will at whim.

There was one match that was a departure and that was the memorable five-set marathon at the 2010 US Open but with that now fast looking like a one-off and Troicki resigned to being his countryman’s wingman, would Troicki even dare to be so audacious to attempt to upset the domestic pecking order. Probably not.

Tennis Betting Line:

Viktor Troicki +6 -105 +900 18½ O +105 U -145

Novak Djokovic -6 -135 -2500 18½ O +105 U -145

Match Time: 04:30 PM Eastern Time (01:30 PM Pacific Time)

Tennis Betting Verdict: Given all that we know of this billing, it shouldn’t be surprising that the market on this matchup is straightforward: Djokovic is the hot, hot, hot favourite to win outright at -2500, and few expect anything other than a Djokovic win. Simply because the impression Troicki leaves, is that of a player with just too much respect for his country’s national hero, in which case betting on his +900 odds seems like a fools bet.

In addition, Djokovic is undefeated this season and is showing no sign of slowing down, continuously gathering momentum and confidence. Beating a player that cuts that kind of an indomitable figure on court is going to take something special and I can’t say that Troicki has shown he’s capable of coming up with that something special. If he does accomplish the feat (and that is a big “IF”), he’ll go down in history as the player that stopped one of the best runs to start a season in the Open Era. That is heady stuff, indeed. Just saying it so seems crazy. So, all I can say: hope he brings enough racquets to court because he’ll be breaking a few today.

Tennis Free Picks: Djokovic in straight sets

ATP Miami Masters – Nadal and Dolgopolov to do battle in the R16

Miami, Florida – Alexandr Dolgopolov earned the right to challenge the World No.1 Rafael Nadal for a spot in the quarterfinals when he dealt Jo-Wilfried Tsonga the coup de grace this afternoon, a R32 clash that was rained out last night in the third set and only just completed with Dolgopolov winning 6-7(2), 6-4, 7-5.

Dolgopolov has made vivacious strides at the expense of the established ATP core this season, to their combined chagrin, in various tournaments. Importantly, none was a fluke – albeit many were underscored by some rather eccentric and quirky tennis from the Ukrainian rising star.

His scalps include Sam Querrey, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (twice now), Robin Soderling and Stanislas Wawrinka. Those are not your run-of-the-mill players but serious and solid top 20-calibre critters. That he beat them and did so weird… I mean…impressively, makes him the quintessential dangerous floater.

It is with some mixed trepidation that the Nadal camp looks upon this clash. It is with unabashed eagerness that the tennis community (as a whole) looks upon this clash. Many questions are being asked: how well can Dolgopolov account against Nadal? Is he going to trouble the Spaniard? Might he even orchestrate the (unthinkable) upset over the World No.1 Nadal? [Insert dramatic shiver] Inquiring minds want to know.

It is not the first-ever meeting between the pair but the first of this season and given all the evidence, it is not surprising that some are of the opinion that it might be different, better, more competitive, this time around.

The last meeting was at the 2010 Madrid Masters, where Nadal beat him in straight easy sets (on his beloved clay, on his home turf) en route to the title. I suppose, today’s meeting being on a hard court in North America makes it already different. However, is the outcome going to be any different? I don’t have a fully functioning crystal ball so I can’t say that I see it happening. What I can say though is that this week, Nadal is in form that is –for a lack of a better word – ominous.

Tennis Betting Line:

Rafael Nadal -5 -135 -1400 20 O +110 U -150

Alexandr Dolgopolov +5 -105 +650 20 O +110 U -150

Match Time: 07:00 PM Eastern Time (04:00 Pacific Time) Tuesday March 29, 2011

Tennis Betting Verdict: bookmakers are as rock solid on Nadal’s odds as ever, tipping him as the hot favourite at -1400 to win outright. And knowing the kind of competitor Nadal is one has to agree that a bet on Nadal is the most likely bet to pay out here.

Dogopolov is a tempting underdog bet at +650. Definitely, he’s shown that he can unnerve opponents and shake things up in a tournament. Yet expecting him to do to Nadal what he did to his other victims is a stretch, a leap even, simply because Nadal is the ultimate competitor. Full stop.

Tennis Free Picks: Nadal in straight sets

UFC 126 Predictions – Forrest Has a Shot vs. Rich Franklin on Saturday

The pre-main event at UFC 126 pits Forrest Griffin vs. Rich Franklin in a bout that many UFC 126 odds makers are saying could go either way.

It’s true that Franklin is a solid favorite at -170 in the sports book to take down Griffin, but the odds aren’t nearly as one-sided as many gamblers anticipated that they would be.  Franklin has been on the forefront of UFC in most of 2010 while Griffin faded out of the view, and the minds, of fight fans for almost all of last year.

Could Forrest really upset the powerful Franklin on Feb. 5th?

UFC 126:  Silva vs. Belfort

Where:  Mandalay Bay Events Center, Las Vegas, Nevada
When:  Feb. 5th, 2010 at 10:00 pm PST
TV:  Pay-Per-View

Forrest Griffin +140 vs. Rich Franklin -170

Light Heavyweight
3 Rounds

Forrest Griffin

Record:  17-6

Analysis:  The UFC 126 betting fans are starting to warm up to Forrest Griffin.  Griffin hasn’t fought since November of 2009 when he won a split decision over Tito Ortiz.  Before that, Griff had suffered a third round knockout to Rashad Evans and a first round knockout to Anderson Silva.  Both Evans and Silva are dynamite fighters, so, there’s no shame in that.  Forrest did beat Quinton Jackson in 2008 via decision and he submitted the awesome Mauricio Rua in 2007.  That was a lot of years ago.  Does Forrest have anything left? That’s the big question.  Griffin has terrific grappling skills but he’s also a decent striker.  He has insurmountable heart and, without a doubt, he’s one of UFC’s brightest fighters.  The question is whether or not a longer than a year layoff will affect his game against one of the top fighters in the division.

Rich Franklin

Record:  28-5

Analysis:  Franklin is a feared, tough, striker.  He laid serious wood onto Chuck Lidell in his last fight at UFC 115 in June of 2010 to end Lidell’s career.  Franklin struck Lidell 24 times in the first round.  Franklin struck Wanderlei Silva 52 times on his way to a decision victory in 2009.  Franklin is your classic striker that prefers to prevent takedowns, 70% successful prevent rate, instead of dishing them out.  Rich does have the ability to get a fighter to the mat but more often than not he prefers to fight standing up.  If he lets his hands go, there are few fighters at UFC that can withstand the punishment.

UFC Betting Pick:  I actually believe that Griffin to beat Franklin is one of the best UFC 126 picks on the entire card.  To me, Franklin is definitely fighting well, but Griffin has been in with the stouter opponents in his last two bouts.

I believe that there’s some fight left in Forrest.  Griffin struck Tito 70 to 24 in that bout.  He actually out struck Silva in the first round K.O. loss, 13 to 3, but Silva, obviously, got in the finishing strike.  Forrest was only out struck by a single blow, 50 to 49, versus Rashad Evans.  Now, Griffin takes on a straight up striker in Rich Franklin meaning that it’s possible that Forrest’s superior ground game could be the difference in this matchup. 

Franklin looked good beating up Chuck Lidell but Forrest Griffin is a much better fighter than Lidell.  I have to take the odds in this contest.  I’m backing Forrest Griffin.  

UFC 126 Odds Pick:  Forrest Griffin +140 

Bet on UFC 126 bouts in the UFC sportsbook!

Sources:  ufc.com

NHL Betting – Teams On The Playoff Bubble Continue Chase

With the National Hockey League All-Star weekend now in the rearview mirror, the teams still in contention for the 2011 postseason turn their attention to the stretch, continuing this weekend with some key matchups to look forward to.

While just two points separates fifth place from 11th in the Western conference playoff race, the spotlight will be on the Eastern conference, with a couple of matchups that will feature the teams ranked sixth through ninth facing off against one another on Saturday. Here are some NHL betting previews for Saturday’s card:

[Off topic: by the way, do you want to get a 55% bonus on your first deposit here at BetOnline? If so JOIN NOW.]

New York Rangers @ Montreal Canadiens

Saturday, 2:00 PM ET

The Canadiens have looked good with a couple of wins on the heels of the All Star weekend, which have moved them past a New York team that is trending the other way with three straight losses. Montreal barely escaped a visit to Washington with a shootout win coming out of the break, then followed that effort up with a close win over the Florida Panthers on Wednesday.

The Canadiens will have had two days off before back-to-back games against the Rangers and New Jersey Devils at the Bell centre, but will be in tough beginning with a New York team that has actually been better on the road than they’ve been at home. This game projects as one of those three-point nights, with the red-hot Canadiens getting the edge.

NHL Betting Pick: Montreal Canadiens

Atlanta Thrashers @ Carolina Hurricanes

Saturday, 7:00 PM ET

There may not be a colder team still in the thick of the Eastern conference playoff race than the Thrashers, which travel to Carolina to face their Southeast division rival Hurricanes on Saturday. Atlanta has just two wins through their past 10 games, and will be in tough against a Carolina team that has also lost two in a row.

The Southeast division has long been about the basement of the Eastern conference, but that is no longer the case with all five teams currently sitting ninth place or higher. The Hurricanes have been better at home than they have been on the road, and that will be one of the key differences in this game.

NHL Betting Pick: Carolina Hurricanes

Anaheim Ducks @ Colorado Avalanche

Saturday, 3:00 PM ET

Just four points separates the Ducks and Avalanche from sixth to 12th spot in the Western conference heading in to their Saturday matinee. Anaheim has bounced back from a tough season a year ago to climb in to the thick of the playoff race, but much of that has had to do with their play at home, as the Ducks are still a .500 team on the road.

Colorado cannot afford to fall too far back of eighth place this late in the season, especially with so many teams still involved in the race. This game well be a closely-contested defensive contest, so expect Colorado to take it while the game stays under the number.

NHL Betting Pick: Colorado Avalanche

UFC 126 Predictions – Silva Looks to Dominate Hyped Belfort

The brilliant Anderson Silva, the UFC betting odds favorite in the sportsbook at -220, will look to ascend once again to the top of the UFC/MMA Mountain on Saturday, February 5th.

The last time Silva entered the Octagon, he almost lost to -700 dog Chael Sonnen.  Silva maintains that he wasn’t prepared physically for that fight.  Is he prepared for this one?  Those backing Vitor Belfort at +175 odds don’t believe he is. 

[Off topic: by the way, do you want to get a 55% bonus on your first deposit here at BetOnline? If so JOIN NOW.]

Let’s analyze the championship bout right now.

UFC 126:  Silva vs. Belfort

Where:  Mandalay Bay Events Center, Las Vegas, Nevada

When:  Feb. 5th, 2010 at 10:00 pm PST

TV:  Pay-Per-View

Anderson Silva -220 vs. Vitor Belfort +175

Middleweight Championship

5 Rounds

Anderson Silva

Record:  27-4

Analysis:  The “Spider” is regarded as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world.  Surprisingly, he’s only a -220 favorite in the UFC 126 betting sports book to beat Vitor Belfort on Feb. 5th.  Anderson has an incredible array of ways to punish his opponents.  He has excellent kicks, great punches, he can fight in the clinch and he prevents takedowns about as well as any fighter at UFC.  Anderson’s take down preventing percentage is at an amazing 80%.  The only question regarding Anderson is whether or not he’s 100% for his fight versus Belfort.  Silva wasn’t 100% going into the Chael Sonnen battle and it almost cost him.  Silva’s ability to change things up when needed, he submitted Sonnen in that fight, is one of his best traits.  The man is an MMA master. 

Vitor Belfort

Record:  19-8

Analysis:  Belfort’s claim to fame is his amazing aggressiveness. Although he has decent ground game skills, Vitor is all about going for the knockout.  His aggressiveness is one of the reasons that he’s only a +175 UFC 126 picks dog in the sports book.  Vitor goes right after his opponent, with reckless abandon at times, in order to get the K.O.  The last time that he fought in UFC, in 2009, he knocked out Rich Franklin in the first round with only 9 punches.  Belfort’s a very good boxer and his flurry of punches usually does the trick.  He’s also going to be in excellent shape for this fight.

UFC Betting Pick:  This is a no-brainer.  After Jones over Bader, this is the easiest fight to call on the UFC 126 card.  Unless Anderson shows up in the same shape (bad!) that he did versus Chael Sonnen, he’s going to rock Belfort in this fight.

Belfort shouldn’t last past the 4th round.  Belfort is too aggressive for his own good at times.  He only prevents 41% of the strikes thrown at him and 61% of take down attempts.  Those aren’t good defensive percentages versus a guy like Anderson Silva who has an incredible arsenal.  Silva can kick, punch, hit in the clinch and, if the fight goes to the ground, use his grappling skills to force you to submit.

Unless Vitor gets a lucky punch in that rocks Silva early on in this fight, fight fans should expect the Spider to counter punch Belfort into oblivion.  Anderson Silva is the one to back in this battle.

UFC 126 Odds Pick:  Anderson Silva -220 

Bet on UFC 126 bouts in the UFC sportsbook, click here!

College Hoops Odds – Lavin Returns To UCLA With Red Storm

Those who follow the college hoops betting odds know that the action takes an interesting twist on Saturday as coach Steve Lavin returns to his old stomping grounds at UCLA with the St. John’s Red Storm, as they take on the Bruins at the Pauley Pavilion in Westwood at 1 PM ET. The game will be televised on CBS.

College Hoops Odds

St. John’s Red Storm (13-8 SU, 8-12 ATS) at UCLA Bruins (15-7 SU, 8-12-1 ATS)

[Off topic: by the way, do you want to get a 55% bonus on your first deposit here at BetOnline? If so JOIN NOW.]

Live at Pauley Pavilion

Westwood, CA

Saturday, February 5 — 1 PM ET

TV: CBS

College Hoops Betting Lines:  TBA

Here are some of the trends that are related to college hoops odds on this game:

·       St. John’s has covered two of its last eight games
·       St. John’s has played four of its last six games UNDER the total
·       St. John’s has covered two of its last six road games
·       St. John’s has lost seven of its last ten road games SU
·       UCLA has won six of its last seven games SU
·       UCLA has played six of its last nine games UNDER the total
·       UCLA has covered four of its last 12 home games
·       UCLA has won nine of its last ten home games SU
·       UCLA has played five of its last seven home games UNDER the total

After five years as an assistant, Steve Lavin spent seven years as head coach at UCLA, and during that time he led the Bruins to the Sweet 16 five times. After a 10-19 season that ended in 2003, he was let go, and was in broadcasting until he got the call to take over at St. John’s.

He inherited a team with nine seniors, and they have had their moments, although they have covered just two of their last eight games in the college hoops odds.

The Red Storm was at its best last Sunday against Duke, literally toying with the fifth-ranked Blue Devils. They shot 58% and couldn’t be stopped in the paint. What you saw were all the reasons why this team might be trouble for some good teams in the post-season.

Then they understandably were a little flat against Rutgers on Wednesday, shooting 37% and slipping by the Scarlet Knights by two points, failing to cover as an eight-point favorite in college hoops odds.

Now they have themselves a tough assignment, as it usually is when a team from the east coast travels west to play a game that starts early. On the basis of their experience, the Red Storm should be able to handle the atmosphere at Pauley Pavilion; after all, the Big East is no picnic and Madison Square Garden is a big stage.

What we worry about is the body clock. They must have made a concession or two in being able to play this game, and it’s because Lavin wants to recruit in the L.A. area (he already took Dwayne Polee Jr. out of there this season). If UCLA isn’t suffering from their own letdown after beating USC by 14 points, we’ll be happy to take the Bruins in the college hoops odds.

JAY’S PLAY:  UCLA BY 9

Challenge the college hoops betting odds at BetOnline Sportsbook!

Superbowl Betting – The Four Most Important Players For Green Bay

When the Pittsburgh Steelers and Green Bay Packers take to the field this Sunday, Superbowl betting analysis know that the spotlight will be on several players for each side. As much as the winner will be the team that works best as a unit, the role of the individual player will play a crucial role for both sides. Here is a look at the four most important players for Green Bay.

Superbowl Betting X-Factor No. 1: Aaron Rodgers

[Off topic: by the way, do you want to get a 55% bonus on your first deposit here at BetOnline? If so JOIN NOW.]

After watching and learning behind future Hall-of-Fame quarterback Brett Favre for his first few years in the league, Rodgers has finally taken the reigns at the top of the Green Bay organization, and nobody is looking back. Rodgers has the Packers within one win of clinching the Super Bowl in just his third year as the starter, and his 109.2 rating this postseason is absolutely outstanding. Rodgers threw for six touchdowns combined in wins over the Philadelphia Eagles and Atlanta Falcons in the first two games of the playoffs, rushing for two more overall to give him eight in three games. No. 12 was relatively quiet in the NFC Championship game, which in turn was the closest point differential of any Packers’ postseason contest, and some feel that he may have incurred an injury against that tough Chicago Bears’ defense. Whether or not he is healthy will go a long way in to determining how he performs, and how he performs will go a long way in to determining the outcome of this ame.

Superbowl Betting X-Factor No. 2: Clay Matthews

Matthews has more sacks in these playoffs than any other player for either team with 3.5, and is near the top in total tackles with 13. The Packers’ Pro Bowl linebacker has forced more yards lost than nay other player this postseason, and whether it was hunting down Michael Vick or laying out Matt Ryan, Matthews has taken his game to another level in the playoffs, which is surprising given how well he played during the regular season. The 24-year old USC alumni makes an impact with his incredible strength and relentless attacking style, and after nearly missing out on the NFC defensive player of the year, he could be in line to be the defensive player of the Super Bowl.

Superbowl Betting X-Factor No. 3: Greg Jennings

For as big of a factor as Rodgers will be, his contributions will heavily depend on the play of his top wide receiver in Jennings, who ranks first overall in receptions and receiving yards this postseason. Jennings has caught 17 passes for 239 yards, but the one thing missing so far is the touchdown. No. 85 has taken over for Donald Driver in the role of the Packers’ top wide receiver, and will look to complete the playoffs with at least one touchdown catch.

Superbowl Betting X-Factor No. 4: James Starks

The rookie running back has come out of nowhere this postseason to lead not just the Packers in rushing yards, but the entire NFL. Starks has totaled 263 yards in three games after rushing for just over 100 yards during the regular season, and will need another strong performance to keep the Steelers’ defense honest.

Next Page »