NFL Betting – Futures Betting

NFL betting is inching ever so close with the preseason schedule just around the bend. If you can’t wait until this weekend’s Hall of Fame Game, take a look at wagering on the numerous NFL futures odds available this time of year. Here’s a look at one of the most unique bets on the board:

Teams to miss the playoffs:

Pittsburgh Steelers (-110)

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The Steelers missed the postseason in 2009 after dropping four of their six AFC North showdowns, finishing 9-7 and just missing the Wild Card. Pittsburgh has a steep hill to climb if it wants to get back to the playoffs this season. The Baltimore Ravens are considered the class of the division and the Cincinnati Bengals, the defending AFC North champs, made waves with the acquisition of Terrell Owens.

The path for the Steelers will be even more treacherous early in schedule. Pittsburgh starts the year with star quarterback Ben Roethlisberger watching from the sidelines for the first six games (could be cut to four) of the year due to a suspension. That leaves the franchise in the hands of backups Byron Leftwich and Dennis Dixon.

The Steelers face Atlanta, Tennessee, Tampa Bay, Baltimore, Cleveland, and Miami before Roethlisberger returns, which could leave Pittsburgh playing catch-up all season long. It faces top teams like New Orleans, Cincinnati, New England, and the Jets once he gets back.

Philadelphia Eagles (-125)

The Eagles got a total facelift this offseason, saying goodbye to quarterback Donovan McNabb and running back Brian Westbrook. Philadelphia is putting faith in young quarterback Kevin Kolb, who was solid in limited appearances but might not have his biggest weapon at his disposal to start the year.

Stud wide receiver DeSean Jackson was injured during training camp this weekend, being carted off the field after hurting his back catching a ball. The team insisted the injury was not serious but the talented wideout was not on the field the following day. Jackson caught 62 balls in each of his first two seasons in the NFL, putting up 1,156 yards and nine touchdowns last year. If he is slowed, the Eagles’ offense would sputter to produce through the air.

The Eagles managed to make the postseason in 2009, losing to the rival Dallas Cowboys in the Wild Card round. Philadelphia boasts the ninth-toughest schedule in the NFL this season, facing foes like Green Bay, San Francisco, Atlanta, Indianapolis, Houston, and Minnesota. Those tough matchups are on top of a competitive NFC East calendar in which the Eagles, Cowboys, Giants, and Redskins could end up neck and neck in the final weeks of the season.