Padres Host D’Backs With Garland on the Mound

The N.L. West leading San Diego Padres send Jon Garland to the mound on Friday night to take on Dan Haren and the Arizona Diamondbacks. Garland should have the upper-hand in a game featuring two of the most popular pitchers in the National League this year.

The Padres are slight baseball betting favorites in the sportsbook but, according to the sports gambling odds, the D’Backs appear to have a shot with Haren on the mound. Haren’s numbers on the year have been less than spectacular with a 7 and 7 record, 4.36 ERA and 1.33 WHIP.

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Lately, Haren and the D’Backs haven’t been able to do anything right. In his last 5 starts, Arizona has gone 0 and 5. Haren has gone 0 and 3 with 2 no-decisions. Those aren’t very good signs for Haren and the D’Backs in regards to tonight’s game.

Will Haren be able to take down the N.L. West leading San Diego Padres?

Arizona Diamondbacks at San Diego Padres

Where: Petco Park, San Diego, CA

When: July 16th, 2010 at 10:05 pm EST

TV: Arizona – FS-A
San Diego – 4 San Diego

Radio: Arizona – KTAR, KSUN 1400
San Diego – XPRS 1090, XEPE 1700, XEMO 860

MLB Betting Odds:

Arizona Diamondbacks
Dan Haren – R +1 ½ -120 -105

San Diego Padres
Jon Garland – R -1 ½ +180 -115

The wagering trends clearly favor the Padres in this game.

• The San Diego Padres are 6 and 0 in their last 6 games when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• The San Diego Padres are 4 and 1 in their last 5 games as a favorite at home.
• The Arizona Diamondbacks are 2 and 5 in Dan Haren’s last 7 starts following a team loss in their previous game.
• The Arizona Diamondbacks are 2 and 7 in their last 9 games overall.

Not only do the trends favor the Padres, but the stats do as well. While Haren has issues in his last 5 starts, Garland has been sensational at home. He’s 4 and 1 with a 2.62 ERA in 9 starts at Petco Park. Overall, Garland is 8 and 6 with a 3.56 ERA and a 1.38 WHIP.

The key in this game is San Diego’s bullpen. The Padres’ bullpen leads MLB in ERA with 2.84. That bullpen shouldn’t have much of an issue against an Arizona team that averages only 4.54 runs per game and bats .252 as a team.

With one of their best pitchers on the mound, facing a Dan Haren that has had issues in his last 5 starts, and a team that has won only 3 out of their last 10 games, there doesn’t appear to be too much standing in the way of the Padres racking up another victory at home tonight.

The MLB wagering odds are almost a gift in this game. Arizona has little chance of beating the Padres. San Diego is the team to back in this game.

MLB Sportsbook Pick: San Diego Padres -115

MLB Betting Breakdown – Break the Bank Big-Time on Baseball’s Run Line Leaders

When it comes to making money by betting on Major League Baseball, my favorite of MLB gambling venture – Run Line wagering – is one of the best ways to boost the annual betting bankroll with a wise wager.

Run Line betting generally involves higher payouts than straight up betting against the moneyline – and for pro baseball fanatics that know which team is going to win or lose by at least two runs – it can be a highly profitable venture.

This look at baseball’s best Run Line winners will give MLB gamblers everywhere an excellent idea of just which teams stand the best chance of covering the MLB Run over the course of the coming week or so.

With that thought in mind, let’s get started.

NY Mets +$1956

The Mets have recorded a fantastic 41-23 Run Line record heading into Wednesday night to put just under $2,000 in bettors’ pockets so far and it’s not even the midway point of the season just yet.

New York has covered the MLB betting Line in a blistering eight of their last 10 games overall, in large part because of their solid pitching which has the team ranked seventh in all of baseball in team ERA (3.75).

Toronto +$1942

The Blue Jays may be sitting in fourth place in the high-powered AL East, but they’ve been money in the bank when it comes to covering the MLB Run Line.

Toronto has recorded a stellar 43-23 Run Line mark this season, mostly because they’ve hit more home runs (101) than any team in baseball so far.

NY Yankees +$1146

New York’s No. 1 ranked offense (5.58 rpg) and ninth-ranked defense (3.80 team ERA) have helped the defending World Series champs post a solid 37-27 Run Line record heading into Wednesday night.

The Yankees have covered the Run Line in four consecutive games and six of its last seven games overall.

San Diego +$1087

The Padres may be ranked 25th in offense, but the team’s top-ranked pitching staff (3.03 team ERA) has helped them shock the NL all season long. San Diego has covered the MLB Run Line in two of its last four games.

LA Angels +$730

The Angels have put over $700 in MLB bettors’ pockets this season, thanks to their respectable 37-31 Run Line record. Still, I’m a bit wary – and angry – at the Halos for dropping two games to Milwaukee this week – not to mention foolishly letting Vladimir Guerrero and John Lackey leave town as free agents.

L.A. is ranked 13th in offense and just 21st in defense.

MMA Betting Picks –Lawler Looks To Handle Sobral in Entertaining Strikeforce L.A. Showdown

Think MMA betting is only for the weekend?

Well think again mixed martial arts betting enthusiasts!

MMA gamblers everywhere will have an excellent opportunity to boost the annual betting bankroll thanks to tonight’s Strikeforce Los Angeles, the first-ever Strikeforce event scheduled for mid-week.

The unusual Strikeforce event, which gets underway live at the L.A. Convention Center tonight with preliminary matches beginning at 7 PM ET, will be headlined by the 195-pound catch weight bout between former EliteXC champ Robbie Lawler and former Strikeforce title-holder Renato "Babalu" Sobral.

MMA Betting Odds

Robbie Lawler -160

Renato Sobral +120

Let’s take a look at the Tale of the Tape on both fighters, before I offer up my expert analysis ad MMA expert pick.

Name: Robbie Lawler

Nickname: Ruthless

Fighting Out Of: H.I.T. Squad Granite City, IL.

Age: 27

Weight: 185

Height: 5’11”

MMA Record: 18-5-1

The Breakdown: After getting beaten by a first round Jake Shields submission at Strikeforce: Lawler vs. Shields on June 6, 2009, Robbie Lawler bounced back to knockout Melvin Manhoef at 3:33 of the first round at Strikeforce: Miami in January. Lawler specializes in boxing and submission wrestling, but has recorded just one submission win in his career versus 16 KO wins.

Name: Renato Sobral

Nickname: Babalu

Fighting Out of: Gracie Barra Combat Team – Costa Mesa, California

Age: 34

Weight: 205 lbs

Height: 6ft 1in

MMA Record: 35-9

The Breakdown: The Brazilian ‘Babalu’ specializes in BJJ and wrestling and will be looking to get back in the win column after having his five-fight win streak snapped in a first round KO (punches) loss to Gegard Mousasi at Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg last August.

Analysis: This bout is undoubtedly one of Strikeforce’s more interesting matchups ever as Lawler and Sobral will compete in a 195-pound catch weight that becomes even more fascinating when you consider the fact that the winner of this bout gets a title shot in his usual weight class (middleweight for Lawler, light heavyweight for Sobral).

Nevertheless, I don’t think MMA gambling fans have a tough pick on their hands in this one as I expect the bigger, more experienced Babalu Sobral to use his superior height, weight and submission techniques to wear Lawler down.

Now, don’t get me wrong fight fans, I know Lawler is by far, the more explosive fighter of the two, but I don’t expect Sobral to get caught with one of Lawler’s power right hooks or overhand left, particularly after getting knocked out in his last match on the basis of a single strike.

I’m expecting the technically sound, but much older, Babalu Sobral to keep this match mostly on the ground before most likely going for Lawler’s neck – and getting it.

While the very real possibility of a spectacular Lawler KO does definitely exist, I just don’t see that happening to the veteran Sobral and I think the older fighter uses his edge in experience and BJJ to submit Lawler in the second round.

MMA Pick: Renato ‘Babalu’ Sobral by Second Round Submission

NBA Finals Parlay Picks – Pierce, Celtics, Look to Take Lead Over Kobe and Company in Game 5

Paul Pierce and the Boston Celtics will be looking to cover the NBA Betting odds and take a 3-2 lead against Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers in their NBA Finals showdown when the two rivals take to the court at TD Garden on Sunday at 8 PM ET.

Boston beat L.A. 96-89 in Game 4 on Thursday to cover the NBA betting line as a 3.5-point home favorite to tie the series at two games apiece just as I predicted in the NBA locker room while the game’s final score played Under the 190-point O/U total.

Sunday, June 13, 8:00 PM ET

NBA Betting Odds

Boston Celtics -3

(O/U) 187½

TV: ABC
Radio: Sirius 212 XM, Sirius 211 XM

Boston (14-7 SU, 14-7 ATS, 9-11 O/U)

L.A. Lakers (14-6 SU, 11-9 ATS, 11-7 O/U)

Before I break down this Game 5 showdown, let’s take a look at the key head-to-head NBA betting trends, followed by my in-depth analysis and expert NBA Picks.

• Under is 4-1-1 in the last 6 meetings.
• Lakers are 2-5-1 ATS in the last 8 meetings in Boston.
• Lakers are 4-11-1 ATS in the last 16 meetings.

Los Angeles 411

• Lakers are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 NBA Championship games.
• Lakers are 4-10-1 ATS in their last 15 vs. Eastern Conference.
• Lakers are 2-5-1 ATS in their last 8 vs. NBA Atlantic.
• Lakers are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 Sunday games.

The Lakers got a team-high 33 points from Kobe Bryant in the loss and 21 points from Pau Gasol but were out-rebounded 41-34 as just one other Lakers player (Lamar Odom) reached double figures in scoring.

Boston 411

• Celtics are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 NBA Championship games.
• Celtics are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 home games.
• Celtics are 9-4 ATS in their last 13 games overall.
• Celtics are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 vs. Western Conference.

The Celtics got a team-high 19 points from Paul Pierce but it was reserve forward Glen ‘Big Baby’ Davis that really helped Boston to victory, scoring half of his 18 points off the bench in the final period.

Boston placed six players in double figures, including backup point guard Nate Robinson who scored a dozen points off the bench.

Analysis: I told NBA betting buffs that the Celtics would cruise to a solid ATS cover in Game 4 and they did, mostly out of sheer desperation.

Keeping with that theme, I think pro basketball betting aficionados have another easy selection on their hands with this matchup as the Celtics still have their backs up against the wall and know that they cannot afford to lose their final home game in this series if they want to win this year’s NBA championship and hoist the Larry O’Brien trophy.

The Lakers have recorded a dismal 2-5-1 ATS in the last eight meetings in Boston and discouraging 4-11-1 ATS in the last 16 meetings against the Celtics overall.

While L.A. has struggled to cash in for NBA gambling fans all postseason, Celtics have gone a blistering 8-2 ATS in their last 10 NBA Championship games, including a scorching 8-3 ATS record in their last 11 home games.

In addition to playing the Celtics to cover the NBA betting line as a slight home favorite, I also like the Under to play out again as it has gone a consistent 4-1-1 in the last six meetings between these rivals.

NBA Expert Picks: Celtics -3/Under 187½ Total Points

NFL Futures Betting Odds – Trio of Week 1 NFL Futures Lines Look Like Absolute Locks

The 2010 NFL regular season may not be set to get underway for another three months, but pro football betting enthusiasts everywhere can still get their fill of NFL gambling thanks to the creative NFL Week 1 Futures Odds that are being offered up for every opening matchup on the docket.

I have identified several contests that I believe are ‘near lock’ selections that pro football gamblers will likely want to jump all over as soon as possible.

This analysis and expert NFL free picks on each matchup should go a long way toward getting pro football bettors’ seasonal betting bankrolls started off on the right foot.

With that said, let me get busy.

Miami vs. Buffalo

Dolphins -1½ Points -115

Analysis: The Dolphins (and their owner) are billing themselves as a potential Super Bowl participant this season and although I’m not going that far out on a limb for a team with a young quarterback – and several question marks at various positions – I do like the Fins to easily handle the a Bills team that is undergoing some drastic changes this season.

Miami went 7-9 SU and a respectable 8-8 ATS last season compared to Buffalo’s 6-10 SU mark and identical 8-8 ATS record, but I’m thinking the Dolphins are going to march into Buffalo and win this game by a minimum of three points, particularly after all of their offseason talk about reaching the Super Bowl.

Expert NFL Pick: Dolphins -1½ Points

Detroit vs. Chicago

Chicago -7 Points -115

Analysis: Simple and plain, if the Bears don’t win this game by at least a touchdown, head coach Lovie Smith and quarterback Jay Cutler may get flogged in public by a Chicago fan base that wants wins – and wants them right now. Seriously though, Chicago is expecting big things and should be much better on offense after hiring Mike Martz to run things on that side of the ball. Chicago went 7-9 SU last season but just 6-10 ATS. Still, they should easily roll all over a rebuilding Lions ballclub that went 2-14 SU and 4-10-2 ATS last season.

Expert NFL Pick: Chicago -7 Points

Oakland vs. Tennessee

Tennessee -7 Points -120

Analysis: Let’s see … the Tennessee Titans are expecting to be back in legitimate title contention in the AFC under the blossoming Vince Young while the Raiders (5-11 SU, 8-8 ATS) are just hoping to record their first winning season since Moses climbed Mt. Sinai. If the Titans (8-8 SU, 6-10 ATS) don’t roll to a minimum 10-point win in this contest over a Raiders team will almost assuredly be mediocre again, then I’ll be shocked.

Expert NFL Pick: Tennessee -7 Points

Haste makes waste pro football betting buffs, so ride these ‘near lock’ selections all the way to the bank by checking out the bettor-friendly NFL Futures Odds in the NFL Sportsbook.

MLB Betting Insider – Baseball’s Best Bets at the Quarter Turn

With the unofficial one-quarter mark of the 2010 MLB regular season having just passed, teams in both leagues are starting to show their true colors – and pro baseball betting enthusiasts everywhere should be salivating because of this potentially bankroll-boosting fact.

Many teams have faded after surprising starts while others have continued to produce at a high rate for MLB gambling fans.

This look at the MLB’s best bets through one-fourth of the regular season should be just the elixir that baseball bettors everywhere need in order to make a plethora of payday-producing picks leading all the way up to the halfway point of the season.

With a thrilling slate of MLB action taking place all week long, let me get started.

Money Teams

Tampa Bay Rays (32-13) +1274

The Rays have been baseball’s best team all season long and look like they have a legitimate chance to win the AL East like they did when they shocked the world back in 2008. The Rays are ranked second in runs per game (5.36) and first in defense (2.94 ERA).

Toronto Blue Jays (27-20) +1062

The Blue Jays are a middle-of-the-pack ballclub defensively, ranking 18th in team ERA but have two starters in Ricky Romero and Shawn Marcum that are both 4-1 with respective ERA’s under 3.00 while also ranking fourth in the majors in scoring (5.26 rpg) and have three players that have already reached double figures in home runs.

San Diego Padres (26-18) +1022

The Padres have won big this season despite its anemic offense (4.27 rpg) which ranks just 21st in scoring. San Diego has gotten some phenomenal pitching from its entire staff to rank second in the majors in team ERA (3.03) while recording a winning record both at home and on the road.

Washington Nationals (22-22) +869

Stop rubbing your eyes, it’s true, the Nationals have been solid all season long, helping them become one of the best money earners in all of baseball so far this season. Despite ranking in the bottom third in both offense (4.31 rpg) and defense (4.51 ERA), the Nats have recorded a winning record almost 50 games into the regular season and appear to be just as good as any team in the NL East outside of Philadelphia right now.

Cincinnati Reds (26-19) +828

The Reds are another ballclub on this list that has surprised in a big way so far this season despite modest expectations coming into the season. Cincinnati has recorded a winning record both at home and on the road this season and ranks ninth in offense by averaging nearly five runs per contest (4.98). If the Reds can improve their 25th-ranked defense (4.66 ERA) this team could really take off in the mediocre NL Central.

Could Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals be the end of the Orlando Magic’s season?

While it’s too early to say, there are still plenty of great wagers you can make, whether you feel that the Celtics or Magic will be victorious Monday night.

Here are some great NBA Prop bets to whet your NBA gambling appetite:

Dwight Howard- Over 30 ½ Points + Rebounds (-115) or Under 30 ½ Points + Rebounds (-115): The big man in the middle for the Magic truly had a Game 3 to forget on Saturday night, as he ended up with just seven points and seven rebounds, while getting bullied by Boston’s Kendrick Perkins and Rasheed Wallace.

So as we enter Game 4, are we going to see the real “Superman,” who had 30 points and eight rebounds in Game 2 or the no show from Saturday? Take the former, not the latter.

With their backs against the wall, the Magic know its due or die time, and no player is more important to their success than the 6’11 Howard is. Through the playoffs, he’s averaging 15 points and 10 rebounds a contest, numbers which he should surpass with a big game Monday night.

Howard still has a long way to go before he’s considered a truly offensive threat night in and night out.

But Game 4 will prove that when it’s time to play, Howard can come through. Take the OVER in this NBA Playoffs betting.

Paul Pierce- Over 23 ½ Points + Assists (Even) or Under 23 ½ Points + Assists (-130): Pierce has been a revelation in this round, as he’s averaged 21 points a game in this series, after scoring just 13.5 per contest in the Cleveland series.

The biggest difference for Pierce may not actually be on the offensive end however, it’s the simple fact that he no longer has to guard LeBron James, like he did in the previous round. That gives him more energy when Boston has the ball, the biggest reason why his average point total has increased by almost eight a game.

Expect it to be no different on Monday night. With Orlando’s defense forced to collapse on driving point guard Rajon Rondo, it leaves Pierce open time and time again. He’ll easily go OVER this NBA Prop bet, maybe on points alone.

Vince Carter- Over 17 Points (-115) or Under 17 Points (-115): Since last year’s run to the NBA Finals, the only major change that Orlando made to their lineup was adding in Carter for the departed Hedo Turkoglu. And whether it is fair or not, if the Magic go down in this series, it’ll be Carter who gets much of the blame.

In the last two games of this series, Vince Carter has been quiet, averaging just 15.5 points per game, after going off for 23 in Game 1. Boston isn’t making it easy on the 6’6 swingman, as every time he attacks the hole, he’s met by a big, hard foul.

With that, it has affected Carter’s game in the sense that he seems no longer willing to attack the rim.

Because Carter’s game has changed so much over the past few games, expect him to go UNDER in this NBA Prop Bet.

Carter doesn’t seem comfortable at all when the Magic have the ball, and certainly not comfortable enough to get 17 points.

MLB Free Picks – Liriano Gets The Call Against Red Sox Nation

Despite the makings of what could be a fantastic American League rivalry, this will be the final game played between Minnesota and Boston at Fenway. Both teams have sent two of their bigger tickets to the mound to protect the MLB betting picks of the respective sports gambling factions. Red Sox Nation just better be praying Francisco Liriano doesn’t pitch half as well as he did the last time they played him.

In mid-April, Liriano pitched 7.0 innings in a shutout victory over the Red Sox, allowing just 4 hits. It was his first win of the season, and now that Liriano and the Twins have lost his last two starts, this matchup could be his next. For the season Liriano is 4-2 SU in seven starts with a 2.63 ERA that’s enough to make Boston bury it’s worries in some Samuel Adams.

Minnesota Twins (24-16) vs. Boston Red Sox (21-20)
Thursday, May 20th — Fenway Park — 7:05pm EST
MLB Betting Lines:
MIN – Francisco Liriano (L) +1.5 -165 +120 O 8.5 +105
BOS – Jon Lester (L) -1.5 +145 -140 U 8.5 -125

The Red Sox will try to preserve their hopes of continuing their winning ways by sending Jon Lester to the hill. Lester continues to be far better in the early part of the season than he has in the past, throwing a 3.91 ERA on the season and going 2-0 SU in three starts for the month of May.

He has a lot of work to do if he wants to make up for the 9 hits and 4 runs he allowed in a 5-2 loss against the Twins back in April. It will certainly calm his nerves that the Red Sox are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games at Fenway and are 9-4 SU in 13 games playing Minnesota.

Where To Watch: FSNO, NESN

In comparison, the Twins have not played that well. They’re 2-4 SU in their last 6 games and mirror that record when playing on the road. In five road games in Boston, they’re winless.

As much as Boston keys off of a guy like David Ortiz (whether the fans want them to or not), his play against southpaws hasn’t been admirable. He’s went just 6-for-27 and had 10 strikeouts against left handed pitchers in the 2009 MLB betting season.

The Twins have much more confidence with Liriano at the stripe than the Red Sox will if Ortiz struggles against him at the plate. That’s why I love the underdog money for MLB betting picks tonight. The Twins can go run the scoreboard with some strong hitting, and count on Liriano to bail them out of trouble early in the game.

Furious MLB Free Pick: Minnesota RL and ML (UNDER)

In case that wasn’t enough for your baseball betting palette, we’re continuing a new feature right below! Along with your daily MLB free picks, I’m adding a parlay recommendation along with it. The following is not for the weak of heart. You’re getting two for the price of one now, might as well double up your pleasures in MLB betting too.

Warning: for tough guys only!

Tough Guy Parlay Pick: Twins +120 ML with Angels +120 ML

MLB Betting Lines:
LA Angels Ervin Santana (R) +120
Chicago White Sox Jake Peavy (R) -140
Game Time: U.S. Cellular Field — 8:10pm EST

MLB Betting Trends

• Angels are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games
• Angels are 3-10 SU in their last 13 road games
• White Sox are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games
• White Sox are 1-4 SU when playing Angels
• White Sox are 1-4 SU in last 5 games at home

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Scott Ends Drought With Valero Texas Open Victory while Els Fails as the Golf Betting Favorite

Adam Scott, the 29 year old Australian who showed incredible promise when winning the 2004 The Players Championship, ended a two-year drought by winning this past week’s Valero Texas Open. Scott wasn’t the golf wagering favorite in the Valero but he wasn’t one of the bigger under dogs either. If he’s got his game back, then sports gamblers that make golf bets are going to have to add his name to a growing list of 30 year old or younger players that can win on the PGA Tour.

Scott shot a 14 under to beat Fredrik Jacobsen by a single stroke. For the victory, Scott secured $1.098 million. Now, if he could play the way he played at the Valero at the up coming U.S. Open, Scott might put himself into the upper echelon of golf.

The favorite to win the Valero Texas Open didn’t embarrass himself on the course. Even though he didn’t take home the trophy, Ernie Els did play well enough to finish tied for 3rd with a 12 under. Els, who was the +1000 double-digit favorite in the golf sportsbook to win the Valero, shot a final round 68 in order to pressure Scott.

Els appears to have regained the form that led to his Arnold Palmer Invitational and WGC-CA victories earlier this year. Ernie missed the cut at The Players Championship after finishing 18th at the Masters Tournament. If Ernie is can continue playing well in the next coming weeks, there’s no reason for him not to be one of the golf betting favorites to win the U.S. Open.

Tiger’s Neck Shouldn’t Be a Problem…the Lack of Play Might

Tiger Woods does have a screwed up neck. Well, technically it’s inflammation in his neck. Supposedly, Tiger will make a full recovery. That’s all well and good but the U.S. Open is coming up soon and El Tigre has much bigger issues than inflammation in his neck.

He’s been one of the biggest golf gambling busts in recent memory. In 3 tournaments, as a roughly +300 golf bet favorite in each, Tiger has fallen faster than Lindsay Lohan’s movie career. He finished 4th in the Masters Touranment, which was nice, but he didn’t win sports gamblers a lot of dough. Then, he missed the cut at the Quail Hollow Championship when shooting a 74 and 79 for a +9.

Last week at the Valero Texas Open, El Tigre withdrew after shooting a 70, 71, and 71. Yes, he had excuses for the W/D at the Valero but the lack of play is a huge deal. Tiger needs to play competitively in order to get his swing working. He also needs to putt under pressure and he can’t do that on his practice course.

The U.S. Open is coming up quick and Tiger, who in almost every year is the favorite in the PGA sportsbook, could not only end up as an underdog in the sportsbook to win the second major tournament of the year but a double-digit underdog.

Right now, Tiger is a +300 favorite, like he has been in every tournament he’s played at this season, to win the U.S. Open. Take those golf odds at your own risk, my friends.

Sabbatini Looks to Defend Title at the HP Byron Nelson Championship

Rory Sabbatini won the 2009 HP Byron Nelson Championship by shooting a 19 under and beating Brain Davis by 2 strokes. He figures to be one of the golf wagering favorites in the 2010 HP Byron Nelson, this week’s PGA Tour Event.

Will Rory make it two in a row?

Log onto the PGA sportsbook and make golf bets on the HP Byron Nelson Championship!

NFL Betting – Roethlisberger Effect Moves Super Bowl XLV Odds For NFL Bettors Steelers Backers

Lost in the onslaught of national media attention given to Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, his bevy of off-field problems – and ensuing suspension by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell – is the fact that Roethlisberger’s actions have changed the dynamics of the 2010 NFL Super Bowl Odds and just which teams are favored to win next season’s big dance.

By staying in agreement with a comprehensive behavioral evaluation, Roethlisberger will have an opportunity to reduce the suspension from six to four games much like Michael Vick reduced his four-game ban to two games just one season ago.

Of course, ‘Big Ben’ could also face a longer ban by not staying in compliance, but hey, that’s a story for another day.

Okay, now on to how Roethlisberger’s stupidity affected the NFL Super Bowl Odds, a season-long wager that typically offers fantastic odds to the pro football bettor that can correctly pick the title winner months in advance of the big game taking place.

After Goodell announced the suspension of Roethlisberger, Las Vegas Sports Consultants immediately moved the Steelers from 12-1 to 20-1 odds to win Super Bowl XLV next season.

Tony Sinisi, odds director for Las Vegas Sports Consultants, which provides sports betting odds to an assortment of casinos in Nevada, where sports gambling is legal, told reporters the change was announced shortly after NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announced the suspension.

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"Fortuitously for us, not all of the stuff that we’re going to put up for the NFL is up yet," Sinisi told reporters. "What that really could have impacted is over-under win totals for the particular teams. We don’t have that up yet."

In addition to lengthening his own team’s odds to win next season’s Super Bowl, Roethlisberger’s actions also improved the odds of Pittsburgh’s division rivals as well.

The always tough Baltimore Ravens improved from 18-1 to 15-1 while last season’s surprise division winner, the Cincinnati Bengals moved from a whopping 30-1 odds to a 25-1 pick to take home the title.

Roethlisberger, a two-time Super Bowl winner, is still facing a civil suit brought by a Nevada woman who made similar claims to his recent situation in Milledgeville, Ga., about a 2008 alleged incident involving the beleaguered quarterback.

Pittsburgh has recorded a mediocre5-5 without their starting quarterback since 2004. Arguably the most model franchise in the history of the NFL, Pittsburgh acquired veteran quarterback Byron Leftwich and was reportedly entertaining offers of trading Roethlisberger prior to this weekend’s NFL Draft.

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