By Tony George www.sportsaudioshows.com  

As I look at the Super Bowl odds for the teams in the NFL there are a few prop bets worth taking, which I have made some preseason wagers on, and I will tell you who they all are. My process for these prop bets, and I had the Colts last year at 3 to 1 early to win it and cashed a ticket, is one of elimination. That means I look at teams that have NO chance of winning the Super Bowl like Cleveland, Detroit, Tampa Bay, Arizona, Minnesota, Kansas City, Tennessee, NY Jets, Houston, Carolina, Oakland, Atlanta, and San Fran for instance, and you have elinimated over 45% of the prospects right there. A process of narrowing down for lack of a better term, to hone in on teams that I can handicap at a reasonable pace before the season kicks off. Prop bets are something I do usually once or twice a year, as I am a flat bet type of guy and manage my clients money as well that way. These are for fun but have some validity as well.

I am not sold on the Colts repeating. Their offense is awesome but their defense is weaker than last year and a season ending injury to McFarland in camp was a big blow to them. They will be in the mix, have no doubts about that and it is not impossible for them to repeat, but I am a gambler and odds are it will not happen.

So you look for the top 6 odds on favorites to win it all, in each conference, at your preferred sportsbooks and narrow them down, and as always I throw in a longshot as well, just in case parity takes over in the NFL as usual, and someone emerges from the shadows and takes it. My wagers are $500 each on the follow teams unless noted, with a paragraph or two to explain my thoughts. My prop odds are from BoDog Sportsbook for the purposes of this article:

New England @ 8/5 (My Pick to win it in 2008, and a popular one based on the line)

New Orleans Saints @ 14/1 (a solid long shot from the NFC)

Baltimore @ 18/1 (best long shot from the AFC, best secondary bet after New England on the board)

Philadelphia @ 20/1 (McNabb's best shot to get there and get it done)

Indianapolis @ 15/2 (I played only $250 on this wager)

St. Louis Rams @ 40/1 (My long shot of the year, I also played $250 on this wager)

As you can see I have picked out 3 from each conference in the NFL. Notice I left out a high favorite, the Chargers, Norv Turner has never won anything! With the addition of a strong WR unit for New England Patriots with Stallworth and Moss, Brady has all the tools, and a better than average defense to compete with this year. Deep and talented and well coached, I like their chances, especially after blowing an 18 point lead in the AFC championship last year to Indy. Motivation is a huge factor in the NFL and they have the coach who knows how to get it done.

I also like the Saints for numerous reasons, and with an improved defense they will again compete for an NFC Championship, I assure you they are not one hit wonders with Brees at the helm and what they have in terms of weapons. With Baltimore you have once again an outstanding defense, a slashing running game with the addition of Willis McGahee from Buffalo replacing Jamal Lewis, and Mike Anderson to back him up. Steve McNair has the clock ticking, and has the weapons around him. The defense is aging but rock solid, with great special teams and an experienced and well tenured coaching staff, I assure you that Brian Billick gets it done or gets fired this year! They are for real folks, have no illusions.

I have to throw Philly in the mix if McNabb can stay healthy. I just have a feeling about this team this year and they are solid against the pass, as good as anyone in the NFL, which is a huge plus, and a great 1-2 punch at RB with Westbrook and Buckhalter. I also cannot discount the prolific offensive attack of Indy to get back to the dance this year, but with a defense that is questionable as I look at the top 2 contenders here. When it comes down to it at seasons end if it plays out, it will be tough to beat New England or Baltimore anywhere, home or away, but not impossible so I am covering my bets with Indy. I'll bet you a dime to a dollar no one will blow an 18 point lead the AFC championship this year!

The Rams may just surprise everyone and I have been on their bandwagon and QB Bulger's for the past 6 months. I like their running game and RB Jackson who led the NFL in yards from scrimmage last year and their defense is vastly improved. Marc Bulger fly's under the radar screen every year but is a solid QB who is deadly accurate and has weapons that make big plays all over the place. A solid long shot at 40 to1, I'll take my chances.

These are my personal Super Bowl prop wagers as played last Friday at 2 of my favorite on-line sportsbooks. For another season of winning selections and 16 years of ethical business practices and proven results, find me daily at www.sportsuadioshows.com.