The early lines on BetSportsWeb 2008 NFL propositions indicate that the Patriots are, once again, the big favorites to win Super Bowl XLIII.
After blazing into last year's Super Bowl with an 18-0 record, oddsmakers appreciated New England's accomplishments when they compiled this year's lines.
Both Tom Brady and Randy Moss return after a record-shattering 2007 that won many a fantasy-football league.
Brady threw for a record 50 touchdowns, paired with only eight interceptions. Randy Moss' production was equally mind boggling, catching 98 balls for 1,493 yards, yielding 15.2 yards per catch, and taking it to the end zone 23 times.
Those numbers would be dominant in any division, but playing in what is perceived as a weak AFC East makes the Patriots a favorite for playoff contention.
If New England can build on their 2007 campaign, and couple it with an improved ground game, fans can buy Super Bowl tickets now.
The biggest question surrounding the Patriots this offseason has to be their secondary, which saw a major exodus this year. The NFL's biggest free agent, Asante Samuel, signed on with the Philadelphia Eagles, and Eugene Wilson left for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Randall Gay found a new home with the New Orleans Saints.
The departure of those three defensive backs has left a void, which would cripple most NFL teams. This leaves the Patriots with one question: Can Rodney Harrison and company carry the load this year?
Check out all the exciting 2008 NFL football preseason odds at www.betsportsweb.com!
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about 1 month ago
Harrison 2004. Yes, he is older.
about 1 month ago
If I had to guess, I'd say that the Pats will be fine with the players they've lost this year. I'd like to think that Samuels was over rated, and that the others (Gay and Wilson) won't be sorely missed. While all of them were playmakers, they are not the driving force behind the Pats. Now, take away Bruschi, Vrable and Thomas and that would cripple the Pats defensively.
Harrison is a beast-he'll carry whatever load Belichick asks him to.
While I don't see the Pats going 16-0 again, I don't see them losing more than 3 games either.
about 1 month ago
Steve,
I agree with you, but what if Bruschi and Vrable have injuries this season? The seconday will really need to step up and support the run and pass. Could be an issue. Saying that, I think The Pats easily get into the playoffs.
+350 is a nice line.
www.betsportsweb.com
from 29 days ago
I think we could live without one of them....maybe even two of them. But if we lost all three, the defense would crumble. And, I agree about the secondary stepping up.
about 1 month ago
We will go 19-0
from 29 days ago
When pigs fly!
29 days ago
The funny thing is that, EVERYONE likes to talk about how great Tom Brady is....Tom Brady is Leonardo DiCaprio's brother who happens to play football. When has Brady EVER played while injured?....NEVER!...So he has good targets to throw to and a really good O Line...Now what happens when he goes against teams that arent scared of his name?...look at the Ravens game last season, The Pats were on the brink of losing if it wasnt for a stupid timeout call.. Look at the game against Philly, they almost lost that one too..then look at the Super Bowl..he was shut out for the first half and most of the 3rd quarter... and LOST... so to all them patriots fans, please dont say Tom Brady is anywhere near The All Time Greats...
Brett Favre, Joe Montana, Ken Stabler, Warren Moon, Troy Aikman, Terry Bradshaw, John Elway, Dan Marino, Bob Griese, Steve Young, Peyton Manning...do you really think Tom Brady should be even close to considered in this list?...
HELL NO
from 29 days ago
Joey, you're right. Tom Brady isn't great. He's only set the record for most TD's in a sigle season (50), tied the record for most different players on a single team to score in a season (21), won NFL MVP, male athelete of the year, been invited to the pro bowl either 4 or 5 times, named sportsman of the year twice, made 5 super bowl appearances winning 3 out of 4 of those super bowls, he's started more consecutive games than anyone aside from Peyton Manning, he's set the record for longest regular season winning streak over two seasons (21), helped his team go 16-0 in a regular season and he played injured in this past super bowl against the NY Giants (ankle). Yep, you're right....judging him by these accomplishments he's certainly not one of "the all time greats".
Ryan also brings up some good points, too, about rating a QB.
While it's your opinion that Brady isn't one of the all time greats, he will go down in NFL history as one of, if not thee greatest QB the NFL has seen.
from 29 days ago
Joey, I'm a JETS fan and that is a dumb comment.
from 29 days ago
I must be honest and say that I like your honesty, Bruce. You've got a knack for being brutally honest and still maintain respect. Nice...very nice.
You must get that from all the Pats fans you hang out with! LOL! Sorry, couldn't resist! =)
from 29 days ago
I actually work with mostly Boston natives. What makes it funnier is that I am also a Yankee fan when it is usually METS & JETS or Yanks & Giants. They think I'm real scumbag, but we have lots of fun nagging each other. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to nag too much the past couple of seasons, but it looks like the Yanks might be OK.
from 29 days ago
Ya, I read that you worked with Pats/Sox fans someplace else on the BR, which is why I made that comment!
Props for being brave enough to live in New England and still like NY teams!
29 days ago
Adam, Even with a week schedule; I think it would be next to impossible for New England to go 19-0, but keep the faith brother!
Joey, interesting perspectives regarding Tom Brady pitted against other great QB's.
Didn't Brady play with an injury in last years Super Bowl game?
Before we past judgement on Brady how would you like measure greatness. Guys like Moon, Stabler, and Elway were all amazing, but none of them had ever won a Super Bowl does that make them less great? I don't think so. Do you gauge greatness on statistics? If thats the case, It would be impossible to statistically disqualify Brady from being on your great list.
29 days ago
Sorry not Elway. I ment Marino! :)
29 days ago
Great points from both Steve and Bruce!
29 days ago
Bruce and Steve great thoughts and thanks!
28 days ago
Read the injury reports. Brady has been "probable" for years. Have a nice day in your factless world.
from 28 days ago
This was supposed to be in reply to Joey, but I must've screwed up.
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