2011 NFL Predictions: Super Bowl Odds Paired with Dancing with the Stars

The 2011 National Football League regular season begins Thursday night with the New Orleans Saints taking on the Green Bay Packers, giving future bettors just two more days to place a wager on their favorite team to win Super Bowl XLVI.

Of course, that’s not entirely true, as Las Vegas bookmakers will put up new numbers each week once the previous week of games is complete.

In the world of entertainment, ABC’s Dancing with the Stars will begin its 13th season on Monday, Sept. 19, featuring a cast of 12 celebrities.

Last season’s prime-time dancing champion, Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward, will move off the stage and get back on the gridiron at Heinz Field.

There’s no better time to play matchmaker between celebrities and NFL teams—in terms of betting odds—to win it all in their respective competitions.

Let’s dance!

Elisabetta Canalis (+450), Patriots (+550)

Being an athlete, possessing great sex appeal, or both, gives you a great chance of winning Dancing with the Stars.

Elisabetta Canalis falls into the second category and wants to be known in America by more than simply being Hollywood actor George Clooney’s latest ex-girlfriend.

The New England Patriots have their own appeal—currently favored over 31 other teams in the National Football League to win the Lombardi Trophy in February.

Hope Solo (+500), Steelers (+1300)

Hope Solo oozes tenacity on the pitch and is the last line of defense for the United States Women’s National Team.

Her presence in goal strikes fear in opposing team's strikers.

The Pittsburgh Steelers line-backing core and safety Troy Polamalu strike the same type of fear in opposing offenses each Sunday.

She may also receive a tip or two from last year's winner—wide receiver Hines Ward.

Kristin Cavallari (+550), Bears (+3000)

The Chicago Bears fans already know how this story ends.

Next.

Carson Kressley (+700), Chargers (+1100)

The San Diego Chargers powder blue uniforms are arguably the best in football, which is just about the only thing in common between these two.

Carson Kressley has been dubbed “The Fashion Guru” by ABC’s marketing team, and that’s my angle in pairing the two up.

Robert Kardashian (+750), Packers (+700)

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers wanted to desperately break away from the shadow of legend Brett Favre.

Robert Kardashian is known as the brother of three Hollywood socialites and the son of one of O.J. Simpson’s lawyers.

A perfect match.

Chynna Phillips (+800), Saints (+1200)

American people have a short memory and will often forget things that happened not too long ago.

The New Orleans Saints stood atop the National Football League two years ago, as quarterback Drew Brees led the team to a win over the Indianapolis Colts.

Chynna Phillips was part of a pop trio and then went off on her own.

Well, the group Wilson Phillips is back and so are the Saints this year.

David Arquette (+1000), Raiders (+8000)

Both are comical in their own way. 

The Oakland Raiders are known for their mantra “Commitment to Excellence,” and David Arquette should have kept his to Courtney Cox.

Ron Artest (+1000), Jets (+1200)

Ron Artest and New York Jets are both loud and often misunderstood.

You either love them or hate them, but one thing is certain, each could come away holding the crystal ball at the end.

Ricky Lake (+1000), Texans (+2000)

Houston has always disappointed underneath the bright lights of prime-time games, and Ricki Lake never really made it out of daytime television.

Both are extremely talented, but always have people wanting more.

This could be the year for both, as the Texans may supplant the Colts in the AFC South, while Lake is starring opposite Johnny Depp on the big screen.

Watch out.

J.R. Martinez (+1000), Colts (+2000)

Both are making plenty of headlines in their respective places, as J.R. Martinez has come back from serious injuries, while the Indianapolis Colts wonder if their star will ever return.

If both of them get a chance to play, America is likely going to root for them along the way.

Nancy Grace (+1800), Ravens (+1600)

Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis and television lawyer Nancy Grace have both spent some time inside a courtroom.

Lewis has one of the more entertaining player intros in all of sports, while Grace tries to make lawyer-talk compelling.

Both play with tenacity in their respective arenas and will not go down without a fight.

Chaz Bono (+2000), Eagles (+750)

Both have supplied plenty of media attention to their respective places of business and will cause plenty of people to tune in.

The Philadelphia Eagles have a much better chance to win the Lombardi Trophy than Chaz Bono walking away with the crystal ball.

One thing is certain, it will be entertaining—no matter the results.