Gridiron Experts team of writers is making some bold NFL predictions. Some are long shots that you may love, others are realistic guess’s that you’ll hate.

Chris Hall’s 5 Bold Predictions

5.The Texans make the playoffs.

I know, I know, the Texans have a studly fantasy offense with Matt Schaub, Andre Johnson, and crew, but they have never, in their teams history, been to the playoffs. The team is way too good to keep losing close games, and I really think that the Kris Brown/Neil Rackers kicking rivalry will make for a few less blown game enders. There’s no reason that the Texans should’ve lost to the Colts and Titans in weeks 9 and 11.

4. Shonn Greene will go the way of Ronnie Brown.

I absolutely hate foretelling injuries to players, but I don’t think that Shonn Greene’s style of play translates into a full NFL season. He hurt his ribs last offseason and then in the playoffs, and is bound to hurt them again with his bruising style. Rex Ryan is already threatening to load him up with extra padding to prevent rib damage… sounds scary to me.

3. Steven Jackson will leave fantasy owners out of the playoffs.

Last time S-Jax topped 300 rushing attempts (’06-’07), he sputtered out the next season and ran for 1,002 yards and 5 TD’s. Last season he had 324 yards and had to have been demoralized by having 19 linebackers on him every play. I really don’t see the offense getting that much better this year with Sam Bradford, so once again he will be on everyones radar. Expect him to be tired… real tired.

2. Mike Williams catches some TD’s.

With Pete Carroll as coach, Mike Williams will see the football field. and he’ll make some sick catches. He’s in a crowded WR corps, but I think he’ll catch 4-5 TD’s and 500-600 yards. Don’t go out and draft him high, but he may be worth a late round flier.

1. Randy Moss will have a bad year.

He’s 33 and is about as afraid to take a hit as Deion Sanders was in his heyday. He’s going to have to slow down eventually, and I think this will be the year. A few big shots and even he will start questioning his mental toughness.

Jody Smith’s 5 BOLD predictions for 2010

5.The Saints passing game will be even better

No one debates that the New Orleans Saints have an awesome offense. In the 2009 season, the Saints added two elements to their game that led them to the Super Bowl championship. Playing with so many leads in 2009 really allowed the team to emphasize the running game in the second half, and removed pressure for the defense, allowing them to play with less pressure, seeking turnovers. An effective running game, and an aggressive, turn over happy defense.  In 2010, both of these elements are less likely to be as effective, and this will cause the Saints to revert back to their pass heavy offense of 2008

The effective rushing attack of 2009 was attributed to 2 main reasons. First, the commitment to use a three headed attack. Pierre Thomas, Mike Bell, and Reggie Bush all saw significant carries. A fourth back, Lynell  Hamilton, even contributed. Use of this committee kept all three backs fresher, and allowed the Saints to play them part time in more specialized roles. In 2010, Mike Bell is gone to be replaced by Hamilton. With Bell’s short yardage finisher role gone, it remains to be seen how the Saints running game will respond.

Secondly, that opportunistic defense is likely to see a significant drop off. Rarely will the ball bounce the Saints way so often, for a second year in a row. If the running game takes a step back, it will also not allow the team to salt away wins by sitting on the ball in the latter stages of games. That means more defensive snaps, and the increased likelihood of fatigue.

Also to keep in mind is the giant target now centered right on the Saints backs, as the SuperBowl champs. They’ll get the championship schedule, and every teams best effort, every week. These factors could contribute to New Orleans struggling more in 2010, and having to utilize that spectacular passing game even more..and that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

4. Chris Johnson will disappoint

Johnson will still be good; he’s too talented not to be. But there are some serious red flags that would prevent me from picking him as a top 3 running back this year. Contract issues could become a problem again. Take a look at the NFL history for running backs following these marks: 1. 2000 yard rushers- every one has seen a steep decline the next year. 2. Backs who lead the league in touches- Huge decline in effectiveness..possibly from over use. 3. Runners who get 375+ carries- That’s a lot of wear and tear. 4. Lack of proven back to share carries- until one of the young guys steps up, we don’t know that the Titans can afford to rest Johnson much.

3. The New York Jets won’t make the playoffs

I think the offense, led by a rookie quarterback, over achieved. I think they will struggle in the passing game more this year.  They also lost a 1,400 yard 14 TD running back and some key veterans on the offensive line. They also will play a tough schedule. Their head coach seems to encourage arrogance and attitude, but this often lead to discipline issues. There are also several veterans, none more important that superstar Darrelle  Revis.

2. Jay Cutler will have 30 Tds, but more turnovers

Cutler lacks no confidence in his own ability. He thinks he can zip the ball in the tightest of places, and make any
throw. He’s almost right too. But that’s a bad combination with a Mike Martz offense. While a Martz passing game means quick passes and reads, it almost always means way more sacks, fumbles and interceptions.

1. The Return of the backs

Too often fantasy football owners are two years behind trends. Everyone now knows that receivers are becoming more and more valuable. The unfortunate trend of the dreaded running back by committee helped usher in the importance of a strong group of pass catchers. The fact is, the passing game has been growing for years. With a new crop of talented, young runners in the NFL, I look for the rushing yards and touchdown numbers to rise significantly, and for the smartest fantasy football owners to be proactive, not reactive.

BetUS.com has early odds on who they think will win, and believe it or not, Dez Bryant isn’t the early favorite. Rookie awards are a prop bet offered by BetUS.com, something that believe it or not, is a bet you can’t get in Las Vegas?

I know what you’re thinking…you can bet on anything in Las Vegas, but actually Casino’s can’t offer odds on something that has to be voted on.  Gridiron Experts is teaming up this year with BetUS.com to provide you with tons of cool prizes and special offers. In fact, starting SEPT 1. Gridiron Experts readers will get an exclusive 100% match offer on deposits (up to $500).

Offensive Rookie Player Odds

• Arrelious Benn 15 to 1
• Ben Tate 6 to 1
• Brandon LaFell 20 to 1
• CJ Spiller 8 to 1
• Dexter McCluster 10 to 1
• Dez Bryant 5 to 1
• Emmanuel Sanders 15 to 1
• Golden Tate 12 to 1
• Jahvid Best 6 to 1
• Jermaine Gresham 15 to 1
• Jimmy Clausen 12 to 1
• Jordan Shipley 20 to 1
• Montario Hardesty 15 to 1
• Rob Gronkowski 15 to 1
• Ryan Matthews 4 to 1
• Sam Bradford 8 to 1
• Tim Tebow 20 to 1
• Toby Gerhart 15 to 1

Defensive Rookie Player Odds

• Brandon Graham 18 to 1
• Brandon Spikes 18 to 1
• Carlos Dunlap 15 to 1
• Derrick Morgan 15 to 1
• Devin McCourty 15 to 1
• Earl Thomas 8 to 1
• Eric Berry 5 to 1
• Gerald McCoy 8 to 1
• Jason Pierre Paul 20 to 1
• Jerry Hughes 15 to 1
• Joe Haden 15 to 1
• Kyle Wilson 12 to 1
• Ndamukong Suh 4.5 to 1
• Rolando McClain 8 to 1
• Sean Witherspoon 12 to 1
• Sergio Kindle 12 to 1
• Taylor Mays 15 to 1
• Terrence Cody 15 to 1
• Tyson Alualu 15 to 1

Gridiron Experts Picks

Ben Roethlisberger was the first quarterback to win the award in 2004 since Dennis Shaw of the Buffalo Bills back in 1970. Since Big Ben’s win, two other QB’s (Vince Young & Matt Ryan) have won the offensive rookie award, but 30 out of 43 (that’s 70%) Offensive ROTY awards have been running backs, making a guy like Ryan Mathews a safe bet.

At 4 to 1, you aren’t exactly winning the lottery, but it does have the best chance of paying. Mathews is heading into the season as the starter and will get a huge leg up on any of these other rookies. A sleeper bet would be Brandon LaFell, his early play in training camp has really impressed coaches and his chances on starting are almost a lock. At 20 to 1 he is a nice sleeper bet.

On Defense you have to like Brandon Graham at 18 to 1. Yes, Linebackers have won half of the Defensive ROTY awards (21 out of 42) but with stats being the biggest factor that people take into account when voting, Graham is a safe bet. With the Eagles love for the blitz, his chances are greatly increased and at 18 times your bet, it’s not a bad gamble. I also like Earl Thomas in a division of average quarterbacks, Thomas has a  chance to pad the stats with interceptions in his rookie year, he is safe at 8 to 1.

NFL Betting at BetUS.com; From the Hall of Fame game to the Super Bowl, BetUS has NFL betting covered.

Projected Games Won : 10.5
( over -145 | under +115)
5 to 1 : Win AFC Conference
9 to 1 : Win Super Bowl XLV

The Chargers are one of the few teams that regularly make post season hotel room reservations without a second thought. Division champions is a familiar t-shirt or hat in San Diego mainly due to a poor AFC West that hands them a yearly free ticket. But despite the 4 year streak of playoff visits, the Super Bowl has been out of reach for the Chargers for some time, and yet they are always heavy favorites.

This year it came to my surprise that San Diego was ranked as high as they are in top sports betting sites. I almost wonder if maybe, people are just used to seeing them in the post season and just overlooked their recent off-season.

Saying goodbye to Ladainian Tomlinson, (a move that was probably a year late) is understandable. The star was burning out and he had to go, but realistically there is no proven RB waiting in the wings  just yet. Sproles and rookie Ryan Matthews will man the fort for now, but for such a deep passing team blitz pick-up was an underrated trait that LT did in his sleep, and teams may send more heat Rivers way than in years past.

Jamal Williams was a center piece for the Bolts at nose tackle over most of the last decade, but after an early season injury he was sent packing for youth. Normally this is something we all know and except in the business of the NFL, but the fact that the division rival Broncos snatched him up might become interesting twice a year. Also, the losses of “what have you done for me lately”Antonio Cromartie seems harmless after his poor season, but the replacement is an open competition that looks a bit bleak. Overall the people coming and going don’t seem to be an even trade-off, rookies and second year players will be expected to step up.

The elephant in the room is a 6’5 230 lbs, wide receiver that constantly makes big plays for his quarterback. After a DUI back in January, Vincent Jackson has been suspended 3 games and is rumored to be on the trading block. For now, lets say everything works its way out and the top wide-out just misses the month of September in baby blue, returning for week 4 against the Cardinals. While being handed one of the easiest looking schedules in the NFL, the loss of Jackson for games against Jacksonville and at Seattle (wks 2 & 3) all of a sudden aren’t locks for this squad. The Chargers have always started slowly out of the gate and could not use a spoiler that early on in the season.

The main reason 10+ games is always such a simple task for the Chargers is their division can’t seem to put up a fight. But this year there are too many uncertainties including a slightly improved division and the loss of Vincent Jackson early make me a little on edge with laying money down with this team. Even with all the easy sportsbook payment methods these days I don’t think I’m going to hop on the Chargers bandwagon. In fact I’m leaning towards betting against  the Chargers for 10.5 wins at +115.

My early prediction would be the Chargers “Division Champs” but with a 9-7 or 10-5 record. If Vincent Jackson is traded I am definitely betting against this team to win less than 10.5 games.

You can trust Las Vegas to have everything a person wants; sex, booze and of coarse gambling odds to a sport that is so far away that predicting favorites seems ridicules….but wicked at the same time. Never the less lets take a look at who the Las Vegas Hilton and the LSVC Open have dubbed to be favorites in this early sports betting article.

Quick thoughts Of coarse I can’t go too deep into these odds, they should change a couple of times as we get closer to the start of the season. But still, it is interesting to see what Vegas thinks about certain teams so far. Remember the betting world revolves around the odds that this city produces,  and you have to think they’re not going to whip together a bunch of garbage NFL Picks, as there are people willing to take them up on what might seem like great early odds.

• The Bengals jump out at me right off the bat, the talk around here is that the Patriots are a mirror image of their old selfs, with injuries and age forcing them into an inflated season.

• Falcons fans must be a little annoyed, Big Ben isn’t starting for the first couple weeks and with a great draft and a healthy team, Atlanta should be heading into that game as favorites.
• The Bronco-Jaguar game looks like a game that will come down to the last play.
• 49er’s aren’t getting any love on the road, I think they should be favored heading into Seattle
• Monday night showdown looks to be one of the best games of the week. I’m talking about the Ravens and Jets of coarse. While the Jets have a stacked defense, the Ravens are my early AFC favorites, and think I’d be circling the road-dog in that one.

Props To Prop Bets

This weekends Sunday action is the last slice of football you’re going to see until the Super Bowl on February 7th. Gridiron Experts, along with many (many) of you are definitely going to go through NFL withdrawals, but until then check out these prop bets that you may find interesting (or insulting if you’re a New York Jets fan).

For those who don’t know, these are bets you can place in Vegas or with online sportsbooks on individual player achievements. You can get everything from the coin toss to Superbowl Odds. Most of the time these bets are based on an average of a team or players numbers throughout the year, making the bet not worth a second look, but this week a couple bets caught my eye, in kind of a humorous fashion. (The .5 is so there are no ties)

Prop Bet #1]  Over/Under Mark Sanchez will complete 13 passes. 13…that’s it? I understand the Jets have gotten to where they are now with their top defense and power running game, but 13 passes? Wow! So if you were to lose this bet, Sanchez would only average 3 completed passes per quarter. Not a lot of faith for a guy who is one game away from going to the Super Bowl.

Prop Bet# 2] Will Either Team Score 3 Straight Times w/o Other Team Scoring. This bet pays 2 to 1 that a team will accomplish this task. I’m not going to say who, but Colts fans out there would arrogantly take this crazy bet as I’m sure they haven’t watched too many Jets games, pass.

Prop Bet #3] Total Sacks by Both Teams Combined Over/Under 3.5 – This bet made me do a double take. The Colts have arguably one of the leagues best combos in Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney, while the Jets are a smart, aggressive bunch led by one of the most clever minds in the game. How in a dome could there only be 3 sacks? I know Peyton never gets touched but one sack off a corner blitz might catch him off guard. I’ll be watching for this one bet the most on Sunday as to me it seems very do-able.

Prop Bet #4] Brett Favre will score Over/Under 1.5 touchdown passes- The funny thing abut this one is that Drew Brees’s prop bet for the same thing has him at 2.5 touchdown passes. I expect a shoot out in this game and see at least 2-3 touchdown passes by both of these quarterbacks. I mean the game was over last week, and Favre was still padding his stats.

Prop Bet #5] Will Sidney Rice have more than 79.5 receiving yards?- There’s no way Rice can top last weeks performance with 3 touchdown passes, but this bet seems very possible. I’m going to definitely use a BetEd bonus code for this one.

One addition, and they could start thinking Super Bowl.

After months of speculation, both from the media, from the players themselves, and the coaching staff, the Vikings had their “difference-maker” in mid-August.

Yes, the one and only, prima dona/future Hall of Famer; Brett Favre.

Favre’s addition had pre-wrapped expectations of a Super Bowl for Minnesota. He was supposed to be a game-manager that would come through in the clutch when needed, but would otherwise play second fiddle to the team’s true MVP, Adrian Peterson. However, after two blow-out wins over the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions, Favre’s heroic arm was needed much sooner than Minnesota fans had expected.

Nevertheless, the veteran gunslinger responded.

Despite a mediocre showing for much of the day in a Week Three battle at home against the San Francisco 49ers, Favre evaded the 49ers pass rush and zipped a 32-yard pass into the hands of a leaping Greg Lewis, injecting life into all of Minnesota. Vikings fans that were still on the fence about Favre had committed to the former Packer. Favre’s magic, dormant for much of 2008 while he played with the New York Jets, was back. Jared Allen muttered to himself before the dramatic heave, “Be Brett. Just once. Be Brett.”

Favre did just that, and continued to pick up the slack for a surprisingly ineffective Vikings rush attack, as he led Minnesota to a 6-0 start, the best start for any team Favre had led in his 19-year career.

Amidst arm and age concerns, Favre had placed the entire Minnesota offense on his broad, aging shoulders, and had instilled hope into the franchise that he in fact was the missing piece they were looking for.

Fast forward to Week 12, where Minnesota stood at 10-1, in complete control of their division, and needing to keep pace with the New Orleans Saints for home-field advantage. Suddenly, out of nowhere, Favre and the offense were splitting at the seams. Favre and Childress were reportedly butting heads over control of the offense. Adrian Peterson was ground, the defense couldn’t stop anybody, and this once-thought Super Bowl contender was looking more and more like a purple version of the 2008 New York Jets.

That, or the entire NFL world was jumping the gun a bit.

After a tumultuous December that saw Minnesota drop three of five contests, the Vikings erupted for 41 points in three quarters with an inspired and loose Favre leading the charge, as the Vikings finished the game, defeating the hapless New York Giants, 44-7.

Favre was brought in to lead the Vikings deep into the playoffs, to beat the Packers, and to lock up a division title for the second straight year.

The Vikings finished 12-4, locked up their division, secured a first round bye, and swept the Packers behind emotional performances by Favre and the rest of his offense. Now, mere weeks after talk about another “late-season slide” were brewing, Favre and the Vikings are just two wins from having the opportunity to realize their goal. But it all starts with the Dallas Cowboys, at home, on Sunday. That sounds just fine to the Minnesota Vikings. It’s not their home stadium where Favre and this offense have found their issues to be exposed. It’s been on the road, on the grass, at night, or in cold weather.

But in the dome, they’re 8-0, and completely at home.

So, the question remains, can Favre lead the Vikings to the promised land, or is this all a big tease?

Are the Vikings, who have been known for their collapses near the end of season and/or in the playoffs, as well as their 0-4 record in the Super Bowl, for real?

Can they get past their inconsistent defense and vulnerable secondary? Can Adrian Peterson get going? Can Favre survive the Dallas Cowboys aggressive defense and out-duel Tony Romo?

Maybe, and maybe not.

The point isn’t necessarily about winning the Super Bowl anymore. Obviously, for any team, especially when you’re in the playoffs, that is the ultimate goal. No, that is the goal.

But if you’re wondering if what they’ve done so far is good enough, if you’re wondering if Favre’s return and addition to the team was worth all the hype and media frenzy, just consider one thing:

They’re here, and they have a chance.

Because of Favre, the Vikings are one win away from the NFC Championship game, something they haven’t tasted since getting blown out by the New York Giants, 41-0, back in 2001.

So, is it really “Super Bowl or bust?”

Either way you look at it, it almost has to be.

However, if Minnesota does come up short within the next three weeks, at least Vikings fans can rely on the possibility that Favre may not quite be done yet.

After all, Favre did sign on for two years, giving the Vikings a two-year window to complete what they’ve set out to accomplish. It’d only be that much sweeter if they can get it right the first time.

For more articles, go here.

Early NFL Odds

This weeks NFL action sees a whole different outlook through the eyes of the betting community. The following are the odds for the upcoming week of NFL playoff football

Arizona Cardinals at New Orleans Saints -7    (57 O/U)

Baltimore Ravens at Indianapolis Colts -6.5   (44 O/U)

Dallas Cowboys at Minnesota Vikings -3    (46 O/U)

New York Jets at San Diego Chargers -7.5   (43 O/U)

Wildcard Preview:

Baltimore Ravens- New England Patriots

I guess the two most pertinent things when looking at the New England Patriots against the Baltimore Ravens Wildcard match-up would be the injury to Patriots record setting receiver Wes Welker and the fact that the Ravens have never beaten the Patriots.

Ever.

Now, if history does indeed repeat itself, then this game doesn’t even need to be played. But that’s exactly the kind of fire and locker room fodder that teams like the hard nosed Ravens use to motivate themselves. Patriots receiver Randy Moss is going to see a lot of double coverage with Ed Reed shadowing him over the top. That’s a recipe for disaster for Tom Brady and company, because face it – no quarterback wants Reed targeting his number one wideout.

At least with Welker in the game, Reed’s efforts would be divided, but the Ravens have only ONE proven receiver to cover and that’s Moss himself.

Maybe it’s my love for the AFC North, maybe it’s because the Ravens are looking extremely tough to me after having to fight and scrape to simply get into the playoffs, but I’m liking the crew from Baltimore to pull this one out in the end.

Call me crazy, I’ve heard it before, but Joe Flacco is in nothing short of elite company. He is the fifth most productive quarterback within their first two years in the league.

The other guys on that list?

Peyton Manning, Dan Marino, Drew Bledsoe, and Jeff Garcia.

Not bad company to be in at all I don’t think.

Add to that the fact that he is one of only four quarterbacks since the 1970 merger to lead his team into the playoffs in his first two years in the NFL. The others on that short list are Ben Roethlisberger, Marino, and Bernie Kosar.

Not to mention the Ravens have both Willis McGahee and Ray Rice in the backfield. Rice has been nothing short of unstoppable, leading the team in receptions along with amassing 1,339 yards on the ground.

The Patriots on the other hand are going to have to look at Julian Edelman with Welker out. The best news for the Patriots is that Reed may or may not appear in a limited role after nursing injuries throughout the month of December.

Last week the Cowboys dismantled the Eagles to the tune of 28-0. The Eagles had not been shutout in the first half the entire season prior to this game, let alone in a complete 4 quarters. The end result of this wiping of the floor is that instead of the Eagles attaining the first round bye, they will now face off against Dallas in the Wildcard round in Cowboys Stadium.

The Cowboys have been historically atrocious throughout the month of December, but this year they’re heading into the playoffs with all the confidence in the world; they have gained 3 straight wins coming into Saturday’s game (2/3 came against formidable opponents, Saints and Eagles). It’s not only the month of December that’s painful for Dallas fans, so to are the playoffs. The Cowboys have not won in the first round of the NFL playoffs since 1996 against Minnesota.

The loss to Dallas halted a 6 game win streak for the Eagles which definitely slowed down their momentum, but I still wouldn’t count them out. Philadelphia has one of the most impressive playoff records since 2000 at 10-7. Head Coach Andy Reid should take credit for this record as he seems to be at his best in the playoffs, rarely making poor decisions.

Rest  assured this game will be much more competitive than last week’s match-up.

Keys To The Game For Dallas:

Marion Barber and Felix Jones

Last week the Eagles run defense was non-existent and the RB tandem was able to put up some fantastic numbers, but more importantly they were gaining the yards that mattered. One of the main reasons the Cowboys won in week 17 was the “early and often” run philosophy. The Eagles blitz seemed not to work against the run, and if they can’t figure out a way to stop them this time it could spell trouble.

Shut Down Desean Jackson

Just like last week, this is still the top priority for the Dallas defense. Jackson is the big play weapon that the Eagles offense relies on and they will need to shut him down early so that McNabb doesn’t feel comfortable in the pocket. Sustaining drives is not how the Eagles usually win games, the Philadelphia Eagles win on big plays, leading the league in plays of 20 or more yards.

Stick With The Game-plan!

Obviously the Eagles are going to come into this one with an entirely different playbook following a 28-0 wiping, but that doesn’t mean the Cowboys should too. “If it ain’t broke don’t fix it”, and I say if it’s gotten you three wins in the month of December, two against the Saints and Eagles, stick with it because you’re clearly doing something right! (but this week the game plan should include fewer penalties).

Keys To The Game For Philadelphia:

Sustaining Drives

This is one of the main reasons the Eagles lost the battle last Sunday, they held the ball for just 19 minutes and 37 seconds the entire game. What this means is that the birds won’t be able to rely as heavily on the big play that has gotten them to this point. They will need to effectively run the ball to pick up those extremely important first downs. Look for a heavy dose of Leonard Weaver in this one.

Containing Miles Austin

Austin is without a doubt this team’s most dangerous weapon. Austin will obviously make a few grabs, so approaching this one the Eagles shouldn’t be overly concerned with not letting him catch the ball, but rather not letting him run with the ball after the catch. Austin is deadly with the ball in his hands and has made Eagles defenders aware of this numerous times this season. If the Eagles can hinder some of the Romo-Austin chemistry things bode well for them, as relying on Roy E. Williams and Patrick Crayton has not been as productive as people would think.

Pressure, Pressure, Pressure!

The Cowboys offensive line did a terrific job last week handling the Eagles blitz. Romo had plenty of time to complete every one of his passes and did so with ease. If Philadelphia even expects to keep this one close they will have to find ways to bust through this line. Trent Cole needs to figure out a way to blow by Flozell Adams.

Thoughts:

There is no way that this game looks anything similar to the last. This will be a competitive match-up down to the wire that is inevitably won in the time of possession battle. For the Eagles to come out of this one victorious they’re going to need to fight hard and not allow the ridiculous crowd noise level in Cowboys stadium to get to them. The Cowboys need simply to keep producing as they have been of late, if they do they WILL enter the next round as the team to beat in the NFC.

My Pick, as seen in our writer contest, is the Dallas Cowboys in a 23-17 victory. If I’m right, rejoice Cowboys fans in your first playoff win since 1996.