2014 NFL Season Preview
The 2014 NFL season is fast approaching (begins Sep. 5th) and we here at BeforeYouBet are very excited for a fun and profitable season. It really feels like it could be one of those years to remember, with superstars such as Tom Brady and Payton Manning in the twilight of their careers and both are in an ‘all-or-nothing’ type scenario. At the other end of the age scale the NFL could not look brighter. Young guns Andrew Luck and Russell Wilson are going to be genuine superstars and we are very lucky to be at the crossroads of these four players finishing and starting their careers.
So what should we expect this year from the NFL?
It’s clear that the NFL is all about high scoring. They have made it almost impossible to play defense and although we won’t see as many flags as we saw in the preseason, it’s certainly going to be a tough year for all defensive players. There are many theories out there as to why the NFL is going this way. Protecting players is of course what they will preach, but really it seem to be about raising revenue in both TV deals and not to mention the billion dollar industry that fantasy football owns in the US. Both these reasons are driven through high scoring offensive plays. We can use this information as a tool throughout the season.
If you are like me then you have been closely watching the preseason and if you have been studying and taking notes then you can go ahead and just throw them in the dumpster. I can’t stress to you enough how little these games mean, especially from a sports betting point of view. All you’re doing is clouding your judgement. Sure these games can be fun to watch and it’s very exciting seeing your team’s rookies and draft picks in action but that’s basically where it should end. Injuries being the obvious exception.
Johnny Houston’s Super Bowl Betting Pick
It’s a surprise to me that most betting agencies have the Denver Broncos as the firm favourites to take out Super Bowl 49. Especially with a cloud over one of Manning’s go-to guys Wes Welker and his current concussion drama.
Second favourite the Seattle Seahawks look better than Denver, but even they will have to deal with the new defensive rules and they are a very defensively minded team.
My picks to make the Super Bowl are two teams that can play great defense, but really have a big advantage on Offense and that is the New England Patriots and the San Francisco 49ers at both $8 and $9. But I’m giving the edge to Bill Bellicheck and Tom Brady.
Bet On: New England Patriots - $9
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Johnny Houston’s Super Bowl Value Pick
My value pick for Super Bowl XLIX are the Chicago Bears (currently 34-1)
Chicago has arguably the best wide receiver duo in the NFL with Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery. Matte Forte is a beast and rushed for 1339 yards last season which was second best in the league. They have added Jared Allen, a four-time all pro defensive end from Minnesota, along with Lamarr Houston.
The Bears’ extremely talented QB Jay Cutler is healthy and looking sharp, while the schedule is fair, but looks a lot better in November and December.
Two of the last five Super Bowl champions had an 8-8 record the previous season then went on to win the super bowl the next year. The 2009 New Orleans Saints and the 2011 New York Giants.
Chicago went 8-8 last season.
This Super Bowl will also mark the 30 year anniversary of the Bears 1985 Super Bowl win. Plus their coach Mark Trestman just looks intelligent. Happy to take the Bears at these big odds.
Bet On: Chicago Bears - $34
The best place to bet on NFL in Australia in 2014 will likely be somewhere like Ladbrokes, Sportingbet or Betfair. With markets like Super Bowl betting, definitely checkout Betfair, as you will often find the best odds on their sports betting exchange.
Of course, you can always check out our list of the best Australian sports betting sites, while we also suggest taking a look at the great sign-up offers listed below.
Be sure to return throughout the season for weekly NFL betting tips!
Take note: Any of the tips in this article are simply the author’s opinion, so bet at your own risk and always gamble responsibly. Also be sure to check out the Before You Bet Twitter Page for all our thoughts in the lead up to bets! Happy punting!
