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Written by John Marshall, asap
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Thursday, 07 September 2006 |
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The Indianapolis Colts are still loaded offensively even after Edgerrin James moved to the desert. The New England Patriots are healthy again, always a dangerous proposition with Bill Belichick running the show. The Dallas Cowboys added T.O. and the Seattle Seahawks still have Shaun Alexander.
There's plenty to get excited about if you're a fan of one of those teams, but what if your team is, say, the San Francisco 49ers or the Houston Texans? All we can say is that we're sorry, and hopefully it'll get better next year.
As for the rest of you, it'll probably take a bit of luck for your team to get to the big game.
How much? That's where Keith Glantz comes in. He's a respected Las Vegas oddsmaker and co-creator of the GlantzCulver line, which provides the gambling odds that are carried in newspapers around the country.
asap got to pick the brain of the odds-making guru on the upcoming season, and he ran down which teams have the best — and worst — chance of winning the Super Bowl. Glantz takes us through the AFC today and he'll tackle as well.
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 INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
2005 record: 14-2, lost to Pittsburgh in divisional playoffs
Odds: 5-1
Glantz says: Once again they have the talent, but when will coach Tony Dungy figure out how to win the big one?
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 NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
2005 record: 10-6, lost to Denver in divisional playoffs
Odds: 7-1
Glantz says: Injuries to the defensive backfield last year took its toll, so beware of Belichick this year.
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DENVER BRONCOS
2005 record: 13-3, lost to Pittsburgh in AFC championship
Odds: 10-1
Glantz says: Not much else in this division, but won't make Super Bowl until rookie quarterback Jay Cutler takes command.
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PITTSBRUGH STEELERS
2005 record: 11-5, won Super Bowl
Odds: 10-1
Glantz says: Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is down again, and the Steelers must rely on backup Charlie Batch -- they better hope for not too long.
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MIAMI DOLPHINS
2005 record: 9-7
Odds: 18-1
Glantz says: Now that the Dolphins finally have a quarterback, coach Nick Saban is expected to win.
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CINCINNATI BENGALS
2005 record: 11-5, lost to Pittsburgh in wild-card playoffs
Odds: 20-1
Glantz says: If quarterback Carson Palmer stays healthy, the Steelers are in for a struggle for the AFC North's top spot.
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KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
2005 record: 10-6
Odds: 20-1
Glantz says: If coach Herm Edwards thinks he can win with defense, he has the wrong team.
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BALTIMORE RAVENS
2005 record: 6-10
Odds: 25-1
Glantz says: Will quarterback Steve "Air" McNair be enough to leapfrog the Steelers and Bengals? Don't count on it.
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SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
2005 record: 9-7
Odds: 25-1
Glantz says: It's up to no-experience quarterback Philip Rivers and coach Marty Schottenheimer; good luck to you guys.
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JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
2005 record: 12-4, lost to New England in divisional playoffs
Odds: 35-1
Glantz says: Questionable whether quarterback Byron Leftwich can win in the playoffs.
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BUFFALO BILLS
2005 record: 5-11
Odds: 80-1
Glantz says: Forget all the criticism, quarterback J.P. Losman is the future and needs the experience.
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CLEVELAND BROWNS
2005 record: 6-10
Odds: 80-1
Glantz says: The Browns are definitely on the improve, but Cleveland will have to wait until next year.
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OAKLAND RAIDERS
2005 record: 4-12
Odds: 80-1
Glantz says: Jeff George's tryout at QB should tell you where this team is going.
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NEW YORK JETS
2005 record: 4-12
Odds: 100-1
Glantz says: Jets are rebuilding, and rookie quarterback Kellen Clemens may be a real find.
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 HOUSTON TEXANS
2005 record: 2-14
Odds: 125-1
Glantz says: What do Reggie Bush, Vince Young and Matt Leinart have in common? The Texans never heard of 'em.
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TENNESSEE TITANS
2005 record: 4-12
Odds: 125-1
Glantz says: Forget this year, but the future looks bright led by quarterback Vince Young and running back LenDale White.
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John Marshall is asap's sports writer, based in Denver.
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