My Sports News Digest

It is the time of year for Super Bowl hype and the 2010 edition certainly has all the makings of a classic. For the first time in sixteen years the top two teams in the NFL, the Indianapolis Colts and the New Orleans Saints, will face each other in Miami on Feb 7th.

Both teams are not renowned for their defense but have enough for when it counts. The Saints have the most potent offense and the Colts have one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time in Peyton Manning. Both teams could come from behind to win in the final minutes.

Whatever the outcome, the game is sure to be action packed. Now both teams have two weeks to rest, prepare and fine-tune their play. According to LinesMaker.com, sports bettors have already begun placing their bets. The opening odds had the Colts as 4.5 point favorites but heavy action on Indy has already moved the line upwards.

The Indianapolis Colts won the AFC Championship yesterday defeating the New York Jets 30-17. Four times MVP Peyton Manning passed for 377 yards and three touchdowns against the Jets rallying the Colts from an 11-point deficit to victory.

This will be the second time in four years and their fourth Super Bowl appearance in franchise history. The Colts vs. Jets betting odds at LinesMaker had the Colts favored by 8.0 points and most bookmakers expected a fairly low-scoring game. It was a rough game for the Jets, who even with their 17 -13 lead after the first half, could not contain Manning in the second where he just carved them up.

Indianapolis is listed as a 5.5 favorite at LinesMaker to win the Super Bowl Championship game in Miami. The perfect scenario plays out for the Colts as they head to Super Bowl with Manning.  “We’re glad to have an opportunity to be going back,” Manning said. “We know we’re going to be playing a great team. I’m really glad we have two weeks to get ready.

It was an exciting back and forth battle and the result was a sweet 31-28 overtime victory for the Saints and the entire city of New Orleans. At LinesMaker the spread favored the home-team Saints by 3.5 with heavy action on the Saints. The Vikings took nearly 75% of the betting volume on the money line.  

This is the furthest the Saints have ever progressed in the playoffs and 2009 has been their best season by far. When they beat the New England Patriots on November 30, the team went to an 11–0 record for the first time in franchise history. They won their first 13 games and set a team record for the longest undefeated season opening (13-0).

Now the Saints go to Super Bowl the first time in their 43- year history to face the Indianapolis Colts and Peyton Manning, four-time NFL Most Valuable Player. Bettors can place your Super Bowl bets at LinesMaker where the Saints have odds of +175 to win and are 5 point underdogs against the spread. This will be a great challenge for the Saints and great viewing for fans.

The AFC Championship playoff game between the New York Jets and Indianapolis Colts this Sunday promises to be great viewing. The Jets are seeded #5, winning seven of their last eight games and have covered the spread in 5 straight road games. They last played in the AFC Championship in 1988.

The Colts look as though they will advance to Super Bowl. They are a perfect 4-0 against the spread in their last 4 games when favored 3.5 to 10 points. The Colts have averaged 25.6 points per game and are favored to win the Championship by 7.5 points at LinesMaker. The Colts need to have potent passing game but if the Jets defense is true to their top ranked form and they can shut down Peyton Manning they will win.

The NFC Championship game takes place Sunday night between the Minnesota Vikings and the New Orleans Saints. LinesMaker has the Saints favored by 3.5 points, but both the Vikings and Saints are coming off dominating wins so Sunday’s game promises a lot of great action.

This is the Saints second time in the playoffs, their last was in 2006 when they lost to the Bears. Brett Farve will need to make another solid outing for the Vikings to match points with the Saints strong offense lead by Brees. The Vikings last NFC Championship appearance was in 2000 when they lost 41 – 0. Their defense could be weakened if they cannot get Defensive End Ray Edwards back in the line up – he is suffering from a knee injury.

It was an exciting weekend of football last week and now we take a look at the NFL Division Final weekend.

Arizona Cardinals: Last weekend saw great game by the Cardinals and this weekend they are in New Orleans to face the Saints. Many commentators believe their luck has run out. However, Kurt Warner is playing fantastic football and they could end up being the NFC’s sleeper surprise. We have odds of +240 for them to beat the Saints straight up.
 
Baltimore Ravens: After defeating Tom Brady and the Patriots the Ravens will be facing Peyton Manning and the Colts this weekend. They will need to continue their superb performance to ensure a victory. It’s a monumental task expecting them to defeat two giant teams in back to back weeks.

Dallas Cowboys: After knocking off the Eagles, the Cowboys move up in the rankings and they look like they are ready for a fight. Tony Romo is playing superb football and the team is big and physical. Can they slay the Vikings this weekend?

Indianapolis Colts: Experienced and in top condition. The Colts have focused on the Super Bowl rather than going for a 16-0 season. They are favorites to win at LinesMaker with wagering odds of +250 and if they don’t make the big game they will have failed.

Minnesota Vikings: The Vikings are at -120 to beat the Cowboys straight up at LinesMaker and only 10% more of the bettor’s money is on them.  They walloped the Giants in week 17 but will this set their standard for the playoffs? Their suspect defense and offensive lines could allow a victory to Dallas.

New Orleans Saints: The big question is, will the Saints bounce back after their poor regular season finish? Their playoff game against the Cardinals will reveal all. The Saints are the class of the NFC and they hold home-field advantage throughout, the even odds at LinesMaker to win the NFC Championship reflect this. A quick start is required to regain their momentum.
 
New York Jets: Most believe the Jets will end their season up against the Chargers. Betting volume at LinesMaker, however, is in their favor at 53% ATS. It’s a shame as the Jets had a great win over the Bengals, playing both great offense and defense.

San Diego Chargers: With eleven straight wins, Philip Rivers is clearly an MVP. A week off to prepare for this week’s game against the Jets and odds for them to win are -7 at LinesMaker. The Chargers also have odds of +300 to win Super Bowl 2010.

This review was compiled with permission from  LinesMaker Sports Betting News.