As NFL fans and punters wait through the preseason, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about securing some free bet offers and deciding which free bets bookmakers can best be used to help create a nice bankroll. If the 2016 season is as unpredictable as the 2015 season was, punters are in for an incredible challenge.
A Quick Peek Back at last Season
Major injuries to QBs Andy Dalton (Cincinnati), Andrew Luck (Indianapolis), Tony Romo (Dallas) and Ben Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh) had a profound effect on the standings and playoffs. The Carolina Panthers blew through the regular season and NFC playoffs with a record of 17-1, only to get blown out by the Denver Broncos in the Super Bowl. The Broncos won the Super Bowl behind an aging QB, Peyton Manning, who threw more interceptions than touchdowns on the season. The Kansas City Chiefs became the first team in history to start 1-5 and make the playoffs. That was one wacky season.
Predictions for 2016
Punters prefer to look at the here and now. With that duly noted, let’s take at look around the league and make some predictions.
AFC East – With Tom Brady out for the first four games via a suspension, punters will tend to treat the New England Patriots as a bet against option during that time period. The Pats have a great system in place and they might represent great betting value with the right lines during this time. The Dolphins are in rebuild mode and should be availed at all cost. The New York Jets and Buffalo Bills should be solid. Look to bet on them when the line is small.
AFC West – By far, the most unpredictable division in the NFL. The Raiders keep promising to improve, but don’t deliver. The Chargers are a mess. The Chiefs will likely digress while the Broncos will be looking for a new identity. Punters should look to bet against the teams in this conference with both hands.
AFC North – The Browns might never improve. The Ravens might struggle with lots of veterans on the wrong side of their careers. The Bengals will score points and sometimes, give up more points than they core. A healthy Steelers and Roethlisberger means doom for the division and maybe the conference even with Bell suspended for 4 games. The Steelers will cover big spreads, which could lead to plenty of overs.
ARC South – Every team in this division should improve over last season. The Jaguars have the makings of a top level offense. If they play good defense, they could make the playoffs. The Colts still don’t have a reliable running back, which means Luck is going to get hit. Tough to bet on them without a rushing game. Tennessee will offer good betting opportunities when getting points because of an improved offense. Nothing but question marks in Houston.
Conference Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers
NFC East – With a healthy Romo, the Cowboys have enough weapons on both sides of the ball to punish teams. The Eagles will be a bet against team early in the season, getting better as the season progresses. Both the Giants and the Redskins should be played sparingly and with caution.
NFC East – The way the Seahawks ended the season last year, they should be a top play all year because of its explosive offense and strong D. If the Cardinals had a better defense, they could challenge anyone in the conference. As it stands, that offense is still one of the best in football. Too many questions marks for the 49ers and Rams to bet with confidence.
NFC North – After several key injuries to key offensive players in 2015, the Packers and QB Rodgers will look to regain championship form. Lions and Bears are looking to rebuild. The Vikings are the NFL’s mystery team. After a strong 9-5 season last year with a pedestrian offense, any improvement on that side of the ball makes this team mighty dangerous.
NFC South – The Falcons promise much, but deliver little. The Saints will always score points and give up points, so look to play some overs. Tampa Bay should improve and might represent value as an occasional underdog. It’s hard to imagine the Panthers dominating like they did last years, but this is a good team that will cover big spreads.
Conference Pick: Seattle Seahawks
Week #1 Pick: – If you can secure some free bet offers, you should use at least one of your free bets on the Jacksonville Jaguars +4.5 at home versus the Green Bay Packers.
