NFL week 1 news, odds and action.
Seattle Seahawks at Oakland Raiders Preseason Betting Preview
Sep 1st
Seattle Seahawks @ Oakland Raiders Thurs. Sept. 2nd 10pm EST
Over the past few years, the Seattle Seahawks and the Oakland Raiders have been two teams in the NFL that once dominated their divisions (NFC West, AFC West) and were considered perennial Super Bowl title contenders, but have now become arguably two of the worst teams in the NFL with only 10 wins between them last season.
Despite posing absolutely no threat to any opposing team over the last few years, the Seahawks and the Raiders could be on the verge of turning things around this season as they have made some drastic changes over the NFL offseason.
The Seattle Seahawks decided that something needed to change and as a result they brought in two-time BCS champion head coach Pete Carroll (USC). With a player friendly head coach like Carroll on the sidelines, the Seahawks have a good shot of getting back in contention in the NFC West division, but with the emergence of the San Francisco 49ers as the best team in the division and the Arizona Cardinals falling fast without Kurt Warner under center, the Seattle franchise has an opportunity to possibly compete for a Wildcard spot in the NFC.
The Oakland Raiders on the other hand might have a better chance of making a run at the playoffs this season as they have added a Pro Bowl caliber quarterback in Jason Campbell from the Washington Redskins and rookie linebacker Rolando McClain (Oklahoma).
With the addition of these two promising young players and the departure of arguably the biggest draft bust in NFL history in former number one overall pick JaMarcus Russell, the Raiders seem to be finally heading in the right direction, but they will have some injury concerns heading into the regular season as quarterback Jason Campbell will most likely miss the last preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks due to an injury shoulder.
Fortunately, the Raiders have a great backup option in Bruce Gradkowski who had a great game last week against the San Francisco 49ers with 202 passing yards and two touchdowns. Even though Campbell is the number one guy for the Raiders, Gradkowski could be the guy to start the season as Campbell’s injury status is still uncertain.
With Gradkowski playing at a high level, he should be able to lead Oakland to victory in this preseason finale against Seattle.
Vikings Host Seahawks NFL Betting Preview
Aug 26th
After being defeated by the Niners, the Minnesota Vikings are set to fight against the Seattle Seahawks this Saturday, 28th of August in their home field, Mall of America Field. The Vikings are set to make a comeback after being down by 5 points in their previous game with the Niners. The question is, can they make it without Sidney Rice and Percy Harvin?
Sidney Rice has undergone hip surgery last Monday and is probable to be absent half of the entire season. Meanwhile, Percy Harvin has hardly joined practices after collapsing down due to migraines. Brett Favre is regaining the strength of the team and envisioning a play that no matter who is in there, they ought to play the same way. He strongly believes that what happened to them last season will still happen to them now. In an interview, Favre strongly expressed that “Without Sidney, it sure makes it tougher,” and thinks that maybe another guy will come out and step up to do what Sidney can do. Sidney is set to recover and will miss half of the season.
Meanwhile, on their game against the Seattle Seahawks, Favre is so positive that they can make it and will play the same way as they did the last season. So bettors watch out for the Vikings is positive to cover all the spreads and odds set on them.
Will Schobel Give Other Teams a Chance?
Aug 9th
Posted by admin in NFL Commentary
Among the NFL Teams who have expressed their interest over having the Buffalo Bills’ defensive end (DE) player, Aaron Schobel, are the New England Patriots, Seattle Seahawks and Houston Texans.
They have expressed their interest in seeking for Schobel’s performance after being formally released from the Buffalo Bills. However, the now free agent Schobel is not yet decided on whether to retire or continue with his football career on another team. Possibilities on each team having Schobel are now being studied.
New England Patriots: Due to Schobel’s ability on excellently playing either defensive end or line backer and his previous extended contract with the Bills amounting to $50.5 million, the Patriots are thinking that it will take them big money in order to have his performance, according to CSN New Englands, Mike Giardi.
Seattle Seahawks: Although the team is in deep desire of having Schobel, the general manager of the Seahawks, John Schneider, is also thinking of the possibilities that the former Bills’ DE will decline their offer because of personal reasons such as, he and his family now resides in Texas and Bill Kolar’s presence in the team as the now defensive coach, the same job he had for the Bills. Nevertheless, should Schobel wish to join their team, he is likely to replace the retired Patrick Kerney.
Houston Texans: The team that is reported to be likely chosen by Schobel is the Houston Texans. Schobel has been a long time fan of the team, but the possibility for other team’s chance of having him is not yet ruled out.
By the time, Aaron Schobel decides on whether to retire or to play in another team is a much-awaited decision not only for the concerned teams but also for the sportsbooks that sets the odds and bettors wagering and risking their bankroll over the chosen team.