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The Green Bay Packers 2010 – 2011 odds are looking good but it is essential to shop for the best value.
As an example, it may not be in Gambling911.com readers best interest to bet the Packers to win the NFC North when going up against the Minnesota Vikings.
“The value just isn’t there,” explains Don Shapiro of Gambling911.com. “We are talking about a team that is the -120 favorite when all the talk is about Minnesota.”
One might consider the Packers regular season win odds in 2010.
“Over 10 wins pays out $12.50 for every $10 bet,” Shapiro points out, referencing odds found at Bookmaker.com.
Bookmaker.com has a very strong opinion that Green Bay will win UNDER 10 games, however, listing that option with a line of -155.
Incidentally, the Packers odds to win the 2011 Super Bowl has been set at +855 for a potential payout of $855 on every $100 bet.
What might have the oddsmakers so convinced that the Packers can’t win 10 or more games this season when everyone else is predicting a strong run in the post season?
"We have the right pedigree," quarterback Aaron Rodgers said. "... I like the way we're practicing. But a lot of things have to happen between now and the end of the season. You have to have a couple things go your way, you have to be able to stay healthy, and you have to execute down the stretch and win some games in the end."
But there remains a concern related to pass protection:
"We've got to do a better job of cutting down sacks and negative yardage plays," Rodgers said.
Likewise, The Packers have the worst special-teams rating in the league last season.
"We're working right now to build the cohesiveness of the hold, the snap and the kick," Special teams coordinator Shawn Slocumsaid, focusing on a newly conditioned place-kicker Mason Crosby. "We missed a couple field goals, but I think his mentality is right where it needs to be, and we're working to get that together."
The Packers are currently devoting an extra 10 minutes to special teams per practice.
Another trouble area, the offensive linesmen position, which did improve the second half of the season. There are some injury concerns but the hope is for better consistency compared to the early part of last season.
The reality is that last year’s team performed well with injuries. Assuming a healthy squad, the sky is the limit andthat OVER 10 regular season wins does have tremendous value considering the line that’s being offered.
Mary Montgomery, Gambling911.com
