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Vikings vs. Browns odds are getting more attention than any single game. Somewhat surprising since the Cleveland Browns are coming into the 2009 season as one of the least favored to get anywhere and the quarterback confusion isn't exactly helping matters.
The Vikings were a -4 point favorite at BetUS.com Saturday afternoon.
Charles Jay, a Betting Analyst for the BetUS.com website writes:
Obviously most of the attention in this one will be devoted to the return of Brett Favre, as the Vikings, who were only 6-10 ATS last year in the NFL betting odds, try to open up their passing game. Undoubtedly Favre will be able to make better use of first-round draft choice Percy Harvin than either of Minnesota's would-be signal-callers, Sage Rosenfels or Tarvaris Jackson. Adrian Peterson looked sharp in the pre-season; in fact, he rushed for the second-most yards out of anyone in the exhibition schedule - 181 yards, including a 75-yarder against Houston.
The Vikings were the league's toughest team to run on in 2008, allowing just 77 yards a game and 3.3 yards a carry. It is reportedly likely that Pat Williams and Kevin Williams, the twin (but not related) defensive tackles who are most responsible for that, will be able to play in the opener, as they would be facing four-game suspensions for violating the league's substance abuse policy.
In our minds, this line is especially low considering the Vikings are ranked #7 in Gambling911.com's Online Sportsbook NFL Power Rankings Consensus while Cleveland came in 28th ranked.
The line here has only moved slightly from -3 to -4 in an attempt to get some action on the Browns. This is also a bit strange since nearly 95 percent of the betting action was coming in on the Vikings.
Minnesota has only covered three of its last nine road games while Cleveland has covered ten of their last fifteen home games.
NFL.com addresses one of the major concerns related to Favre:
By opting to forgo retirement for another season, Favre made the risky decision to come back despite a partial tear in his rotator cuff. While RB Adrian Peterson will remain the focal point of Minnesota's offense, Favre will be counted on to make key throws throughout the season, starting with Cleveland.
The one bright spot in Cleveland, assuming the quarterback situation improves, will be an improved defense, though it has yet to really be proven.
We would exercise caution here based on the oddsmakers mindset. Oddsmakers seem to be placing much confidence in Cleveland. We at Gambling911.com have little confidence in the Browns.
Christopher Costigan, Gambling911.com Publisher
