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The folks from BetUS.com have released their NFC South 2009 odds. Which of the four teams will win in what is always one of the NFL's most unpredictable and often tightest divisions?
NFL betting gets into full swing over these next few weeks and people will be looking to make out with some sweet payouts. The odds reflect just how tight a division this is.
BetUS.com analysts believe that the Atlanta Falcons stand the best shot of winning the NFC South in 2009.
From analyst Eric Williams:
"Call me crazy, but I think the Atlanta Falcons (11-5 SU, 9-7 ATS, 7-9 O/U) are just about ready to win this division following a phenomenal season under first-year head coach Mike Smith and first-year quarterback Matt Ryan, one of the best rookie signal callers I have seen in quite some time.
"After finishing just one game behind the Carolina Panthers, in large part because of the team's explosive offense, the Falcons concentrated almost exclusively on the defensive side of the football, using their first five draft picks to select defensive players in addition to acquiring veteran linebacker Mike Peterson in free agency.
"Atlanta opened a lot of eyes on offense last season, starting with Ryan and gifted running back Michael Turner who flourished in his first season as a full-time starter after sitting behind LaDainian Tomlinson for four years.
"Ryan led the Falcons to an 11-5 record and a playoff berth last season after the club went 4-12 in 2007. Turner rushed for 1,699 yards and 17 touchdowns and fleet-footed wide receiver Roddy White had 88 receptions for 1,382 yards.
"The Falcons ranked 10th in points per game (24.4), sixth in yards per game (361.2), 14th in passing yards per game (208.5) and second in rushing (152.7 ypg).
"While Atlanta allowed just 20.3 points per game last season (11th), the team gave up 348.2 yards per game (24th), including 220.4 per game through the air (21st) and 127.9 per game on the ground (25th).
"Atlanta drafted defensive tackle Jerry Peria out of Mississippi with the No. 24 overall selection in the first round before adding three defensive backs over its next four picks."
Atlanta does pay out better than both the New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers. A $100 bet on the Falcons would pay out $230. The Saints would pay $180 while the Panthers would pay $220. Again, this just goes to show how super close a division this is and likely will be in 2009.
The odd dog out is Tampa Bay, which would pay out $450 for every $100 bet.
"The Buccaneers were solid on defense under Gruden in 2008, ranking 10th in points allowed (20.2 ppg), ninth in yards allowed, (306.1) and a stellar fourth in passing yards, (187.3). Tampa Bay was surprisingly soft against the run last season, allowing 118.8 rushing yards per game (19th).
"All in all, I expect the Buccaneers to take a step backwards as they get used to their new regime and Morris learns the ropes of being an NFL head coach."
Don Shapiro, Gambling911.com
