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For sports bettors, the NFC North may represent some of the very best value out there. In terms of odds to win the 2008 NFC North, none of these teams are technically favorites at Bookmaker.com.
Both the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers pay just shy of 2/1 odds or $160 for every $100 bet at press time.
There has been a lot of talk about the Minnesota Vikings being one of the top teams in the NFC and the Vikings 2008 odds seem to reflect this as does the Vikings odds to win the 2009 Super Bowl.
The Vikings are solid enough in other positions to help boost Jackson's success, however, the quarterback position (just as it is in Chicago land) has a big question mark. Adrian Peterson is one of the best running backs in the league, which probably distinguishes this team from the Bears. The offensive line should be hot as will the defensive line, making Minnesota even more tempting to bet.
The Green Bay Packers of course were last year's pride and joy. One has to wonder what impact the off season hoopla related to Brett Favre might have on the team as well as new quarterback Aaron Rodgers ability to lead.
Oddsmakers are tending to believe that the Packers will win less than 8 ½ regular season games.
Early 2008 Green Bay Packers odds had the Pack among the favorites to win the 2009 Super Bowl (or let's just say they were among the top 10 most likely teams). Their odds have since dropped from the high 80 percentile to the high 70 percentile.
Neither the Packers nor the Vikings are "givens" this season. As such, both the Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears enjoy some degree of value, especially when it comes to 2008 regular season win totals.
Anything is possible with the Detroit Lions since they play in a questionable division and played impressive ball the start of last season before imploding. This year, the Detroit Lions 2008 odds have them paying $500 for every $100 bet if they are to somehow win the 2008 NFC North at Bookmaker.com. These are good odds all things considered.
The Bears pay $475 for every $100 bet should they win the division.
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Don Shapiro, Gambling911.com
