Ah, the nice, soothing feeling of another football season approaching quickly. Time to brush off the ol’ weekly football betting column we like to call ‘Tank the 401k.” Full disclosure – this probably won’t be weekly until the season actually starts, but I can’t quite contain the itch to write this anymore. Considering that hoards of people are flooding our Twitter (@Tank401k – LOL 9 followers…anyway) with requests for this piece, duty calls. Let’s hit those futures odds:
College football (to win the National Championship)
Safe bets
LSU 10/1 – Leonard Fournette was an atrocious game against Alabama away from winning the Heisman in runaway fashion. I get it – Nick Saban doesn’t rebuild. He reloads. Still, the defensive line that stuffed Fournette last season isn’t going to be there.
This team is loaded with talent on both sides of the ball and draws its toughest opponents at home this season (Ole Miss, Alabama). If Brandon Harris can manage the offense, and they can avoid the dreaded November slip-up (@Arkansas, @Texas A&M), this is a team that should run the table. 10/1 odds is a bargain.
Florida State 10/1 – Like LSU, Florida State was close to being dominant in 2015. How many programs can consider 10-3 a rebuilding year? The ACC will be much-improved in 2016, and the ‘Noles will have to survive a season opener against Ole Miss (and a potential slip-up at South Florida…you read it here first), but they’re going to be plenty more talented than every team on their schedule. 10/1 odds may be your best bet to make some money.
Longshots
Miami 75/1 – Miami would need to win the ACC, defeat Florida State, and defeat Notre Dame in 2016 to even get to the College Football Playoff, but hey – what are long odds for? I’m in on the Mark Richt-Brad Kaaya hype train. If you’ve got money to throw on Miami, why not?
Oklahoma State 80/1 – The Big 12 is wide open this year, but the Cowboys have national sleeper potential. If they can get past Oklahoma, quarterback Mason Rudolph could lead this team to a National Championship. 80/1 would be a huge payout if that happens.
You’re insane
Boise State 150/1 – Hey, we’re just having fun here. But, when the toughest game on the schedule is a home game against Washington State, why not throw a few bucks down just in case?
San Diego State 500/1 – 500/1? 500/1! Why are there even odds on San Diego State? Is it possible that they defeat Cal and then win every game by 30 points? Sure….maybe. Why not? Live a little.
NFL (to win the Super Bowl)
Safe bets
Arizona 11/1 – The Cardinals are a part of a very muddled NFC picture, but appear to be the most complete team with the least amount of questions. I say 11/1 is safe. I’m not ready to make them my official Super Bowl pick just yet, though. That will come once SoBro Bill and I sit down to preview the season on The SoBros Network.
Pittsburgh 11/1 – Right now, New England is the favorite to win the Super Bowl. If I’m placing a futures bet right now, I’m still very concerned about that four-game stretch without Tom Brady. That makes the Steelers the next team up. Even without Le’Veon Bell, this team is still loaded with offensive talent, and can play defense well enough to have a solid run in 2016.
Longshots
New York Giants 28/1 – Anyone else surprised to see that Vegas is somewhat high on Big Blue? The Giants have loaded up on offense through the draft. They’ve spent money on quality free agents on defense. Best of all, they play in a winnable division. I’m buying low in the 2016 New York Giants.
Oakland 30/1 – Man, the Oakland Raiders hype train has yet to hit Vegas. 30/1 doesn’t reflect a lot of confidence in the silver and black, but there’s plenty of reason for optimism. The Raiders are loaded with talent and could prove to be a bargain here come playoff time.
You’re insane
Atlanta 65/1 – If Dan Quinn can get some semblance of a formidable defense in Atlanta, this team will contend immediately. They went 9-7 last season! It’s not like we’re talking about a Cleveland-level turnaround. 65/1 is downright disrespectful to the Dirty Birds. This offense is going to be electric.
San Diego 80/1 – With all of the attention on Oakland, Kansas City, and the defending Super Bowl Champion Denver Broncos, people are sleeping on San Diego. They still have Philip Rivers. They regained Ken Whisenhunt as offensive coordinator. They aren’t too far off the mark. 80/1 odds are enticing for those looking to make a huge payout.
That’s it for now – ’til next time, folks.
Stoney Keeley is the editor of the SoBros Network, Tennessee Titans Featured Analyst for Pro Football Spot, and covers the WWE for WrestlingNews.co. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley,@PFSpot, @WrestlingNewsCo
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