Bodog Lists 49ers As Co-Favorites In NFC West

by David Fucillo on Aug 18, 2011 3:37 PM PDT in NFL Gambling

In a bit of a follow-up to this morning's post on the 49ers win total over/under, the folks at Bodog Sports have released updated NFL divisional odds. In what I consider a little bit of a surprise, the 49ers are listed as co-favorites with the Rams:

San Francisco 49ers: 37/20 (+185)
St. Louis Rams: 37/20 (+185)
Arizona Cardinals: 11/4 (+275)
Seattle Seahawks: 5/1 (+500)

Of all these teams, who do you think is the safest pick and who do you think is the best pick for the odds they're getting? The lack of a consensus favorite shows just how bunched up the division is. For comparison's sake, the Green Bay Packers are sitting at -220 to win the NFC North, with the Chicago Bears next at +450. Also, the San Diego Chargers are -240 to win the AFC West, with the Kansas City Chiefs next at +425.

I'd never bet on one of the other teams, but if I had to pick one, I might take the Cardinals. They've got plenty of question marks, including whether Kevin Kolb is legit and whether Beanie Wells can carry the load without Tim Hightower. There's a reason they're not a favorite in the division, but if you're willing to go out on a limb (and thus be ex-communicated from NN for betting against the 49ers), they might be the choice. And if you've got a "feeling" about Tavaris Jackson? Feel free to just flush your money down the toilet.

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WOW

KC getting no love.

by Sigelvictory on Aug 18, 2011 4:05 PM PDT reply actions

I tend to agree...

without Weiss I think Haley will screw that offense up again.

by Sigelvictory on Aug 18, 2011 4:06 PM PDT up reply actions

i'd pick the rams over the niners

for the nfc west. They are the only team in the division without a question mark at QB.

by BY97ismyhero on Aug 18, 2011 4:19 PM PDT reply actions

Yeah, Rams

"The past is the past. The only time I look into the rear view is for the cops and I don't speed." -Shawn Andrews

by TryAndCatchVD on Aug 18, 2011 5:09 PM PDT up reply actions

They do have a new O coordinator

With no offseason work with Bradford. Think that might factor in?

by musamonster on Aug 18, 2011 5:13 PM PDT up reply actions

Their Schedule

looks “slightly” harder than the niner’s. Keep in mind I say, Slightly, because their schedule appears front-loaded with tough competition in the eagles, giants, and baltimore in their first three games, plus green bay in week five and the saints in week seven. They don’t even have a divisional game until week 8(which I might consider an advantage, if they can stay healthy, because they’d be all up to speed on the new offense), but by that time I’d guess they will be at two maybe three wins.
On a side note, I think I’d put my money on the Cards, BUT that’s only because I think they’ve got the easiest schedule. The niners schedule also doesn’t look too bad either, but weeks 3-6 will be the real make or break point with the eagles(even with all of my niners optimism, and trust me, there is a good bit, maybe even approaching homerism. that game will probably be a loss) then tampa(a real test to see what this team can be/do this season) and then the Lions(which I think could be the most exciting game of the season, especially if stafford is healthy).
All in all, this division is really up in the air(for the second year in a row), arguably more so than any other division this year.

by Conskies on Aug 18, 2011 11:17 PM PDT up reply actions

In watching a lot of these teams like Cleveland and Tampa, Giants, etc...

I think they are going to be very beatable with the right game-planning in place. If Harbs can make adjustments much better than the last bunch of coaches, then we would see anywhere from 2-4 more wins than last year.

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The Hometown Fan

by Drew Kerr on Aug 18, 2011 11:44 PM PDT up reply actions

Good point

We could easily go 8-8 or better, but the learning curve of the new systems is what scares me away from saying we will easily win the division, when teams like the Cards have the potential to (pardon my french) tare S*** up this year. Plus to what extent will Harbs and Co. be able to tailor schemes to games, if the basics or our offense still aren’t second nature to our players?(<- meant as an inquiry, not to as arguing words)
Another side note: I think the division games shouldn’t be too hard for the niners, including the season opener versus seattle, but if I had to guess our record at week 7(our bye week) I’d throw 3-4 to 4-3 (probably the prior due to learning curve again). But who knows there’s still a lot of time for us to work out the kinks before the season.

by Conskies on Aug 19, 2011 12:06 AM PDT up reply actions

tear*
not tare(as in “zeroing” a scale)

by Conskies on Aug 19, 2011 12:09 AM PDT up reply actions

The good coaches play to the players' strengths.

See Bill Walsh.
See Bill Belichick.

Of course there is also a master plan against each team they played too… So I would say it is a solid combo of both. And I think that Harbaugh will find himself sooner opposed to later as a pro head coach.

He is doing some amazing things in camp and practice so far in just listening to all the players. There is a major level of respect there…. definitely a lot more than they had for Sing as evidence of many situations over the past two years.

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The Hometown Fan

by Drew Kerr on Aug 19, 2011 12:26 AM PDT up reply actions

Like Conskies said, the Rams early schedule is rough

I can easily see them going somewhere between 1-6 to 3-4 over the opening stretch. Rams are probably the best team in the NFC West but they also face a pretty ridiculous schedule compared to the Cards and Niners.

by Gitaroo_Dude on Aug 18, 2011 11:24 PM PDT up reply actions

Niners schedule is layered pretty good as to where they can keep enough confidence rolling througout the year.

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The Hometown Fan

by Drew Kerr on Aug 18, 2011 11:45 PM PDT up reply actions

That's really surprising considering all the national pundits are picking us to finish dead last.

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The Hometown Fan

by Drew Kerr on Aug 18, 2011 4:37 PM PDT reply actions

oddsmakers

I’d be curious to hear the reasoning from the oddsmakers. I’m actually more inclined to listen to them then national pundits.

by David Fucillo on Aug 18, 2011 4:40 PM PDT up reply actions

And how

Cold hard cash being strong motivation to being right.

by Jaxson876 on Aug 18, 2011 4:47 PM PDT up reply actions

Me too

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The Hometown Fan

by Drew Kerr on Aug 18, 2011 4:55 PM PDT up reply actions

I don't think pundits have as much penalty for being wrong

than oddsmakers.

by brundylop on Aug 18, 2011 5:23 PM PDT up reply actions

Tuesday Morning QB

documents this each year in an hilarious article.

by oldfoggy on Aug 18, 2011 6:01 PM PDT up reply actions

Is that Greg Easterbrook?

by brundylop on Aug 18, 2011 6:08 PM PDT up reply actions

Has Football Outsiders put out their prognostication yet?

It is always so disappointingly accurate.

by Sigelvictory on Aug 18, 2011 5:02 PM PDT reply actions

no it's not.

by whistlingmountain on Aug 18, 2011 7:08 PM PDT up reply actions

Arizona looks like the clear favorite to me

by eastbayglory on Aug 18, 2011 5:29 PM PDT reply actions

Beanie Wells for MVP

Right guys? Right?

"The past is the past. The only time I look into the rear view is for the cops and I don't speed." -Shawn Andrews

by TryAndCatchVD on Aug 18, 2011 5:31 PM PDT up reply actions

You can't possibly be serious!

by 49erFanSince1950 on Aug 18, 2011 6:39 PM PDT up reply actions

Seahawks fans

Fan1: I Gotta Feeling……

Fan2: naaaah that’s just tarvaris making you tarvaris

Niners,Nets,Reds & USC!!!

The Most Interesting Man In The World---->Mikhail Prokhorov!!!

by Kidd2Petrovic on Aug 18, 2011 5:34 PM PDT reply actions

Tavaris sounds like

a prescription drug that should have one of those commercials that lists rectal bleeding as a side effect.

by Sigelvictory on Aug 18, 2011 5:37 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs

My hatred of him started in Madden 2011

With that damn puka shell necklace

“Fly Right 24 wheel on two on two… duuuuuuuuude”

"The past is the past. The only time I look into the rear view is for the cops and I don't speed." -Shawn Andrews

by TryAndCatchVD on Aug 18, 2011 5:42 PM PDT up reply actions

hehe

Niners,Nets,Reds & USC!!!

The Most Interesting Man In The World---->Mikhail Prokhorov!!!

by Kidd2Petrovic on Aug 18, 2011 5:45 PM PDT up reply actions

I always say

Tavaris is Latin for “Man that can’t throw a football”

by ChesapeakeBay9er on Aug 18, 2011 6:22 PM PDT up reply actions

Tavaris is an upgrade

from Hasselbeck. Seattle will be better, so will the Rams and most likely the Cardinals, since they now have a QB that does not literally throw games (you too Hasselbeck). The Niners, however, bring back pretty much the same team and biggest problem — their QB.

by salary_cap on Aug 18, 2011 8:38 PM PDT up reply actions

the same team?

they did a major overhaul on the defense

by Andrew9erfan on Aug 19, 2011 4:14 AM PDT up reply actions

Meh

Tavaris wasn’t an upgrade over Joe Webb. The Rams might be better, although Bradford is going to have to take some major strides. He wasn’t a first year disaster, but on a rate basis he was below average.

He just finished near the very top of the league in passing attempts (most ever for a rookie) and dinked and dunked his way through the season (Only Bradford and Clausen averaged less than 10 yards per completion last year). There were three factors that played a bigger role in the Rams improvement last year :

1. Regression to the mean.
2. A team defense that jumped from one of the worst in the league to above average.
3. The hands down easiest schedule in the league.

The Cardinals addition of Kolb was subtraction by addition. He has been worse than Alex Smith with a better system and better weapons. They should have drafted a QB instead of Peterson, although I’m glad they saved us from making that mistake.

by Ougadas on Aug 19, 2011 4:52 AM PDT up reply actions

Ant one watching the game , gotta say the Eagles are getting whipped ( pre-season i know ) , but still ...

… what has me wondering are they going to be high on other teams radar , such as Superbowl Champs seem to get , wonder if teams are really going to get up for these games against the Eagles …!!

I'm your " Huckelberry "...it's just my game ...Jimmy Raye your no daisy ...!!

by Edggy on Aug 18, 2011 6:03 PM PDT reply actions

Dang ( anyone ) ...!!

I'm your " Huckelberry "...it's just my game ...Jimmy Raye your no daisy ...!!

by Edggy on Aug 18, 2011 6:03 PM PDT up reply actions

Watching while at work...

Gotta say the “dream team” doesn’t look all that good. Makes me smile.

by TLich on Aug 18, 2011 6:07 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions

I thoroughly enjoyed

Samuel completely misreading that first TD :-)

by Virginia9er on Aug 18, 2011 6:08 PM PDT up reply actions

he always jumps the route

he figured they would throw short with the blitz. Apparently he forget big ben was the QB

Harbaugh will find a QB and he will succeed.

by goatfather on Aug 18, 2011 7:13 PM PDT up reply actions

Asante is notorious for that.....

getting fleeced on a double move

Niners,Nets,Reds & USC!!!

The Most Interesting Man In The World---->Mikhail Prokhorov!!!

by Kidd2Petrovic on Aug 18, 2011 7:49 PM PDT up reply actions

Dang what a pass by Byron ...!!

I'm your " Huckelberry "...it's just my game ...Jimmy Raye your no daisy ...!!

by Edggy on Aug 18, 2011 6:11 PM PDT reply actions

Pats-Bucs

28 – 0 starting up the second half now.

by ChesapeakeBay9er on Aug 18, 2011 6:23 PM PDT reply actions

Unfortunately, Josh Johnson, although playing less than a quarter, looks much better than Josh Freeman.

by 49erFanSince1950 on Aug 18, 2011 6:41 PM PDT up reply actions

Vince Young is terrible lol

Eagles have ZERO linebackers

Harbaugh will find a QB and he will succeed.

by goatfather on Aug 18, 2011 7:14 PM PDT reply actions

I know its just preseason

but, the Patriots look darn near unstoppable. That team is just so deep.

Yes, I just did Twitter. Follow me for ultra intelligent insight.
"I am our future, forget Kory"

by nocal81(Vincent) on Aug 18, 2011 7:33 PM PDT reply actions

Terry Bradshaw

Is anyone listening to the drivel spewing forth from his mouth hole?

"The past is the past. The only time I look into the rear view is for the cops and I don't speed." -Shawn Andrews

by TryAndCatchVD on Aug 18, 2011 7:39 PM PDT reply actions

Joe Buck is.....

Harbaugh will find a QB and he will succeed.

by goatfather on Aug 18, 2011 7:44 PM PDT up reply actions

Is it me?

Or does he look 50 pounds lighter and 20 years older compared to last season. I sure hope he is okay

Yes, I just did Twitter. Follow me for ultra intelligent insight.
"I am our future, forget Kory"

by nocal81(Vincent) on Aug 18, 2011 7:58 PM PDT up reply actions

I noticed too

My brother-in-law couldn’t recognize him

by mcwagner on Aug 18, 2011 9:22 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions

Fox

Must have though, ‘is there any way to possibly make Buck and Aikman worse?…Oh let’s throw in Terry [Site Decorum] Bradshaw.’

by Virginia9er on Aug 18, 2011 8:11 PM PDT up reply actions

These new rules are terrible

Harbaugh will find a QB and he will succeed.

by goatfather on Aug 18, 2011 7:49 PM PDT reply actions

I heard on ESPN radio tonight that Accuscore has the Niners as favorites too.

The projected record was 8-8.

Twitter: @Joshuahss

by Joshuahss on Aug 18, 2011 7:50 PM PDT reply actions

So clearly this post was to alert us

that BoDog sports has no credibility. Then again, its hard to pick a favorite in the NFC West, but then again, it can’t be the Niners.

by salary_cap on Aug 18, 2011 8:36 PM PDT reply actions

when you put a lot of money on the line you better have some sense of what you are saying.

"Hi my name is Cliff Harris and I am here to lock [site decorum] down" - Cliff Harris introduction at his Freshman Orientation
Reporter : "What do you remember about the BCS title game"
Cliff Harris: "That we lost"

by manraj7 on Aug 18, 2011 8:38 PM PDT up reply actions

It makes sense

The Rams have an almost unfairly brutal schedule, especially early. Their first seven games include the Saints, the Packers, Baltimore, NY Giants, Philly, and Dallas. I could easily see them going 0-6 over that stretch to 2-4. It’s tough.

Seattle might have got worse over the offseason. And they get to start the season against Atlanta, on the road against the Steelers, at the Giants and at Cleveland.

Arizona is a total unknown thanks to Kolb but I sincerely doubt he’ll have the same effect Warner did and rejuvenate the team. Their defense is questionable too. Not exactly a sterling pick.

Niners are no Cinderella but look at it objectively. They were lucky enough to draw Cinci as their first road game, along with Washington down the line. There were numerous games over the last two years that the Niners could have won but let slip through their fingers. Harbaugh alone should help the team’s road record. The Niners should continue to post a winning record against the NFC West.

Say they achieve the very doable record of 4-2 within the division. Wins over Washington and Cinci (favorites for the A Luck sweepstakes), Cleveland, and one more win over the combo of Dallas/Tampa/Detroit/New York/Steelers leaves them at 8-8 and likely enough to win the NFC West. It’s very doable that they win AT LEAST one of those games over that chunk of teams above.

by Gitaroo_Dude on Aug 18, 2011 11:13 PM PDT reply actions