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Following news that a torn ligament in his knee would sideline wide receiver Wes Welker through the remainder of the post season, the New England Patriots 2010 Super Bowl odds quickly entered into the double digits. By late Wednesday, the Patriots odds of winning were set at +1100 for a payout potential of $1100 on every $100 bet at betED.com.
"It's almost tempting," said Gambling911.com Head of Sports Odds Reporting, Don Shapiro. "Double digit odds on the Playoffs experienced New England Patriots who open the post season at home? Might be worth a small bet."
Perhaps. Especially when one considers how well the Pats have played at home this season.
Temperatures were expected to be bone chilling this upcoming weekend, which should help give a slight advantage to New England, Not that Baltimore hasn't played in sub-freezing temperatures before, but teams like New England, Cleveland, Green Bay and Buffalo do have a leg up on teams where temperatures typically range above the freezing mark.
Then there's Wes Welker's replacement. He's not all that bad.
Julian Edelman and Welker are similar in size and style -- catch a short pass then make sharp cuts to avoid defenders.
But the seventh-round draft pick who didn't play wide receiver at Kent State has a very long way to go to come close to Welker's accomplishments.
Welker led the NFL with a team-record 123 catches this season despite missing two games and almost all of the regular-season finale. His 346 receptions over the last three seasons are the most in the league. At times when opponents double teamed him, they covered Randy Moss with just one defender.
But Shapiro argues that as long as there is Tom Brady at Quarterback, the New England Patriots should never be ruled out.
"And for that matter, as long as Bill Belichick is still coaching this team, they will always stand a fighting chance."
Ean Lamb, Gambling911.com
