Hey there Mad, In a way I'm a huge NFL fan, but then again I'm kinda jaded after years of working the "right" side. I'll offer this advice immediately. Betting on the NFL has become much easier for the player than the bookmaker. I watched the game change before my eyes. I mean I lived it, for real. The glory days of booking in the 80's are gone. It is now a punter's game(no the position, no pun intended). The lines in the NFL are soft as compared to BI (before internet). For example, how would I know anything about Aussie horse racing if it wasn't for the computer? INFORMATION previously available to only the ones in the know is now available to all. And to give the player a further edge, he has the luxury of studying the games when he wants as diligintley as he wants. Not the bookie. He's too busy, working to grab a 10% advantage, to monitor every line move, injury, and weather pattern. The book relies on the computer to update his odds before he gets burnt with bad lines and it's a tough job. In the 80's, I would have a line service guy call me from Vegas anytime some weird move happened. Now you will see these lines move crazily when before the player had no clue what the line should be.

I'm not taking anything this year, but I might play some games. I will still be following it though and I gave alot of my customers to my friend so I can monitor how the action goes. I could write a book (again, no pun intended) on the stuff, so if you have any questions, feel more than free to ask.

PS: 2004-2005 NFL was the worst season for Bookies ever. It was atrocious and here is why. It may even get worse for the books. There are 6 above average teams and 24 very bad ones. Vegas can't make the lines high enough. I can't believe I got demolished by square players giving the points, but it happened. These teams are 1) Philadelphia Eagles- They may be considered chokes when it comes to winning the Super Bowl but they cover week in and week out for last few years. 2) Indianapolis Colts-- Not only do they cover, they also go over the total every week and that's what ninny bettors play regiously (favorite to the over in a parlay---Pays 3-1 odds).
3)New England Patriots-- Super Bowl champs a couple times over are now America's team 4)Pittsburgh Steelers--- They may have overachieved last year with a rookie QB but they are still very talented.

Looking over the NFL, I don't really see any other great teams. Sure some, teams may surprise but as a whole you should be able to play these teams as favorites and turn a nice buck.

Be mindful of KEY injuries at all positions, not just the glamour positons like Quaterback, running back and wide receiver. American football is won by a simple plan. The better your offensive line is, the more you will score and the better your defensive line, the less they will score. I couldn't tell you the name of ONE offensive lineman right off the top of my head, but it's a cohesive unit that accounts for pushing their team up the field. Obviosly, the above mentioned teams have great lines. I would never in a million years believe I'm telling somebody that the way to win in the NFL is by betting favorite, but I am. The rub on this is don't bet ALOT of favs, just the superior teams. PSS The lines this week look fishy (week #1) Eagles-1 1/2 over ATLANTA FALCONS NE PAT"S-7 1/2 over oakland raiders Colts -3 over BALTIMORE RAVENS and STEELER's -7 over tennessee titans
Home teams in caps Eagles line looks low but they are at ATL and there has been dissensin out the wazoo during the past month and a half of training camp. Shouldn't matter though. They want to win it all and have lots of talent. I don't know what the New Orleans Saints are gonna do this year but, in all honesty, they've got a lot on their minds and the games won't mean much to them. They are +7 at Carolina this week