The 2008 NFL Season is quickly approaching, with Week 1 action kicking off Thursday, September 4 and proceeding to Sunday, September 7.
Team by team 2008 NFL Super Bowl odds to win are out and oddsmakers from the top online sports books have listed the Atlanta Falcons as 100-1 long shots to hoist the Lombardi Trophy at the end of the year.
The Falcons made a small, but significant splash in free agency this offseason. They added one of the prized free agents on the market in former San Diego Chargers running back Michael Turner and made a rather underrated signing by adding former Jets’ safety Eric Coleman. But they also lost a ton of talent from the 2004 NFC Championship team, including running back Warrick Dunn (released/Bucs), tight end Alge Crumpler (released/Titans), defensive tackle Rod Coleman (released) and cornerback DeAngelo Hall (trade/Raiders).
While the addition of Turner to the backfield will certainly help, many football pundits are down on the Falcons heading into the 2008 season. They have a ton of question marks on the offensive line and at quarterback, plus they lost several starters in their offseason purge. But they did add fantastic prospect Matt Ryan, who could unseat incumbent starter Chris Redman at quarterback, plus made a solid hire in first time head coach Mike Smith (formerly of the Jacksonville Jaguars).
No matter where you look, Atlanta is considered a heavy long shot at all of the major bookmakers. Current prices on the Falcons’ chances to win the 2009 Super Bowl range from 150/1 at SBG Global and Bodog, to 100/1 at Sportsbook.com.
Oddsmakers have also set the Falcons’ over/under total for wins in 2008 at 4.5, but clearly think Atlanta will win more than 4.5 games considering the over pays out at –140 compared to +110 for the under.
While the Falcons are considered heavy long shots to win the 2009 Super Bowl, they have a couple things going for them. First, they play in the weaker of the two conferences and no team in the NFC South looks dominant – including defending division champs Tampa Bay. The team has also rid themselves of former head coach Bobby Petrino and there seems to be a positive buzz around the club this summer. If the offensive line holds up and Ryan earns the starting job in preseason, the Falcons certainly have enough weapons in Turner, Jerious Norwood and Roddy White on offense to surprise. If you like long shots, the Atlanta Falcons might be your team.
Atlanta Falcons Odds to Win Super Bowl XLIII
SBG Global 150-1
Bodog 150-1
Sportsbook.com 100-1
Atlanta Falcons 2008 - 2009 Regular Season Win Totals Odds
Atlanta Falcons Over 4.5 Wins (-140)
Atlanta Falcons Under 4.5 Wins (+110)