Where’s the love for the defending champions? Despite knocking off the previously undefeated New England Patriots in January, oddsmakers have made the New York Giants’ odds to win the 2009 Super Bowl 15/1.
Arguably the Giants best move of the offseason was retaining defensive coordinator Steve Spangnuolo, who could have jetted to another team to become a head coach. He’s back though, and thus the G-Men have their great defensive mind once again. New York also added a quality piece to its secondary with the selection of Miami’s Kenny Phillips, who was highly regarded as the best safety prospect in the draft.
Things haven’t been too quiet this year in New York. Defensive end Michael Strahan retired this past offseason, while both tight end Jeremy Shockey and receiver Plaxico Burress have been busy complaining about their current contracts. Will things settle down in time for the Giants to make another run at a Super Bowl?
Current prices on the New York Giants’ chances to win the 2009 Super Bowl range from 15/1 at Sportsbook.com and Bodog, to 20/1 at SBG Global.
Oddsmakers have also set the Giants’ over/under total for wins in 2008 at 9, but clearly think New York will lose more than 9 games considering the under pays out at –130 compared to EVEN for the over.
There’s no reason to shy away from the Giants in 2008. Not only do they return a lot of key pieces from their Super Bowl team offensively, but Eli Manning also looked like he officially turned the corner as a quarterback in last year’s playoffs. If Manning can play as well as he did in the postseason, the Giants should be set to make another deep run. Shockey and Burress have proved to be distractions, but things should simmer down once the season starts. Retaining Spangnuolo was huge, so the defense should once again be solid, which only means great things for the G-Men in 2008.
New York Giants Odds to Win 2009 Super Bowl
SBG Global 20-1
Bodog 15-1
Sportsbook.com 15-1
New York Giants 2008 Regular Season Win Totals Odds
New York Giants Over 9 Wins (Even)
New York Giants Under 9 Wins (-130)