nfl

Last year the Miami Dolphins seemingly took a step back after a playoff run in 2008. However, a tough schedule masked improvements made in a transition year. They now come into 2010 as contenders for the AFC East crown for the first time in almost 10 years. Last year they had an against the spread record of 8-8.

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Offense

The Baltimore Ravens had the third best point differential in the NFL last season at +130, but still finished with a 9-7 record because of 4 losses by a field goal or less. The Jets, on the other hand, overperformed last season and found themselves one game away from a Super Bowl appearance. We will see if their young roster can build on that success and come back in 2010 as a legitimate contender. Vegas has given the Jets (-3) the nod as the favorite as they play host to the Ravens (+3) to kick off the 2010 NFL betting season.

Last year was a disaster for the Bills as signing Terrell Owens did not have the rejuvenating effect on their offense that they had hoped for. Things don’t look much better this season either as they head into 2010 with a roster that is peppered with weaknesses that they failed to address. Their 2009 ATS record was 8-8, which puts them tied for 18th along with Miami and Oakland.

Offense

The 49ers went 8-8 last year under the coaching of Mike Singletary, but come into 2010 with loftier expectations. They will go against the Seahawks who are looking to bounce back from a very rough 2009. 2010 will start with the 49ers (-1) favored to beat the Seahawks (+1) on their own turf.

Vernon Davis might be the most important player in this game. He finally began coming into his own last season after being called out by Coach Mike Singletary, and I fully expect 2010 to be a big year for him.

These are exciting times in Philadelphia. There has been a real changing of the guard with Kevin Kolb and LeSean McCoy replacing Donovan McNabb and Brian Westbrook, as well as the hopeful emergence of a great young receiving Corps. Last year, the Eagles largely met expectations, going 9-7 against the spread.

The Arizona Cardinals are returning in 2010 looking to reload and get back to the Super Bowl, as they did with Kurt Warner at the helm in 2008. They will start their journey in St. Louis as they take on the hapless Rams. Last year, the Rams were the worst team in the NFL, sporting a 1-15 record, and hope to rebuild around first overall draft pick Sam Bradford. The Cardinals (-3.5) are favored in this matchup versus the Rams (+3.5).

The Chiefs hope to emulate the Patriots’ success of the last decade by installing 3 of the most important leaders of that dynasty in GM Scott Pioli, offensive coordinator Charlie Weis, and defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel. Last year was a tough year for the Chiefs as they went 4-12 with a 7-9 ATS record.

Last year was an ugly, ugly season for the St. Louis Rams. They were probably the worst team in the NFL, and that was no easy crown to take with the Lions, Raiders, and Browns all putting up a fight. They suffered their way to a 1-15 record, though it may have led to them getting the main piece of their plan to return to respectability as they were able to draft Sam Bradford with the first overall pick. Last year, the Rams managed to go 7-9 against the spread despite losing every game but one.

Offense

Last year, the Bengals were led to a 10-6 record and a playoff berth by their excellent defense, which largely returns this year. They hope to make the playoffs for the second straight year for the first time in their franchise history. Last year their ATS record was 7-9, right in the middle of the pack.

Yet another interesting matchup in Week 1 is the Dallas Cowboys (-3.5) versus the Washington Redskins (+3.5). There is a lot to watch for here. In Washington, the obvious is just the sight of Donovan McNabb in a Redskin uniform. It will be weird to see. For the Cowboys, the question of whether Roy Williams will finally have that anticipated breakout season. Based on the offseason talk, he seems to think this is his year, but that remains to be seen.