Let’s look at teams inspiring
zero public confidence.
Their numbers, compared to 2010, are sure to plunge once oddsmakers release betting totals. The 2011 numbers won’t come out until after the lockout and free agency, but it’s never too early for informed speculation.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS (2010 total: 9.5, record 6-10) – This total figures to be around 7.
At least the Favre flirtations are over. But now Minnesota appears ready to hand the offense to rookie Christian Ponder, drafted surprisingly high at No. 12 overall.
Last season exposed the Vikes’ deficiencies in the secondary and on the offensive line. The D-Line, Minnesota’s greatest strength, could take a huge hit if underpaid end Ray Edwards keeps his vow not to play for a one-year tender.
Despite all the issues, MGM Mirage sportsbook director Jeff Stoneback told Covers.com he can’t envision posting a total lower than 7.
“They played a little better toward the end of the year when they got their new coach,” Stoneback said, referring to the team’s 3-3 record under Leslie Frazier. “They knocked off the Eagles in that Monday night game. They did improve. And they still have A.P. [All-Pro running back Adrian Peterson].
“They’re going to be weak at QB, but it helps out a lot when you can hand off to him.”
Of course, all bets are off if Minnesota lands Donovan McNabb.
DENVER BRONCOS (2010 total: 7.5, record 4-12) – This total figures to be around 6.
Much depends on whether Kyle Orton returns or Denver launches the Tim Tebow era for real.
New coach John Fox faces a monumental task rebuilding the defense, which gave up league highs of 29.4 points and 390.8 yards per game. The Broncos started the process by drafting linebacker Von Miller No. 2 overall and adding free safety Rahim Moore in the second round.
“We have to see who the Broncos install as full-time QB, but whoever it is will have to generate some incredible offense as the Broncos sport one of the NFL’s worst defenses,” oddsmaker Pete Korner, founder of the Sports Club in Las Vegas, told Covers.com. “Below 7.5 looks like a given but 5 may be too low. Another number we’re going to have to put a large moneyline on to discourage under betting.”
Covers expert Teddy Sevransky said once free agency is complete he’ll do a schedule analysis, then project win totals. At most, he said, Denver is likely to fall in the 6 to 6.5 range.
TENNESSEE TITANS (2010 total: 8.5, record 6-10) – This total figures to be 6 or 6.5.
Here we have another team potentially relying on a rookie quarterback and new head coach.
Jake Locker, drafted eighth overall to replace Vince Young, has all the desired physical and leadership tools. He still didn’t win big in college. And he had a disturbing habit of missing open receivers.
Offensive coordinator Chris Palmer plans to work with Locker on being “more consistent with his balance and rhythm.” In other words, he’s not NFL-ready.
Tennessee wants a veteran so Locker can be eased in. Re-signing 38-year-old Kerry Collins is one possibility, though not an attractive one.
CINCINNATI BENGALS (2010 total: 8, record 4-12) – This total figures to be around 6.
The Bengals “are a good example of why we don’t put out numbers this early,” Korner said. “We have to wait until the Carson Palmer situation unfolds.
What we do know is this team won’t be good. With internal strife, a 6 looks good but we’d still favor the under a bit [on the moneyline].”
Palmer is demanding a trade, but owner Mike Brown says the 31-year-old’s options are to play for Cincy or retire. “If we don’t have Carson, we’ll go with Andy,” Brown stated.
As in Andy Dalton, the No. 35 overall pick out of TCU.
Dalton is a promising prospect, but there are no quick turnarounds for a losing franchise in the same division with Pittsburgh and Baltimore.
Chad Ochocinco’s offseason has been weird -- even by his standards. He tried out for a soccer team and accepted a Twitter challenge to ride a bull. He lasted 1.5 seconds. When Brown suggested maybe Ochocinco will become a snake wrangler and “we’ll watch to see if he gets bit,” the wideout took the idea and ran with it. He’s talking about catching a Black Mamba and a Death Adder.
Not a bad metaphor for a team on a death spiral.
