AFC North Future Bets

The AFC North is a tough division that has been ruled during recent years by two teams, the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens.  But ever few years the Bengals come in flexing their muscles like last year.  With a tough division like this, it is hard to pick the division winner.  One thing is normal though, it isn't always the favorite. 

AFC North Favorite

For the last 10 years, everyone has touted the Baltimore Raven's defense. Now people are crowning Joe Flacco as the next franchise quarterback. With a big play running back in Ray Rice and the addition of Anquan Boldin there is no shock to learn that the Ravens are the favorite to win the AFC North at -195. But Flacco does have issues when being hurried and the defense is old and hurt. Free safety Ed Reed is on the PUP list and out for the first 6 games of the season and Domonique Foxworth went down the other day for the season after tearing his ACL. Those question marks makes me weary to lay money on a team in such a physical and tough division.

AFC North Vaule Bet

Even before the Cincinnati Bengals signed Terrel Owens, they were a nice pick at +350. Cedric Benson rushed for over 1200 yard last season when teams stuffed the box with 8 players. Now that T.O. in on the team, teams will not be able to focus as much on the run and only Chad Ochocinco. The signing of T.O. brought the line down to +300. With a defense that ranked 4th in yards allowed last season, the Bengals are a great value bet to repeat as AFC North Champions.

NFC West Future Bet

As the NFL season becomes closer and closer every day, it is time to look at the conferences and my future bets. The NFC West is possibly the weakest division of the entire league. But there is some nice value in the bet.

NFC West Favorite

The San Fransisco 49ers have been slowly building their team via the NFL Draft and have made strides each and every season. The sportsbooks believe that this is their year. Being led by quarterback Alex Smith, they are being the favorite to win the division at -210.

NFC West Value Bet

In a division that is arguably the weakest in the entire NFL, any team except for the St. Louis Rams have a chance to win the NFC West. But there is only one team that doesn't have a question mark at quarterback. The Seattle Seahawks have a healthy veteran returning this season in Matt Hasselbeck. They signed a could running back such as Leon Washington. Not to mention they have T.J. Housmazada as a play-making wide receiver. The defense might be questionable, but so are the other teams' defenses in the division. In such a weak division, the Seahawks are a sexy value bet at +475.

Albert Haynesworth Attends Training Camp, Meets with Coaches

After holding out from OTAs during the off season, Albert Haynesworth reported to training camp yesterday. Haynesworth met with Coach Mike Shanahan and Defensive Coordinator Jim Haslett. Only time will show if this relationship is mended and if it will work.

Mike Shanahan Remarks About Haynesworth

Washington Redskins Coach Mike Shanahan said that Haynesworth will have to pass a physical fitness test and won't participate until he does. That doesn't sound like much of a problem since Haynesworth apparently has trimmed down and reported to camp in the best shape of his career.

Haynesworth Meets with Jim Haslett

As defensive coordinator, Jim Haslett will have to deal with Haynesworth more than Shanahan. In a meeting with the $100 million dollar defensive lineman was told that he will have plenty of play making opportunities while playing in the 3-4 defense scheme that is being implemented this year. Haynesworth says that he understands that he will have to play nose tackle at times during games.

Haynesworth only needs to look a few hundred miles away to see how a nose tackle can make an impact on a defense. Pittsburgh Steelers nose tackle Casey Hampton has been a Pro Bowler in multiple years while playing in the successful defensive scheme.

Terrell Owens Signs $2M Deal with Cincinnati

The Terrell Owens saga ended yesterday evening with the announcement that he agreed to a contract with the Cincinnati Bengals. The deal will strengthen the passing attack for the team that won the AFC North last season.

Addition to Offense

The addition of T.O. gives quarterback Carson Palmer two explosive wide receivers. They already have a running game with Cedric Benson, but teams loaded the box last year while double teaming Chad "Johnson" Ochocincho. T.O. will give the team an improved aerial assault but will also give the running game more room.

T.O. Contract

T.O. signed a one year $2 million contract with the Bengals. He could earn a total of $4 million with incentives. There are six incentives in his contract each equaling around $330,000. This bonus money is performance based and will be paid when and if he:

1. Has 60 receptions
2. Has 100 receptions
3. Has 900 yards
4. Has 1300 yards
5. Has 10 touchdowns
6. Has 14 touchdowns

Chad and T.O. are good friends off the field, but it will be interesting to see if anything changes when T.O. is close to his incentives.

The Terrell Owens Market

Terrell Owens might be 36 years old, but he is still a talented wide receiver.  All of his antics are now costing him a job - or so it seems.  The wide receiver is one of the the highest profile free agents and no one has really been looking into his direction until recently.  Both the St. Louis Rams and Cincinnati Bengals have recently been talking with T.O.

St. Louis Rams Interest in Terrell Owens

This relationship has me scratching my head. T.O. can still help a team get over a hump to be a true contender. T.O. has said many times he wants to play for a contender. Also, the Rams have a rookie quarterback as the new face of a rebuilding franchise. The last thing this kid needs is a needy prima donna receiver yelling in his ear. This seems to be counterproductive for both T.O. and especially the Rams.

Cincinnati Bengals Terrell Owens Free Agent Signing

This makes more sense than the Rams. Though the players on the team have been the downfall in recent years, at least they know how to handle a receiver such as T.O. Also, T.O. and Carson Palmer have been working out together during the offseason. Having the duel threat in T.O. and Ochocincho would be deadly combination that could propel the team past the first round of the playoffs.

NFL Owners Collective Bargaining Agreement Position

The other day I mentioned what the NFLPA's position on the CBA negotiations.  Of course the owners have their own.  Without the unions agreement to these demands, the owners are willing to lock the players out of the 2011-2012 season. 

18 Game Season

Commissioner Roger Goodell has been talk about expanding the season since he took reign of the league. The NFL's position is that they would like to provide the fans with more NFL caliber football, which the preseason is not. They say it will bring more income to the players and league, which will allow them to invest in player safety and other aspects to further the sport. The players say they will not be compensated for the extra games.

Rookie Salary Cap

Both sides are willing to cap the amount rookies are allowed to be paid in their first contract. The league says that the union proposed capping the rookies' salary but also wanted the contracts to be three years and lowering the years needed to be a restricted free agent the same three years from the current four years. Certain players contend that the union came back with a proposal that kept the current four year requirement.

The bickering and unwillingness to negotiate reminds me of the current political partisanship. The league says they are doing this for the fans. However, the worst thing the league could do for the fans is cancel a season.

NFLPA Collective Bargaining Agreement Positions

This coming season is an uncapped year for the NFL.  This is because the owner decided to void the last couple years of the collective bargaining agreement it had with the NFLPA.  It was the right of the owners to do so, but the union was happy with the agreement and was offering to extend it six more years.  After the 2010 season, there will be no football unless the two sides agree on a new CBA. 

Extending the NFL Seasons to 18 Games

The NFL has been discussing about extending the regular season to 18 games by eliminating two preseason games. The union hasn't said no to this but has some issues it needs to work out. It really comes down to tenure. Right now a person that is in the league for 3 years receives 5 years of health benefits. By extending the season, a three year player will be playing more 6 more games over that time frame. That means a player that retires after 9 years would have actually played 10 16-game seasons. This is a sticking point with the union.

Rookie Salary Cap

The union isn't really against capping rookies' salary. Over a year ago they made a proposal to take money out of the rookie salary pool. The proposal was to remove $200 million for the rookie salary pool and put $100 million toward proven veterans and the other $100 million toward retired players. The owners, who are typically upset about the amount they have to pay unproven players, rejected the proposal.

Titan's Restructure Chris Johnson's Contract

Chris Johnson was threatening to hold out this year for a new contract.  He had been on ESPN saying that he wanted a deal that guaranteed him at least $30 million.  Instead his agent and the Tennessee Titans agreed to a restructured deal that will ensure he will report to training camp on time.

Johnson's Current Contract

Johnson's current contract still has 3 years remaining. Even if the Titans wanted to give Johnson a payday, they couldn't because of the labor agreement only allows a maximum of a 30% increase. Johnson was due to be paid $550,000. That would have made him the lowest paid veteran running back in the league a season after he became the 6th running back to rush for 2,000 yards in a season.

Johnson's Restructured Deal

The Titans have not released the details of the restructure, but reports say salary escalators that were to begin later in the contract were moved up. According to reports, Johnson will receive $2.5 million this season. There were no years added to the contract.

Top NFL Draft Picks Still Without Contract

With every team in the NFL nearing the opening of training camp, teams are working on signing the last of their draft picks to contracts.  There are no two teams more in the limelight for this than the St. Louis Rams and Detroit Lions.  Neither of them have yet signed their top draft picks, Sam Bradford and Ndamukong Suh.

St. Louis Rams Sam Bradford Contract

Sam Bradford's representatives met with the St. Louis Rams to lay the groundwork for the annual signing of the riches NFL contract. Every year that a quarterback is the number one pick of the NFL draft, he signs a contract with the most guaranteed money every awarded before ever stepping on the field and throwing a pass in a game. Last year Matthew Stafford inked a six-year contract that included $41.7 million in guaranteed money. Bradford is expecting somewhere in the range of $45-$50 million in guaranteed money.

Detroit Lions Ndamukong Suh Contract

Speaking to the media Friday, Ndamukong Suh said, "I feel like being paid and, as coach (Jim) Schwartz said, he feels I'm the best player in college football and I think they understand that. I don't think it'll be a problem."

This sounds like he want's to be paid more than number one overal draft pick Sam Bradford. The likelyhood of a holdout is high because he is represented by Eugene Parker and Roosevelt Barnes. Other players represented by these two include 2009 holdouts San Francisco 49'ers Michael Crabtree and Chiefs defensive lineman Tyson Jackson. Crabtree's holdout extended a month into the regular season while Jackson only missed a little more than a week of camp. Other players such Cedrick Benson and Steven Jackson have also been holdouts while these two worked out their deals.

Green Bay Packer's Johnny Jolly Suspended

Green Bay Packer's Johnny Jolly was suspended indefinitely by Commissioner Roger Goodell for violating the leagues substance abuse policy.  This comes in connection with an arrest in 2008 around a Houston night club. The suspension is without pay for this season. Jolly can apply for reinstatement after this season's Super Bowl.

Johnny Jolly Arrested for Codeine

Jolly was pulled over July 8, 2008 outside a Houston night club none for drug and gun activity by police gang task force. He was pulled over for excessive noise coming from his sub woofers, but the police smelled "the strong odor of codeine." The charges were dropped so that lab technicians could have ample time to learn a new piece of equipment that would accurately measure codeine. Jolly was reindicted this past December.

Packer's Jolly's Bond

After a judge found flyers advertising a party he allegedly hosted at a club in Houston, tighter restrictions were placed on his bond. Jolly now has to submit a hair sample for drug testing. He also now has a 6 pm-6 am curfew and is not allowed in any "establishment where drugs or alcohol are used."

Brett Favre Mum on Return at ESPYs

Along with a host of other athletes and celebrities, Brett Favre paraded around the ESPN ESPYs Awards and answered reporter's questions.  Of course, when it comes to Favre, those questions are on one topic and one topic only.  Will he return.  Well, the jury is still apparently out.

Brett Favre on Return

Favre says that returning will not be harmful in any way to his long term health, but he still isn't committing to a return. He has started practicing at a Mississippi high school. But Favre refuses to say if he is returning or not of a 20th season. Favre says it would be great to beat the Saints, the Minnesota Viking's opponent on opening night, but he still won't be seen at Viking training camp when it opens. It isn't exactly what Favre is saying that is revealing his answer, but his actions.

Brett Favre Health

Favre says the ankle is healing well but not yet 100%. He also acknowledged that playing again will not injure it worst. This is all a ploy to stay out of training camp. AT Favre's age, training camp is more stress on his 40 year old body that his body needs during a already long season. Give Favre 4 to 5 more weeks to "recover" and you will see him trotting at on the field at practice. This should be right around the end of training camp.

Steeler's Sign Coach Tomlin to 3 Year Extension

The Pittsburgh Steelers signed Coach Mike Tomlin to a 3 year extension.  The Pittsburgh Steelers' 6 Lombardi Trophies are the most won by any team in the NFL.  Part of this is because of the stability at coaching level.

Pittsburgh Steelers Coaching

The Steelers have had 3 coaches in the last 41 seasons. Though many say coaching other teams are more covenant, the Steelers position is the most stable. The Steelers didn't make the playoffs the year after winning their 6th Super Bowl, but the Steelers' top brass didn't care and still signed Tomlin. This obviously isn't new. The stuck by Chuck Noll through the lean years of the 80's.

Pittsburgh Coaching Stability

This is an obvious ingredient for success. In a time where the NFL culture is win now and what have you done lately, every other team can take a lesson from the Pittsburgh Steelers. Sticking by a coach allows the team to grow into the coach's original vision. It also allows the players to focus on football rather than wondering who the new coach will be every few years.

It's hard to argue with this train of thought. After all it has produced 6 Super Bowl Champion teams. Dan Snyder, are you listening?

NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement

The NFL collective bargaining agreement set to expire March 2011, both the NFL Players Association and the league have been in negotiations. Though there are plenty of issues at stake, two are causing contentious negotiations: season expansion and HGH testing.

NFL CBA and Season Expansion

Roger Goodell and other NFL top brass want to expand the season from 16 games to 18 games. To do this, they are proposing to cut the preseason by two games, thus not extending the total months of the season. The NFLPA's stand is that players pay and compensation will have to be adjusted because of the extra season games. Also the manner in which roster are formed will have to as well. It is hard for me to believe the two sides can be too far from this since they both will profit by more regular season games. It sounds like logistic more than anything.

NFL HGH Testing

The NFLPA has long since contested any HGH testing because you must draw blood for the test. They call this a violation of personal privacy. Except for the manner in which they are collected, I am not sure what the difference between bodily fluids such as urine and blood that separates the two from a privacy issue. The player's association seemed to find a new argument recently; HGH testing isn't reliable. This stance is because the player must have taken the drug within 48 hours to be detected in the blood. I don't see the issue since there are many drugs that can only be detected in the urine for 48 hours as well.

Michael Vick Release and Suspension Rumors

Michael Vick acted as a fine outstanding citizen for less than a year after being reinstated in the NFL.  Apparently Vick needed to raise money and decided that the best way to do so was to sell $50 tickets to his 30th birthday party.  Now he could be facing a possible suspension or unemployment. 

Michael Vick Release Rumors

The day after the shooting at the Virginia Beach nightclub, media outlets were reporting the Philadelphia Eagles were discussing the possibility of releasing the troubled back-up quarterback. Shortly after those reports the Eagles released a statement that they have not discussed that possibility and are monitoring the situation. If I were Vick, I would be looking over my shoulder. This is the same team that said Donovan McNabb was going to the the starting quarterback this year up until the day they traded him.

Michael Vick Suspension

A commonwealth attorney, Harvey L. Bryant, stated that Vick was involved in an altercation prior to the shooting. Apparently Vick exited his limo, after already being pulled in by friends, and had words with a person. Bryant did not identify the man. It is now known that Vick left about 3-5 minutes prior to the shooting.

Roger Goodell supposedly has a very short leash on Vick. I wonder if its even shorter now.

Brett Favre Viking Return

Brett Favre is at it again.  Though he hasn't said anything confirming his return, he sure is following the footsteps of past years.  He is throwing the football and practicing a little bit everyday in Mississippi.

High School Practice

Brett Favre has been at Oak Grove High School for football practice that last couple weeks. Though he hasn't been a regular attendee of practice, the coach says he has been there more regularly lately. This is the same path to his last couple comebacks from possible retirement. It might not sound like much, but I think it speaks volumes.

Favre Wants To Beat The Saints

After telling a reporter a few weeks back that he would love to beat the New Orleans Saints in the up coming season, Favre has been attending Oak Grove High School practice. He has a chance of beating the Saints since the Minnesota Vikings opening the season in New Orleans. I am sure we are still a month from the official statement. But I am pretty sure that statement will be that Favre is coming back for one more season.

Jamarcucc Russell Arested on Drug Charges

The last few weeks have truly been the month of the NFL quarterback. Michael Vick popped up in the headlines again with the shooting at his 30th birthday party. Chris Simms was charged with driving under the influence of drugs after being stopped in New York and, according to police, admitted to smoking pot. Now Jamarcus Russell is back in the headlines for being arrested on drug charges.

Jamarcuss Russell Arrested with Codeine

Jamarcuss Russell was arrested for possession of codeine syrup without a prescription Monday. The arrest came at his Mobile, Alabama home as part of an undercover operation. The former number one overall draft pick was released on a $2,500 bond.

Jamarcuss Russell Future Contract

This latest smudge on Russells record isn't doing any good for his career. The Oakland Raiders released the quarterback and is trying to recoup some of the signing bonus back. Russell is known to be lazy and have a lack of professional work ethic, but that wasn't stopping the New York Jets looking at the quarterback for a back up to Mark Sanchez. Apparently the new drug charges have changed the Jet's mind. The Jets have said they are no longer interested in the quarterback.

Chris Simms Charged with Smoking and Driving

The last few weeks have been the weeks of the NFL quarterbacks.  First you had Vince Youngs' strip club fight; then there was Michael Vick's birthday bash shooting.  Now Chris Simms was charged with driving while impaired by drugs in New York City.

Chris Simms Marijuana Charges

Chris Simms was stopped at a police checkpoint Thursday. According to police, there was an odor of pot, Simms had blood shot eyes and he admitted to smoking pot. Simms contends that he was talking about smoking cigarettes. Simms was released without bail and is due back in court August 23.

Chris Simms Defense

Outside of a Manhattan courthouse, Chris Simms said the case is "very weak." His attorney says that the odor could have been from two unidentified persons in the back of the car. Also in the car was Simm's 8 month pregnant wife. His attorney went on to state that there is nothing in Simms record of such blatant irresponsibility.

Two NFL Players Suspeneded

As the season approaches, the NFL has announced the suspensions of two unsigned free agents Thursday.  NFL spokesman Randall Liu confirmed that LenDale White and Hollis Thomas have both been suspended.

LenDale White Suspension

This announcement wasn't a shock to anyone. It was reported, when LenDaleWhite was released by the Seahawks in May, that he was facing a 4 game suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy. White, who is training in Colorado and hoping for another team to call, admits that he smoked pot prior to the positive test. He contends that the positive test has nothing to do with his release from the Seahawks.

Hollis Thomas Suspension

Hollis Thomas is now facing his second suspension for violating the league's performance-enhancing substance policy in his 14 year career. The NFL suspended the free agent for the first 8 games of the upcoming season for the second violation. Thomas was suspended for the last 4 games of the 2006 season for testing positive for steroids. Thomas blamed that positive test on asthma medication. There is no reports if he is sticking to that same story this time.

Chargers and Jets Rumor Mill

As all 32 teams inch closer to the beginning of preseason camp and games, NFL rumor mill is in full effect.  Though most of the reports have some fact base, what the ending will be is anyone's guess.  The first two that will be mentioned today is what could be brewing with the Chargers and Jets.

San Diego Chargers

The San Diego Chargers are the the perennial player chokers of the NFL season. Ladainian Tomlinson, who is definitely pass his prime, is gone. But they don't have a bruising back to replace him. Now there is word that one of the receiving threats is on the market. It is rumored that the Chargers have spoken with the Seattle Seahawks and Washington Redskins about interest in trading the Pro Bowl wide receiver. No one expects Jackson to go anywhere soon because the price seems high. Not only will the Chargers expect high draft picks or other high profile players, Jackson will need to be resigned. Jackson and his agent are looking for a contract slightly higher the Brandon Marshalls' recent contract with the Miami Dolphins.

New York Jets

The New York Jets are living up to their intention to not to leave any rock unturned when looking for talent. This is evident with recent reports that General Manager Mike Tannenbaum has reached out to exiled former number one draft pick and bust JaMarcus Russell. Who blames the Jets for not having much trust in their current back-ups, Kellen Clemens and Erik Ainge. But reports have the Jets more interested in free agent and elder statesman Mark Brunell. Not only would you get a possible steady quarterback for a back-up but a great mentor for Mark Sanchez.