Eagles Odds Soar On Vick News
Comedian Chris Rock once said “a man is only as faithful as his options.” And while the former SNL star was talking about relationships, that statement stands true in the world of sports.
Just look at the messy quarterback controversy brewing in Philadelphia, where Eagles head coach Andy Reid has sided with backup Michael Vick for Week 3's tilt against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Reid's decision to go with Vick came just a day after pledging his allegiance to No. 1 QB Kevin Kolb, who is healthy after sitting out Week 2 with a concussion.
Reid's flip-flop might damage his credibility in the locker room, but Vick is his best option. Vick was impressive in relief of the injured Kolb in Week 1 and led Philadelphia to a 35-32 victory over the Detroit Lions in Week 2, passing for 284 yards and two touchdowns while keeping the defense guessing with 37 yards on the ground.
Several online sportsbooks joined the fray, tinkering with the idea of Kolb vs Vick – Who will start? Odds but Reid’s comments early in the week wrecked that idea. Still, bodog.com introduced the following prop - How many games will Kevin Kolb start from Week 4 onward in the 2010 NFL Regular Season? The Over-Under is set at 2, giving an indication of how oddsmakers feel this will play out.
And there are Michael Vick Week 3 props – Total Passing Yards over-under 235.5 and Total TD Passes over-under 1.5. Of note, the Eagles are a lame 1-7 ATS in their past 8 games against teams from the AFC South.
Vick's presence under center may be great for the Eagles, but it's been a bit of a burden for Philly backers. Philadelphia moved from a 3-point favorite to 6.5-point chalk when Vick was announced as the Week 2 starter. And this week's number, which opened at -3 in favor of the Eagles, is expected to go up as the public popularity of No. 7 urges Sunday bettors to play Philadelphia.
Eyes on October
The Phillies continue to roll towards another NL East title. They've won 10 straight and are the favorites to win their third straight NL Pennant, priced at even money. Only the Giants at +300 are close. The Phillies moved ahead of Tampa Bay this week at Sportsbook.com, up to +300 just behind the Yankees at +300.
Owls bettors give a hoot
State rivals Penn State and Temple collide this weekend. The Owls are 13.5-point road underdogs in Happy Valley and are coming off an impressive win against UConn last weekend. Temple managed to cover as a 29.5-point road underdog in last year's tilt with PSU, but is just 2-6 in its last eight meetings with the Nittany Lions. In the Owls' defense, six of those games have been on the road.
College football serves up another full menu of tasty matchups and 5Dimes.com even offers odds on games that most other sportsbooks don’t. So bettors who would like the chance to bet Division 2 lightweights Austin Peay, VMI, Northern Colorado or Southern Utah, check out the matchups.
Flyers flying under Cup odds radar
The NHL preseason is underway and the Flyers are hoping to pick up where they left off. Philadelphia had a memorable playoff run in 2009-10, losing to the Chicago Blackhawks in the Stanley Cup final. Books like the Flyers' chances this season, setting the Broadstreet Bullies at +700 to win the Eastern Conference and +1,500 to win the Stanley Cup at BetUS.com (home of a whopping $500 bonus on a $500 deposit).
UFC 119 – Mir vs Cro Cop
Fight fans can wager on UFC 119 odds this weekend, with the Frank Mir vs Mirko Cro Cop Filipovic battle headlining the card in Indianapolis. Ultimate Fighter Season 8 champ Ryan Bader is favored in the co-Main Event against Antonio Rogerio Nogueira. He is 12-0 in the UFC.
As usual, there are odds on every match and every underdog is a dangerous underdog in the UFC, which is why books offer plenty of action. [ Latest UFC 119 odds – Bodog.com – BetUS.com ]