Oddsmakers favor Colts, not Steelers next season

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2322062 ^

[mainepatsfan]

Oddsmakers favor Colts, not Steelers next season ESPN.com news services

Despite winning Super Bowl XL, the Pittsburgh Steelers aren't the favorite next season.

The MGM Mirage has already installed the Indianapolis Colts, who lost to the Steelers in the playoffs this year after being viewed as the favorite much of the season, as 4-1 favorites.

The Seattle Seahawks, who lost Sunday to the Steelers, are the favorite in the NFC at 5-1.

The oddsmakers also have the New England Patriots, winners of three of the past five Super Bowls, at 5-1.

As for the champion Steelers, they and the Carolina Panthers are both listed at 6-1.

[mainepatsfan]

They are this generation's Dan Fouts led San Diego Chargers.

[gov_bean_ counter]

At some point Indy fans and coaches will find out what folks at UT learned. Develop a good D and strong running game because Manning can't be trusted with the big game.

[smonk]

someone I work with insists that peyton's offensive line will "allow" him to get injured next season in retaliation for his comments to the media after the steelers stomped his guts out in the playoffs.

[steelyourfaith]

The Steelers get another chance to get motivated off of the "no respect" incentive.

[scott says]

I'm watching the espn morning shows and the Patriots are in everybody's top 2 or 3...overall #1.
If Brady and Harrison,Dillon, ect... are healthy and they sign some DB and OL, they could be great again.
The injuries were overwhelming this year.

[dfwgator]

Two words: Tampa Bay

[dfwgator]

And for Lions fans, it's always Next Decade.

[martin_fierro]

I have nothing against Peyton or Tony Dungee or the Colts generally...

...but given Vanderjagt's statements during the 2005 preseason, this graphic just rocks.

[Wristpin]

It's all preordained like the WWE anyway.

[Pompah]

Well stated sir. Painful, but well stated.

[Wristpin]

At least Fouts won an AFC Championship.

[TheBigB]

I still absolutely believe that when he was lining up for that last kick, Vanderjagt was thinking, "Ya know, Peyton called me an idiot...I'm not coming back here next year regardless...it really wouldn't bother me too much if this kick sailed juuust a bit to the right..."

[dfwgator]

The most devastating effect of the Indy-Pitt playoff game was when Peyton overruled Dungy and went for it on fourth down. Dungy lost his authority, and I seriously think he entertained thoughts of quitting after that game, precisely because of Peyton's actions. Plus, Edgerrin James is gone. I think Indy is coming down to Earth, big-time next year.

[gate2wire]

The Pats at 5-1 is pretty generous.
When healthy, they were the best team this year. The Denver game was their worst game in memory.
Colt's question is not Manning and his line, they're pros, they'll do their jobs. The question is James. He's crying and complaining.
Would want more than 6-1 on the Panthers with their running back issues.

Take the 5-1 on the Pats now. The odds on the others will probably improve some.

[Condor51]

****I wonder what rule changes the Colts will push for this off season?****

Oh.. nothing major. Just these:

1. Touching in any manner of #18 will result in a 15 yard penalty.
2. "Holding" will not be called on any Colts' offensive player.
3. Opponents will not be allowed to Blitz.
   • If by chance, an opponent defensive lineman gets within 2 yards of #18, the defensive player shall stop and fall down.
4. The opponent's Cornerbacks will be required to wear Leg Irons
   
5. During a pass play, if a Colt's receiver flat out drops the ball, that catch will stand, and count as a completion.
   However, in the interest of fair play, no yards after the catch will be awarded.
6. If the Colts are behind in scoring during the Fourth Quarter, they shall get 'do overs' until they get a First Down.
7. If the above 'do overs' still do not result in a Touchdown and 'well deserved win' before time expires, the officials shall stop the clock and award Manning a Touchdown anyway.
   • Coach, 'St. Tony' will select which receiver caught the 'Touchdown'.
   • However, if said Touchdown occurs within the last two minutes, the 'Receiver' of said Touchdown shall be determined by playing Spin The Bottle.
8. Lastly, during stoppages of play while the Colts are on offense, ALL players shall bow down at Peyton Manning's feet and sing praises to his 'greatness'.

Peyton Manning 'greatness' mocking -- off

[One Proud Dad]

No tackling the QB, can't rush more than 2, and must give a 10 yard cushion to WR's.

[Petronski]

Cut that meat! Cut that meat!

[One Proud Dad]

The contest will boil down to Pats and Steelers ( two best rounded teams overall ). NFC won't count much.

When Pats are healthy and clicking they can't be beat.

[Perdogg]

Super Bowl XLI - Dallas Cowboys over Cleveland Browns

Edgering James MVP for Dallas. Dallas will go up 7-3 when a Drew Beldsoe pass will be missed by Terry Glen, but tipped into the hands of Jason Campbell who will scamper 60-yards for a TD.

Final Score will be 31-10.

[gate2wire]

"The contest will boil down to Pats and Steelers"

I won't argue too much.
Want more than 6-1 to take the Steelers.