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One of the greatest things about the Super Bowl from a betting standpoint is the enormity of betting opportunities for sports bettors.  The Super Bowl has always been the single most popular game in the world when it comes to sports betting. Just to give you an idea of the money involved, Nevada is expecting nearly 100 million in wagering just within the state’s borders for this year’s Super Bowl. As a result, online bookmakers have taken advantage offering countless proposition and exotic betting lines for side action. For this year’s Super Bowl, bettors can literally wager on anything from the outcome of the coin flip to what color top Kim Kardashian will be wearing at the game.  In a previous post below, Rodney recently shared some tips for betting props along with some of the top prop odds and Super Bowl betting bonuses. With so many lines available, bettors can easily get caught up in all the excessive action in all the wrong ways. Since there are so many betting opportunities available, many bettors will wager money with a “careless” attitude and risk money on many chance bets. I spent some time breaking down some of these prop lines and to provide some predictions that will increase your chances of ending the season in the black.  Below are a few prop that I believe deserve some attention heading into the Super Bowl. All of the prop odds below can be found at Bodog Sportsbook (10% Bonus – Accepting Credit Card deposits for the Superbowl)

Prop Bet #1 – Will the Indianapolis Colts score every quarter?

Yes  +130
No  – 160

The Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints are two offensive powered teams that will collide with a lot of points expected. The Saints secondary has been questionable all season and that throws up red flags for many reasons against Peyton Manning’s offense. In fact, the Colts have scored in 3 of 4 quarters in both postseason match-ups. While history may tell us that a team scoring all 4 quarters is unlikely in a Super Bowl, the Colts have a great chance. The reason is they have to keep the pressure on the Saints and their offense will not let up with the lead. The Saints hung 45 on the Cardinals and 31 on the Vikings. Therefore, Manning should get plenty of opportunities with the football and it’s doubtful the Saints defense will have an answer for the fast pace Colts offense. With some profitable juice, this is a great risk to consider.

Pick – Yes

Prop Bet #2 – The first 1^st down will be either a passing or rushing play?

Passing -200
Rushing  +160

Unless there is a 1 yard conversion, a passing play should be the result of the first 1^st down in the game. Neither offense has much confidence in their running game. In fact, both teams use their running games to control the clock rather than looking for success on the ground. Peyton Manning and Drew Brees are two of the top quarterbacks in the league and it is no secret that both offenses heavily favor the pass. Both offenses will keep the ball in the hands of their star quarterbacks and hope they both get into a rhythm early. Unless there is a early short yardage situation, the passing game will be used nearly every down especially early in the game. Consider this a high percentage play that a passing play will result in opening first down of the game.

Pick – Passing

Prop Bet #3 – Total receiving yards – Robert Meachem

Over 45 ½  +105
Under 45 ½  -135

Robert Meachem has played a solid role in contributing to the Saints lethal passing attack this season. However, in recent weeks Meachem has been nearly ineffective. Over the last 3 games, Meachem has caught just 4 passes totaling 31 yards. The reason may be because the Saints have run the ball better and have gotten help from a ton of outside passing options. Whatever the case may be, Meachem has not even been targeted by Drew Brees but very rarely in the past few games. Running backs Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas have been used more frequently catching balls out of the backfield taking some of those outside options away from Meachem. Wide outs Devery Henderson and Marques Colston will remain the primary targets in the passing game. If the Saints continue to use their backs in the passing game with effectiveness, Meachem may be left out of the picture once again.

Pick – Under 45 ½

Prop Bet #4 – Who will throw more interceptions?   

Drew Brees  -105
Peyton Manning -125

All eyes will be on both quarterbacks this Sunday and rightfully so. The Colts have Peyton Manning who before it is all said and done could go down as the greatest quarterback every. The Saints have Drew Brees who has absolutely mastered the New Orleans air attack. While most may agree that Manning is the better of the two, he is also the most vulnerable to giving up an interception. Manning threw 16 interceptions during the regular season while Brees threw just 11 total. In fact despite the Saints secondary that lacks respect against the pass, they actually picked off 26 interceptions during the regular season equaling the 3^rd most in the NFL. Safety Darren Sharper tied for the most picks in the NFL with 9 and the Saints defense will need those turnovers this weekend to pull off the victory. Even if the Colts prevail, Manning normally gives up at least one interception and that may be one more than Brees will throw this Sunday.

Pick – Manning

Prop Bet #5 – Team to receive the opening kickoff 

New Orleans Saints  -115
Indianapolis Colts  -115

This particular betting line is offered every year, but nearly always seem to go the opposite direction from what the betting public expects. However, we believe we got this year’s decision for both team’s figured out. The perceptions here is that both teams want to put their offenses on the field first which is why the line is considered a toss up. However, the Colts may elect the alternative if they do happen to win the toss. The Colts defense has played extremely well at times this year and their momentum tends to set the tone for the offense. I believe the Colts will put their defense on the field first to try and force a quick change of possession putting the advantage to their offense. On the other side of the coin, I just do not see how the Saints could put their defense on the field first allowing Peyton Manning the first opportunity to score. If the Saints win the toss, they will accept the ball and look to make an opening statement.

Pick – Saints

Underdogs are typically the way to go… This bodes awfully well for New Orleans, particularly catching so many points. The only teams to cover a spread higher than four points in recent Super Bowls have been these Indianapolis Colts in 2007 (-7 vs. Chicago Bears) and the Denver Broncos in 1999 (-7.5 vs. Atlanta Falcons). Aside from that, dogs larger than four points have been golden, going 6-2 ATS dating back to 1996. The underdog has covered six of the L/8 Super Bowls overall as well.

Run, run, run, as much as you can… Once again, in all likelihood, this is a huge trend that will be solid for the Saints. In the previous 43 Super Bowls, the team running the ball more in the game went a stellar 37-4 SU. (In Super Bowl V, both the Cowboys and Colts ran the ball 31 times. The same happened when the Bills and Cowboys rushed the pigskin 29 times apiece in Super Bowl XXVII) The Colts pass the ball on almost 63% of their offensive downs. New Orleans is still a pass-happy squad, but it only puts the pill in the air 55% of the time. The Saints are averaging carrying the ball 6.3 times per game more than Indianapolis does. Don’t think that the Colts don’t know about this stat though. An aerial based team in 2007 itself, the Colts still ran the ball 40 times combined with RBs Dominic Rhodes and Joseph Addai, and that’s why they captured Super Bowl XLI.

All Over the Under… Reaching 56.5 points in any NFL betting battle is difficult, but the truth of the matter is that it’s very possible, especially when you consider how good these two offenses are that will take the field on Sunday afternoon in Miami. However, keep in mind that only eight Super Bowls have exceeded 56 points in NFL history, and none have gotten there since 2004. It’s not like there has been a lack of offensive firepower in the big game either of late. Last season, the Cardinals had one of the highest-flying offenses in the league. The same could be said about the record-setting Pats of 2007-08 and the Colts from ’06-’07. Chew on this as well. Indianapolis only had three games this season, including the playoffs, get to that 57+ point mark. New Orleans has played both of its playoff games beyond that number and did play six games past that point in the regular season. However, only three of those occurred away from the Superdome.

Watch out for moneyline value… Normally speaking in the regular season, teams that are favored by 5.5-6 points are usually lined around -250 or so on the moneyline. But this is the Super Bowl, and the majority of money either comes in on the favorites to cover the football betting line, or the underdog to win outright on the moneyline. The end result? Deflated numbers for the favorites to win SU. Right now, at Diamond Sportsbook, you can find Indianapolis lined at -220, and if you shop, you may be able to find a -200 or so by game time.

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Every year, with the Super Bowl, comes the never ending betting that is involved. Along with the Indianapolis Colts being just under a touchdown favorite and the total going up from 56.5, sportsbooks are always listing an astronomical number of proposition odds and betting options. Listed below you will find an array of proposition odds from a combination of our top sponsor sportsbooks.

Some General Advice For Betting Props;
Do not be afraid to take the unders when betting on Super Bowl propositions. Generally with Super Bowl prop bets, the under is the sharper and wiser play. Most public bettors will take overs with the vast majority of their prop bets. The reason for this is due to one single human emotion; excitement. Many bettors are betting props just to add some additional excitement to the big game. That being said, it’s much more exciting to root for a milestone (such as passing yards or touchdown passes) to happen then it is to cheer for something to “not happen”. The average fan and sports bettor doesn’t want to root for Drew Breese and Peyton Manning to NOT throw touchdown passes. There is nobody that is more aware of this then the oddsmakers are, which is why Vegas sportsbooks make more money from Super Bowl proposition bets then they do from sides and totals on the big game. So, take my advice here and plan your attack with a contrarian point of view. Sift through the prop odds at your favorite books and look for inflated numbers that are above an individual players (or team’s) per game average. Then, keep an eye on the number for those prop odds at a few books, such as BetUS and Diamond Sportsbook, throughout the week and wait and see if the public will drive the those high numbers up even higher. Then, bet the under on those props a few hours before kick-off. Finally, as you watch the game, silently root for the opposite of what all your friends are cheering for. Chances are that you will be cashing your tickets and MAKING MONEY, while they will be wondering why they even made those ridiculous bets in the first place.

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List of Popular Super Bowl Prop Betting Odds;

Coin Toss
Heads -105
Tails -105

Saints -105
Colts -105

1^st Touchdown Scored
Pierre Thomas  8 to 1
Marques Colston 7 to 1
Devery Henderson 10 to 1
Robert Meachem 8 to 1
Reggie Bush 12 to 1
Jeremy Shockey 15 to 1
Drew Brees 40 to 1
Reggie Wayne 5 to 1
Joseph Addai 7 to 1
Dallas Clark 5 to 1
Pierre Garcon 10 to 1
Donald Brown 20 to 1
Austin Colley 10 to 1
Peyton Manning 50 to 1
Field 9 to 2
No Touchdown Scored 300 to 1

Longest Completion by Drew Brees
Over 39.5 -115
Under 39.5 -115

Longest Completion by Manning
Over 39.5 -115
Under 39.5 -115

Longest Rush by Bush
Over 8.5 -120
Under 8.5 -110

Longest Rush by Thomas
Over 11.5 -120
Under 11.5 -110

Points Scored by New Orleans
Over 25.5 -115
Under 25.5 -115

Points Scored by Indianapolis
Over 31.5 -120
Under 31.5 -110

Most Pass Attempts
Brees -110
Manning -120

Most Receptions
M. Colston +0.5 -110
R. Wayne -0.5 -120

Longest Reception by Colston
Over 23.5 -115
Under 23.5 -110

Longest Reception by Henderson
Over 17.5 -120
Under 17.5 -110

Longest Reception by Meachem
Over 17.5 -120
Under 17.5 -110

Longest Reception by Shockey
Over 12.5 -120
Under 12.5 -110

Longest Punt by Morstead
Over 51.5 -115
Under 51.5 -115

Longest Rush by Addai
Over 12.5 -115
Under 12.5 -115

Longest Rush by Brown
Over 9.5 -115
Under 9.5 -115

Longest Reception by Wayne
Over 23.5 – 115
Under 23.5 -115

Longest Reception by Clark
Over 18.5 -115
Under 18.5 -115

Longest Reception by Garcon
Over 25.5 – 115
Under 25.5 -115

Longest Reception by Collie
Over 18.5 – 115
Under 18.5 -115

Longest Punt by McAfee
Over 51.5 -120
Under 51.5 -110

Passing Yards by Manning
Over 304.5 -120
Under 304.5 -110

Pass Attempts by Manning
Over 36.5 -120
Under 36.5 -110

Completions by Manning
Over 26.5 – 110
Under 26.5 – 120

Rush Attempts by Addai
Over 15.5 -110
Under 15.5 -120

Rushing Yards by Addai
Over 65.5 -115
Under 65.5 -115

Receptions by Wayne
Over 5.5 -130
Under 5.5 100

Receiving Yards by Wayne
Over 77.5 -115
Under 77.5 -115

Receptions by Clark
Over 6.5 100
Under 6.5 -130

Yards by Clark
Over 69.5 -120
Under 69.5 -110

Are you sick of seeing the same ugly mugs on the television when you turn on SportsCenter, your favorite sports show, or the local news? Day after day, night after night, we continue to see and hear the latest on the same individuals over and over. It is understood that these are important figures in the sports world, but come on, give us a break on the same ole, same ole. We don’t need to know every twitter post from these guys! Here is the list of Media Darlings; the top 10 athletes loved by the media.

10. Manny Ramirez, left fielder, Los Angeles Dodgers.

How many times have you heard “that’s just Manny being Manny”? While the love fest for the left fielder has died down some since going to Los Angeles, he continues to get quite the coverage. Ramirez brought a lot of the news on himself, with his antics, such as going to the bathroom in between pitching changes, and his turbulent exit from Boston. Most recently, Manny served a suspension for breaking MLB’s performance enhancing drug policy. Ramirez helped lead his team to another NLCS this season, once again coming up short. After sweeping St. Louis, the Dodgers were downed by Philadelphia. Ramirez has 546 career homeruns.

9. Tom Brady, quarterback, New England Patriots.

I guess when you have a gorgeous celebrity wife, you can’t help but be put in the spotlight.  It can’t hurt that Brady has turned into a historic quarterback. Playing for Bill Bellichick never hurts either. Remember when Brady and his wife were expecting their child? What about when Brady got hurt? His coverage was all over, and still is today. Brady came back in 2009 as comeback player of the season, leading the Patriots to an AFC East title. Brady set another record this season by throwing for five touchdowns in one quarter (a win over Tennessee).

8. Alex Rodriguez, third basemen, New York Yankees.

No baseball player is dissected more than A-Rod. Rodriguez elected to make the jump from Seattle, to Texas, to the media capital of the world – in New York. It was iffy early in his tenure in New York whether he could survive or not, but the fall of 2009 proved he could. Whether it’s a ground out to third, a fly ball to right, or a grand slam, rest assured, you will see all of Alex Rodriguez’s at bats! Another steroid guy, as he admitted in February of 2009 to using them. A-Rod is just 17 homeruns short of 600, and is widely discussed as the next to break the all-time homerun record in Major League Baseball.

7. Lance Armstrong, cyclist.

For good reason, this guy is the best American cyclist ever. Luckily, for those of us ready to see Lance Armstrong retire for good, the Tour de France is only one month out of the year. If it were more, we would surely be getting a Lance overdose! Armstrong won seven straight Tour de France titles from 1995 to 2005. Armstrong is also known for his fight with testicular cancer, that he has had since 1996. Armstrong, in 2010, joined Team Radio Shack.

6. Terrell Owens, wide receiver, Buffalo Bills.

Known best for ripping apart talented football teams, Terrell Owens is slowly falling down the media love fest list. Owens was king during his final year with Tony Romo in Dallas. We still get to hear every comment he makes, just this time, nobody cares, because he plays in the northeast. No one is denying Owens’ talent. Out of Tennessee-Chattanooga, T.O. has been on six Pro Bowl teams, and amassed 1000 career receptions. Owens most famous sighting on television was with his great big goofy sun glasses, crying for his quarterback Tony Romo, in what may have been the biggest acting job by the wide receiver; “That’s my quarterback.  That’s my teammate.”

5. OchoCinco, wide receiver, Cincinnati Bengals.

Twitter loves OchoCinco and his antics. Good thing they do, because the NFL sure doesn’t. We hear every time Chad Johnson, errr, OchoCinco goes bathroom, as he posts it on Twitter. Every Sunday, if you turn on the TV, 85 will be shown doing whatever he did that week to get fined. Drafted out of Oregon State, Chad officially changed his name to “OchoCinco” in 2006. The wide receiver has made the Pro Bowl six times, and has caught nearly 700 passes, for just shy of 1000 yards and 62 touchdowns.

4. LeBron James, guard, Cleveland Cavaliers.

The King has been a hit with the worldwide leader of sports since his high school days. The one guy that was getting his high school games covered by major cable channels. James’s issue with the hummer, along with his entire journey as a complete stud in the NBA have been chronicled daily. Currently, James is in the media for his status for the 2011 season. When he becomes a free agent, many believe James will bolt his home state and head to the money in New York. He has led the Cavaliers to the NBA finals once in his career. LeBron, who turned 25 in December, won his first Most Valuable Player award in 2009.

3. Brett Favre, quarterback, Minnesota Vikings.

Mr. retire and comeback, over and over again – Brett Favre. Favre is best known for hijacking the local news the last couple July’s. First it was his drama with his long time team the Green Bay Packers, then it was his desire to return. First to the Big Apple, with the New York Jets, followed by his retirement again, which led to another return; this time to Minnesota with the Vikings; a long time rival of the Packers. Favre, in 2009, had a scuffle with his head coach Brad Childress that led to ongoing media coverage lasting for weeks. Favre and the Vikings have righted the ship, and he is leading the high powered offense into the Big Easy to take on the Saints in the NFC title game.

2. Tim Tebow, quarterback, University of Florida.

As one individual put it when discussing Mr. Tebow and the media coverage, “no person has had the media on their knees more than Tim Tebow.” Known widely for the most popular collegiate athlete, Tebow has let his talking be done on the field. Tebow helped lead Florida to two national championships, and also has a Heisman to boot. Tebow is talked about as the second coming of God for all his countless missionary deeds. Most recently, Tebow has spent the past three summers in the Philippines, working with his father’s missionary and orphanage.

1. Tiger Woods, golfer, sex addict.

Especially now. Tiger Woods was plastered all over the news for weeks after his car accident, which led to his marital status going down the drain. Even before all the drama went down with Tiger, he was the lead story on weekends for all major tournaments. Woods has won 14 major golf championships, which is second most of any male golfer in history. Tiger has been awarded with the PGA Player of the Year for a record of ten times. Woods announced an indefinite leave from golf to focus on his marriage and family in December of 2009. Tiger has recently been reported to have been seen in Mississippi at a rehabilitation center to be treated for his sex addiction.

Others receiving an absurd amount of coverage:

Derek Jeter, shortstop, New York Yankees

Shaquille O’Neal, center, Cleveland Cavaliers

Rafael Nadel, Tennis star

Peyton Manning, quarterback, Indianapolis Colts

Tony Romo, quarterback, Dallas Cowboys

Donovan McNabb, quarterback, Philadelphia Eagles

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The 2009-10 NFL Football Playoff Bracket Can Be Found Below

We have been tracking the playoff race for nearly a month now and finally the 2010 NFL playoffs layout is set in stone. Wildcard weekend will get started off in an exciting way featuring two week 17 rematches in the NFC and also another week 17 rematch in the AFC. The question that everyone will be asking now is what can everyone expect heading into the start of the postseason? The Indianapolis Colts appeared to be on track for an undefeated season, but opted to rest their star players which resulted in two straight losses. Will the Colts be able to regain their rhythm when they take the field after their first round bye? The same can be asked for the New Orleans Saints in the NFC who were also on the route to perfection before losing 3 straight games to close out the year. Take a look as we give a brief preview of what to expect from both conferences and the teams to watch for during the rest of the playoff season.

NFC Predictions

The Dallas Cowboys defense pitched two straight shutouts to close out the season including a 24-0 win over the Eagles to win the NFC East crown. The Eagles and Cowboys will battle again in the first round of the playoffs and their defensive play should draw some attention. The Cowboys offense has been able to post points this year so if their defense continues to play well they are dangerous. Expect them to sneak by the Eagles in a much closer game, but nonetheless take down Philadelphia for the 3rd time this season. The other game to kickoff wildcard weekend in the NFC will be Green Bay at Arizona. The Packers blew out the Cardinals in the desert last weekend 33-7. The Cardinals exploded with magic last year during the playoffs and they will be a long shot to pull of those accomplishments again. The Packers have really played well all season and the Cardinals inconsistent play causes concern. Unless, the Cardinals defense really steps up the Packers will repeat next weekend. The Packers also could be the surprise team of the playoffs because if they can pull off another Arizona defeat they will take on the suddenly struggling Saints. If Aaron Rodgers continues to play well, the Packers could be waiting in the NFC Championship game to take on the winner of a Dallas/Minnesota match-up. The Cowboys and Vikings would be a very interesting match-up considering the Vikings explosive balanced offense. The Cowboys postseason drought may come to an end this season, but we give the Vikings the edge in a close one setting up Green Bay at Minnesota in the NFC Championship Game.

AFC Predictions

The loss of Wes Welker really hurt the Patriots chances for postseason success considering how Randy Moss has quietly ended the season. QB Tom Brady has also been banged up and their meeting with the Ravens should be very interesting. Expecting the Patriots offense to be less dynamic, the Ravens and Patriots should be a in a low scoring defensive battle. The game may be a toss-up, but running back Ray Rice for the Ravens could be the difference and capture Baltimore the victory. The other wildcard meeting features the week 17 rematch with the New York Jets and Cincinnati Bengals. The Jets stomped the Bengals to earn their playoff berth with a 37-0 blowout. However, the Bengals starters were on the bench so do not expect another massacre. The Jets definitely have the momentum, but the Bengals defense will give a big effort and Carson Palmer will throw a few interceptions and score what many will believe as a mild upset. After those pair of games, the playoffs will move to the 2nd round with anticipated meetings with Indianapolis/Baltimore and New York/San Diego. The Chargers remain the hottest team in the league. Even with QB Phillip Rivers on the bench last week, backup Billy Volek directed a game winning drive to beat the Redskins 23-20. The Jets offensive up and downs will be apparent as the Chargers will roll. The Colts and Ravens should also present an interesting match-up. The Ravens defense can frustrate the Colts up front and short passes over the middle of the field. The Colts still have the advantage, but the Ravens could make things interesting. However, QB Peyton Manning and company should be ready after the week off to post a stellar offensive effort. The Colts take down the Ravens forcing a San Diego at Indianapolis battle for the AFC Championship.

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The NFL playoffs are here, and we are ready to start the analysis of the second season. Right now at Bankroll Sports, we take a look at the matchups in the postseason and make our NFC predictions and our AFC predictions, as we make our NFL playoff picks and our Super Bowl picks.

AFC Matchups
There is a whole mess load of allure in the AFC side of the playoffs, particularly in this 3/6 battle between the New York Jets (29 to 1 at Oddsmaker) and the Indianapolis Colts (18 to 1 at Oddsmaker). These two teams met up twice last year, facing off once in a Week 16 game in which QB Peyton Manning and company laid down in, and once in the AFC Championship Game, a duel in which New York was in for the mass majority of the way before finally running out of gas at the death. Neither one of these teams have to feel like they have as good of a club as they did last year, but both know that they have a great chance to catch some fire and to make it to Arlington for the Super Bowl. The Jets are only narrow 2.5 point underdogs in this one though, a game which should be a great one to make NFL picks in.

The Baltimore Ravens (14 to 1 at Oddsmaker) are probably the scariest team playing in a Wild Card game in the AFC this weekend. They have the full compliment of defensive weapons to bank on, and they know how to get after the opposition full bore. The offense was improved this year quite a bit, just by the addition of WR Anquan Boldin as well. No one is really giving the Kansas City Chiefs (50 to 1 at Oddsmaker) much of a chance to do any damage in this one or in the run for the Lombardi Trophy, probably thanks in large part to the fact that the team put up a total dud in the finale against the Oakland Raiders in Week 17 to spoil their perfect season at home. Had they just given up early on and let the backups play almost the whole way, this would have felt a lot differently. Instead, KC knows that it has a lot of rebuilding and restructuring to do to make sure that it can get out of the first round of the playoffs. The oddsmakers are showing no faith though, as the Chiefs are three point underdogs.

The New England Patriots (2 to 1 at Oddsmaker) and the Pittsburgh Steelers (6 to 1 at Oddsmaker) are the two favorites to win the Super Bowl this year, and they are both on byes this week.

NFC Matchups
It’s pretty amazing to think that the New Orleans Saints (11 to 1 at Oddsmaker) have the second best odds to win Super Bowl XLV in the NFC in spite of the fact that they are probably going to have to win three road games just to get to Arlington. The current Lombardi Trophy holders are the first team to be favored by double digits in quite some time on the road in the postseason, as they have that distinction against the NFC West champs, the Seattle Seahawks (125 to 1 at Oddsmaker). There’s no doubt that Seattle has the worst chance to become Super Bowl champs this year, but we have definitely seen stranger things happen. However, it’s always a piece of NFL history when you can go 7-9 and still get into the second season, the feat that the Seahawks pulled off. Needless to say, this isn’t a game that you want to forget about when you’re placing your NFL picks in for the Wild Card weekend.

On the other side of the bracket, the Philadelphia Eagles (13 to 1 at Oddsmaker) and Green Bay Packers (14 to 1 at Oddsmaker) will duke it out in the City of Brotherly Love. These two teams met in the first week of the regular season in a game that really was one of the better NFL betting affairs of the year. The Pack did get the best of the Eagles in that one, winning thanks to a late defensive stand, but it is pretty clear that, had QB Michael Vick ended up playing that entire game, the story would have been significantly different. Vick is the X-Factor in these entire playoffs, and this is why this team is a real threat to capture the Lombardi Trophy. It would make for a great story, that’s for sure. Not only would Vick complete the circle of life as a man that went from the top of the mountain to the dregs of society in prison to the highest peak once again, but he would do in just one season as a starter, what QB Donovan McNabb could never do: Bring a championship to Philadelphia.

There’s still a long way to go to get there, though. The Chicago Bears (14 to 1 at Oddsmaker) and the top seed in the NFC side of the playoffs, the Atlanta Falcons (6 to 1 at Oddsmaker) are both still waiting in the wings following their byes in the first round of the playoffs.

A few weeks ago we broke down some of the most exciting players in college basketball giving you detailed looks at both the point and shooting guard positions. Now we want to switch focus from the back court to down inside the paint to break down some of the big men in the middle. Of course there are plenty of big forwards around the nation, but we actually want to break down the centers in college basketball. These are the beast on the inside that manufacture points and control the boards. Often times at the college level, centers do not get the respect they deserve. However, you never know when some emerging youngster is going to become a Dwight Howard type player in the NBA with the ability to capture 20 rebounds and 20 points per game. There is not any doubt that there are some big time centers on the hardwood this season in college basketball, but who are the best? Take a look as we break down the top 10 centers in college basketball.

#10. Dexter Pittman 6’10 (Texas)

Dexter Pittman is quite possibly the best center in the Big 12 and an experienced senior that has helped the Longhorns get off to an undefeated 12-0 start. Pittman has averaged 13.8 points per game even though his scoring is often times hot and cold. However, he is an extremely effective shot taker and is knocking down a lucrative 74% from the field. The problem that Pittman has is his size does not allow him to move around well without the ball and when he gets the ball he has troubles creating scoring opportunities. Also, the Longhorns would love for Pittman to increase his rebounding total on the inside. However, he is still a big time player and dropped a season high 23 points in the Longhorns biggest victory of the year against the North Carolina Tarheels.

#9. Jerome Jordan 7’0 (Tulsa)

Jerome Jordan is the 2nd of many seniors on our list. Jordan posted 13.8 points and 8.6 rebounds per game in his junior campaign. However, Jordan has started heating up in the past few weeks and it appears that he could have a great opportunity to increase those numbers from a year ago. Despite back to back losses, Jordan is just one rebound short of 3 straight double-double performances. Jordan is a big guy that normally takes high percentage shots close to the basket. In fact, he could finish his career with a 70% field goal percentage. Jordan has also become a solid defensive player and if he continues improving on the defensive side of the ball his stock will continue to rise.

#8. Soloman Alabi 7’1 (Florida State)

Soloman Alabi is a guy that is going to be a big force in a short time period. Alabi is an extremely big sophomore standing at 7’1 for the Seminoles of Florida State. Alabi is still developing, but leads the Seminoles with 12.3 points per game along with 7.1 rebounds. Alabi has proven to have the ability to post big scoring numbers, but the problem is consistency. Alabi has posted 20 plus points on 3 different occasions this season, but has also been held to less than 8 points on 4 occasions as well. If he can develop into the consistent threat the Seminoles need, he will be a big player in the ACC.

#7. Larry Sanders (Virginia Commonwealth)

Larry Sanders is the leading playmaker for the Virginia Commonwealth Rams and is grabbing some mainstream attention for his efforts. Sanders and the Rams play a pretty light schedule in terms of competition. However, Sanders has played well against the top teams on the schedule dropping 17 against Oklahoma and a season high 23 against East Carolina. Sanders currently averages 14.8 points per game and is also pulling down 8.5 rebounds on average as well. Sanders ability to grab some rebounds has improved dramatically since the start of the season and he could be averaging double-double figures by season’s end.

#6. Trevor Booker 6’7 (Clemson)

Trevor Bookers is a guy that many will have listed as a forward, but he actually plays as a center for the Tigers. Booker has been the rock for the Tigers over the past few years. He currently leads the team in scoring averaging 15 points per game against the brutal competition in the ACC while also bringing down 9 boards per game. Booker seems to always step up in the pressure situations whether it involves a needed basket or an important rebound. Clemson would definitely not be the team they are if not for their experienced senior in the paint.

#5. JaJuan Johnson 6’10 (Purdue)

JaJuan Johnson is coming off his biggest performance of the season posting 25 points against the Mountaineers on New Year’s Day. Johnson sometimes gets overshadowed behind teammates Robbie Hummel and E’Twaun Moore. However, Johnson is becoming a big scorer inside the paint and knocking down a healthy 54% from the floor. The Boilermakers are undefeated on the season and a big part of that can be contributed to Johnson’s 13.8 point average on the season. However, he still needs to improve against the glass before he becomes a dominating presence on the inside. Johnson’s 6.5 rebound average is the highest of his career and that is something that will definitely need to improve.

#4. Jarvis Varnado 6’9 (Mississippi State)

Jarvis Varnado has slowly developed into a monster for the Bulldogs inside the paint. Varnado leads the SEC as the all-time blocked shots leader and broke the single season record last year with 171 blocked shots. If Varnado can stay on pace, he will break the NCAA all-time blocked shots record at 535. However, Varnado can do much more than just block shots. He has slowly developed into a solid scoring threat averaging 14.1 points per game. Also, Varnado has steadily improved against the boards and this is his first season averaging over 10 rebounds per game. Varnado is a guy that with some continued hard work could make get immediate playing time at the next level just for his defensive tendencies, but overtime will contribute as a scorer.

#3. Omar Samhan 6’11 (St. Mary’s)

Omar Samhan may be a guy that few people know about around the nation, but he is a guy terrorizing the West Coast Conference. Samhan has exploded as a dominating scorer averaging 20.8 points and also takes care of business on the boards averaging 11 rebounds per game. Samhan is a big guy that moves around well and creates a lot of scoring opportunities. What may be even more impressive is that he tends to play very well against the top competition the Gaels’ face and has dropped a couple of 30 plus point performances. While Samhan may not face the level of competition that most will face, he is definitely an experienced threat that is proving his self week in and week out. A few games against Gonzaga and other respectable teams in the near future will give us an even better idea of just how good the St. Mary’s star has become.

#2. Greg Monroe 6’11 (Georgetown)

If you remember watching Georgetown last year, then perhaps you can recall the 7’0 monster kid on the inside that looked a little lost at time. Monroe had the size the moment he stepped on the court. However, Monroe spent most of his freshman year learning how to use that body. Monroe attempted very few shots in his freshman campaign, but still averaging 12.7 points per game with 6.5 rebounds. So far this season, Monroe is slowly emerging as the go to guy in the paint which should have been the case all along. However, Monroe has scored at least 15 points in 5 straight games and currently averaging 15 points with 10.3 rebounds per game. Monroe is definitely the guy with the most potential on our list and there is no doubt that he could be the top center in the nation by the end of the year. Considering the number of games he puts up really high rebounding totals, he will be an eye catcher on NBA Draft boards.

#1. Cole Aldrich 6’11 (Kansas)

Cole Aldrich put up some very solid numbers as a sophomore scoring 14.1 points and pulling down 11.1 rebounds per game. Easily the most experienced and possibly even one of the most important big men in the country for the number 1 Kansas Jayhawks. This season Aldrich is averaging double-double numbers yet again with 11.2 points and 10.1 rebounds per game. Aldrich is one of those guys that consistently get his numbers. However, once he learns how to use his body and become a true post player he is going to be even more dangerous at the next level. Most NBA scouts believe Aldrich will shine outside of the college system and some boards have him listed as a potential lottery pick in the NBA Draft.