Sports betting

QB Trading Cards

by Chad Rogers | August 30 2009

NFL Betting - Betting futures before the NFL season begins can add to the excitement of NFL gambling, and predicting a Super Bowl winner is the toughest of all. Check out the "Depth Chart" profile and see which teams are paying big money on benchwarmers.

As the NFL preseason begins to wind down the coaches on a few teams are faced with the task of naming their starting quarterback. Locals in towns like Cleveland and Detroit have a lot riding on the news, like knowing which jersey to buy their kids for Christmas.

Some teams in the midst of a controversy have more at stake and bettors that like to play futures may want to keep a close ear to the ground. Only six teams in league history have won a Super Bowl with a QB that was not the starter on opening day.

Tom Brady was the most recent gunslinger to come off the pine and lead his team to victory when he stepped in for Drew Bledsoe in 2001. Granted, Brady did start 14 times for his team that season so by Super Bowl XXXVI he knew his offense better than Bledsoe ever did, but a ring's a ring.

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Before that it was Trent Dilfer (2000) in Baltimore, Jeff Hostetler (1990) for the New York Giants and Doug Williams (1987). Williams is best known for his MVP performance in Super Bowl XXII against the Denver Broncos.

The other 80's benchwarmer to step up was Jim Plunkett (1980) and even if you tried really hard, you can't forget Terry Bradshaw (1974).

For the few teams yet to name a starter in 2009, winning the Super Bowl is a long shot. Even a division title for Cleveland seems out of the question and anyone looking to bet the Lions can probably find a few tempting prop bets at an online book on how long it will be before Detroit registers just one win.

Trend bettors looking for an angle to hit in this spot may want to pick a team that has a capable backup QB on hand in case the starter goes down. It's been eight years since a replacement has stepped in mid-year and won the Super Bowl but in the past 35 years there was only one gap longer than that. Consider it a depth chart profile.

Best Odds, Best Backups (odds to win Super Bowl XLIV):

• Vikings (12-to-1), Sage Rosenfels: Probably a better fit to begin with, Sage will get his chance.
• Ravens (20-to-1), Troy Smith: Strong arm, mobile, Smith could step in for Flacco if necessary.
• Saints (20-to-1), Mark Brunell: With a better D almost any QB could make this offense click.
• Titans (20-to-1), VY or Patrick Ramsey: A better QB situation and Tennessee would be 10-to-1.
• Cardinals (30-to-1), Matt Leinart: Highest odds for a reason; Arizona may have missed its chance.

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