Online Sports Betting A Step Ahead of Favre Return

While the general public seems to sway in fascination at every Brett Favre waver toward retirement, the smart money at online sports betting sites had already figured in Favre’s return to the Minnesota Vikings, announced earlier this week. Even though experts at ESPN and other media sites agree the Vikings’ Super Bowl chances are greatly improved with Favre at quarterback, the listed odds of Minnesota winning the championship remained steady at 6-1.

This is largely due to an adjustment over the previous two weeks. The Vikings had opened as a 10-1 choice to be the NFL champ, but, despite Favre’s public waffling, experienced bettors judged they had seen it before, and wagered that the aging quarterback would eventually be behind center for the Vikings. So, when some late observers may remark that Favre’s status had no effect on future football gambling, the truth is that Favre’s decision did make a substantial difference, but that it was anticipated.

In fact, Favre’s very public agonizing may lead to deceivingly weak odds on the Vikings. By moving up to 6-1, the Vikings become co-favorites with the Dallas Cowboys. But some sports analysts suggest the reigning champion New Orleans Saints, a forgotten play at 12-1, may be even better than last year, as a number of injured players return. The Indianapolis Colts and New England Patriots are also named as potential value plays, while the Vikings are seen as having their return driven down by public reaction to hype.

Further, the Vikings have to be wondering if Favre has a chance to duplicate his magical season from a year ago. He comes in already still limping from the ankle injury received during the beating the Saints put on him during the NFC Championship Game, and other teams are sure to follow the Saints’ lead and play Minnesota by hitting Favre at every opportunity.

And last year was the best of Favre’s 20-year career, making it almost unthinkable he could duplicate his performance, especially at 41 years of age.

Some sports bettors may have acted quickly enough to catch a nice number on the Vikings, but that surely isn’t the case now for gamblers looking at online betting odds.