Surely you’ve heard by now, but since it was such a fantastic games, I’m going to remind you.  The New Orleans Saints won Super Bowl XLIV.

Despite being dominated by the Indianapolis Colts throughout the first half of the game, the Saints managed to rally in the second half to secure their win.  It all started with an onside kick that started off the third quarter.  It was recovered by Jonathan Casillas, which gave the Saints possession of the ball.  The rattled Colts didn’t ever quite recover from this trick play, though their fate wasn’t officially sealed until the final minutes of the fourth quarter when Peyton Manning threw a costly interception.

Tracy Porter (the very same Tracy Porter that finished off the Minnesota Vikings in the Conference Championships) picked off a pass that was intended for Reggie Wayne and ran it in 74 yards for the touchdown.  The score was 31-17 and the Saints secured their first Super Bowl win in franchise history.

Though I, and most others, were pretty confident in the prediction that the Colts would win this one, I was happy to see the Saints come out on top.  It’s a big win for a very deserving team especially when you consider everything behind it.  A team located in a city that has been struggling to rebuild itself and a quarterback that was told he’d never play in the NFL again after a severe shoulder injury.  It’s an excellent finish to another brilliant season.

Remember to keep checking BetUS for all of your sportsbetting odds.  They’re currently offering a final bet for the NFL season, some props on Brett Favre’s future.  Will he return next year or not?  Put down a wager on BetUS.  Also, the winter Olympics are nearly here.  Check out all the action being offered for your favorite events, including my favorite: ice hockey.

This is it!  The whole season is about to culminate in the ultimate game of football to determine the 2009-10 NFL champion.  So, who will hoist the Vince Lombardy Trophy at the end of the biggest football game of the year?  Here’s a preview of the upcoming game.

This will be New Orleans’ first appearance in the big game and, with game time looming, the Saints are surprisingly calm.  They secured their place in this year’s game by toppling Minnesota.  After Farve threw an interception in the final seconds of regulation time, the Saints won the over time coin toss and went on to clinch the game with a field goal from kicker Garrett Hartley.  The team that went 13-3 and was ranked no. 1 in the NFC definitely had their hands full with Minnesota, but still managed to eek out a win.

It’s obvious that they’ll be facing another tough test in the Colts, but will they be able to handle it?  Their no. 1 ranked offense is certainly their strongest asset.  Quarterback Drew Brees has had a fantastic season to say the least, and his ability to set up a strong passing game may just win this game for the Saints.  The Colts struggled with rookie QB Mark Sanchez in their conference game against the Jets.  They let Sanchez throw for 250 yards without a single sack.  What will Indianapolis do with Brees who has a bit more experience under his belt?  Add to that the fact that the Colts’ top defensive lineman, Dwight Freeney, is listed as questionable.  The star defensive end suffered an ankle injury in the Conference Championship against New York.  He is the biggest force in the Colts’ defensive lineup and without him, they’re definitely going to have a tough time stopping the powerful Saints’ offense.

This will be the Colts’ second appearance in the Super Bowl.  They secured their place in Miami after putting an end to the Jets’ astounding playoff run.  Though New York played tough throughout the first half of the game, even taking the lead going into the second half, the Colts turned up the heat and pretty much shut down all of New York’s offensive efforts while putting touchdown after touchdown up on the board.

It is this potent offense that the Saints will have to worry about, controlling the force that is Peyton Manning.  This is no easy task, and one that I’m not sure the Saints will be able to pull off.  Manning not only has plenty of experience, he has Super Bowl experience – something that Brees and many of his teammates are definitely lacking.  The Colts have made consistent appearances in the playoffs since 2002 and secured a Super Bowl win in 2006.  Like Brees, Manning has had a heck of a season.  He completed 56 of 83 postseason passes for 623 yards.  That includes five touchdowns and only a single interception.  Add to that an offensive line that consists of such players as Joseph Addai, Reggie Wayne, Pierre Garcon, and even rookie Austin Collie.  The Colts may just have the offensive edge in this one.

With two fantastic quarterbacks facing off, there is little doubt that this game will come down to defense.  The Saints have been inconsistent this season with stopping the run, though they put up a pretty good defensive effort against Minnesota.  They never actually sacked Favre, but they did knock him down more than once.  If they can put this type of pressure on Manning, they’ll be able to stay in this game. The Colts’ defense hinges on whether or not Freeney will play and for how long.  Robert Mathis is reliable, but he won’t be able to fill in the gap on his own.  If Freeney is out, expect a lot of effort from the likes of Raheem Brock and Keyunta Dawson.

My gut is telling me that the Colts will run circles around the Saints, though with Freeney out, the score might be a little tighter.  Still, my prediction is: Another Super Bowl ring for Indianapolis.

BetUS is offering odds on the big game, including the following:

Point Spread
Saints: +5 -110
Colts: -5 -110
Moneyline
Saints: +170
Colts: -210

Peyton Manning total rushing yards
Over 1 ½ rushing attempts: +130
Under 1 ½ rushing attempts: -170

Drew Brees total pass attempts
Over 36 ½: -120
Under 36 ½: -110

Last to Score
Saints: -105
Colts: -125

Team to get the first down
Saints: -110
Colts: -120

There are plenty more props on offer at BetUS so be sure to check them all out and put down a friendly wager before the game kicks off on Sunday, February 7.

In order to boost interest in this year’s Pro Bowl game, the NFL has made a couple of notable changes.

For starters, the game has been moved up.  It will now take place before the Super Bowl with the teams taking to the field on January 31 in the NFC/AFC battle.  Also, this year will be the first time since 1980 that the game won’t take place in sunny Honolulu.  Instead, Commissioner Goodell has declared the game location will be on a rotating schedule, taking place in a different city each year. This year’s game will be in Miami at the Sun Financial Stadium, which happens to be the same location as the Super Bowl.

Despite the changes, the main question remains: will the NFC or the AFC come out on top?  Last year marked the second consecutive win for the NFC and a win in three out of the last four Pro Bowls.  They’re also one win ahead (20-19) in the all-time series.  And, with the roster announced, it looks like the NFC might have the edge when it comes to offense, particularly in the quarterback position.  Unfortunately, the AFC’s top two prospects are on the injury list, which leaves the likes of Matt Schaub, Vince Young, and David Garrard to fill in.  While Schaub has been a league leader throughout the regular season, he has lacked the confident leadership that the NFC veteran quarterbacks possess. Overall, though, the teams are pretty evenly matched (check out the roster below).

As always, BetUS is offering odds and a few props.  Check it out before the game kicks off on January 31.

NFC v AFC
Pointspread
NFC: -2 -110
AFC: +2 -110

First to Score
NFC: -120
AFC: -110

Will there be a defensive or special teams TD?
Yes: +140
No: -170

Team to score the longest TD in the game?
NFC: -115
AFC: -115

NFC Offense
Quarterback: *Brett Favre, Aaron Rogers, Donovan McNabb, Tony Romo
Running Back: Adrian Peterson, *Steven Jackson, DeAngelo Williams, Frank Gore
Fullback: Leonard Weaver
Wide Receiver: *Larry Fitzgerals, DeSean Jackson, Miles Austin, *Sidney Rice, Steve Smith, Roddy White
Tight End: Vernon Davis, Jason Witten
Tackle: Jason Peters, Bryant McKinnie, David Diehl
Guard: Steve Hutchinson, Leonard Davis, Chris Snee
Center: *Andre Gurode, Shaun O’Hara, Ryan Kalil

NFC Defense
Defensive End: Jared Allen, Juilus Peppers, Trent Cole
Interior Lineman: *Kevin Williams, Darnell Dockett, Jay Ratliff, Justin Smith
Outside Linebacker: Demarcus Ware, *Lance Briggs, Brian Orakpo, Clay Matthews
Inside/Middle Linbacker: Patrick Willis, London Fletcher
Cornerback: *Charles Woodson, Asante Samuel, *Dominque Rogers-Cromartie, Terence Newman, Mike Jenkins
Free Safety: Nick Collins, Antrel Rolle
Strong Safety: Adrian Wilson, Quintin Mikell

NFC Special Teams
Punter: Andy Lee
Kicker: David Akers
Kick Return: Desean Jackson, Johnny Knox
Special Teamer: Heath Farwell
Long Snapper: Jon Dorenbos

AFC Offense
Quarterback: *Philip Rivers, *Tom Brady, Matt Schaub, Vince Young, David Garrard
Running Back: Chris Johnson, Maurice Jones-Drew, Ray Rice
Fullback: Le’Ron McClain
Wide Receiver: Andre Johnson, Brandon Marshall, *Wes Welker, Chad Ochocinco, Vincent Jackson
Tight End: Antonio Gates, Heath Miller
Tackle: *Jake Long, Ryan Clady, Joe Thomas, D’Brickasaw Ferguson
Guard: Logan Mankins, Alan Faneca, Kris Dielman
Center: Nick Mangold, Kevin Mawae

AFC Defense
Defensive End: Mario Williams, Kyle Vanden Bosch, Shaun Ellis
Interior Lineman: Haloti Ngata, Vince Wilfork, Casey Hampton
Outside Linebacker: *Brian Cushing, Elvis Dumeril, James Harrison, LaMarr Woodley
Inside/Middle Linebacker: Ray Lewis, DeMeco Ryans
Cornerback: Darelle Revis, Nnamdi Asomugha, Champ Bailey
Free Safety: Ed Reed, *Jarius Byrd, Brandon Meriweather, Antoine Bethea
Strong Safety: Brian Dawkins, Yeremiah Bell

AFC Special Teams
Punter: Shane Lechler
Kicker: Nate Kaeding
Kick Return: Josh Cribbs
Special Teamer: Kassim Osgood
Long Snapper: Jon Condo

* denotes an injury

The Conference Championships are upon us and with some great matchups on the schedule, this final week of playoffs should be one to watch.  Let’s get right into it …

New York Jets v Indianapolis Colts
Surely there are still people slapping their foreheads on this one.  The New York Jets are into the Conference Championships and hoping to upset yet another team to make it to the Super Bowl.  Though it might seem like a head-scratcher, the Jets do have a top running game, which they have used perfectly throughout these playoffs.  Plus, the defense has been right on throughout, managing to hold their two playoff opponents to just 28 points while racking up four turnovers and five sacks.  Though, they’re about to get into a whole new ballgame.

Sure the Chargers were tough, but Indianapolis is the number one team in the AFC.  They were undefeated for most of the season and they hammered the Ravens last week.  Indy is looking strong on both sides of the ball since their return to the field.  The defense held the Ravens to a paltry 87 yards and forced four turnovers.  Do I even need to mention to offense?  I think Peyton Manning’s three touchdown passes speak for themselves.

Statistically these two teams are pretty close.  Indy is 8-1 at home.  They’ve averaged 23.4 offensive points while holding the opposing team to 17.7.  New York is 6-3 on the road.  They’ve averaged 23.2 offensive points and held their opponents to 15.4.  I’m hesitant to stay that it will be an outright thrashing of the Jets because of their previous two shocking postseason performances, but I do think that Indianapolis will put a damper on New York’s playoff run.

Point spread
Jets: +7 ½ -110
Colts: -7 ½ -110
Moneyline
Jets: +290
Colts: -350

Minnesota Vikings v New Orleans Saints
This could very well to be the game to watch this postseason.  Both teams are top ranked teams and both absolutely crushed their respective opponents last week.  Keep in mind that the Cards and Dallas were both being talked up as Super Bowl candidates with powerful offensive lines.  The Vikes handed the Cowboys a massive 34-3 loss while the Saints clobbered the Cardinals 45-14.  And now they battle each other for a shot at the Super Bowl.

The biggest difference in Minnesota this year is certainly the QB.  They had a top ranked offense, but with no one to take the helm, the team just couldn’t quite get it together in last year’s playoffs.  Though, with Favre breezing into town and playing one of the best seasons of his career, it seems that Minnesota’s offensive troubles are a thing of the past.  Favre threw 234 yards with an impressive four touchdowns.  Though, as fantastic as the offense was, the defense is what won the game.  They sacked Tony Romo six times and forced three turnovers while holding the Dallas offense to a single field goal for the entire game.  Considering their well-balanced game, I think this is finally Minnesota’s year.

Though, the Saints aren’t just going to let them have it.  It looks like it only took a week of rest to get the Saint’s no. 1 ranked offense back into gear.  Drew Brees put on another impressive performance, but credit must be given to the slew of other offensive players that make this team so potent.  Reggie Bush had a great game, returning 82 yards for a touchdown and following it up with a 46-yard run that had the Cardinal defense falling over themselves to stop him.  There is no doubt that the offense is strong, but the defense is what’s lacking in the Saints’ game.  This is something that could give Minnesota the win.  With Favre putting away four touchdowns and Adrian Peterson being the best running back in the league, the Saints’ defense will have to be at the top of their game.

New Orleans has the home field advantage in this one.  They’re 7-2 at the Super Dome, so expect them to play hard.  But, as I’ve said before, Minnesota is my team and I think they have a good chance of advancing though.

Point Spread
Vikings: +3 ½ -110
Saints: -3 ½ -110
Moneyline
Vikings: +160
Saints: -190

Make sure you get to BetUS to put down a wager at these odds before the games kick off on Sunday, January 24.   Don’t forget, they’re offering live betting throughout these playoffs!

It’s another week of playoff action.  Let’s take a look.

Arizona Cardinals v New Orleans Saints
Arizona put on an impressive performance last week.  Shocked to see that they were able to rally in OT to knock out the Packers.  A victory well deserved though.  The Saints will be strong and refreshed after the break, so it’s probably safe to say that they’ll hit the ground running.

Both of these teams have amazing offensive talent, but they also share the same defensive affliction – there isn’t one to speak of.  The Saints gave up 357 yards per game, though the Cards came in at 346.  Both struggle to stop the run, which is almost certainly what this game will come down to.  Whichever team can set up an acceptable defense while grabbing those touchdowns will grab the win in this one.  I underestimated the Cards last week, but I really think the Saints will be the ones moving on.

Pointspread
Cardinals: +7 -110
Saints: -7 -110
Moneyline
Cardinals: +240
Saints: -290

Baltimore Ravens v Indianapolis Colts
I’m not going to lie.  I want the Ravens to win this game.  The Colts have been looking good this season, and racking up all those wins wasn’t an easy task, but the Ravens are a tough, no nonsense team.  I like the physical football they’ve been playing, and I feel like they’ve been earning their wins more than the Colts have.  After all, Indianapolis only managed to squeak by in many of those regular sesaon games.

Baltimore’s strongest asset is definitely their 3rd ranked defense and they’ll need to be right on top of it against the Colts offense who may have the edge.  Peyton Manning threw 4,500 yards, completing just under 70% of those passes and grabbing 33 touchdowns.  Plus, let’s not forget that the last time these two met the Colts’ defense held the Baltimore offense under 100 rushing yards and handed them a loss.  The playoffs are a different story though, and the Ravens will likely put it all on the line to continue their playoff run.  A smart bettor would go with Indianapolis on this one, but a hopeful bettor would go with the Ravens.

Pointspread
Ravens: +6 -110
Colts: -6 -110
Moneyline
Ravens: +210
Colts: -250

Dallas Cowboys v Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings had a brilliant season, despite losing three of their last five games.  They returned to form in their last game with a 44-7 man handling of the Giants.  They’ll be well rested and likely more than ready to start their playoff run.  Though, as any Vikes fan can attest to, this team has  a troubled playoff history.

On the other side of the field, the Cowboys are still making big improvements and with their first playoff win under their belts, they should be a much more confidant team. Both teams are packing heat in the offense, but Minnesota has the edge with an all-time leading quarterback as well as the best running back in the league.  It may be a close game, but the Vikes are my team and like I said before, they’re unbeatable at home.

Pointspread
Cowboys: +2 ½ -105
Vikings: -2 ½ -115
Moneyline
Cowboys: +120
Vikings: -140

New York Jets v San Diego Chargers
I’m not sure that anyone guessed that it would the Jets in this game.  But, they’re definitely proved that they’re for real after handing Cincy two consecutive losses.  Though, the competition just got a little tougher.  San Diego is coming into this game off of 11 straight wins.  They have a versatile offense with star QB Phillip Rivers having his pick between RB Darren Sproles and LaDainian Tomlinson.  Their only real weak spot is stopping the run, which is certainly something that New York can take advantage of.  The Jets’ rushing game has been winning games.  Throw in QB Mark Sanchez (on a good day) and you’ve got a pretty decent offense.  After last week’s shocker, there is no telling what will happen when the Jets take to the field, but it seems pretty unlikely that they’ll be able to get the best of San Diego.

Pointspread
Jets: +7 ½ -110
Chargers: -7 ½ -110
Moneyline
Jets: +270
Chargers: -330

Get to BetUS to put down a wager at these odds ASAP as the playoffs get started on Saturday, January 16.

Well, I’m back from a relaxing holiday and just in time to see regulation play wrapping up.  There were a few surprise finishes and now the playoffs are upon us.

For starters, here’s how the playoffs ultimately shaped up:

NFC DIVISION LEADERS
1.    New Orleans Saints (13-3) – clinched division title and home field advantage
2.    Minnesota Vikings (12-4)
3.    Dallas Cowboys (11-5)
4.    Arizona Cardinals (10-6)

WILD CARD
5.    Green Bay Packers (11-5)
6.    Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)

AFC DIVISION LEADERS
1.    Indianapolis Colts (14-2) – clinched division title and home field advantage
2.    San Diego Chargers (13-3)
3.    New England Patriots (14-2)
4.    Cincinnati Bengals (10-6)

WILD CARD
5.    Baltimore Ravens (9-7)
6.    New York Jets (9-7)

The wild card round gets started in just four days and BetUS is offering the following odds:

New York Jets v Cincinnati Bengals
You can bet that the Bengals will be looking for some major retribution after the Jets handed them a massive loss in Week 17.  With their division title sewn up a win against New York wasn’t essential.  It was an opportunity for Cincy to rest their starting players and prepare for the postseason, which they took full advantage of.  Now, with the Super Bowl on the line, the Jets should be facing a very different team.  Expect the Bengals to bring out everything they’ve got from here on out.

New York is coming into this game with confidence, but that definitely won’t be enough to grab a win in this game.  They’ll need to utilize their strongest aspect, which is defense.  If they can shut down the Bengal offense and keep up a respectable running game, they have a chance of picking up another win.  Overall, though, I expect that Cincinnati will be too much to handle, expect a win for the Bengals.  Though, keep in mind that New York is one of the best spread wagers with 5-1 ATS and SU in their previous six games.

Pointspread
Jets: +3 -125
Bengals: -3 +105
Moneyline
Jets: +125
Bengals: -145

Philadelphia Eagles v Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys have defeated the Eagles both times these two teams have met up this season, but the Eagles are a team with good potential.  With their playoff future on the line, they should lay it all out to go deeper into the postseason.

They have the fifth highest scoring record per game, but in their last two games have only managed to get 16 points.  The Cowboys have done a great job of shutting down DeSean Jackson, which is a real problem for the Philly offense. The Eagles’ best hope lies in focusing on a strong defense.  Dallas has been somewhat inconsistent this season in finishing drives and if Philly can hold them to field goals, they’ll have a shot.  This should be a pretty close game, but I think Dallas has the edge with the stronger game and the home field advantage.

Pointspread
Eagles: +4 -110
Cowboys: -4 -110
Moneyline
Eagles: +165
Cowboys: -200

SUNDAY, JANUARY 10

Baltimore Ravens v New England Patriots
New England has had a rough season, and the condition of the team is certainly showing it.  Wide receiver Wes Welker will be out for the entire postseason after tearing his ACL and MCL in their loss to Texas last Sunday.  This leaves a big hole in the Patriot offense that will not be easy to fill.  Plus, Tom Brady is reportedly playing with three broken ribs, which may just result in a pretty shaky offense.

Baltimore, on the other hand, has proven to be a resilient team.  They have a great defense, more than capable of holding off the ailing New England offense, and a potent running game.  If they don’t win this one, they’ll certainly give the Patriots a run for their money.

Pointspread
Ravens: +3 ½ -110
Patriots: -3 ½ -110
Moneyline
Ravens: +160
Patriots: -190

Green Bay Packers v Arizona Cardinals
The Packers have improved greatly since the first half of the season as evidenced by their man handling of the Cardinals in Week 17.  They’ll be hoping to do it again as they head to Arizona for the wild card round.  They’re looking good right now, going into this one with confidence and great momentum.  The Pack is a 7-0-1 ATS in their last eight games, making them a smart bet.  Plus, with a chance to go deep into the playoffs, you can expect they’ll put up another tough performance. In the end, this game should be the closest of the wild card round, but my money is on Green Bay.

Pointspread
Packers: +2 ½ -110
Cardinals: -2 ½ -110
Moneyline
Packers: +120
Cardinals: -140

Be sure to check out all of the above odds at BetUS.  They are also offering early lines on the Super Bowl coin toss and some NFL head coach props.  Get there to put down a friendly wager before all of the postseason action kicks off on Saturday, January 9.