Last Updated on July 22, 2010 9:00 am by Anthony Rome
Packers Season Odds
After making the postseason but failing to get out of the first round last year, the Green Bay Packers look to make a deep run in 2010.
As usual, general manager Ted Thompson decided to rely on the draft as opposed to shopping the free agent market to restock is roster. Green Bay did franchise defensive tackle Ryan Pickett, who will move to end this year with the indefinite suspension of Johnny Jolly. The most notable loss for the Packers was defensive end/linebacker Aaron Kampman, who signed an unrestricted free agent deal with the Jaguars.
Heading into the draft, cornerback, offensive line, safety, running back and linebacker were arguably the Packers’ biggest needs. Thus, Thompson targeted Iowa offensive tackle Bryan Bulaga in the first round, Purdue defensive tackle Mike Neal in the second, and strong safety Morgan Burnett from Georgia Tech. Some believed that Bulaga was a top 10 talent, so for the Packers to get him at No. 23 represented great value.
According to oddsmakers from online sports book Sportsbook.com, the Packers are currently listed at 14/1 to win the 2011 Super Bowl and 7/1 to win the NFC. They’re also +130 on the moneyline to win the NFC North and have an over/under win total of 9.5 games this year.
The Packers seemingly have all the tools in place to make a Super Bowl run this season. Aaron Rodgers proved that he has the ability to be an elite quarterback and he leads one of the best passing attacks (one that also features receivers Greg Jennings and Donald Driver) in the NFL. Assuming his offensive line can keep him upright (which was certainly an issue for most of 2009), the Packers should have plenty of success.
Thanks to coordinator Dom Capers (who was hired before the ’09 season), the Packers’ defense is also sound. Losing Jolly and Kampman hurt, although Pickett should be a fine replacement for Jolly and Kampman wasn’t an ideal fit for the 3-4 anyway. The Packers’ corner tandem of Charles Woodson and Al Harris is aging, but they’re also one of the best 1-2 combos in the league.
They’ll receive major competition from the Vikings again in the NFC North and the Bears should be improved as well, but the Packers are a legitimate value at 14/1 to win Super Bowl XLV.
2011 Super Bowl Odds: Green Bay Packers 14/1
Odds to Win NFC: Green Bay Packers 7/1
Odds to Win NFC North: Green Bay Packers +130
2010 NFL Season Win Totals: Green Bay Packers 9.5
Posted: 7/22/10 9:00AM ET