the 4th star

With the end of the football season comes the inevitable hope for the next campaign. And what better way to enjoy this endless optimism (which lasts until your club gets the doors blown off in Week 2) then to look at the Internet bookie, the one where a lot of bloodshed has taken place over the past five months, and set the expectation right. I know what you’re thinking: How is it possible to bet on the NFL this season? Well, it’s not possible. The season is over. Your team didn’t win it all. My team barely won more than it lost. Let’s look ahead to the next.

A quick glance at the money pit that is my friendly neighbourhood wagering web site shows the out-of-the-gate odds on who the next Super Bowl champion will be. Coming in as the favourite are the Indianapolis Colts. At +700, the Super Bowl losers will give you $700 for a $100 bet. The Chargers are next (+800), followed by the Saints and Patriots (both at +1000). Those aren’t bad but certainly we can do better, no?

Pittsburgh comes in at +1200. That’s looks pretty good. Another quality wager is Green Bay, who could earn you $1,600 on a C-note chance. Those looking for a little more gamble to their gambling should examine the Titans and Falcons (both at +3300). The Broncos, Texans, and Panthers take it up a notch at +4000, while the two Lions fans I know should seriously have their heads checked if they’re going to waste money on the +15000 line.

Bringing up the absurd are the Rams and Chiefs (+20000). That’s right. Just a $10 bet – the amount of change you have in the ashtray of your truck – will land you more than enough money ($2,000) to have that aforementioned melon examined by a professional.

As for this cowboy, I like the Giants at +2000, suits on the sidelines, and defence.