There were more than a few sportsbook questions heading in to the NFL’s first uncapped free agent signing period since 1993. One week later, a lot of those questions now have answered, with several teams making big additions to their teams, and several teams deciding to stand pat.

The biggest online betting winner so far is the Chicago Bears, naturally, after they signed the biggest free agent prize in defensive end Julius Peppers, and the perfect complement to Matt Forte at running back in Chester Taylor. A five-time Pro Bowl rushing end, and two-time All-Pro, Peppers adds the speed presence off the edge that fits perfectly in the Cover-2 defensive scheme in Chicago. In tandem with the return to health of linebacker Brian Urlacher, the Bears’ coaching staff is hoping their defense can return to the form that led them to an NFC Championship in 2007. Taylor, who complemented Pro Bowl running back Adrian Peterson for the rival Minnesota Vikings brings experience, durability, and a receiving option out of the back field.

Another team that has been very busy in the offseason is the New York Jets. After falling to the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Championship game, the Jets raided the roster of one of the few teams that have enjoyed success against the Colts in recent years, the San Diego Chargers. After trading for former Pro Bowl cornerback Antonio Cromartie, the Jets signed free agent running back LaDanian Tomlinson to a two-year deal to fill the void created by the release of Thomas Jones. Despite having the top ranked rushing attack, the Jets chose to release Jones and go with the 2006 NFL MVP as a complement to sophomore running back Shonn Greene. Tomlinson ranks eighth on the all-time career, rushing list with 12, 490 yards, and his 138-career touchdowns rank second. However, the former TCU-star ran for 730 yards on just 3.3 yards per carry, both career lows.

Cleveland was also busy making high profile changes. General Manager Mike Holmgren traded former first round pick Brady Quinn to the Denver Broncos for a pair of draft picks. The move came on the same day it was reported that the Browns had signed free agent quarterback Jake Delhomme to a book per head two-year deal. Delhomme is expected to compete with former-Seahawk Seneca Wallace for the starting job. The Browns also released Derek Anderson, who split time with Quinn during the 2009 season.

A former defensive standout returned to his former team. After playing one season with the Detroit Lions, linebacker Larry Foote inked a three-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the team that he played for from 2004-08.

Safety Roy Williams agreed to a one-year deal that will keep him with the Cincinnati Bengals. The former Dallas Cowboy started at strong safety for the first three games, but suffered a forearm injury that limited him to just one more game going forward. NFL free agents will continue to search for a home, even entering the March Madness bracket period.

Even though March Madness odds are the focus right now, online betting players always have one eye and ear open for some NFL news, and a lot of people are wondering where Michael Vick will end up. Philadelphia picked up the option for Vick this year, but with Kevin Kolb as the heir apparent to Donovan McNabb, who has also been the focus of trade speculation, there is no room for Vick in Philly. Here are the most likely destinations for Vick.

Oakland

Really, there’s probably no better place for Vick to land. He would be embraced by Raider Nation, and the Raiders badly need a replacement for JaMarcus Russell, who is in the running for worst No.1 pick ever. Al Davis is obsessed with speed, and he probably won’t notice that Vick doesn’t have much of that. The Raiders just need someone to get the fans excited about their team again.

St. Louis

Again, the Rams need someone to excite their fans, and it’s clear that Marc Bulger is no longer the No.1 guy. Vick would be a welcome addition to the backfield, and he’d probably create more space for Steven Jackson, who has been a good soldier throughout this ordeal. However, the Rams may just get a pivot in the draft.

Carolina

If you had to take bookmaker odds (bookmaker reviews), this could be the most likely spot. The Panthers just got rid of Jake Delhomme, and although they want to see what Matt Moore is made of after he led them to a 4-1 record down the stretch. Vick has added motivation as the Panthers play in the same division as Atlanta, and we all know Brett Favre wanted to move to Minnesota to stick it to Green Bay. Don’t count this move out at all.

Buffalo

Ryan Fitzpatrick? Trent Edwards and his concussion problems? There’s no way that Buffalo fans wouldn’t welcome Vick to town. They welcomed Terrell Owens with open arms, and even though that didn’t work so well, Vick would be in a better situation. Owens didn’t really have a quarterback, while Vick would have Josh Reed and Lee Evans, two above-average receivers, along with Marshawn Lynch in the backfield.

Washington

Vick isn’t an ideal quarterback for a Mike Shanahan system, but Shanahan’s been known to be able to work with quarterbacks (remember a young and raw John Elway?). Jason Campbell, as gutsy as he’s been, just hasn’t worked out in Washington, and there’s been some problems in the dressing room, although they weren’t of Campbell’s doing. The other two quarterbacks on the roster right now are Colt Brennan and Richard Bartel (who?), so why not take a chance? We know Dan Snyder will spend the money. Plus, after seeing Georgetown’s 2010 March Madness odds go down the drain, the people of Washington will need a pick-me-up.

There has been a great deal of NFL offseason news since the combine closed up shop last week in Indianapolis. The world of sports betting may have to consider some changes to various NFL teams as a series of events start to come together at the same time.

As you read these betting tips keep in mind that the thing driving much of these rumors and the actual moves made by teams is the fear of an uncapped season in 2011. For all the good has tried to do in maintaining law and order in the NFL, commissioner Roger Goodell has failed to bring about peace with a new collective bargaining agreement. Teams are now bracing for complete chaos as soon as the 2010 season ends.

One of the NFL predictions being made involves the future of Donovan McNabb in Philadelphia. The Eagles picked up the option on Michael Vick and now there is a lot of talk about a salary dump being done that would result in Donovan McNabb being cut by the Eagles before July. That would leave the Eagles with Kevin Kolb and Michael Vick at quarterback. At that point the Eagles can be written off for the 2010 season as they are not winning without Donovan McNabb.

Once the Kyle Orton, Brandon Marshall and Josh McDaniels experiment failed so miserably in Denver it was only a matter of time before the finger pointing began. All fingers are pointing squarely at Brandon Marshall. It is not surprising given Marshall’s flair for the dramatic and his ability to completely disrupt a team. One of the projected landing places for Marshall is Cincinnati. With the way Marvin Lewis has his team under control even with disruptive personalities like Chad Ochocinco and rookie lineman Andre Smith, it looks like the Bengals could be a good choice for Marshall’s career. The Bengals would then have Carson Palmer throwing to Chad Ochocinco and Brandon Marshall. That would be a potent offense.

There has been a lot of speculation on the impact that Julius Peppers and Chester Taylor will have in Chicago after the Bears gave both players lucrative contracts. Lost in the negative talk about Peppers is Brian Urlacher. With Peppers up front and Urlacher monitoring the linebacker spot, teams are going to find it increasingly difficult to run against the Bears. If Tommie Harris can step up on the defensive line and help shut down the pass, the Bears could have a potent defense in 2010.

Chester Taylor joins tight end Brandon Manumaleuna as two very high-profile signings for the Bears’ offense. The question with the Bears on offense remains Jay Cutler. There is a growing sentiment in Chicago that you could surround Cutler with an all-star cast and he would still find a way to mess it up. Cutler has a cannon for an arm and he is incredibly accurate with his throws, the problem is his decision making. Cutler holds the ball for too long, and much of the time he throws the ball exactly where he shouldn’t. The Bears will need to upgrade their offensive line and give Cutler more time if they want him to make better decisions.

The only certainty heading into the 2010 NFL free agency period is the looming uncertainty leading in to opening day.

Without a new collective bargaining agreement in place by Friday, 2010 will be the league’s first uncapped season since 1993. The NFL and NFLPA have exchanged jabs at one another behind the scenes and in the media, but are no closer to a new CBA than they were leading up to last year’s signing period. The current CBA expires in March 2011, and if the two sides are unable to establish terms the owners will lock out their players until a deal is reached.

That is a likely possibility considering the lack of open dialogue between the two sides.

With so much unknown for the future, it is difficult to project the direction franchises move in when free agency opens. With no salary cap in place, owners with championship aspirations and the necessary funds can potentially break the bank by pursuing a couple of notable free agents that they feel will put their team in sports betting position to compete for the Vince Lombardi trophy. Then again owners may choose to keep their wallets in their pockets and spend well below what they did a season ago, since there is no longer a minimum payroll teams must stay above.

If the big name players that have been released in the weeks leading up to March 5 are any indication, it appears that the owners may trend towards the latter.

Only days after the Chargers released former league MVP LaDanian Tomlinson and the Eagles dropped two-time Pro Bowler Brian Westbrook, Carolina added five-time Pro Bowl defensive end Julius Peppers to the list of sportsbook reviews free agents that will be available to the highest bidder in free agency. The Panthers’ franchise career sacks leader and member of the NFL’s All-Decade team, Peppers was deemed expendable after two straight seasonsas the team’s franchise player. San Diego surprised again when it was announced running back Darren Sproles would follow Tomlinson to the open market.

Miami will not resign defensive stars Joey Porter and Jason Taylor. Green Bay released former Pro Bowl lineman Aaron Kampman, and the Oakland Raiders have not resigned Richard Seymour.

Even the New Orleans Saints have failed to reach a contract extension with safety Darren Sharper, a key piece to the defensive turnaround that helped the Saints win the Super Bowl.

With so much unknown regarding the state of the NFL picks and a potential CBA beyond 2010, owners have been hesitant to sign marquee players to long-term big-money contracts extending beyond the upcoming season.

It’s the prime time for the sportsbook odds makers and NFL scouts of the world as the top athletes in college football are at the scouting combine in Indianapolis. A lot of big questions for a bunch of key players have been answered with combine scores and interviews. Here are some combine winners and losers.

Winners:

Tim Tebow QB Florida

Tim Tebow arguably had the most to gain and lose at the scouting combine as harsh criticism has fallen upon him for having a slow throwing motion and not having a game suited for the NFL.

Tebow’s athleticism was on display at the combine and he impressed all who watched him. Tebow ran a 4.72 40-yard dash time when he was thought to be closer to 4.9 and had a vertical jump of 38.5 inches which ties an all-time quarterback record with Josh McCown. Tebow also apparently had a great interview process. He will reveal his new throwing motion at his pro day at the University of Florida on March 17^th.

5dimes review: Tebow can be assured a second round selection with a good show at the pro day while a bad show could drop him all the way to the fourth.

C.J. Spiller RB, Clemson

C.J. Spiller already had been considered the top back in the draft, but he impressed at the combine with a 4.37 40 yard dash time with 18 reps on the bench press of 225. He has locked himself in as the first running back to be taken off the board and may slip into the top 15 with his performance.

Golden Tate WR, Notre Dame

Golden Tate had a tremendous year for the Fighting Irish despite a poor showing from the team’s defense. Tate ran a 4.42 40 yard dash which was faster than expected and will likely be a late first early second round pick. Tate’s hands and speed will be able to make up for his size which came in at less than 5’11”.

NFL Predictions: Expect to see Tate off the board in the late 1^st round or early 2^nd.

Arrelious Benn WR, Illinois

Benn has been a much debated about receiver coming into the draft. Benn’s play suffered mostly from poor quarterback play at Illinois and showed good speed with a 4.48 40 yard dash time and good strength with 20 bench press reps. Benn has great hands and will likely be a hot name in the late 1^st round as teams look for a big fast target like Benn.

Losers:

Joanthan Dwyer, RB Georgia Tech

Dwyer looked out of shape and ran a 4.64 40 yard dash. His hands were AWOL and concerns about being able to produce on 3^rd down have his draft stock plummeting to 3^rd round territory.

Dan LeFevour, QB Central Michigan

LeFevour looked impressive in the Senior Bowl and the MAC quarterback needed a good showing at the combine to keep the momentum up for his growing draft buzz. Well, he didn’t. For some reason LeFevour decided to only throw to stationary targets and didn’t show off much arm strength doing so. He did run a 4.6 40 yard dash which was second fastest in the combine for quarterbacks, however LeFevour will have to have a good pro day to stay in the 3^rd round.

The NFL season may have ended, but it doesn’t mean you can’t pass the time watching the exciting moves that are sure to come this offseason.  It’s never too early to get ready for the next season, and it’s worth a shot to try and predict which team will come out of nowhere and make a serious run at the playoffs and beyond.  With that, we take a look at a few teams looking to make big moves in free agency. As well, there is plenty of sports bettingto occupy your time til the preseason.

1. The Buffalo Bills: This team is in desperate need of a quarterback, and in desperate need of making the playoffs.  Last year their young defense was solid despite injuries, and their running game saw the emergence of Fred Jackson.  Terrell Owens had a decent year, but the struggles remained at QB where all three of the Bills quarterbacks started at least one game.  Look for Buffalo to pursue an established leader with perhaps signing Jason Campbell, or the wild card Michael Vick.

2. The Chicago Bears: The team underachieved most of last year with the big arm of Jay Cutler throwing interceptions and missing wide receivers.  They need a big wide out who can go across the middle and make plays for the quarterback.  If their defence stays healthy, the offense will start to come together under Mike Martz, and the team could threaten to win the NFC North.

3.The Kansas City Chiefs: They are in a similar boat as Chicago, as they have a potentially great quarterback who struggled in his first year on a new team. They’re running game is much improved, and their defence isn’t terrible.  Brandon Marshall and Vincent Jackson are two big named WR free agents.  The Chiefs may look to get some help to their struggling offence this offseason.

4. The New York Giants: Rumors are swirling around defensive end Julius Peppers, and where he may end up if he doesn’t stay in Carolina. The best bet seems to be the Giants, who themselves may lose Osi Umenyiora on their line. They had a very disappointing season last year, and need to make a move on defense regardless, and they were torched by division rivals Eagles and Cowboys.

5. The Miami Dolphins: This team has a way of making big moves that aren’t big at the time, but prove so down the road. They have an excellent coaching stay under Tony Sparano, and GM Bill Parcells.  As they pick their quarterback of the future, don’t be surprised if this team makes a few moves that puts them in position to take back the AFC East.

It’s never too early to bet on your favourite team.  If you’re a bit unfamiliar with online betting, check out some gambling servicesto help you along your way. The draft is less than two months away, and before you know it you’ll be betting NFL football soon enough.

With the NFL season wrapped up and the rookie combines around the corner, it’s time for teams to take a hard look at who is out there in free agency. No one will be able to sign until March 5^th, but names keep floating around and some big free agents will be hitting the market shortly.

Sportsbook: Top Players on the Move

Julius Peppers CAR DE

Peppers has been one of the elite pass rushers in the game since he left the University of North Carolina. Now 30 years old, Peppers is going to leave via free agency and teams may be willing to give Peppers a monster deal. With 10.5 sacks and 5 forced fumbles Peppers would be a nice commodity to add to any team that runs a 4-3 defense. If he were to play in a 3-4, he would likely take a role similar to DeMarcus Ware’s with the Cowboys.

5dimes review: Expected suitors: Patriots, Bears, Packers, Falcons, Giants

Chester Taylor MIN RB

Chester Taylor has been relegated to a backup role with the Vikings since they drafted Adrian Peterson. Although A-Pete has a bad case of fumblitits, it is unlikely that the Vikings can afford to pay two RB’s a starter’s salary. Taylor had been rumored to be getting a franchise or transitional (if there is no cap) tag, but at 7 million plus, that is a lot for a second back when you have one of the best in the league already on your team. Taylor is all but a lock to be on a new team and they will like what they see with him. Taylor is an exceptional receiving back and excellent in screens. His speed still seems good and the lack of reps recently may have extended his career. Look for a team with a young QB or a team running a west coast offense to make a bid for Taylor.

Expected suitors: Lions, Seahawks, Bears, Texans

Keith Bulluck TEN OLB

Bulluck has been one of the best linebackers in the league for many years, but his production dropped last year as the Titans defense struggled without Albert Haynesworth who left for Washington last offseason. Bulluck was forced to sit the last two games of the year due to injury, but if he can get healthy and be even 75% of what he was, Bulluck can be a game changer for a team with poor linebackers. Bulluck has spent his entire ten year career with the Tennessee Titans but is likely moving on this offseason.

Sports tips: Look for the Rockland County, New York native (where this article is currently being written from) to come back home and play for a team that is hurting real bad at linebacker, The New York Giants.

Expected suitors: Giants, Eagles, Colts

Reggie Bush NO RB (restricted)

Reggie Bush has been somewhat of a disappointment in the NFL. Drafted #2 overall a few years back, Bush has not lived up to his contract and the Super Bowl Champion Saints, will likely not pay over eight million dollars to keep a punt returner and backup running back. Bush has shown glimpses of the stuff that made him the #2 pick years ago but has been averaging less than 10 touches a game including returns. Look for him to be a hot name this offseason as Bush will likely fill a change of pace back role for a lucky team that will pay him. Seattle signed Bush’s college coach Pete Carroll to be President of Football Operations and Head Coach. They are the prohibitive favorites to land Bush.

Expected suitors: Seahawks, 49ers, Lions, Redskins

Jason Campbell WAS QB (restricted)

It appears that the rocky marriage is over between the Skins and Campbell. Campbell has had a different playbook every year he’s been in the league and is going to be the scapegoat for owner Dan Snyder’s screw-ups. Now with Mike Shanahan as head coach and GM, expect the skins to draft either Sam Bradford or Jimmy Clausen to lead them going forward. Campbell is better than most believe however, and would be a nice fit on a team with QB issues.

Expected suitors: Rams, Seahawks, Bills, Raiders

Cincinnati Bengals Love Their Troubled Players

It’s not a surprise to any bookmakers by now (bookmaker reviews) that the Cincinnati Bengals are signing more troubled players. The offseason is very young but the Bengals are already making moves that are raising eye brows.

The Bengals acted quickly and signed free agents Matt Jones and Pacman Jones. Both players are coming off of suspension and both players have dodged felony charges.

The Bengals are planning to use Matt Jones as a tight end in the coming year as he just hasn’t panned out as a wide receiver. He could be a good receiving tight end to start but he has a long way to go with his blocking.

Meanwhile, Pacman might have some talent but people will be wondering just how much. He hasn’t had a good season in a while and the risk may be too high in comparison to the reward.

Nonetheless, the Bengals are rolling the dice once again.

Michael Vick Expected To Be Traded

Sportsbetting fans watched the NFL experiment that was Michael Vick last year and it didn’t work in Philadelphia. As long as Donovan McNabb is still around in Philadelphia, the Eagles have no use for Vick.

As it stands, they are shopping the quarterback, which could turn out to be a valuable asset as the draft approaches. The St. Louis Rams and Buffalo Bills are the teams interested and both teams are in dire need of a quarterback.

Either way, expect Vick to be shipped off at some point this offseason and he’ll get a crack at starting somewhere. In Philadelphia, that just isn’t likely and they clearly don’t need to spend so much money on a backup quarterback who plays one or two snaps per game as a running back.

Ravens Sign Stallworth

Donte Stallworth was looking for another chance and people making their NFL betting picks know that the Ravens are in desperate need of a wide receiver.

Naturally, it made sense for the Ravens to sign a wideout but some eyes were opened when they signed formerly suspended Stallworth.

While he did kill a man last year via a drink and drive, the reality is that Stallworth has paid his dues and will get another shot in the NFL. We’ll see what type of impact he can make after spending a year off on the sidelines.

March 5^th is the first day of free agency, which NFL betting fans know is always a free agent frenzy. There will be an interesting dynamic thrown into the loop this year as for the first time in a long time, the NFL will have an uncapped salary season.

Free agency this year will bring a shorter crop of young prospects as many of them will now be restricted for one more year because of the league rules. Nonetheless, here is a rundown of some key free agents.

Chad Pennington of the Miami Dolphins would like to return to Miami, but he’ll likely only have a backup role there. Coming off another season-ending injury, Pennington may be facing a backup role anywhere he goes. He is still a serviceable starter for some teams and he would be among the better backups if he was forced into a No. 2 role.

Another team could lose a player who started the year as a No. 1 contributor at a position after being supplanted by a good young prospect, and that’s the Pittsburgh Steelers running back Willie Parker.

Those who bet on NFL know that Parker’s days were numbered as soon as the Steelers spent a first-round pick on Rashard Mendenhall. Parker could be an enticing commodity to some as a speedy complementary back.

On defense, we all know that the 3-4 defense has been quite the fad in the NFL and a lot of teams looking for a playmaker might take a look at Julius Peppers. The recent rumor has been that he’s a good fit for outside linebacker in that set up but don’t be surprised if teams opt to keep him at defensive end in a 4-3, where he is a Pro Bowler as is.

Meanwhile, the New Orleans Saints, who were exactly the favorite for NFL picks in the Super Bowl, will have to find a way to keep safety Darren Sharper, who led the league in interceptions. Sharper is a free agent and the Saints may opt to slap the franchise tag on him before he starts looking around.

Meanwhile, there will be some intriguing names thrown around as well such as Plaxico Burres, Matt Jones and even Pacman Jones. The latter two have worked out with the Cincinnati Bengals and may get a shot with the team who likes former troubled players.

It should be a busy March so keep an eye as the dates on the calendar approach.

US sportsbook odds (US sportsbook review) didn’t give New Orleans much of a chance in their Super Bowl showdown with Indianapolis on Sunday, and neither did many in the sports betting industry who give NFL picks, and it didn’t look good for a while. But one play changed the look of the game, and the Saints are now celebrating their first Super Bowl win.

Peyton Manning was 31-of-45 for 333 yards and a touchdown, but it was his pick to Tracy Porter that was run back for a touchdown in the fourth quarter which sealed the Colts’ fate.  The Colts even ran the ball more than usual, and Joseph Addai had 77 yards and a score on 19 carries. Indy gained 432 yards to the Saints’ 332 yards, but the Colts made a couple of critical mistakes, and while the Porter pick was huge, the second half started the comeback.

Sean Payton made the gutsiest call in Super Bowl history, as his onside kick threw everyone in Sun Life Stadium off guard. The Saints went on to outscore the Colts 22-7 in the second half of the game, and they stuck with the gameplan they created going into the game. The Colts refused to let the Saints beat them with their crew of deep threats, but like Manning did against the New York Jets in the AFC championship game, Super Bowl MVP Drew Brees did the same against the Colts. Brees took his check-down throws and moved the ball, and he ended up going 32-of-39 for 288 yards and a pair of touchdowns. The 32 completions by Brees tied a Super Bowl record, and Marques Colston and Devery Henderson caught seven passes apiece for the Saints.

NFL lines had the Saints as a 4.5-point underdog in this contest, and they showed a lot of poise and courage in this game. They started off very slow, but they never panicked and stuck to their plan. The onside kick was a huge blow to the Colts, and then the Saints systematically broke them down. New Orleans has also lived and died with turnovers this year, and their eighth forced turnover in three playoff games clinched the title. Also, it can’t be understated what Brees did during this postseason run. Brees went up against Arizona’s Kurt Warner, Minnesota’s Brett Favre and Manning, all three of whom should end up in the Hall of Fame, and Brees outplayed them all, failing to throw a pick throughout the playoffs.

Those who were looking for a shootout were disappointed as the 48 combined points were under the posted total of 56.5. Still, that had to be the only thing that Super Bowl betting players had to be disappointed with in this brilliant game.