BetUS.com has released their 2009 Super Bowl betting odds and the favorite to take the Lombardi Trophy is the New England Patriots at +300 odds. Following behind the defending AFC Champions are the San Diego Chargers and Indianapolis Colts at +700 and +750 odds respectively. The leading candidate to win the NFC is the Dallas Cowboys at +800 odds.
One of the most likely Super Bowl XLIII pairings, based upon the Matchup odds at BetUS.com, is the Chargers versus the Cowboys at +1200 odds. San Diego is coming off an 11-5 season and a 2-1 run in the playoffs. The Chargers lost to the Patriots in the AFC Championship game 21-12. The Cowboys finished the year at 13-3 and in first place in the NFC East. Many felt that Dallas would be the NFC representative in the Super Bowl last season, but the Giants shocked the Cowboys 21-17 in the divisional playoff.
The Chargers return largely the same roster from 2007, but they did lose some depth. Offensive tackle Shane Olivea, running back Michael Turner, and cornerback Drayton Florence all departed in the off-season. However, they signed offensive tackle L.J. Shelton and linebacker Derek Smith, and drafted cornerback Antoine Cason with their first pick in the draft. Third round pick, running back Jacob Hester, and the dynamic Darren Sproles have both looked excellent in pre-season and either one should be a good back-up to LaDainian Tomlinson.
Dallas also returns the core of their team and figures to be a major force on both sides of the ball in 2008. Running back Julius Jones did sign with the Seahawks in the off-season, but he was a starter in name only. Marion Barber was the go-to guy for Dallas and he will be again this season. Backing up Barber will be first round pick Felix Jones out of Arkansas. Jones figures to be an excellent third down option, adding another weapon to an offense already loaded with talent.
The status of Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman is currently in limbo due to a knee injury. It is uncertain how this will affect San Diego's Super Bowl odds. If Merriman were to miss the season, he would probably be replaced by second year linebacker Jyles Tucker. Tucker played in six games last season and recorded four sacks, including three in one game versus the Raiders.
Super Bowl Matchup odds at BetUS.com:
Chargers vs Cowboys +1200
Patriots vs Giants +1200
Patriots vs Cowboys +600
Colts vs Cowboys +1200
Chargers vs Giants +2500
Colts vs Giants +3000
Jaguars vs Cowboys +2200
Jets vs Cowboys +6000
Jets vs Packers +15000
