NFL Crystal Ball Betting – A Look Ahead at the Teams That Could Pay Off Big

While it’s nice knowing which teams cashed in consistently against-the-spread (ATS) last season, what NFL pro football betting buffs really need to know is which teams have a high percentage of cashing in during the upcoming 2010 NFL season.

This look back at some of last season’s big ATS winners – and ‘crystal ball’ look ahead at which teams will likely burn up the ATS charts in 2010, will give avid NFL gamblers the insight they will need in order to get off to a good start with either their preseason or regular season wagering.

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With that thought in mind, let me get busy with this look at last season’s top six ATS teams in the league.

Green Bay (11-4-1 ATS)

With the league’s best ATS record in 2009, the Packers were money in the bank last season pro football wagering fans. With a top five offense and defense, it’s no wonder either.

NFL gamblers can expect the Pack to post another winning ATS record this coming season, in large part because of the eye-popping play of blossoming quarterback Aaron Rodgers – and the team’s stellar defense.

Atlanta (11-5 ATS)

The Falcons also recorded 11 ATS wins last season and could be another winning ATS team in 2010 with a return to health from running back Michael Turner and quarterback Matt Ryan – along with some competent play from its defense.

Indianapolis (10-5-1 ATS)

The Colts recorded their third straight ATS-winning record last season (8-7-1 ATS in 2008, 9-7 ATS in 2007) and are a near-lock to do so again in 2010, mostly because of Peyton Manning and the team’s prolific offense.

The Colts ranked eighth in points allowed last season and will post another fine ATS winning record if they can maintain a high level of play defensively.

San Francisco (9-4-3 ATS)

The Niners had a fine season last year as they continue to rebuild under Mike Singletary and could be even better this year if they improve their 27th-ranked offense.

Still, after ranking fourth in points allowed last season, I suspect Frisco will once again be a beast on defense.

Cleveland (10-6 ATS)

The Browns posted a fine ATS record last season and should be even better in the first year of the Mike Holmgren era. Nevertheless, I’d say the smart play surrounding the Browns is to wait a bit and see how the team plays coming out of the gate.

One thing’s for sure, I don’t like Cleveland’s quarterback situation where they will go with either career backup Seneca Wallace or the aging Jake Delhomme.

Minnesota (9-6-1 ATS)

The Vikes put up nine ATS wins a year ago and will likely reach the figure at the very least in 2010 as long as Brett Favre comes back.

Minnesota ranked sixth in offense and defense a year ago and numbers like those suggest another strong ATS season coming in 2010.

Six teams finished at 9-7 against-the-spread last season, including Super Bowl contenders Dallas and the New York Jets.

Now, as far as the upcoming season is concerned, I like all of the aforementioned teams to be very strong against the spread in 2010, with the possible exception of Cleveland

I really like the Miami Dolphins and their chances to improve their 8-8 ATS win-total from last season after adding Brandon Marshall and defensive coordinator Mike Nolan.

Another team I believe will improve or remain a solid ATS wager in 2010 is the Dallas Cowboys.

The Pokes have arguably the best front seven in the league and a fantastic rushing attack that can both, chew up yards and drain the clock.

The Washington Redskins (6-8-2 ATS) and Tennessee Titans (6-10 ATS) are two more teams that I believe stand excellent chances of improving against the spread in 2010.

The Skins’ addition of Mike Shanahan and Donovan McNabb will almost assuredly help Washington improve its SU and ATS records this coming season and Tennessee will have Vince Young under center all season long – and what should be a slightly improved defense.

Don’t laugh now, but my final pick for teams that can improve their ATS records this coming season is the St. Louis Rams.

I really like the way the Rams closed out the regular season last year and believe they have a good chance of cashing in even more in 2010, mostly because of defensive-minded head coach Steve Spagnuolo’s complex schemes.