It’s that time of year to get ready for some football, NFL style. Before we get into the weekly games next week, we here at Bet2K want to take a moment to look at NFL futures. Who are our favorites to win the AFC and NFC as well as who are the best value picks? We also take a look at the overall picture of who has the best chance to hoist the Lombardi trophy this year and who are the sleepers.

Once again the AFC is poised to win it all for the fourth year in a row and for the sixth time in the last seven years. However, the gap is closing on the AFC for a change and there several teams in the NFC to keep a keen eye on this year. The odds below are from our partners at Sportsbook.com.

Here is how we see the top five in the NFC this year.

• Dallas Cowboys (12-1)- With Proven head coach Bill Parcells and the addition of Terrell Owens (despite his continued off field antics) at wide receiver there is no reason to think that the Dallas Cowboys don’t have a legitimate chance to take the NFC. The odds makers have noted this by putting the team among the favorites in the conference.
• Seattle Seahawks (10-1) - The returning champion Seattle Seahawks enter the season with the second best odds in the NFC. However, they still are a force. The big question with the Seahawks will be their injury concerns at wide receiver with Darrell Jackson and tight end Jerramy Stevens. The running game and Quarterback position are as solid as they have ever been.
• Carolina Panthers (10-1) - The Panthers have quite possibly the NFL’s best receiver in Steve Smith and they have added Keyshawn Johnson in the off-season to compliment the wide receiver core. On top of that they have one of, if not the best defense in the NFL. This has to make them a very good bet to make it to the NFC championship game this year.
• The New York Giants (18-1) – The Giants enter the season one step closer to returning to dominance with a team equipped with a now experienced Quarterback in Eli Manning and a running back in Tiki Barber coming off a career year. Wide receiver Plaxico Burress now has a year of familiarity with his Quarterback under his belt.

To round out the NFC we have to bring in our value bet.

• Arizona Cardinals (40-1) – Yes that’s right people, the Arizona Cardinals. With the dynamic duo at wide receiver of Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin there is not a better tandem in the NFL. At Quarterback a healthy Kurt Warner has proven himself at this level and if he gets injured they have a legit backup in Matt Leinart. Not to mention the ever-important addition of Edgerrin James in the off-season at running back. This team is finally ready for a run at the title.

Here is how we see the top six in the AFC this year.

• Indianapolis Colts (6-1) – What can we say other that this team is ready. The only question is can Peyton Manning win the big game? They now are without the services of Edgerrin James, which is a big blow. However, with the offense they use, the addition of Joseph Addai may suffice. Many say load up on them now, and we may be inclined to agree.
• Pittsburgh Steelers (8-1) – Can they repeat without the services of Jerome Bettis? Their Defense has something to say about that. Also with the help of the likes of Ben Roethlisberger and Hines Ward on offense they can’t be discounted to score when it comes down to crunch time.
• New England Patriots (7-1) – How can you argue with a team that has won three out of the last five Superbowls? Question is can they do it without key loses such as David Givens and possibly Deion Branch. As long as Tom Brady is tossing the rock and they have the veteran presence they seem to keep we can’t count them out.
• Denver Broncos (12-1) - The big question in Denver this year seems to be the running back position. Which Bell will ring? Mike Bell or Tatum Bell will carry the rock but with that offensive line we like whichever one Mike Shanahan chooses. They added Javon Walker in the off-season to bolster the wide receiver core and everything looks right in Denver.

To round out the AFC we have to bring in our value bets.

• Cincinnati Bengals (28-1) – Will Carson Palmers knee hold up, that seems to be the only question with this team. If last Monday night left you with any doubt then we don’t know what to say. They may have the second best duo at wide receiver with Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh. They have a solid running game with Rudi Johnson and their defense seems to always be underrated. This may be the true “dark horse” in the NFL.
• Miami Dolphins (16-1) – It wouldn’t be right for us to not mention this value bet for our 6th team in the AFC. This has been a team searching for a soul for what seems like forever. They went out and got a legit Quarterback in the off-season in Daunte Culpepper. He has the same question surrounding him as many other quarterbacks this year with the condition of his knee. But with the offensive weapons surrounding him and a very solid defense on the other side they are considered a potential threat

As far as our top picks for teams with the best chance to hoist the Lombardi trophy here is how we see it. The Indianapolis Colts have to be the favorite. Peyton Manning has to learn how to not choke in the big game eventually. The Dallas Cowboys have to be next in line given the Big Tuna is at the helm and with the addition of Terrell Owens at wide receiver. You can’t forget teams like the New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers, Seattle Seahawks, or the Carolina Panthers since they have proven recently that they have what it takes. However we like the Arizona Cardinals (40-1) as one of our two sleeper picks with value given their upside. The other being our frontrunner and best overall value pick in the Cincinnati Bengals (28-1). You did watch last Mondays game against the Packers right? Weigh in with your best bets at Sportsbook.com.

Check out all our NFL Coverage at our 2006 NFL Blog