Looking over the 2009 NFL Future Odds the first week of July, and more specifically, focusing on the Super Bowl odds, it’s pretty much a story of déjà vu. The usual suspects can be found at the top with the exception of some slight adjustments over the last few years.

The New England Patriots are the odds-on favourite, sitting with Super Bowl odds of 6-1 at most online sportsbooks, with the defending Super Bowl champ Pittsburgh Steelers right behind them at 10-1 odds.

The NFC steps up in the next two spots, with the New York Giants and the Philadelphia Eagles the favourites from the National side and then it’s back to the AFC with the next two spots, as the Peyton Manning-led Indy Colts slide in to the fifth spot and the Chargers are sitting as the sixth biggest favourite at 15-1.

None of these teams are in unfamiliar territory as they have all been top tier clubs the last few years heading into each new season, even if their actual season performances didn’t live up to the pre-season billing.

But of note for NFL betting purposes is the Dallas Cowboys future odds situation as the 2009 season approaches. At online sportsbook SPORTSBETTING.com the Cowboys slide into the #7 spot on the future odds list “To win the Super Bowl”. The Cowboys have odds of 16-1. That is a few spots lower than we’re used to seeing them, but like most years, probably still too high.

This is a team that hasn’t played a second round playoff game since Monica Lewinsky was sneaking into the White House, but every year you can find them close to the top of the future odds list as one of the biggest favourites. And every year they are always one of the favourite teams for sports bettors.

“The Cowboys are one of those teams that attract a lot of attention from the sports betting community, and that is the case during the season, after the season and heading into new seasons.” stated Mike, one of the sportsbook managers at SPORTSBETTING.com. “This NFL future odds betting volume on Dallas hasn’t been as strong this off-season as the past two or three years, but we have noticed a slight increase recently as the media and bettors start to pay more attention to the upcoming NFL betting season”.

Dallas unloaded their number one receiver in the off-season, but also got rid of a huge dressing room distraction as well, when they let Terrell Owens go (he’s now in Buffalo). So things have been quieter in Big D this summer. They still have a very talented offensive unit, anchored by Tony Romo and Marion Barber. Add in Felix Jones and receiver Roy Williams and they should be able to score points.

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Defensively they also boast impressive talent, notably DeMarus Ware, Jay Ratliff, Terence Newman, Ken Hamlin, Mike Jenkins and free agent signings Igor Olshansky and Keith Brooking.

But even with the talent, it’s hard to suggest risking a future odd wager on them. They play in a very tough division, are saddled with mediocre coaching and don’t seem to have that toughness needed to turn it up down the stretch and into the playoffs.

Talent abounds and they’ll certainly compete with any team in the league, but betting them at 16-1 to win it all doesn’t have much appeal for me.

There are better NFL future odds options on the board. Over the next few weeks I’ll look at those betting options that offer great value.

Check out the Odds to win Super Bowl XLIV at SPORTSBETTING.COM