Futures bets offer weekly action for one initial buy-in, but few obvious plays pop out. The division odds are miniscule for the favorites, leaving the over-under season win total as a point of interest.

An early wager on a season-long philosophy is a good play. Buffalo, at over 7.5 wins, is enticing because the Bills won seven without Terrell Owens last year. He usually spikes a new team for one year, helping lift Philadelphia to the Super Bowl and Dallas into a strong showing before wearing out his welcome. Asking Buffalo to win one more game because of its high-profile off-season acquisition seems reasonable.

So does the Arizona Cardinals’ prop bet at over 8.5. The team must only duplicate its nine-win 2008 season in a weak division. The Cardinals also play their final two games at home. Even if Kurt Warner’s off-season surgery slows him, a possible explanation to the 8.5 number, this team is loaded with receiver talent and a taste of a near Super Bowl championship.

Defending champion Pittsburgh is 10.5 and New England 11, so few bargains exist there. But if you have an angle, play it.

By Dave Bontempo

Casino Connection Sports Editor Dave Bontempo is an award-winning sports writer and broadcaster who calls boxing matches all over the world. He has covered the Philadelphia Flyers in the playoffs, as well as numerous PGA, LPGA and Seniors Golf Tour events, and co-hosted the Casino Connection television program with Publisher Roger Gros.