NFL Betting – The Lockout Ends, The Madness Begins

Even MLB betting players were caught up in the conclusion of the NFL lockout, which opened up a frenzy of movement, opening of training camps, and the real fun should start on Friday, when free agents can start signing.

There are too many signings to list, but rest assured, the sports betting odds for the NFL are going to change a little over the next couple of days as players change teams (or re-sign with their old teams). So far, we have Chad Ochocinco and Albert Haynesworth in New England, Kevin Kolb in Arizona, Matt Hasselbeck in Tennessee, and Reggie Bush in Miami. Santonio Holmes and Santana Moss stayed with the New York Jets and Washington, respectively.

Now, you have Vince Young on the market as the Titans cut ties with the mercurial quarterback, but the big name on the free-agent market is cornerback Nmandi Asomugha, who is one of the top two cover corners in the league and is being chased by the likes of the Jets (which would pit him with Darrelle Revis) and Houston, and don’t be surprised if more teams make a play before Friday, when free-agent signings can begin. Also, Randy Moss is flying under the radar and is likely available at a cut-rate price. Moss is still able to stretch the defense for teams with his speed, and a team will definitely end up taking a chance on him. Either way, it’s going to be a interesting time for those who are betting online.

World Series Odds – Red Sox, Phillies Still Favored To Meet In World Series

If you bet on MLB odds, you’re probably giving serious thought as to who will win the World Series as the second half of the regular season is underway, and the list of favored teams hasn’t changed that much.

Philadelphia (+220) and Boston (+275) have been the favorites all season, and the Phillies may have a slight edge because the National League won the World Series, giving them the homefield advantage. But you know the New York Yankees (+350) will have something to say about it by the time it’s all said and done. Milwaukee (+800) is gaining steam as a contender, but their pitching has to hold up and furthermore, they have to get out of the tough National League Central, which features St. Louis (+1700) and Cincinnati (+2800), one of the more intriguing sports betting darkhorse possibilities.

Don’t forget about last year’s World Series finalists, Texas (+900) and the defending champions from San Francisco (+1500), who are both leading their respective West divisions and should make it to the postseason, where anything can happen. Atlanta (+1100) is also in the mix in the National League East, and they could have a better pitching staff than Philadelphia’s famed set of arms.

As tight as all of the divisional races are, it’s set to be a thrilling stretch run to the playoffs, so be sure to keep your eyes and ears open for news before you head over to your book to bet on sports.

NHL Betting – The Top Five Free Agents On The Market

Even baseball betting players know team have to play the free-agent game, and the NHL’s edition of this kicks off on Friday, where clubs will be competing for the signatures of these five names.

Brad Richards

Richards probably won’t resign with Dallas, and he’s the biggest name on the market. He still has some good years left at 31, and he’s still one of the best set-up men in the game. If you’re a team with a sniper (hello, Toronto), you’re trying to persuade Richards to come to your team.

Ville Leino

Leino is also a good set-up man, but the Flyers may look to keep him after trading Mike Richards and Jeff Carter out of town. He is also heading into his prime at 27, and Leino will get a raise as he gets added responsibility in Philadelphia.

Tomas Vokoun

Vokoun has played for some bad Nashville and Florida teams, and it would be interesting to see what his numbers would be like if he played on a good team. He may be willing to take a pay cut too, after earning $5.7 million last year.

Erik Cole

Cole played 82 games for the first time in his career at 32 years old, and he could provide veteran leadership on a young team. He can also still put the puck in the back of the net, and teams are always looking for that.

Dwayne Roloson

At the other end of the spectrum, teams could do a lot worse than to offer a one-year deal to 41-year-old Roloson, who excels in do-or-die situations. Tampa Bay wouldn’t have gotten as far as they did without him, and the team that picks “Rollie The Goalie” will be improving their betting odds for next season.