The NFL over/under for the 2012 season were recently released. I have stated in previous blogs that the NFL season means it’s time to root for the San Francisco 49ers and start gambling. The Niners unexpectedly won 13 games in the 2011 season. It is hard to expect the Niners winning another 13 games in 2012, especially with a very tough schedule approaching them. To my surprise the Niners over/under is set at 10 games. One of my fellow bloggers predicted that the Niners will win at least 11 games. I also believe that the Niners will win around 11 or 12 games. Let’s remember we have the entire defense returning (Free Safety Dashon Goldson still needs to sign his tender) and we have added many weapons on offense. Also the Niners play in a weak division which helps the cause of winning more games.

The concerns are that the Niners play the NFC north and the AFC east; to very good divisions. They will face teams such as the New England Patriots, New York Jets, Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, and Green Bay Packers. On top of that the two extra games in the Niners schedule are against the New Orleans Saints and New York Giants. The Niners have very difficult opponents, but they did so last season too. I believe the Niners are equipped to be a juggernaut in the 2012 season. Teams like the Bears and Lions will be more nervous to play us then us playing them. If you are a gambling man or woman I suggest taking the over on the Niners.

Some other teams that have intriguing over/under are the Denver Broncos at 9.5 wins. I believe the under has to be taken under consideration. The status of QB Peyton Manning is still uncertain. There are many critics around the league that believe that he will not be able to finish the season. Let’s say he is able to play the whole season, you have to believe that there is going to be some rust after missing the entire 2011 season and he has a new receiving crew to get accustom to. 9.5 wins just seems too high.

Another team is the New Orleans Saints at 10 wins, which is way too high with all the off season distractions and suspensions. The year suspension to head coach Sean Payton is a big blow to the Saints, he is one of the top five coaches in the league. With all the problems facing the Saints organization, they still have not agreed with QB Drew Bress on a long term contract. They also play in an improving NFC south division. I would take the under.

Lastly I want to mention the New York Jets. The Jets over/under is at 8.5 wins which I believe is ludicrous. The team is looking old and in the last couple of years they have not added any young noticeable players. With the signing of QB Tim Tebow, the Jets were asking for a quarterback controversy. Let’s face it QB Mark Sanchez has been very inconsistent during his time with the Jets, if he starts the season slow expect Jet fans to cheer for TEBOW! TEBOW! TEBOW! I could see the Jets finishing last in their division, obviously the New England Patriots will finish first, many believe the Buffalo Bills will be much approved, and the Miami Dolphins were coming on towards the end of last season. Take the WAY under on the Jets.

It should be fun to see what ultimately pans out. There are always teams that surprise and those that disappoint. I hope the Niners continue to surprise and win another 13 games or more. I want the season to start already! GO NINERS!!!!!!!!!!

Notable over/under: New England Patriots 12 wins, Cincinnati Bengals 7.5 wins, Houston Texans 10 wins, Kansas City Chiefs 8 wins, New York Giants 9.5 wins (defending Super Bowl Champs), Green Bay Packers 12 wins, and Carolina Panthers 7.5 wins

Niner Noise readers let me know what you think. Would you take the over of under on the Niners. How do you feel on the other teams over/under. Please leave comments.

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