NFL Betting Tips - Week 1 AFC Power Poll

The defending champion Pittsburgh Steelers start the defense of their Super Bowl title this week! Are you ready for all of the NFL betting action? Check out this week’s power poll of the AFC’s best ATS team…

1: Tennessee Titans (12-4 ATS, 13-3 SU in 2008) The Titans got off to a great start last season, as they were the last unbeaten team standing in the NFL. However, their passive style of offense finally caught up to them in the playoffs. Will they be able to kick off ’09 in a good manner as well? It’ll take a big time effort in Steeltown to start 1-0.

Up Next: Away @ Steelers

2: Baltimore Ravens (12-4 ATS, 11-5 SU in 2008) It was these Ravens that knocked those Titans out of the playoffs last year, and now QB Joe Flacco is back for his second season under center. The question is whether the defense, which is now sans DC Rex Ryan, CB Chris McAlister, and LB Bart Scott, will be as efficient as it was last season when it allowed just 261 yards per game.

Up Next: Home vs. Chiefs

3: Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7 ATS, 12-4 SU in 2008) Pittsburgh has to be considered one of the favorites once again to capture the Lombardi Trophy. Virtually the entire team returns from last year’s Super Bowl squad, and the addition of a now healthy RB Rashard Mendenhall will only inevitably help a rushing attack that put up 105.6 yards per game last season. The kickoff to the ’09 season should be as hard hitting as it can get.

Up Next: Home vs. Titans

4: New England Patriots (9-7 ATS, 11-5 SU in 2008) Did everyone forget about the Pats? Remember the team that went 16-0 two years ago? QB Tom Brady is healthy and is back in the lineup, and that’s bad news for opposing defenses. How will the trade of DE Richard Seymour effect the squad, though?

Up Next: Home vs. Bills

5: Indianapolis Colts ( 8-7-1 ATS, 12-4 SU in 2008) HC Tony Dungy called it a career following last season’s premature exit from the postseason, which leaves Jim Caldwell as the new man in charge. QB Peyton Manning will be without his favorite target, WR Marvin Harrison for the first time in his career.

Up Next: Home vs. Jaguars

6: Miami Dolphins (8-8 ATS, 11-5 SU in 2008) HC Tony Sparano shocked the world when he used the Wildcat formation over and over again with huge success last season. Now, he has an elusive passing threat in QB Pat White to add to the mix with RBs Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams. If no one can figure this formation out, Miami’s offense could be incredibly explosive.

Up Next: Away @ Falcons

7: Houston Texans (8-8 ATS, 8-8 SU in 2008) Could this be the season the Texans finally make the playoffs? Had QB Matt Schaub stayed healthy last year, he may have challenged the 5,000-yard barrier, and Houston would’ve inevitably won more games. If his OL can keep him upright this year, the Texans will be a force offensively.

Up Next: Home vs. Jets

8: Kansas City Chiefs (8-8 ATS, 2-14 SU in 2008) The Chiefs may have been a mess trying to win games SU last season, but they fought hard and stuck within a lot of betting lines. With new HC Todd Haley and QB Matt Cassel in the fold, expectations are starting to get higher in KC.