When handicapping any football team, a lot of bettors will focus on the quarterback, running back, defense and even special teams, yet very few look at the offensive line. Yet without a line (not the kind) the quarterback will not have time to throw to his gifted receivers and the star running back will have no holes to run through. In fact, a shoddy offensive line will cause great defense problems as they will turn the ball over several times a season.



The Cleveland Browns were brimming with optimism prior to the opening of training camp as they had their first round pick in 2005 Kellen Winslow returning, a healthy Braylon Edwards expected back, talented running back Reuben Droughans, second year QB Charlie Frye and more importantly All-Pro center LeCharles Bentley acquired from New Orleans.

Well, guess what happened on the way to the dance? LeCharles tore his knee up the first day of camp and is gone for the year. Next in the door was Bob Hallen, but he left camp the same week and then suddenly retired which smells to me like he had some illegal substances in his system. On July 29th the Browns signed Alonzo Ephraim who had been with the Dolphins last year and he played against the Eagles last week. Shortly after the game, it was announced that he had been suspended four games for violating the substance abuse policy.

They have now entrusted the ball to the hands of Ross Tucker who had 24 starts in his career with Dallas, Buffalo and New England. Stay away from the Brownies if you're going to do some .

In Minnesota it was expected that getting rid of Coach Mike Tice, QB Daunte Culpepper and adding a talented rookie linebacker in Chad Greenway, the Vikings would be ready to contend. This was before Greenway tore up his knee, but more importantly, the news that Pro-Bowl kick returner Koren Robinson had fallen off the wagon and will be suspended for a year by the NFL.

On the plus side is the signing of All-Pro guard Steve Hutchinson from the Seahawks and the return of former all star center Matt Birk. The bettors may pull back on the Vikings, but I think there will be great value here as they have some talented players and I love their new coach Brad Childress!

The New York Jets are in all kinds of trouble from their young new coach Eric Mangini to the loss of Kevin Mawae their All-Pro center to the many question marks in the backfield. Their center, Trey Teague, was terrible with the Bills and their two rookie draft picks on the offensive line, Ferguson and Mangold, will suffer through growing pains.

I look for the Titans to hammer them in week 1! If you're into , this is one wager you won't want to miss.

Bob Acton