Preseason finale a chance for Packers' backup QBs

Football Betting Lines

09/01/2010 -

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) - Aaron Rodgers knows from experience that it isn't easy to live life as an understudy in the NFL.

Now that Rodgers finally has broken free from Brett Favre's shadow to become an elite starting quarterback, he sees a little bit of his former self in Green Bay Packers backup Matt Flynn: a guy willing to do what it takes to prepare as if he's the starter every week, knowing that he might never play.

``I was telling a friend this summer, I couldn't think of a better backup, because it's tough to be a backup,'' Rodgers said. ``You have to have the right personality, the right attitude and find ways to be a leader but also be very supportive. He's one of my best friends on this team, and he's improved and done a great job.''

If everything goes according to plan for the Packers, Thursday night's preseason finale in Kansas City will be the last time anybody sees Flynn at quarterback for a while.

Still, Flynn must be ready to step in if called upon, so he and the rest of the Packers' No. 2 offense see the game as a significant chance to sharpen their skills.

``It's definitely a big week and a week that I think all of the 'twos' look forward to,'' Flynn said. ``We're going to get more reps than we have all camp and any of the games, so it's something to look forward to. We're going to have a lot of fun and hopefully go out there and execute and put up some points.''

Meanwhile, No. 3 quarterback Graham Harrell has shown steady improvement during training camp and could use Thursday's game to solidify his spot on the team - even if it's just on the practice squad.

Harrell was a record-setting quarterback at Texas Tech, but couldn't get an extended, serious look in the NFL until now.

``I've always thought I was able to play at this level, and I just thought sooner or later I'll get a shot to do it,'' Harrell said. ``The more success I have here and the more comfortable I get in this offense and on this team, the more confidence I get and the more drive or reassurance I have that yeah, I can play on this level. I am good enough, and quarterbacks from spread systems can succeed in the NFL, and it's been a very positive experience so far, and I hope to continue to improve and do whatever it is that they ask me to do.''

In Harrell's case, that could be a stint on the practice squad.

The Packers only kept two quarterbacks, Flynn and Rodgers, on their roster last season.

Given Rodgers' durability and a logjam at other positions, including fullback and tight end, it stands to reason that the team will keep only two quarterbacks again.

``If they put me on the 53-man roster, obviously I'd be really happy about that,'' Harrell said. ``If they kept me on the practice squad, that's still a great opportunity to learn and continue to improve my game and learn a prostyle offense and get more comfortable in that.''

Flynn said he didn't have a sense of which way the team was leaning, but he has been impressed by Harrell.

``He's picked it up very fast and the guy can play football,'' Flynn said. ``He's been good, he's a fun guy to hang out with and be around having him in the locker room. He's done a really good job.''

Already known for his poise, Flynn spent the offseason working on his footwork and arm strength. But he said his biggest strides came in his overall knowledge of the offense.

``I think that really has the most to do with it, just being more comfortable with the offense, knowing what plays to check to against certain defenses and getting everyone in the right play,'' Flynn said. ``I feel like in the games and in practice too, we've done a real good job of it.''

It showed in last week's preseason romp over Indianapolis, as Flynn threw two touchdown passes. And after getting an extended look during Thursday's game, Flynn will once again become a backup.

He'll run the scout team, just like Rodgers did, and Rodgers will be counting on him for help in the film room.

``The toughest thing is trying to find a way to still be relevant on a team where you're not having any playing time,'' Rodgers said. ``But I think Matt's going to do a great job of that.''Copyright © 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained in the AP News report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.

Www3sex Football Betting News

<< Leafs sign Hanson
Toronto, ON (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday signed restricted free agent forward Christian Hanson to a one-year contract. In 32 games for Toronto last season, Hanson recorded two goals and seven assists.

<< Howard, Schneider power Phils past Dodgers
Los Angeles, CA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Ryan Howard and Brian Schneider each hit a three-run home run as the Philadelphia Phillies downed the Los Angeles Dodgers, 8-4, in the second of three games. Carlos Ruiz added a two-run single f

<< Red Sox release Hermida from minor league assignment
Boston, MA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Boston Red Sox released outfielder Jeremy Hermida from his minor league assignment after it became apparent he would not be recalled to the major league club when rosters expand on September 1. Hermida h

<< Wozniacki cruises into second round at U.S. Open
Flushing Meadows, NY (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Top-seeded Dane Caroline Wozniacki had no trouble advancing through to the second round at the 2010 U.S. Open, while former world No. 1s Jelena Jankovic and Maria Sharapova were also among Tuesday

<< Rodriguez solid as Astros shut down Cardinals
Houston, TX (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Wandy Rodriguez combined with three other pitchers in a three-hit shutout as the Houston Astros blanked the reeling St. Louis Cardinals, 3-0, in the second of three games. Rodriguez (11-12) gave up two

Moreno returns to Broncos practice >>
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) - The Denver Broncos' injured backfield is beginning to get healthy.Knowshon Moreno was back at practice Tuesday, one month after the starting running back hurt his right hamstring on the opening live drill of training camp.Mor

Boiman getting crash course in Lions defense >>
ALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) - Rocky Boiman isn't going to get a chance to ease his way into the Detroit Lions' defense.It's going to be more like cramming for final exams in his days at Notre Dame.The veteran linebacker signed with the Detroit Lions earl

Long-time Stamps physician Murphy passes away >>
Calgary, AB (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Calgary Stampeders physician Dr. Vince Murphy has passed away at the age of 87, the team announced Tuesday. Dr. Murphy was associated with the Stampeders since 1957. A release from the team said Murphy pass

Tickets go on sale for NBA games in London >>
LONDON (AP) -Tickets have gone on sale for the first regular-season NBA games in Europe.The New Jersey Nets and Toronto Raptors will play a pair of games at the O2 Arena in London on March 4-5. The NBA is planning a week of activities across Britain

2010 World Basketball Championship update - September 1st >>
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Group C: China vs. Russia, 9 a.m. (Ankara) Group A: Serbia vs. Australia, 9:30 a.m. (Kayseri) Group B: Croatia vs. Tunisia, 9:30 a.m. (Istanbul) Group C: Ivory Coast vs. Greece, 11:30 a.m. (Ankara) Group D: Leban

Albert Pujols to be This Year's Home Run Champ Says Online Sportsbook

Barry Bonds is a 50-1 long shot to be this year's home run champ odds.  The favorite to be this year's home run champ is none other than Albert Pujols, however.

Now that Barry Bonds is signed and in Giants camp, it is on to his pursuit of all of sports most prestigious records: the all-time home run mark. Bonds sits just 21 homers shy of tying Hank Aaron for the career mark at 755. Word out of Giants’ camp is that Bonds is the healthiest he has been in a few years. Bonds is just two seasons removed from his injury riddled 2005 campaign where he played in only 14 games and hit only 5 home runs. He did come back last year and had a solid season hitting .270 with 26 bombs. All eyes will be on Bonds this spring and summer not only because of his home run chase but his highly publicized steroid abuse allegations. If and when Bonds breaks the record, he surely will not get the positive attention one should for breaking a record that was once thought of as “unbreakable”. Despite Bonds decent season last year, he is just 50-1 at MySportsbook.com to lead the MLB in long balls this season.

Not surprisingly, the favorites to go deep the most times this season are Albert Pujols 5-1, Ryan Howard 6-1, David Ortiz 8-1 and Alex Rodriguez 12-1. With 49 homers, Pujols finished second in the National League behind Howard (58). Pujols is considered the favorite due to the consistent power numbers that he has posted since breaking into the league in 2001. Also one must consider the fact that he played in 16 fewer games then Howard did due to an injury. Howard smashed 58 homers in his first complete season of big league play en route to the National League MVP odds award. He silenced his critics by successfully hitting left-handed pitching. Howard also displayed the ability to use his power to the opposite field. Two attributes which should keep Howard amongst the league leaders in long balls for years to come. From the American League representatives, David Ortiz leads the field. Ortiz was second in the majors last year with 54 home runs. Except for 1999 when he only played in 10 games, Ortiz has improved on his home run numbers each year he has been in the majors (1997).

Be sure to log onto online sports betting site MySportsbook.com to check out the odds for who will lead the MLB in home runs this season. Below is just a sample of the players listed. With the highest credit card rates in the industry, MySportsbook.com is the place to bet on baseball this summer.

World Series odds

Adam Dunn 15-1

Albert Pujols 5-1

Alex Rodriguez 12-1

Alfonso Soriano 15-1

Andruw Jones 25-1

Barry Bonds 50-1

Carlos Delgado 40-1

David Ortiz 8-1

Jermaine Dye 40-1

Ken Griffey Jr. 100-1

Lance Berkman 40-1

Manny Ramirez 20-1

Richie Sexson 40-1

Ryan Howard 6-1

Travis Hafner 20-1

Vladimir Guerrero 40-1

To visit this online sportsbook got to MySportsbook.com - this sportsbook accepts credit cards.

Academy Award Betting Odds for Best Picture Offer Great Value

If there is any category that is not an obvious win for any one nominee in this year's Academy Awards, it would be for Best Picture.  Sure the Departed is a 5/7 favorite, but that's hardly anything when we look at Helen Mirren and her "out-of-reach" 1 to 40 odds (which means you would win a whopping $1 for every $40 bet).

For value, take a look at MySportsbook.com Oscars betting odds on my personal favorite, The Queen - a remarkable 12 to 1 long shot.  The film hasn't won any pre-awards for Best Picture (compared to The Departed and Little Miss Sunshine), but there is a tremendous following and it is a strong enough film to warrant a surprise win.

TV Guide advises Oscar watchers should be cautioned not to discount the  drama "Babel" with its strong social themes about overcoming communication gaps among people of different cultures.

"While 'Babel' lost several guild awards to 'Sunshine' and 'Departed,'  it still enjoys loyal support, and historically Oscar voters favor dramas with social messages over comedies like 'Sunshine' and violent crime movies like 'Departed'."

"It hasn't done well in the guilds, which means there isn't much industry support," said Tom O'Neil of awards site TheEnvelope.com, "But several critics are expecting it to win, and that gets my attention." Babel had 7 to 2 odds at press time.

Who is to say independently produced Little Miss Sunshine won't be this year's Crash.  Last year, Crash won for Best Motion Picture, shocking those who bet on gay cowboy flick, Brokeback Mountain, as the favorite to win. 

To visit this online sportsbook got to MySportsbook.com for all your Sportsbook accepts Visa needs.