If the oddsmakers are correct, Denver will likely pick #1

[Davidson Deac II]

I think it may not open the way I speculate, but if people suspect that ATL is going to rest their big dogs, I can see the odds swinging rather dramatically in the Panthers favor as bets start coming in.

Yea, but they could also think that our starters (and our coach) might already be thinking the offseason.

We will find out next week I guess.

[MHS831]

Yea, but they could also think that our starters (and our coach) might already be thinking the offseason.

We will find out next week I guess.

Even if it is as I describe, that might not be enough to make us the favorite. Sad, isn't it?

[MHS831]

I would like to clarify one thing that has been said but some missed it: If Denver gets the first pick with a new coach and The Golden Calf of Bristol (McD's boy) and Orton are the QBs, he might want to upgrade. If not, there will be rich offers from about 10 teams for the pick.

Luck did say in a recent interview that he has 1.5 years to graduate and his parents are strict about getting the college diploma. He was hinting that he might stay in school, or teasing the reporter. He will announce after the Orange Bowl.

I never understood that, Make 10 million per year and finish school in the offseason or after you play. You will be 35, have a degree, and have $90 million in the bank. If he gets injured and loses $40 million in guaranteed money chasing a diploma, he will need it to make $50K per year.

[David Duke Is a Bad Person]

I would like to clarify one thing that has been said but some missed it: If Denver gets the first pick with a new coach and The Golden Calf of Bristol (McD's boy) and Orton are the QBs, he might want to upgrade. If not, there will be rich offers from about 10 teams for the pick.

Luck did say in a recent interview that he has 1.5 years to graduate and his parents are strict about getting the college diploma. He was hinting that he might stay in school, or teasing the reporter. He will announce after the Orange Bowl.

I never understood that, Make 10 million per year and finish school in the offseason or after you play. You will be 35, have a degree, and have $90 million in the bank. If he gets injured and loses $40 million in guaranteed money chasing a diploma, he will need it to make $50K per year.

You know what they say:

Stay in school.

Don't do drugs.

Mind is a terrible thing to waste.

Blah Blah Blah

[CBDellinger]

You are wrong. Trying one more time.

Lines are set by oddsmakers who use huge amounts of data, not public perception, to set the lines. Casinos then buy and use those lines and, as you state, may move them to get equal money bet. They also may not move them at all and simply lay off the excess.

However, lines really don't move that much and often not at all. Because usually the oddsmakers are pretty damn good. Occasionally on big games or large lines (like the game tomorrow actually) the line will bounce around a little. Or when huge news comes out during the week. And even then its a point or two usually less. Not enough to affect the "odds" significantly.

Vegas odds are generally the best information you will have to determine the "odds" of a certain team winning (you can just use the moneyline and adjust for the house take for a good estimate of a certain team winning )

I'm aware of how they operate. But thanks for the episode of "How it's Made."

Really we are saying the same thing except we differ in our take of the lines intention.

[Kevin Greene]

No matter what happens this weekend, The Falcons want to beat us, I think they will start the starters long enough to get 20 points then start pulling them.

this

[unicar15]

I'd rather have Denver with the #1 pick than anyone else. IDT they'd take another QB and if they did look to trade out of that pick then they would definitely listen to us first having the #2 pick. That being said...oddsmakers really think that we are giong to beat two teams that are probable superbowl contenders>?

[Cavscout]

Denver and Cincy will win this week...Panthers will lose...problem solved

[App Panther]

We control our own destiny. We need to stay focused on losing. Hopefully last week was just a hiccup and a wakeup call.

[Tarheels23]

The Panthers will receive the #1 overall pick, although I would like for them to beat the Steelers.

[Stroupe-a-loop]

We control our own destiny. We need to stay focused on losing. Hopefully last week was just a hiccup and a wakeup call.

We have to get rid of that desire to win from as many players as we can and as quickly as possible.

[XClown1986]

As long as The Golden Calf of Bristol keeps making plays and doesn't poo the bed the next two weeks, even if Denver picks number 1, they won't pick a QB. They need defense something awful anyway, especially if Dumervils legal woes cause issues with his ability to get on the field next season.

[XClown1986]

We have to get rid of that desire to win from as many players as we can and as quickly as possible.

Coming from a diehard fan, I actually think that being focused on losing IS having a desire to win. I mean we are 2-12 not 2-7, the motivation to win went bye bye a long time ago. But if you as a player on your team thought there was even a chance that the best QB prospect in college football could declare for the draft and possibly take your team to the next level, wouldn't you want that? Especially if you wanted to be a winner, or hell even a contender? I know I would. 4-12 wouldn't make me feel any better than 2-12 unless Jimmy Clausen looks like a man among boys the next two weeks and gives the franchise the feeling that he can be the guy. Otherwise, bite your lip, take the losses, and have your pick from any one player in the draft come April to help your team.

[Stroupe-a-loop]

Coming from a diehard fan, I actually think that being focused on losing IS having a desire to win. I mean we are 2-12 not 2-7, the motivation to win went bye bye a long time ago. But if you as a player on your team thought there was even a chance that the best QB prospect in college football could declare for the draft and possibly take your team to the next level, wouldn't you want that? Especially if you wanted to be a winner, or hell even a contender? I know I would. 4-12 wouldn't make me feel any better than 2-12 unless Jimmy Clausen looks like a man among boys the next two weeks and gives the franchise the feeling that he can be the guy. Otherwise, bite your lip, take the losses, and have your pick from any one player in the draft come April to help your team.

I'm sure it feels like a slap in the face for the players to "earn" the top pick in the draft. They may want to get Luck, except Clausen probably, but how could they focus on losing? Intentionally play bad? And what have bad film on them for that next contract negotiation or job competition? It doesn't seem like something someone would do on a financial level, all of that before you even get into a guys professional pride and work ethic.