Patriots favourites to defend their title

It hardly seems a moment since the New England Patriots won the Superbowl for the third time in four years, but seven months have passed and the season begins this week with several teams in the running for the title. With Tom Brady at quarter-back the Patriots are again the favourites at 13/2 (7.50) while the Philadelphia Eagles, the Indianapolis Colts and the Pittsburgh Steelers are next in the betting.

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Over the last few years, the Patriots have made defence an art as they have shut out the best offences in the league with even the fearsome Colts offence, led by Peyton Manning, consistently finding their paths to the end zone blocked. However, the Patriots have problems of their own this season, with Tedi Bruschi out and Ted Johnson having retired. On paper, they are not as strong this year but there is something about them that means you would be wise never to write them off and it would be no surprise to see them get through to the Superbowl yet again.

If they falter, however, the question is who is capable of stepping up. Many observers feel that the New York Jets - who are available at 25/1 (26.00) - with Chad Pennington now back after shoulder surgery could be the ones to make the big advance this year. The return of Laveranues Coles from the Washington Redskins will boost his options while Curtis Martin can take much of the strain from running back. Having seen them in pre-season, they look full of confidence and I'd be very surprised if they don't at least make the play-offs.

It would be a brave man to back against the Indianapolis Colts having another good season. Their defence may be virtually non-existent, but Manning, his favourite receiver Marvin Harrison and his superb tight ends are almost impossible to stop. At 7/1 they are not bad value, but the Patriots are their nemesis and until they beat them, I won't be backing them outright.

Other challengers
Don't be surprised if the Baltimore Ravens have a good season. Their defence is almost as good as when they won the Superbowl four years ago, and if quarter-back Kyle Boller fires, then they could spring a surprise at 20/1. The Pittsburgh Steelers had a great season in 2004, with Ben Roethlisberger backed up by veteran Tommy Maddox and an ultra-strong defence. Following up a surprisingly good year is always difficult, but at 16/1 (17.00) they will have their followers.

The Philadelphia Eagles look set to be the biggest threat to a successful Patriots defence of the Superbowl and Donovan McNabb and co are sure to be contenders. Terrell Owens will play despite a contract dispute and with Brian Westbrook backing up from running back they are solid bets at 7/1 (8.00).

The Carolina Panthers have received some support at 20/1, having just missed out two years ago, while the Minnesota Vikings are 25/1 (26.00) and the Jacksonville Jaguars and Kansas City Chiefs are both 33/1 (34.00).

The Green Bay Packers look big at 50/1 (51.00) given the weakness of their division and the tough conditions they play in at home, while the Minnesota Vikings, their main divisional rivals, are 25/1 (26.00).

If you're thinking of having an outside bet, the Washington Redskins and Oakland Raiders could be interesting. Both are teams who will struggle against the best sides but the Redskins, who are 50/1 (51.00) have a great defence and a young roster, while the Raiders will be hugely boosted by the signing of Randy Moss, who is sure to add potency to their offence.

Cambers' Call:
New England Patriots E/W 13/2 (7.50)
New York Jets E/W 25/1 (26.00)

Please note that odds are correct at time of publication and are subject to change.