The Australian Open Tennis Championship is upon us! It doesn’t actually start this weekend, but I thought I would take a look at it so you can get your future bets on. The mens draw looks like a three-horse race with Djokovic ($2.15), Murray ($4.30) and Federer ($5.50). Del Potro comes in at around $15 and all the rest start at over $40. I reckon Djokovic has the best chance but the price is very short for him to win seven games in a row so this is not a great bet. I would love to look for value but I don’t think there are any players outside of the market who have a chance. We might have to stick with what we know here.
The Women’s Championship has Serena Williams at $1.90! I’m going to pray the sun beats down long and hard, and the arrogant, loud-mouthed American wilts in the heat like a noxious weed baking in the sun. Azarenka at $5 seems quite a nice price and she has the game to win in Melbourne. There are around 10 other women with a chance and the Chinese superstar Li Na offers plenty of appeal at about $20.
As promised, I will give you my tips for this weekend’s NFL playoffs. We did well last weekend so let’s hope we can keep the ball rolling.
Baltimore Ravens @ Denver Broncos
The Ravens were great last weekend and Ray Lewis will have them fired up again. Their defense is going to be tested but the head start is too juicy to pass up.
Take the Ravens at +9.5
Green Bay Packers @ San Francisco 49ers
What a game! This dream matchup is extremely hard to pick. I’m going with my head and not my heart, so let’s take the best quarterback in the game to lead his Cheeseheads to another NFC Championship.
Take the Packers at +3
Seattle Seahawks @ Atlanta Falcons
I like the Falcons here and I like them a lot. Seattle has been great but Atlanta have had plenty of time to prepare and should be ready and waiting. The Falcons’ wide receivers versus the Seahawks’ secondary will decide the game.
Take the Falcons at -1
Houston Texans @ New England Patriots
I have a sneaky suspicion the Texans will bring something tonight. They were so good earlier this year but have been limping along ever since the Patriots beat them up a few weeks ago. It’s a tough one, but I’m attracted by the big head start and the fact that the Texans have nothing to lose.
Take the Texans at +9.5
The EPL is back into full gear and there is plenty of golf, cricket and basketball to keep you entertained.
Good luck and good punting.
