Starting in September games will be played every Sunday for almost four months; not to mention all of the week night games that are played as well.  Some people see these NFL games as a way to watch some great football, but others have bigger things on their mind.  These people are already looking into which NFL teams will make for the best bets in 2006.  By doing your research early on you will give yourself the best chance of winning big every game of the season. 

There are thousands of people from all over the world that place bets on NFL games.  They set up their account at an online sports book, and get started; it is not much more difficult than that.  The hard part comes into play when you actually have to pick which teams are going to win.  But do not let this discourage you.  Every year there are people that make a good chunk of change betting on NFL games. 

The problem with betting on NFL games is that there are never any clear cut winners.  Sure, there are always favorites, but when it comes down to it each and every team in the league is capable of winning on any given day.  This makes the process a bit more difficult.

Going into the 2006 season there are a few teams that you should have your eyes on.  Of course this may change as the season wears on, but for the time being these teams are the ones that have the best chance of making you money during the season.

1. Again in 2006 it appears that the Indianapolis Colts are going to be the front runner to win the Super Bowl.  They have been one of the favorites over the past couple of seasons as well, but have yet to bring home the title.  This year they look just as good on both sides of the ball, and of course they will have Peyton Manning putting up big numbers once again.  The Colts are probably the safe bet early on in the season.  This could change as the season wears on, but it is safe to say that they should be able to put up 12 or more wins.

2. Even though the Pittsburgh Steelers have a few question marks heading into the 2006 season, they are the defending Super Bowl champions.  The Steelers will need to find replacements at a couple of key positions, but for the most part they should be solid again this season.  The Steelers have a tough road early on so you may want to take a strong look at the line before you make any bets on them.  The safest thing to do with the Steelers is to see how they perform in weeks one and two.  If they look good you may want to start riding the wave of success.

3. Last season the Seattle Seahawks won the NFC, and eventually lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Super Bowl.  They return a strong core from last year’s team, and in the NFC conference they may be one of the safest early bets.  By riding the momentum of last year’s playoff run, the Seahawks are primed to get off to a good start in 2006.

4. The Cincinnati Bengals won the AFC North last season over the Pittsburgh Steelers.  The biggest question mark that they have going into the season is the health of quarterback Carson Palmer.  During a playoff game last season Palmer tore ligaments in his knee.  He has worked extremely hard to get back into playing shape, but questions still remain.  For this reason, and this reason only, you may want to lay off of betting on the Bengals until you see how Palmer is responding.  If his knee holds up this the Bengals will be a serious contender to win the Super Bowl.

5. One sleeper team to keep a close eye on early in the season is the Baltimore Ravens.  They finished the 2005 season in last place in the AFC North, but are looking to change things this time around.  The biggest reason that the Ravens should be able to improve is the signing of quarterback Steve McNair.  Not to mention the fact that star linebacker Ray Lewis is returning to his position at linebacker.  The Ravens may not win the division, but they are a wildcard contender.  Placing bets on the Ravens at the right time can net you a pocket full of cash.

When looking for an online sports book to place NFL bets there are a few features that you should consider.  One that is overlooked time and time again is NFL wagering contests.  These can be a lot of fun, and are a great way to win big money.

For example, several online sports books run contests that link NFL games together.  For instance, if you pick the correct winner in 13 games, all on the same day, you will take home a grand prize of $100,000.  Is this a long shot?  Probably.  But the fact of the matter is that if the stars line up correctly you could take home this jackpot.  Contests such as this one can be a lot of fun and are worth considering.

There is nothing like betting on a couple of NFL games each week.  You will give yourself a team to root for, while also having the chance to win money.  It’s true, NFL season is the best time of the year!