Okay, so here we go with some more NFL odds picks for preseason contests — this time, I’m gonna take a look at - what else? - Vikings vs Texans odds. In case you hadn’t heard, Minnesota made a tiny little signing the other week that kind of sort of sent shockwaves through the football community:

Oh, Brett Favre. So old. So worn out. So much Vikings fans’ personal savior. But is he really going to be as much of a benefit to Minnesota as people are hoping? Or - as other people are hoping - is his bionic arm going to fall apart on him again and he’ll have a lackluster “unretirement” season?

No matter what happens, you have to figure sportsbook cappers are watching this game with interest. Going up against the Texans is a test for the Vikings as it is — the team hasn’t really come together very well yet, especially since Favre reportedly hasn’t been looking too hot in practice. By comparison, Houston is gunning on all cylinders, even more so since they’ll be playing at home at Reliant Stadium. This game might not be until next Monday, but it’s definitely one I’ll be placing a wager on — for the Houston Texans to deliver a walloping dose of reality to Minnesota.

Okay, I have to say that out of all the preseason NFL betting madness that’s going on, I’m taking a vested interest in the Saints vs Raiders odds. No, not because of any particular hottie player on either team (my ass isn’t quite big enough to appeal to Reggie Bush), but because I can’t help but giggle at all the craziness and dysfunction that’s been going on in Oakland so far. So far. The 2009-10 season hasn’t even officially started yet, and there’s already been reported fights between assistant coaches, not to mention Al Davis continuing his Weekend At Bernie’s impression. The Raiders are garbage. The end.

And so I’m tipping my scales - I’m a Libra, btw - to the Saints, not just because of my love for True Blood (Louisiana yeeeeehaw!). New Orleans has got some deadly offense going on already, which definitely bodes well for their NFL odds once the season really gets underway. Drew Brees is looking fab. By comparison, the Raiders are struggling to even stay cohesive out there on the field.

So if you’re hanging around this weekend getting your fill of action at the sportsbook, why not toss a few dollars down on the New Orleans Saints? It’s what Sookie and Bill would do. Lawd have mercy!

Now, I don’t know what the summer weather’s been like where you are, but I’m betting that most of you are in the North American hemisphere, therefore most of you have been disappointed. It’s been chilly, it’s been rainy, it’s been downright crappy in terms of warm summer happiness. But hey, I figure that if life gives you lemons, squeeze ‘em into cocktails…and get to thinking about autumn, and NFL betting!

YES, GUY.

NFL week 1 odds are out and set, and the season’s looking to be a doozy straight outta the gate. Me, I’m particularly looking forward to the first game of the year — the energy coming from the Super Bowl champs’ hometown crowd will make the Titans vs Steelers odds a gong show matchup. Another one of interest is the Vikings vs Browns odds match, which I’ve got my eye on since I’m heavily relying on Adrian Petersen in my fantasy football pool, ha ha.

If I were to make some NFL betting picks right about now, I’d have to say that I especially like the Patriots as far as possible Super Bowl contenders are concerned. The Pats had a deadly game last year even without superstar and super-fox Tom Brady, but now that they’ve got him back from the IR, there’ll be no stopping them in their quest to be this year’s champs.

Mmmm…Tom Brady.

I’ll take six, please.