Before we get to this season we want to take a brief look back at the conclusion of last season. The Arizona Rattlers won a league-record 16 games during the regular season as they went 16-2 but it all meant nothing as the Rattlers were beaten at home in ArenaBowl XXIV by the upstart Jacksonville Sharks by score of 73-70. The game was broadcast on the NFL Network and was the highest rated game of the season. Jacksonville quarterback Aaron Garcia threw a touchdown pass to Jeron Harvey on the final play of the game to win it for the Sharks. Garcia threw 116 TD passes last season for the Sharks and culminated his great year with a win in the ArenaBowl.
The 2012 Arena Football League season could be more competitive in the regular season as it is unlikely that Arizona will duplicate their 16-2 regular season. The Western Conference will still have Arizona and Chicago as top teams but Spokane should be in the mix this season. It may be tough for Jacksonville in the Eastern Conference as they are expected to face a tough challenge from Orlando in the South Division.
Whenever we consider a new season in AFL betting it is always worth noting what happened last year as rarely do teams repeat great pointspread success or failure. Last year Milwaukee was the best team against the spread so they may be a go-against team in 2012 while Philadelphia and San Jose were the worst teams against the number so they both could bounce back in 2012.
Week 1 Arena Football League Schedule
Friday, March 9th
Pittsburgh Power at Orlando Predators (NFL Network)
Saturday, March 10th
Utah Blaze at San Antonio Talons
Tampa Bay Storm at Chicago Rush
Arizona Rattlers at San Jose SaberCats
Monday, March 12th
Cleveland Gladiators at Georgia Force
Iowa Barnstormers at Spokane Shock
Take a look at the BetDSI Blog today to stay current with sports betting news and odds.
