Heading into 2009, everyone has their favorite football betting team. And the Giants are up there on everyone’s list. The Giants? You bet, and here’s why. The line. The Giants have the deepest defensive line in the NFL.

You’ve got guys like Guy Whimper ready to break out and tear it up with the big names at the front. Also, Osi will be back. This is one of the elite DE in the league, one of the guys who improve the performance of everyone else on the line, and forces the way the opposing offenses play to change. It brings the Giants closer to the pass rush that won them the Super Bowl a couple years ago.

OK, I’ll break this up, but it’s all on the same theme. Watch Kenny Phillips light it up this year. He’s one of the most versatile, entertaining, electric safeties New York has seen in decades. What’s even better (and this goes back to my statement of making other players better) is with no visible holes in the rest of the defense, Phillips can be used in a similar manner as Troy Polamalu. Phillips’ sophomore year just might be one of the X-factors that return the Giants to the Super Bowl.

Add to those two solid reasons an improved linebacker group, and you can see why experts, gamblers and fantasy-lovers alike hold the Giants in high regard. Boley, Pierce, Kehl and Clark round out a solid pack with tons of potential. Expect big things out of them this year. And finally, let’s cover the cornerbacks. Webster is reliable with above average skills and decision-making ability, and Ross plays well and should continue to grow.

It’s hard to assume the strength of the Giants defense will translate into a better regular season record than last year’s 12-4. It is likely, however, the defense helps them when it counts, and that’s in the post-season. So keep the G-men at the top of your list when filling out those betting plans every week, they’ll pay off in safe wins if not in massive returns.