The bookies believe the three clubs that hit the relegation trapdoor last season - Boro, Magpies and WBA - will bounce back at the first time of asking.
But Sheffiel Utd took a point from the Riverside in the opening game of the season, and rose to fourth in the table with a win last night.
Sheffield United gained sweet revenge on Sheffield Wednesday in the 124th Steel City derby at Bramall Lane, but were made to sweat for a 3-2 win in a thrilling Coca-Cola Championship encounter.
Wednesday became the first Owls side to register a league derby double over the Blades in 95 years last season, but were put to the sword in the first half as the rampant Blades swarmed into a 3-0 lead through strikes from Jamie Ward, Darius Henderson and Lewis Buxton's own goal.
But Marcus Tudgay threw Wednesday a lifeline when he rifled the ball home at the start of the second half and substitute Etienne Esajas ensured a tense finale by arrowing a 25-yard free-kick into the bottom corner in the 65th minute.
LATEST BETTING FOR PROMOTION:
West Brom 11/4
Middlesbrough 4
Newcastle 5
Sheff Utd 9
Cardiff 11