NFL handicappers often shun betting on division futures. Why? Most divisions have a clear cut winner. For example, how many NFL bettors truly believe any team will beat the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFC West? Or do the Vikings, Lions, or Bears really have a shot to upset the Packers in the NFC North unless Green Bay trades Aaron Rodgers? One division this season that should be ultra-competitive, at least between 2 of the 4 teams, is the AFC South. Check out AFC South Division odds and picks.
2021 NFL Betting Odds & Picks for the AFC South Division
2021 NFL Regular Season
- When: Sep. 9 – Jan. 9
NFL Odds for AFC South
AFC South looks like a choice between the Colts and Titans
Two teams in the AFC South appear destined to battle for the division title while the other two teams will struggle to win more than 4 games. First, let’s talk about why the Jaguars and Texans could end up with the first two picks in Round 1 of next year’s draft.
The Jacksonville Jaguars drafted Trevor Lawrence first. He’s a massive upgrade at quarterback, but the offensive line may not be good enough to protect Lawrence this season. More importantly, the Jaguars have holes everywhere, at every skill position, and all over the defense.
In addition, making the college coach to NFL coach transition doesn’t always yield benefits. In fact, most high-profile coaches, like Jags’ HC Urban Meyer, have failed at the transition, including the greatest college coach of all time, Nick Saban.
As far as Houston is concerned, they will fail because they’re an awful team, not because DeShaun Watson is being sued by over 20 women. If you’re a Texans fan, blame Bill O’Brien, the former coach and GM, don’t blame Watson.
O’Brien traded DeAndre Hopkins for a running back. No offense to David Johnson, but the wide receiver position in today’s NFL is much more important than RB.
The two teams that should fight all the way to Week 18 are the Indianapolis Colts and the Houston Texans. The Colts are at +110 because many feel they upgraded the quarterback position by trading for Carson Wentz.
We’ll see, but it’s hard imagining Wentz playing better than how Philip Rivers, a future hall of fame quarterback, played in 2020. But Indianapolis does have a terrific offensive line and a very good defense.
The Titans’ defense must play better in 2021. If it does, Tennessee will not only make the playoffs, but they will also have a shot to win the Super Bowl.
Derrick Henry is the best running back in the NFL. A.J. Brown has become one of the better wide receivers in the league. Tennessee also traded for Julio Jones. So, now, QB Ryan Tannehill can throw to both Brown and Jones.
Tennessee is the top pick. The Colts are the second pick, but if you like Indianapolis more than Tennessee, go for it. The Colts and Titans offer the same odds. So neither is an underlay and neither is an overlay.
AFC South Top Choice: Tennessee Titans
AFC South Second Choice: Jacksonville Jaguars
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