A Look at Conference Betting Favorites: Cash in with These Savvy NFL Picks

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The San Francisco 49ers travel to Philadelphia to take on the 1-seed Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs host the Cincinnati Bengals in this weekend’s NFC and AFC conference championships.

Philadelphia is a -2.5 home chalk while the Chiefs, because Patrick Mahomes has a high-ankle sprain, is just a -1 favorite.

See below for straight up, against the spread, and over/under total odds as well as NFL Playoffs Betting picks for both the NFC and the AFC championships.

2023 NFL Conference Championships Rundown and Betting Opportunities for the Weekend

NFC Conference Championships | San Francisco 49ers at Philadelphia Eagles

San Francisco 49ers at Philadelphia Eagles

• When: Sunday, Jan. 29 at 3:00 pm ET
• Where: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA
• TV/Streaming: FOX
• Spread Line Odds: Philadelphia -2.5
• Moneyline Odds: 49ers +121 / Eagles -147
• Over/Under Odds: 45.5

In Philly’s huge divisional victory over the New York Giants, the Eagles looked like the team that ran roughshod over the league during the regular season.

Philadelphia dominated the Giants in every way imaginable. But although the Giants had no shot of keeping it close versus the Eagles, one stat from the win implies the 1-seed is going to have a tough time beating San Francisco on Sunday.

The Giants rushed for 118 yards from 20 carries, which comes out close to 6 yards per carry. The stat implies San Francisco, who has a much better defense than the Giants, should have no trouble moving the ball on the ground.

Unless the Eagles can counter SF’s offense, and few teams have success versus the Niners’ D, San Francisco is the pick to win straight up and cover the spread. Not only that, but the NFC title game, like San Francisco’s matchup versus Dallas, should end under the spread.

AFC Conference Championships | Cincinnati Bengals at Kansas City Chiefs

• When: Sunday, Jan. 29 at 6:30 pm ET
• Where: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO
• TV/Streaming: CBS/Paramount+
• Spread Line Odds: Kansas City -1
• Moneyline Odds: Bengals -110 / Chiefs -110
• Over/Under Odds: 47

Although Kansas City won’t make a definitive determination regarding Patrick Mahomes’ status for the AFC Championship, most believe the best quarterback in the league steps onto the field.

But even if Mahomes plays, there’s no way he’s as good as he would be if he were one hundred percent. Mahomes’ mobility will be greatly diminished. That’s not good news for a team that runs intricate blitz packages and has a pair of star defensive ends in Sam Hubbard and Trey Hendrickson.

Not only that, but the Bengals’ offense is motoring on all cylinders. Joe Burrow dominated a Buffalo defense that ranked in the top five in every important category during the regular season.

Cincinnati should get both their rushing attack and passing attack going in this matchup. Kansas City will struggle to beat a healthy Cincy defense unless Mahomes miraculously recovers from the high-ankle sprain. Cincy gets the nod to win straight up and against the spread in a game that projects to go under the total.

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2023 Check Out Updated Odds to win AFC and NFC Conference Crowns!

Will the reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs claim back-to-back AFC conference championships? Could the Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Ravens – or some other AFC title hopeful beat out Patrick Mahomes and company for the AFC crown?

In the NFC, will Drew Brees and the favored Saints finally overcome their series of crushing postseason failures to escape with the conference championship or could New Orleans get upset for the NFC title by the Seattle Seahawks, Tampa Bay Buccaneers or Green Bay Packers?

With the 2020 NFL regular season moving further into the second half of what has been a wildly entertaining campaign, it’s time to take a look at the value-packed NFL odds to win both conference championships.

AFC Conference Analysis

Kansas City is 8-1 heading into Week 10 while looking like a virtual lock to at least reach the AFC Championship game this season as they rank second in scoring (31.8 ppg) and an equally impressive sixth in points allowed (20.3 ppg). The Chiefs have more talent at the skill positions that any team in the league – and arguably the best quarterback in all of football in Patrick Mahomes, who has thrown a mind-boggling 25 TD passes and just one interception.

The unbeaten AFC North-leading Pittsburgh Steelers (8-0) also have the look of a team that is going to be difficult, if not impossible, to beat this coming postseason. Future Hall of Fame quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has thrown 18 TD passes and just four interceptions this season and the Steelers are ranked a stellar fifth in scoring (29.4 ppg) and identical fifth in points allowed (20.1 ppg).

The Baltimore Ravens (6-2) still have the league’s reigning MVP in dual-threat quarterback Lamar Jackson, not to mention an offense that ranks an encouraging eighth in scoring (28.4 ppg) and a phenomenal defense that ranks first in fewest points allowed (17.8 ppg). If Jackson can improve as a pocket passer moving forward, the sky’s the limit for Baltimore.

Another team that looks like the could very well win the AFC Championship is the Buffalo Bills (7-2). The AFC East leaders rank 14th in scoring (26.5 ppg) and have an outstanding defense that should only get better moving further into the season as they rank a modest 19th in points allowed (25.9 ppg) heading into Week 10.

Outside of those four top favorites to win the AFC, I like the Tennessee Titans to have a good chance after reaching last season’s conference title tilt opposite Kansas City. Tennessee (62) is sitting atop the AFC South standings while ranking an encouraging seventh in scoring (29.0 ppg). While Tennessee’s defense has been mediocre so far this season in ranking a modest16th in points allowed (25.1 ppg), I can easily see the Titans pulling off an upset or two in the playoffs behind the powerful rushing of Derrick Henry and underrated passing of veteran Ryan Tannehill.

I love the direction the Miami Dolphins franchise is heading in, but the Fins clearly need at least another season or two before they become real threats to win the AFC. I also like Indianapolis, but I’d like the Colts a lot more if Philip Rivers would stop tossing out interceptions like they’re Halloween candy!

NFC Conference Analysis

In the NFC, the NFC South-leading Saints (6-2) are looking great heading into Week 10. New Orleans ranks a stellar fourth in scoring (30.5 ppg) and a decent, 14th in points allowed (25.0 ppg). More importantly, future Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees has looked increasingly better with each passing week and heads into Week 10 with 17 TD passes and just three interceptions.

Then, there’s Tampa Bay. The Bucs are 6-3 and sitting in second place in the NFC South heading into Week 10. Tampa Bay has a stingy defense that ranks ninth in points allowed (22.6 ppg) and an offense that ranks an identical ninth in scoring (27.8 ppg). Still, it’s tough for me to get past Tampa Bay’s two blowout losses against New Orleans this season and I just don’t see them getting past New Orleans if they meet in the playoffs. The Bucs are ranked an uninspiring 22nd in total offense, 16th in passing and a dismal 30th in rushing and those are numbers that should have every NFL betting enthusiast worried.

Another team that I expect to challenge for the conference title is Seattle. I know the the NFC West-leading Seahawks (6-2) have been borderline incompetent defensively this season in ranking a pitiful 30th in points allowed (30.4 ppg), but Seattle also leads the NFL in scoring (34.3 ppg) and has a superstar quarterback in Russell Wilson that knows exactly what it takes to win a Super Bowl title.

Then there’s Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers. The NFC North leaders (6-2) are ranked an outstanding third in scoring (31.6 ppg), but just 17th in points allowed (25.5 ppg). Still, the Packers already beat New Orleans in Week 3 and that says Green Bay could beat any team in the league on any given day. Plus, the Pack have their own Super Bowl-winning signal-caller in the incomparable Rodgers who has tossed a phenomenal 24 TD passes with only two interceptions.

I also love Arizona, but believe the Cardinals are still a couple of players away on the defensive side of the ball to really challenge. The L.A. Rams will also be in the mix, but something is lacking for the Rams and it’s not quarterback Jared Goff, a player I have repeatedly bashed.

As far as my hometown Philadelphia Eagles are concerned, I’m stunned the Birds are a +1600 pick to win anything, seeing as how quarterback Carson Wentz has regressed to the point of looking like a journeyman backup and has been tossing out interceptions faster than the still-rising coronavirus numbers in the U.S.

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Even though the NFL has yet to release the 2022-2023 schedule, everyone is looking forward to next season. Bettors never tire of betting on the NFL, and it has seemed to become a year-round thing. With the NFL draft in the books, and most big-name free agents signed, it’s time to really start looking at the regular season. We’ve taken a look at the NFL Conference Championship Odds to win each conference, and we’ve given you a brief analysis of the top favorites to win each conference.

2022 Conferences Betting Predictions: Who Will Win the AFC & NFC This Season?

American Football Conference Betting Predictions

Nobody Circles the Wagons Like the Buffalo Bills

The Buffalo Bills are the Vegas favorite to win the AFC at +330. The Bills were just one play away from advancing to the AFC Championship game last season. They didn’t mess around this offseason, as they made numerous moves to get them closer to that elusive AFC title.

The biggest move they made this offseason was the signing of Von Miller. Miller will help to improve an already strong pass rush. They also signed wide receiver Jamison Crowder to make a strong receiving group even better.

If Josh Allen continues to improve, the Bills will be right in the thick of the AFC race.

No Hill for a Climber

Even after the trade of Tyreek Hill to the Miami Dolphins, the Kansas City Chiefs are still one of the top choices to win the AFC. The oddsmakers have made them a +550 to win the AFC this season. While Patrick Mahomes will have to find a new downfield threat. They did sign Juju Smith-Schuster to man the slot, but they still don’t have a speed guy like Hill.

The Chiefs loaded up on defensive players in the draft. The defense was sporadic at times last season, and they just recently lost Tyrann Mathieu to the New Orleans Saints in free agency. If the defense can hold teams down better this season, Mahomes and company won’t be as pressured to put a ton of points on the board.

National Football Conference Betting Predictions

He’s Baaaaack…..

When Tom Brady announced his retirement, many felt that the Buccaneers would have a hard time making the playoffs. A month later, Brady returned, and now the Bucs are a +350 to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl. Even though Brady is back, Tampa Bay lost some key players in free agency. They also have some, including Rob Gronkowski, that have yet to sign with anyone.

If some of the aging veterans, including Brady, can stay healthy, this team will be in the hunt for another shot at a Super Bowl. We’ll see if new head coach Todd Bowles has what it takes to lead this team full of egos.

A Rams Repeat?

At +450, the Los Angeles Rams are a favorite to win the NFC. Matthew Stafford is back to try and win another ring. Robert Woods is gone, Von Miller signed with Buffalo, Odell Beckham is still a free agent, and Andrew Whitworth has retired. The Rams did sign Allen Robinson, and they also were fortunate enough to get Bobby Wagner to sign with them.

The Rams will need a strong running game to get through the season. If Cam Akers is healthy, the Rams have a great shot at getting two their second-straight Super Bowl.

The top free agents have found new teams and the draft is in the books, which is why it’s time to start planning for the NFL Season. Parity reigns in the NFL, which is why underdogs exist in almost every future betting category. Keep reading for four long shot teams that have a real chance at winning their division so you can bet against their NFC Divisional odds and their AFC Divisional odds respectively.

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Four Long Shot NFL Bets to Win their Division this Season

2022-2023 NFL Regular Season

When: Sep. 8, 2022 – Jan. 8, 2023

NFC East – Washington Commanders +480

The Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles are the two favorites to win the NFC East. But although Dallas and Philly should be tough to beat, Washington offers overlay odds.

Ron Rivera’s defense will be much better this season than last season. The offense should be a very good unit now that Carson Wentz is under center. The Commandersare under the radar, which makes them a solid long shot pick.

As you may have guessed, D.C.’s success depends on how well Wentz performs. Carson has a seriously talented target in wide receiver Terry McLaurin. So if things go well, Washington can upset Dallas and Philadelphia.

NFC South – New Orleans Saints +400

No doubt, the odds on the Saints to win the NFC South will fall. So if you agree with the following assessment, jump on the Saints as soon as possible.

New Orleans made two key free agent signings in the past couple of weeks. Dennis Allen’s squad signed Tyrann Mathieu to play safety. New Orleans also signed Jarvis Landry to play wide receiver.

In addition, New Orleans drafted receiver Chris Olave and left tackle Trevor Penning in the first round. Yes, Tom Brady is back with the favorite, Tampa Bay. But overall, New Orleans appears to have the better team.

The key for the Saints will be how well Jameis Winston clicks with his receivers. If Winston doesn’t throw picks, the Saints will thrive.

AFC West – Las Vegas Raiders +800

Kansas City, the Los Angeles Chargers, and the Denver Broncos are loaded. No doubt, those three teams should be favored to win the AFC West.

But we shouldn’t look past a team that made it to the playoffs last season and signed the best wide receiver in the NFL, Davante Adams, during the offseason. Las Vegas is a seriously talented team.

The Raiders can hang with any squad in the AFC West. So at the odds, they’re a fantastic play to win the division. The defense is underrated and quarterback Derek Carr and Adams played together at Fresno State.

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After an intense regular season action and two exciting post season rounds, the matchups and schedule for the NFC and AFC championship games are set after the Denver Broncos came away with a win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in the last game of the 2015 NFL Divisional Round.

After a close but easy 27-20 win over the Chiefs in the Divisional round, the explosive New England Patriots will visit the always surprising Denver Broncos to battle for the AFC title. Meanwhile, the versatile Arizona Cardinals will try to spoil Carolina’s near perfect season when they land on Panthers’ territory in the second game of the Conference Championship round. Here’s a look at how you can watch these matches and a quick overview on the betting odds listed for these two games:

AFC & NFC Conference Championship Odds 2016 (Infographic)

AFC Championship game: Sunday, Jan. 24, 3:05 p.m., CBS
New England Patriots at Denver Broncos

NFC Championship game: Sunday, Jan. 24, 6:40 p.m., FOX
Arizona Cardinals at Carolina Panthers

Both matchups promise plenty of excitement and betting opportunities, so let’s examine both contests and analyze some of the stats and possible scenarios surrounding these games.

NFC Championship Odds Preview:

Both the Cardinals and Panthers will do the impossible to get to their second Super Bowl in team history. This will be a rematch of last year’s wild-card meeting in Charlotte, which the Panthers won 27-16 against a depleted Cardinals squad that didn’t count with Carlson Palmer. The matchup brings an interesting scenario for NFL betting fans. Both teams count with highly qualified defenses and a quarterback capable of leading their respective squads to victory.

The Panthers are coming off a 31-24 home win over the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, building up a huge first half lead and then holding on to cover the 2.5-point spread. The Cardinals got past the Green Bay Packers 26-20 at home in overtime in their Divisional Round contest on Saturday, failing to cover the 7-point spread.

Game Odds: Carolina Panthers -3

AFC Championship Odds Preview

On the other hand, veteran quaterbacks Peyton Manning and Tom Brady are back in the AFC Championship game that has become such familiar territory for both of them. The heated Manning-Brady rivalry has been a special one. The two veterans have played each other sixteen times, including four times in the NFL Playoffs. Brady leads the head-to-head series 11-5, with the post season meetings being split 2-2.

Denver is currently listed as 3-point home underdog in the latest NFL odds. The Broncos faced the Pats on November 29, winning 30-24 as a 2.5-point home underdog. Manning was out in that game, with secondary QB Brock Osweiler throwing for 270 yards and a touchdown on the day.

The Broncos enter this game fresh from a 23-16 home win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on the Divisional Round, with Manning coming back to take the starting role after missing four games with a partially torn plantar fascia in his left heel.

The Patriots managed to both win and cover against the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday, grabbing the 27-20 victory as a 6-point home favorite on the betting lines. Brady threw for 302 yards and two touchdowns, with Rob Gronkowski catching two TD passes.

Game Odds: New England Patriots -3.5