We have hit a number of milestones already this NFL offseason, with most of us now just waiting for the start of training camps across the country.
That’s still a few months away, so until then, all we can do is look ahead, think about how the season might play out, and plan our NFL wagers accordingly.
My Analysis of Team’s Futures Odds and Picks
For the purposes of this piece, we are focusing on futures, and specifically the divisional odds. There are a number of different futures, such as win totals, conference winners, and whether or not a team will make the playoffs that all somewhat branch out from how those divisions play out. Let’s break it all down now.
^AFC Championship Odds
East Division
The bookies have this one as being very tight. It is the Buffalo Bills +169 who are in as the favorite, but only by the slightest of margins. We have the New York Jets +189 and Miami Dolphins +199 both sitting very close to the favorites, which suggests we are in for something of a battle in the East. It’s rebuilding time for the New England Patriots +2500 who won’t be a factor.
I’m not sold on the Jets at all, so I think this one is a coin flip, and I like that coin to land on the Dolphins.
^North Division
This is a division that I think might be closer than some are expecting. The Baltimore Ravens +130 are the favorites, but the Cincinnati Bengals +145, who will have Joe Burrow healthy again, are right there. The Cleveland Browns +600 and the Pittsburgh Steelers +850 are both in dark horse territory.
I would not be surprised to see 3 teams come out of this division and into the playoffs. I do think the Ravens win the division but watch out for the Steelers.
^South Division
This could be another tight battle all the way to the finish, as we have 3 teams capable of winning the South Division. The Houston Texans +110 are the favorites, but we also have the Jacksonville Jaguars +240 and Indianapolis Colts +340 in the mix here. The Tennessee Titans +1000 are out of the conversation.
If CJ Stroud can get close to matching his rookie season, this division is there for the taking for the Texans. The Colts could be the dark horse here, assuming Anthony Richardson’s shoulder holds up.
^West Division
Unlike the other divisions in this conference, we very much have a clear favorite in the West. The Kansas City Chiefs -225 come into the new season looking to deliver a three-peat and confirm that they are indeed a dynasty, The LA Chargers +300 will be looking for a bounce back season under a new head coach, while the Las Vegas Raiders +1200 and Denver Broncos +1500 looks to be something of an afterthought.
I don’t think you need to be a handicapping guru to take the Kansas City Chiefs to win the West, but I do think we might see the Chargers sneak into a Wild Card spot.
As far as the conference winner goes, the smart money seems to be on either the Chiefs or the Ravens to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl. If Joe Burrow can stay healthy, the Bengals might be a factor, as could the Dolphins.
^MyBookie NFL Odds to Win
NFC Championship Odds
East Division
Realistically, we are probably looking at a 2-horse race in the East Division, just as it was last season. The Philadelphia Eagles +110 are the sight favorites here, but we can expect the Dallas Cowboys +140 to be hot on their heels. The Washington Commanders +750 might fancy their chances at a Wild card spot, with the New York Giants +1000 expected to be last.
I definitely think we are going to get the same type of deal as we had in this division last season, but I think it will be the Eagles that edge it in the end.
^North Division
This has the potential to be one of the most exciting conferences in the NFC this season. The Detroit Lions +149 are favored to win it again but watch out for the Green Bay Packers +210, who finished strong last season. The Chicago Bears +265 could be back in the picture, assuming that Caleb Williams delivers as expected, while the Minnesota Vikings +1000 will struggle all season long.
The Lions look like a solid pick here, but I am going to bet against them and take the Packers to win the North. I am adopting a wait and see approach to the Bears.
^South Division
A proven QB can make all the difference for a team, especially in a division that is very much up for grabs. The Atlanta Falcons -108 made a splash in the offseason to land Kirk Cousins in hopes of winning the South. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers +295 and New Orleans Saints +330 will offer up a stiff challenge, while the Carolina Panthers +1100 look certain to finish last.
It might just take 9 or 10 wins to top this division, and for me, it is the Falcons who look the best equipped to reach that number.
^West Division
For my money, this might be the easiest division to predict this season, although those words will probably come back to haunt me at some point. It is the San Francisco 49ers -196 who are the clear favorite here. The LA Rams +330 look to be a good bet to make it into the playoffs via the Wild Card. The Seattle Seahawks +700 could be a dark horse, while I expect the Arizona Cardinals +1300 to struggle.
This is a bit of a slam dunk in my mind, as I think the 49ers may actually be one of the best teams in the league. I think they win the West comfortably.
As far as the NFC Conference goes, I think that the 49ers are the clear favorites to win it and head to the Super Bowl. In fact, I am taking the 49ers to win it all this year. The Packers could be the surprise package in the NFC if I were forced to pick a bit of a dark horse.
^
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