Look, if you’re an NFL betting enthusiasts, then you already know that, not all teams are created equal. As a matter of fact, every team in the league fits into its own little tier, whether they’re a legitimate favorite, a slightly lesser contender – a longshot hopeful – or a franchise that will be playing for nothing more than pride in 2017.
Thankfully, I’ve separated the contenders from the pretenders in five unique tiers from the top favorites to those teams that will be playing the upcoming campaign in hopes of building for a brighter future. Let’s get started with the latest football betting predictions.
Analyzing The Ranking NFL Betting Teams from Super Bowl Favorites to Real Underdogs
NFL Betting: Super Bowl Favorites
New England Patriots
Look, I’m not real fond of Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots, but there’s a reason the Pats are the prohibitive favorites to win back-to-back Super Bowls this coming season. Maybe it’s because they have a Hall of Fame quarterback in Tom Brady – or maybe it’s because their defense led the league in fewest points allowed. Then again, maybe it’s because they have a Hall of Fame head coach or maybe it’s because they got better after making a series of smart offseason transactions. Love ‘em or loathe ‘em, you get the idea.Seattle Seahawks
Despite going a modest 10-5-1 last season, I’m expecting Russell Wilson and the Seattle Seahawks to be one of the top favorites to represent the NFC in Super Bowl 52 next February. Seattle’s defense is still elite after finishing fifth overall and third in points allowed, but they need to improve an offense that finished 25th in rushing and 18th in scoring. Could the addition of powerful running back Eddie Lacy get them back into legitimate title contention? As the legendary Marv Albert is fond of saying…’Yes!’.Green Bay Packers
When you’ve got Aaron Rodgers on your side, then you’ve always got a chance…it’s really that simple. If Green Bay can improve a pass defense that finished 31st overall and a rushing attack that ranked a mediocre 20th, I can easily see them representing the NFC in Super Bowl 52.NFL Betting: The Real Contenders
Pittsburgh Steelers
Let’s be honest for a minute and think of all the teams in the AFC that could potentially deny the Patriots a berth in Super Bowl 52 out of the AFC and Pittsburgh easily comes to mind. The Steelers went 11-5 last season and have an explosive offense and solid defense that finished 11th and 10th in the scoring departments respectively. If they can stay healthy heading into the postseason, Pittsburgh will have a real shot.New York Giants
If the Giants can improve a rushing attack that ranked a pitiful 29th in rushing and 26th in scoring (19.4 ppg) in 2016 and they play defense like they did in finishing second in points allowed a year ago (17.8 ppg), I see no reason why Eli Manning and the G-Men won’t be real contenders in 2017.Kansas City Chiefs
Despite posting a fantastic 12-4 record a year ago, the Chiefs just don’t get much respect on a national scale. Still, I love Kansas City’s defense after they finished seventh in points allowed (19.4 ppg) and believe they could surprise if they can improve an offense that finished in the middle third in every meaningful statistical category.Oakland Raiders
After finishing seventh in scoring a year ago (26.0 ppg), there’s no doubt that the Raiders have a special offense. Unfortunately, it is still defense that wins championships (just ask New England). After finishing in the bottom third in every meaningful defensive statistical category last season, I’m a bit skeptical Oakland’s defense can improve enough to help them reach the Promised Land in 2017, but they should contend at the very least.Denver Broncos
The Broncos took a slight step backwards to 9-7 last season after winning Super Bowl 50 the previous year, But I think they could get right back to being one of the top contenders in the AFC – depending on what kind of play they get out of either, Trevor Siemian or Paxton Lynch at quarterback in 2017. Lest anyone forget, Denver still has an elite defense that finished fourth in points allowed in 2016 (18.6 ppg).Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons may have fallen apart in Super Bowl 51, but I think Matt Ryan and company could be real contenders again in 2017 simply because they can score the ball like crazy (33.8 ppg). If the Falcons can improve their mediocre defense, it’s possible they could make back-to-back Super Bowl appearances, although right now, I’m going to say it’s a stretch.NFL Betting: It Could Happen
Houston Texans
Bill O’Brien has pretty much worked a trio of miracles in leading Houston to three straight 9-7 seasons – all without any competent play at the quarterback position. If Tom Savage – or for me, former Clemson superstar, Deshaun Watson can step up and give the Texans some offensive balance, I believe they could really surprise, especially after ranking first in total defense last season.Dallas Cowboys
Sure, the Cowboys stunned everyone by going 13-3 last season and you’d think they’ll be even better as Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott enter their respective second seasons. Unfortunately, I don’t think the Boys improved their uninspiring 26th ranked pass defense enough this offseason to make the leap to the next level in 2017, not to mention the fact that Elliott is looking at a regular season suspension for some off-field foolishness.Miami Dolphins
The Fins had a fine season in winning 10 games a year ago to reach the playoffs for the first time in a decade, but I just don’t have any faith in mediocre signal-caller Ryan Tannehill.
