The new NFL season is upon us, and projections are that more Americans will bet online on football this year (over 23 million) at platforms that have stellar evaluations on the top NFL sportsbook. Currently, sports betting is legal in Washington D.C and thirty-six US states, with thirty-two markets offering operational options, eighteen of which are homes to NFL teams. Foreign sites are also viable alternatives for those residing in US territories that have not made the sports betting plunge.
For those interested in laying down money on events transpiring this NFL season, here are what most bookies/bettors are predicting should happen concerning futures choices.
The Bills to Win AFC East
According to most analysts, as far as divisional winners go, things are most evident in AFC East, where the Bills are the favorites to claim the top spot. Most bookies put -300 odds on the Bills to win AFC East, giving the Miami Dolphins +450 for the upset.
The Ravens to Win AFC North
In AFC North, things are a bit muddier with bettors torn between the Ravens and the Bengals, but most give the edge to the team from Baltimore. BetMGM, Bet365, Points Bet, and various other NFL sites have them at +110.
The Colts to Win AFC South
The addition of Matt Ryan to the Colts roster is likely to be a decent boost for the pride of Indianapolis, despite Ryan being far removed from his 2016 MVP glory. Still, many bettors predict smooth sailing for the Colts in AFC South, with most NFL betting platforms putting their winning odds at -135.
The Chargers to Win AFC West
In AFC West, sportsbooks put the Chiefs and the Chargers neck and neck regarding who will win this division. The Chiefs are available at +150 odds, while the Chargers can get found at +200.
The Cowboys to Win NFC East
When it comes to the NFC East, the Eagles don’t face much competition en route to a division win going by estimates from gambling platforms since they list the Philadelphia franchise as -150 favorites.
The Packers to Win NFC North
As far as NFC North goes, the Bears and Lions are dramatic long shots, at +1,100 odds, leaving the Vikings and Packers to compete for first place in the division, with most bettors slightly favoring the Packers. Most bookmakers have them at +120 odds.
The Buccaneers to Win NFC South
Despite the Tom Brady preseason drama, the popular belief is that the Buccaneers should have no issue placing first in NFC South. Going by aggregated odds from multiple high-end internet sportsbooks, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, on average, get -290 odds to win their division.
The Rams to Win NFC West
Things are not as apparent in NFC West, where the San Francisco 49ers and the Los Angeles Rams should be in a dead-even race regarding who will finish in the top spot in this division. Even with the loss of Von Bell and Odell Beckham, the Rams still get fancied by most gamblers. That is also partially so because many pundits are not sure what they can expect to see from Trey Lance, the 49ers’ new quarterback, in his initial year as a starter.
The Bills to Win the Super Bowl
Newbies who wish to win NFL bets primarily bet on who will win the Super Bowl at the start of the season. Or they place money-line wagers. Going by data from BetMGM concerning the latter category, 11.9% of the bets made on this future option at this online sportsbook have gotten placed on the Buffalo Bills. The Chiefs are in second place, with 8.9% of wagers placed on them to lift the Vince Lombardi Trophy.
Josh Allen to Win the MVP Award
As far as the MVP award goes, Josh Allen has gotten 15.4% of the bets. Russell Wilson is at his toes, with 14.6% on the wagers made in this futures pick.
Justin Jefferson to Win Best Offensive Player
Vikings’ Justin Jefferson, the team’s number eighteen, leads the offensive player of the year standings, with the wide receiver receiving 14.3% of the bets on the BetMGM platform. What is interesting is that Colt’s Jonathan Taylor gets equally favored at +650 by multiple sportsbooks.
Micah Parsons to Win Best Defensive Player
Multiple odds trackers have Myles Garrett, the Cleveland Browns defensive end, most favored to win the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award, despite bettors putting their money on Myles Garrett, the Cowboys’ linebacker.
Dan Campbell to Win Coach of the Year
Realistically, the Coach of the Year honor is often not given out to the most deserving individual, as it is a narrative-based title. This season, most bettors predict it will go to Dan Campbell, MCDC, the Lions’ head coach.
This article was written in collaboration with NFL gambling experts.