NFL Futures Bets Division-by-Division in the NFC

As the season approaches, some customers (yourself included, we hope) will be examining all the NFL futures bets. And we thought we would take a look at where we are at in all four divisions of the NFC. So without any further delay.

Odds to Win NFC East

Dallas Cowboys -135
Philadelphia Eagles +180
New York Giants +900
Washington +1200

The COWBOYS were ecstatic to get CeeDee Lamb in the draft. And they made some interesting moves on defense; among those moves was signing former Pro Bowl defensive end Aldon Smith, off the field since 2015 due to suspensions and bad behavior. Dak Prescott threw for 4902 yards last season. But is he just a “numbers guy”?…….. The EAGLES have some holes, and are unspectacular in a number of areas. They went after speed on the outside in the off-season, but they’ve been backed up by injuries there, in addition to an opt-out (COVID-19 related) by Marquise Godwin. It looks like they are going to rely on those two-tight end sets once again……… The GIANTS have new leadership again. Joe Judge, a relative youngster, is the latest example of someone being given a chance because he was along for the ride in New England. Not many of Bill Belichick’s former assistants have had success as head coaches, but Judge came highly-recommended. QB Daniel Jones won’t have a very long honeymoon…………. As far as WASHINGTON is concerned (I liked the nickname “Kickbacks” for them), much will depend on the development of Dwayne Haskins. he didn’t look ready to play in the league last season. But Alex Smith will mentor him, as he had done with Patrick Mahomes in K.C. The team formerly known as the Redskins have to leave the guy out there and let him play; they’ve paid enough for him.

Odds to Win NFC North

Minnesota Vikings +175
Green Bay Packers +185
Chicago Bears +400
Detroit Lions +400

Not all that certain the VIKINGS are ready to ascend, unless it’s simply a result of this being a weak division. This defense, which was middle-of-the-road last season, is being rebuilt, and the corners will be unproven. Kirk Cousins threw just six INT’s last year, but the jury is still out. This is a team that must run the ball, and they are well-equipped with Dalvin Cook……….. The PACKERS probably need a little more punch at the wide receiver spot to go along with Davante Adams, but the key here is that Aaron Rodgers doesn’t make mistakes – just FOUR interceptions in 569 attempts. Matt LeFleur pledges to get 50-50 balance with the run, and Green Bay drafted workhorse AJ Dillon out of Boston College to prove it………. The BEARS appear to be going with Mitchell Trubisky at quarterback for the time being, and one has to recognize that he is short on weaponry. But the Bears like to think they will usually keep things close with a defense that already has one of the premier performers (Khalil Mack) and another pass rusher to team up with him (Robert Quinn, who really seems to get around)………  The LIONS seemed dedicated to a run game, drafting De’Andre Swift and signing Adrian Peterson. Ultimately though, if Matthew Stafford has the ball in his hands, he’s throwing it. And Matt Patricia brought over a few ex-Patriots who could have some defensive impact. We’re anxious to see how rookie corner Jeff Okudah does.

Odds to Win NFC South at

New Orleans Saints -120
Tampa Bay Buccaneers +140
Atlanta Falcons +900
Carolina Panthers +2200

The SAINTS rightfully deserve to be the favorites in this division. But the window is starting to close for Drew Brees to get into the winner’s circle again. It was not a bad idea to go out and get Emmanuel Sanders, because he runs routes well and New Orleans needs a receiver to take at least a little of the pressure off Michael Thomas……….. The BUCCANEERS could have an offensive machine – this time with less mistakes. Don’t kid yourself; Tom Brady can still get it done. And he’s got all kinds of weapons around him, including Gronk and now Leonard Fournette as well. Now all they have to do is be able to slow down enemy passing attacks a little. In an expanded playoff format, they’re likely in………. Honestly, the FALCONS may represent the value here. They finished 2019 strong, winning six of their last eight. And they showed a lot of progress on the defensive end when healthier, allowing 13 fewer points per game in the second half than the first. Todd Gurley is the wild card; if he is anywhere near his former self, that is going to be huge. But they don’t need to depend on him too much, because of Matt Ryan and Julio Jones…….. The PANTHERS are in transition mode. This is a big leap for new coach Matt Rhule, and we’re not sure Teddy Bridgewater is the guy to carry them to the next level. But this is reflected in the odds, isn’t it?

Odds to Win NFC West

San Francisco 49ers +120
Seattle Seahawks +175
Los Angeles Rams +575
Arizona Cardinals +600

The NINERS have a good formula, which amounts to defense and a ground game. And that’s what will keep them on the top of the heap. The only concern is that they lost some personnel and didn’t add too much in the way of veterans who they know can help immediately, with the exception of left tackle Trent Williams, who missed all of last season. People talk about the limitations of Jimmy Garoppolo, but he actually threw down the field pretty well last season. And he’s hardly ever lost when starting and finishing a game……….. The SEAHAWKS are the type of team that is going to run it no matter what. And with Carlos Hyde in the mix, they can do a better job easing the burden on Chris Carlson. Jamal Adams is the kind of safety who can make the entire defense better. But it comes down to it being Russell Wilson’s team. Will things fall into place for Seattle the way they did last year? ……….. The RAMS base their offense on play-action. So they need rookie RB Cam Akers to come in and do some damage. If that doesn’t happen, Jared Goff is going to be left in too many compromised situations. He’s not the kind of guy who is going to pull a lot of rabbits out of a hat…………. The CARDINALS are in a position to carry out Kliff Kingsbury’s vision, now that they have added an elite receiver in DeAndre Hopkins to join Larry Fitzgerald and Christian Kirk. They had a nice first-round pick in Isaiah Simmons, and the defense is almost there. But this is a brutal division, potentially.