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It might seem that now is the perfect time to wager on the NFL, since some markets are available to jump on at this moment. Future markets are open all year long, so the chance to potentially cash in when there’s value on the board.
Betting on the eventual Super Bowl champion (in New Orleans) is always a wager to consider, by no means the only option. We’ve been checking out playoff odds throughout the league, and that’s the board we’re eyeing once again.
While not every team has very favorable odds in this market, each team is priced. Here’s
another four playoff bets that figure to cash…
San Francisco 49ers to Make (-550)
The San Francisco 49ers were in the NFC’s Super Bowl representative a season ago, and they should be a strong contender in 2024. They are currently the 13-2 (+650) second choice to win the title, according to Super Bowl LIX odds.
Getting into the postseason is a 2-11 proposition, so no value with a team that’s loaded on both sides of the ball. Go back to 2023, where the Niners were second (to the Dallas Cowboys) in offense (28.6 points per game) and fourth (18.8 points/game) in defense.
There’s no one in the NFC West who can go with them, which will have the 49ers back in the playoffs. This is regardless of the long-term status of standout wideout Brandon Aiyuk, subject of trade rumblings throughout the offseason.
Seattle Seahawks to Make (+175)
As was mentioned, there’s no team in the NFC West able to stay with the San Francisco 49ers. That doesn’t mean it’s a one-berth division as far as the playoffs are concerned. Enter the Seattle Seahawks, coming off a mediocre 9-8 season in 2023 and beginning a new era in 2024.
It’s Mike Macdonald’s team now, with Pete Carroll having retired after 14 seasons (10 playoff appearances). Macdonald has a long resume with the Baltimore Ravens, the last couple as defensive coordinator.
That side of the ball was not good a season ago with the ‘Hawks, 30th in the league (371.4 yards per game) in total defense in ‘23. Seattle was also in the bottom quarter of surrendered points, so there’s plenty of room to improve.
Despite that porous defense, Seattle was in pretty much every game, with a legit shot of making the playoffs (they didn’t, though). If they’re able to become a bit stingier with the opposition, there’s some value (7-4, [+175]) with Seattle getting back to the postseason.
Seattle is a five-point home favorite over the Denver Broncos in the opener, as per NFL odds.
Tennessee Titans to Miss (-600)
The Tennessee Titans are also entering a new coach era, surprisingly parting ways with Mike Vrabel. Now, it’s Brian Callahan, formerly the defensive coordinator with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Also, no Derrick Henry, as the workhorse running back has gone after eight seasons (more than 9,500 yards) to a new home with the Baltimore Ravens.
Thus, so many question marks in Nashville, especially with a team that was 27th (17.9 points/game) in scoring offense last season.
Odds are suggesting that the Titans are going to be one of the league’s worst teams, this after any number of seasons as one of the better teams in the AFC.
Even though the AFC South is no prize, do not expect the Titans to contend,
Again, laying 6-1 is sort of low-hanging fruit, but that’s the way we’re going.
Washington Commanders to Miss (-325)
Continuing the new-coach theme, the Washington Commanders dismissed Ron Rivera in favor of ex-Dallas Cowboys’ defensive coordinator Dan Quinn.
The team also has a new face at quarterback, selecting Jayden Daniels second overall.
Though Quinn has had previous head-coaching experience in the league with the Atlanta Falcons (think 28-3 lead against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LI), it’s not always a right-away formula with a new (with a team) coach and a rookie quarterback.
In the NFC East, there are the haves (Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys) and the have-nots (New York Giants and Washington Commanders).
Coming off a 4-13 season while surrendering a league-worst 518 points, Washington’s missing the playoffs in 2024.
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