The early NFL futures odds for the 2020 division winners are out, allowing bettors to back their favorite teams or peruse other values from around the NFL. Odds will be continuously updated throughout the offseason, based on the NFL Draft, free agency and public betting action. Acting early and anticipating player movement can be a great way to maximize your payday.
Below, we look at the futures odds to win the NFC South.
2020 NFC South odds: Atlanta Falcons (+400)
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Monday, March 2 at 11:20 a.m. ET.
The Falcons are coming off a second straight 7-9 season. They haven’t made the playoffs since back-to-back postseason trips in 2016 and ’17.
A six-game losing skid from Week 3 through Week 8 sunk Atlanta’s hopes last season, but it returned from a Week 9 bye to win six of its final eight games. With the closing stretch possibly signaling a turning point for head coach Dan Quinn, the Falcons are an adequate value to upset the Saints for the division crown.
New to sports betting? A $10 futures bet on the Falcons to win the NFC South returns a profit of $40 at the end of the regular season.
2020 NFC South odds: Carolina Panthers (+1100)
The Panthers lost their final eight games of 2019. After relying on quarterbacks Kyle Allen and Will Grier for the final 14 games of the season, the Panthers are expected to have former MVP Cam Newton back to full health for new head coach Matt Rhule’s first year in charge.
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Unsurprisingly, the Panthers have the worst odds to win the division after two fourth-place finishes in the last four years. The health of Newton is the biggest key as they look to return to the postseason for the first time since 2017 and win the division for the first time since winning three straight from 2013-2015. Expect a big step forward under Rhule, but it won’t be enough to topple the other three NFC South teams.
2020 NFC South odds: New Orleans Saints (-250)
A contract still needs to be worked out for QB Drew Brees, but it’s purely a formality at this point as he’ll be returning for a 20th season. The Saints have won three straight division titles and a total of six in Brees’ 14 seasons in NOLA.
The Saints are easily the safest pick to retain their crown in 2020, but there’s no value when needing to risk $40 for a return of $10. PASS on these odds and take a shot on the Falcons or Buccaneers to hedge against a potential injury to the Saints’ dynamic trio of Brees, RB Alvin Kamara and WR Michael Thomas.
2020 NFC South odds: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+700)
The Buccaneers are an excellent example of the risk and reward involved in placing an early NFL futures bet. They haven’t won the division since 2007 and have finished last in seven of the last nine seasons. The team is expected to address the quarterback position this offseason heading into head coach Bruce Arians’ second year. QB Jameis Winston may be allowed to reach free agency, with a replacement brought in either through the draft, free agency or trade.
The early odds reflect the likelihood of Winston returning under center, but there’s upside in getting the Bucs at this number in advance of an upgrade at the most important position.
Want action on the NFC South division winner? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.
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