Tag: nfl futures

2020 NFL MVP Odds: Is Josh Allen worth a bet?

Analyzing the betting odds to be named the NFL’s 2020 MVP, with a look at whether Josh Allen is worthy of a bet this season.

Do you think Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen has what it takes to win the 2020 NFL MVP? Let’s examine his chances, the BetMGM NFL futures odds around it happening and whether or not Allen is worth a bet.

Allen doesn’t seem like an MVP-type quarterback with his penchant for costly turnovers and inaccuracy throwing the ball, but he led the Bills to the playoffs last season and has a gunslinger mentality that could lead to big numbers.

If he’s to compete for NFL MVP next season, the Bills will need to make another playoff run and Allen will have to put up impressive stats – including a more stomachable interception total.

Recent NFL MVP winners

Allen already checks one box as an MVP candidate simply by playing the quarterback position. Each of the last seven winners have been quarterbacks, continuing a trend of signal-callers taking home the coveted hardware. Allen isn’t the dual-threat quarterback 2019 winner Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson is, but he is among the league’s more mobile quarterbacks having averaged 570 yards on the ground over the last two seasons, which adds to his value.

In 2018, Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes threw for 5,097 yards and 50 touchdowns, which were astronomical numbers even by today’s standards. Then-New England Patriots QB Tom Brady had 4,577 yards and 32 touchdowns in 2017 when he won it, while Atlanta Falcons QB Matt Ryan threw for 4,944 yards and 38 TDs in 2016, leading the Falcons to an 11-5 record.

Josh Allen’s 2020 NFL MVP odds

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday, April 9 at 4:30 p.m. ET.

Allen’s odds to win MVP aren’t great, but they do offer a lot of upside. He’s +6600 to win it, which is tied with Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger and Dallas Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott. It’s even behind the likes of QB Jameis Winston (+5000), who doesn’t currently have a team.

Looking to place a bet on the 2020 NFL MVP? Place your legal sports wagers online at BetMGM. Bet now!

Josh Allen’s stats

Allen has only two years of experience, so his sample size is limited. A quarterback’s third season is typically when he makes a positive jump, so perhaps Allen will follow the trend and break out in 2020. Last season, he threw for 3,089 yards and 20 touchdowns with only nine interceptions. He also gained 510 yards and scored nine touchdowns as a rusher.

Is Josh Allen worth a 2020 NFL MVP bet?

The Bills are certainly on the rise right now, especially after acquiring WR Stefon Diggs from the Minnesota Vikings. RB Devin Singletary will be one year better, too, while WRs Cole Beasley and John Brown are returning playmakers.

Allen is set up to have the best season of his career, but it still won’t be enough for him to win NFL MVP. The Bills are too heavy of a running offense for him to put up the necessary passing numbers, which limits his chances of winning MVP.

Want action on the 2020 NFL MVP award? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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2020 NFL MVP Odds: Is Joe Burrow worth a bet?

Analyzing the betting odds to be named the NFL’s 2020 MVP, with a look at whether Joe Burrow is worthy of a bet this season.

Do you think QB Joe Burrow has what it takes to win the 2020 NFL MVP? Let’s examine his chances, the BetMGM NFL futures odds around it happening and whether or not Burrow is worth a bet.

Recent NFL MVP winners

Burrow plays the right position, as each of the last seven and 12 of the last 13 league MVPs have been quarterbacks. The trend has also been young quarterbacks winning it. The last two league MVPs — Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson and Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes — were in their second NFL season.

With few exceptions, MVP quarterbacks lead the league in at least one significant passing statistic. They without fail lead playoff teams. Mahomes threw for over 5,000 yards and 50 touchdowns. Jackson had over 3,500 passing yards and over 1,000 rushing yards.

MVP quarterbacks put up big numbers and win.

Joe Burrow’s 2020 NFL MVP odds

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday, April 9 at 10 a.m. ET.

Burrow, who will be a rookie in 2020, is one of the long shots. He is given +10000 odds to win this year’s MVP award. That is far from the +325 for Mahomes or the +500 odds for Jackson or Seattle Seahawks QB Russell Wilson.

Burrow has the same odds as Indianapolis Colts backup QB Jacoby Brissett, Carolina Panthers QB Teddy Bridgewater, New York Jets QB Sam Darnold and New Orleans Saints WR Michael Thomas, among others.

Looking to place a bet on the 2020 NFL MVP? Place your legal sports wagers online at BetMGM. Bet now!

Joe Burrow stats

Burrow is certainly going to be the No. 1 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft at the end of April. He is coming off a record-setting year in college with LSU, winning the Heisman Trophy and leading his team to a national championship.

He had 5,671 passing yards, 60 touchdown passes and only six interceptions. He also had another five rushing touchdowns.

Is Joe Burrow worth a 2020 NFL MVP bet?

Burrow will not put up those numbers as a rookie in the NFL. He will likely be the starting quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals, who were the worst team in the league in 2019 to earn the No. 1 draft pick.

Rookie quarterbacks don’t put up big numbers. Only Cam Newton, Andrew Luck and Jameis Winston have thrown for more than 4,000 yards as a rookie and the rookie passing touchdown record is 27 (Baker Mayfield).

Mahomes was the youngest MVP in league history. There hasn’t been a rookie MVP since 1957.

The potential payout of 100 times your investment might be tempting, but you would be expecting Burrow to do things as a rookie no rookie has ever done. He would have to be as good as the best quarterbacks in the league and turn around the worst team in football.

Burrow isn’t worth a bet.

Want action on the 2020 NFL MVP award? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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2020 NFL MVP Odds: Is Christian McCaffrey worth a bet?

Analyzing the betting odds to be named the NFL’s 2020 MVP, with a look at whether Christian McCaffrey is worthy of a bet this season.

Do you think Carolina Panthers RB Christian McCaffrey has what it takes to win the 2020 NFL MVP? McCaffrey is one of 60 players listed with some sort of odds to win it. Let’s examine his chances, the BetMGM NFL futures odds around it happening and whether or not Christian McCaffrey is worth a bet.

It is still months away from the start of the NFL season but it isn’t too early to think about who might be this season’s MVP. In fact, now might be the best time to place your wager on a futures bet for the 2020 NFL MVP.

Recent NFL MVP winners

The NFL is a quarterback’s league and it shows in the MVP awards. The last seven league MVPs and 12 of the last 13 have been quarterbacks. Running backs have won it four times this century. Quarterbacks who win almost always come from playoff teams and almost always lead the league in a significant passing statistic.

Running back MVPs since 2000 consist of Adrian Peterson (2012), LaDainian Tomlinson (2006), Shaun Alexander (2005) and Marshall Faulk (2000).

Christian McCaffrey’s 2020 NFL MVP odds

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Monday, April 6 at 1:30 p.m. ET.

McCaffrey is listed at +3300. Those are longer odds than 12 quarterbacks and are the same as two other top running backs in the league — Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry.

Looking to place a bet on the 2020 NFL MVP? Place your legal sports wagers online at BetMGM. Bet now!

Christian McCaffrey’s stats

McCaffrey was one of the best offensive players in the entire league in 2019. He rushed for 1,387 yards and 15 touchdowns on 4.8 yards per attempt. He also had 116 catches for 1,005 yards and another four scores.

He became only the third player in NFL history to have 1,000 rushing yards and 1,000 receiving yards in the same season. He was basically the Panthers’ only offensive weapon, as Carolina was a bad team in 2019. The Panthers finished 5-11 and in last place in the NFC South.

Is Christian McCaffrey worth a 2020 NFL MVP bet?

McCaffrey is set for another monster season, but in terms of a potential MVP candidate, it will be tough. The last three running backs who won it all rushed for at least 1,800 yards in their MVP seasons. Alexander and Tomlinson set NFL records for rushing touchdowns. Peterson had more than 2,000 yards.

All were on playoff teams.

McCaffrey very well could have another 1,000/1,000 season but the Panthers are not expected to be good, even with the addition of quarterback Teddy Bridgewater.

It is just too hard for running backs to get the credit they deserve in the NFL now. As long as there are dynamic quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson and Russell Wilson, a wager on a running back is probably wasted money, even if the potential payout is 33 times the investment.

Want action on the 2020 NFL MVP award? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @senorjessroot on Twitter, and follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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2020 NFL MVP Odds: Is Drew Brees worth a bet?

Analyzing the betting odds to be named the NFL’s 2020 MVP, with a look at whether Drew Brees is worthy of a bet this season.

Do you think New Orleans Saints QB Drew Brees has what it takes to win the 2020 NFL MVP?

We are still months away from the 2020 NFL season but it isn’t too early to start projecting who will step up and be the MVP in the upcoming season.  Despite a Hall of Fame career, Brees has never won the award, even with consistently posting dominant numbers as a passer.

The 2020 MVP futures odds are already out. Let’s examine his chances, the BetMGM NFL futures odds around it happening and whether or not Brees is worth a bet.

Recent NFL MVP winners

The last seven league MVPs and 12 of the last 13 have been quarterbacks. Each of the last four MVPs led the NFL in some major passing statistic. 2019 winner Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens) and 2018 winner Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs) had the most touchdown passes. 2017 winner Tom Brady, then with the New England Patriots, led the NFL in passing yards. 2016 MVP Matt Ryan of the Atlanta Falcons had the highest passer rating. In Cam Newton’s 2015 MVP season, he led the Carolina Panthers to a 15-1 regular season. Aaron Rodgers’ 2014 MVP season with the Green Bay Packers was highlighted by 38 TD passes and only five interceptions. All six QBs led their team to the playoffs.

Drew Brees’ 2020 NFL MVP odds

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday, March 27 at 3:20 p.m. ET.

BREES’ odds for winning MVP are +1400. Only three players have shorter odds. Mahomes is +325, while Jackson and Seattle Seahawks QB Russell Wilson and both +500. The top 12 favorites are all quarterbacks.

Looking to place a bet on the 2020 NFL MVP? Place your legal sports wagers online at BetMGM. Bet now!

Drew Brees’ stats

A thumb injury limited Brees to 11 games last season. He still went 8-3 as the Saints made the postseason, and led the NFL in completion percentage at 74.3%. However, he failed to pass for at least 3,000 yards for the first time since 2003 when he also only played 11 games. He had 27 touchdown passes and only four interceptions last season. It was only the second time since 2007 that he did not reach 30 TD passes. He led them to the playoffs for the third year in a row as the Saints won the NFC South each time.

Is Drew Brees worth a 2020 NFL MVP bet?

This offseason, the Saints added another top receiver by signing free agent Emmanuel Sanders to pair with Michael Thomas. The Saints are set up as the favorites to win the NFC South once again with plans of playing deep into the postseason. If Brees is healthy, he should put up big numbers for a really good Saints team. That makes him ABSOLUTELY WORTH A BET AS THE LEAGUE MVP AT +1400.

Want action on the 2020 NFL MVP award? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @senorjessroot on Twitter, and follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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2020 NFL MVP Odds: Is Patrick Mahomes worth a bet?

Analyzing the betting odds to be named the NFL’s 2020 MVP, with a look at whether Patrick Mahomes is worthy of a bet this season.

Do you think Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes has what it takes to win the 2020 NFL MVP? Below, we are taking a look at the MVP futures odds for the 2020 NFL season. Let’s examine Mahomes’ chances, the BetMGM NFL futures odds around it happening and whether or not Mahomes is worth a bet.

Recent NFL MVP winners

2019 – QB Lamar Jackson

2018 – QB Patrick Mahomes

2017 – QB Tom Brady

2016 – QB Matt Ryan

2015 – QB Cam Newton

2014 – QB Aaron Rodgers

2013 – QB Peyton Manning

Patrick Mahomes’ 2020 NFL MVP odds: +325

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Tuesday, March 24 at 8:35 a.m. E.T.

Mahomes (+325) is the favorite, followed by Baltimore Ravens QB Jackson (+500), Seattle Seahawks QB Russell Wilson (+500), New Orleans Saints QB Drew Brees (+1400), Green Bay Packers QB Rodgers (+1600), Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott (+2000), Houston Texans QB Deshaun Watson (+2000), Philadelphia Eagles QB Carson Wentz (+2000) and Brady (+2000), now with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Looking to place a bet on the 2020 NFL MVP? Place your legal sports wagers online at BetMGM. Bet now!

Patrick Mahomes’ 2019 stats

Mahomes played and started 14 games last season, while passing for 4,031 yards and 26 touchdowns against five interceptions. He added 218 rushing yards and another two scores on the ground in the regular season.

He then led the Chiefs to the Super Bowl LIV title in just his second full season under center. He totaled 901 passing yards with 10 touchdowns against two interceptions across three playoff games.

Is Patrick Mahomes worth a 2020 NFL MVP bet?

At +325, Mahomes is the odds-on favorite to win his second NFL MVP award in three years.

After dominating in the playoffs and winning the Super Bowl, it’s not hard to get behind the idea of Mahomes winning his second MVP award. He plays in an offense that is going to throw the ball a ton and he’s only getting better as a passer.

At +325, his odds to win the NFL MVP are surprisingly favorable. He’s the best quarterback in the league and will be surrounded by a ton of weapons once again in 2020. After a few weeks at the beginning of the season, it wouldn’t be a surprise if this number dropped to EVEN odds due to the insane type of stats he could put up in Andy Reid’s offense. TAKE THESE ODDS NOW before the payout lowers closer to the NFL season.

Want action on the 2020 NFL MVP award? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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2020 NFL Futures Betting: AFC North Division Winner

Analyzing the 2020 NFL futures odds for which team will win the AFC North Division, with sports betting picks, tips and best bets.

It’s never too early to get into NFL Futures betting, even if we are just completing the scouting combine in Indianapolis and the draft and free agency hasn’t yet occurred. In fact, sometimes you can get a good price on a team before all hell breaks loose.

Case in point – the 2019 Cleveland Browns. They were near the bottom of the pack last spring before landing WR Odell Beckham Jr. from the New York Giants. After several other moves, which appeared to be shrewd, they went from long shots to one of the favorites two win the Super Bowl, seeing their number shrink exponentially. We see now that it was foolish to take them early or late, as they wet the bed and didn’t even come close to making the postseason.

Below, we look at the futures odds to win the AFC North.

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Tuesday, March 3 at 10:25 p.m. ET.

2020 AFC North odds: Baltimore Ravens (-250)

The Ravens are one of just four division favorites with minus-odds, meaning you need to lay more than your potential return. That’s how heavily favored they are. In fact, they’re tied with the New Orleans Saints (NFC South) with the third-best chance of winning their respective division based on the odds – behind only the New England Patriots (AFC East) and defending champ Kansas City Chiefs (AFC West).

Get some action on 2020 NFL division winners by betting at BetMGM. New customer offer: RISK-FREE First Bet (up to $500!) paid in free bets.

QB Lamar Jackson took the NFL by storm last season, and there is no reason to believe he will be slowing down anytime soon. Plus, the Ravens defense is nasty. Couple that with the fact the Pittsburgh Steelers are still not hitting on all cylinders, the Browns are still the Browns, and the Cincinnati Bengals are picking No. 1 overall in the draft, and this should be a slam-dunk play.

2020 AFC North odds: Pittsburgh Steelers (+340)

The Steelers are expected to have QB Ben Roethlisberger back under center after losing him to a season-ending elbow injury in Week 1 last season. While he is getting a bit long in the tooth, he is much better for the team’s outlook than if Mason Rudolph or Devlin Hodges were taking snaps. They just missed out on a playoff spot with that duo at the helm. If the Steelers can grab a wideout playmaker in free agency or the draft, and plug a few holes, they could easily challenge the Ravens for the top spot. Coach Mike Tomlin seems to always have his team right there challenging in the end.

2020 AFC North odds: Cleveland Browns (+650)

The Browns still have an impressive offensive core with QB Baker Mayfield, RBs Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt, Beckham and WR Jarvis Landry, etc. Plus, their defense is sick, too, returning DE Myles Garrett from his helmet-swinging suspension. They’re worth a small-unit wager, especially if they can add some beef to the O-line so Mayfield isn’t running for his life every down. The Browns will face a semi-favorable schedule due to their tumble down the standings to third place in 2019. Will they win the division? Probably not. But stranger things have happened, and their skill position players rival anyone in the NFL.

2020 AFC North odds: Cincinnati Bengals (+2000)

The Bengals are going to improve their personnel with the No. 1 overall pick, but they’re still much further away from the competition even with possibly adding a Heisman Trophy winning quarterback. In fact, QB isn’t really their biggest issue, as Andy Dalton was more than serviceable for many years. He is expected to be dealt, perhaps to the Chicago Bears, Indianapolis Colts or New England Patriots. They might get more draft picks in return from someone, helping them improve even quicker. However, they have so many holes to fill that it’s not worth taking a flier on them, even at this rate, which is sure to decrease slightly after some additions.

Want action on the AFC North Division winner? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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2020 NFL Futures Betting: AFC South Division Winner

Analyzing the 2020 NFL futures odds for which team will win the AFC South Division, with sports betting picks, tips and best bets.

Only dweebs insist “it’s too early to bet on the NFL.” If that were true, BetMGM wouldn’t have done us a solid and listed NFL division futures. The division we are tackling today is the AFC South, which has been dominated in recent years by the Houston Texans — to the tune of four division crowns in the last five seasons.

Below, we look at the futures odds to win the AFC South.

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Tuesday at 12:30 p.m. ET.

2020 AFC South odds: Houston Texans (+170)

Is Bill O’Brien underrated? The Houston Texans are back-to-back reigning AFC South champions and have won the division four out of the six seasons he’s been the head coach. Even when O’Brien’s teams underperform they still find ways to win; the Texans finished last season with a 10-6 record but a minus-7 point differential. The offensive line, linebackers and the secondary are the most obvious areas of need for the Texans. Regardless of whether they adequately address these needs, we should expect O’Brien’s Texans to contend for the playoffs. 

2020 AFC South odds: Indianapolis Colts (+200)

The good news about this offseason is that it cannot go worse than the last offseason when now-former quarterback Andrew Luck abruptly retired two weeks before the start of the regular season. Backup QB Jacoby Brissett was promoted to the first string and the Colts crested at 5-2 before losing seven of their final nine games to go Under their 7.5 regular-season O/U win total with a 7-9 record.

Get some action on 2020 NFL division winners by betting at BetMGM. New customer offer: RISK-FREE First Bet (up to $500!) paid in free bets.

Brissett’s future is in question and there’s a growing belief that the Colts will use free agency or the draft to upgrade at quarterback. They’ve been linked to Tom Brady, Philip Rivers and Teddy Bridgewater, but have also been projected to draft Jordan Love, Justin Herbert or even Tua Tagovailoa. But at this moment Brissett is at the helm and a limited supporting cast featuring Pro Bowl offensive guard Quenton Nelson, a depreciating WR T.Y. Hilton, and mediocre (yet somehow Pro Bowl) TE Jack Doyle. If the roster doesn’t dramatically improve this offseason, it could be another long, playoff-less season for the Colts.

2020 AFC South odds: Tennessee Titans (+200)

The Tennessee Titans (9-7) were the last remaining AFC South team in 2019, making it all the way to the AFC title game where they lost to the eventual Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs 35-24. Tennessee surged to a playoff appearance when QB Ryan Tannehill took over the starting job. Tannehill had a 7-3 record as a starter and was ranked first in yards per attempt and quarterback rating, and third in completion percentage. Still, the Titans are headed into the 2020 offseason facing questions because Tannehill and fellow Pro Bowl RB Derrick Henry are free agents. Henry was the straw that stirred the Titans drink and his dominance was the key to the Titans’ stunning playoff upsets of the New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens. It’s assumed the Titans will re-sign both Tannehill and Henry, but certainly not guaranteed. There’s even talk that head coach Mike Vrabel could lure free-agent QB Tom Brady down to Tennessee.

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2020 AFC South odds: Jacksonville Jaguars (+1000) 

The third full season of the Doug Marrone tenure in Jacksonville was an unmitigated disaster. Pro Bowl cornerback Jalen Ramsey became disgruntled and was traded to the Los Angeles Rams, V.P. of Football Operations Tom Coughlin was fired, and the Jaguars missed the playoffs for the second straight season—finishing with a 6-10 record—after winning the AFC South in 2017. Nick Foles signed a four-year, $88 million contract in the 2019 offseason, got injured in Week 1 against the Kansas City Chiefs, and saw the Jaguars turn to rookie QB Gardner Minshew — who finished the season as the starter even as Foles came back for limited duty. All signs point to Minshew being the starter next season but, the defense that was elite the previous two seasons finished 24th in the NFL last year and could be the focus of the front office this offseason. The fall-off in defensive sturdiness and a typically unimpressive offense make it clear that the Jaguars are the AFC South team with the most work to do this offseason.

2020 AFC South odds: the pick

It’s surprising how good of a price the Houston Texans (+170) are getting. Houston is the only AFC South team that has its franchise quarterback—Deshaun Watson—locked up heading into free agency and the draft. When healthy, Watson is throwing to one of the best receiving corps in the NFL with DeAndre Hopkins, Kenny Stills and Will Fuller. Just like every team, the Houston Texans need to make roster improvements, but as of now, they are for sure the best bet to win the 2020 AFC South title.

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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2020 NFL Futures Betting: NFC West Division Winner

Analyzing the 2020 NFL futures odds for which team will win the NFC West Division, with sports betting picks, tips and best bets.

The NFC West has become arguably the best division in football thanks to the recent resurgence of the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers. Each represented the NFC in the last two Super Bowls, while the Seattle Seahawks have finished above .500 every year since 2012.

Early odds on which team will win the division are out, allowing anxious bettors to wager on the NFC West champion far in advance of the 2020 season. So, let’s dig into the odds.

2020 NFC West odds: San Francisco 49ers (+115)

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Monday, March 2 at 5:20 p.m. ET.

It’s no surprise that the defending champions and Super Bowl representatives are the favorites to win the NFC West again. Coach Kyle Shanahan is the cog that makes this engine go on offense, while the defense is littered with stars up front and at linebacker, namely with DE Nick Bosa and LB Kwon Alexander.

The 49ers aren’t overwhelming favorites to win back-to-back division titles, though, which shows just how strong the NFC West is from top to bottom. On paper, they do look like the best team with many of their top players returning.

A $10 wager on the 49ers to win the NFC West returns a profit of $11.50.

2020 NFC West odds: Seattle Seahawks (+200)

As long as QB Russell Wilson is in Seattle, the Seahawks will be in contention to win the division. They’ve never finished worse than second in the NFC West with Wilson at the helm, which shows how consistent they’ve been as of late. There’s little reason to believe they won’t once again be in the mix for a division crown, even if DE Jadeveon Clowney, DE Ezekiel Ansah and LB Mychal Kendricks leave in free agency.

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The combination of Wilson, a consistent running game and improved offensive line play make the Seahawks a legitimate Super Bowl contender next season – if they can get out of the NFC West.

2020 NFC West odds: Los Angeles Rams (+260)

The Rams are expected to undergo major changes this offseason, starting with the hiring of three new coordinators. They could lose three defensive starters in free agency and need a lot of help on the offensive line. Not to mention, RB Todd Gurley isn’t guaranteed to be on the roster in Week 1 and QB Jared Goff struggled mightily last season.

There’s a decent chance the Rams will remain a 9-7 team in 2020 behind shaky offensive line play and a defense that lacks talent around DT Aaron Donald on the front seven. CB Jalen Ramsey’s presence certainly helps, as does Donald on the interior, but there isn’t a lot of top end talent beyond those two guys and S John Johnson.

2020 NFC West odds: Arizona Cardinals (+2000)

The Cardinals had one of the worst defenses in the NFL last season and lack playmakers around QB Kyler Murray, making this an important offseason in Arizona. They could add a top receiver in the draft at No. 8 overall, but RB David Johnson is a shell of his former self and RB Kenyan Drake could leave in free agency.

They’re getting close to contending in the NFC West, but they’re probably another year away. With the upside of them being +2000, though, and how often teams go from worst to first, they’re worth a small wager to win the division in the event that they have a strong offseason.

Want action on the NFC West Division winner? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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2020 NFL Futures Betting: AFC East Division Winner

Analyzing the 2020 NFL futures odds for which team will win the AFC East Division, with sports betting picks, tips and best bets.

For the last two decades, the AFC East has belonged to the New England Patriots. Since the 2003 season, the Patriots have won the division every year, except for the 2008 season when Tom Brady tore his ACL. The Patriots still went on to win 11 games that season, but it was the Miami Dolphins who wore the AFC East Crown.

Will things change in 2020 in the AFC East as Brady could be on the move? Could another team sneak up and pass the Patriots inside the division? Here are the betting odds for each team to win the AFC East in 2020.

2020 AFC East odds: New England Patriots (-304)

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Monday, March 2 at 5 p.m. ET.

As expected, the Patriots are currently big favorites to win the AFC East for the 12th straight season. However, these odds are lower than usual as the Brady situation hangs over the fate of the entire franchise.

Even if the Patriots were to lose Brady, their defense, along with coach Bill Belichick makes this team tough to bet against. In all likelihood, Brady should return, and the Patriots will once again be one of the favorites to reach the Super Bowl. At their current odds, the Patriots are still a good bet to win the division. In fact, consider them a value play right now as Brady’s future is still in question.

2020 AFC East odds: Buffalo Bills (+325)

If you want to fade the Patriots, betting on the Bills at more than 3-1 to win the division isn’t a bad way to go. Under coach Sean McDermott, the Bills have gone 25-23 over the last three seasons. Their best year came in 2019 when they went 10-6 and made the playoffs.

Get some action on 2020 NFL division winners by betting at BetMGM. New customer offer: RISK-FREE First Bet (up to $500!) paid in free bets.

The Bills have an incredibly talented roster on both sides of the ball, but they need QB Josh Allen to continue to take steps forward as a passer. With their elite defense and top-tier run game, it’s reasonable to think Buffalo could reach double-digit wins in 2020. Don’t be afraid of betting on this hard-nosed Bills team next season.

2020 AFC East odds: New York Jets (+1000)

After the Patriots and the Bills, there is a big gap between the next tier of teams in the division. The Jets come in at 10-1 underdogs after finishing the season 7-9 last year. There is some optimism surrounding this team as it won six of the final eight games to finish the season. While the Jets defense played near an average level last season, it was their 31st-ranked scoring offense that held them back.

If the Jets can find some offensive line help to protect QB Sam Darnold, it wouldn’t be a shock to see this team sneak into the playoffs next season. However, the Jets are still a long way from topping the Patriots and the Bills and should be avoided at their current odds.

2020 AFC East odds: Miami Dolphins (+2000)

The Dolphins are 20-1 underdogs to win the East. While they are clearly still rebuilding the roster, it wouldn’t be a surprise if this team turned things around quicker than most expect. First-year coach Brian Flores was awfully impressive in the second half of the season as the Dolphins earned impressive wins against the Indianapolis Colts, Philadelphia Eagles and Patriots.

If the Dolphins can find their franchise quarterback this offseason and rebuild their roster with the plethora of picks at their disposal, don’t be surprised if this team makes a big leap in 2020. However, it does appear Miami is still one or two years away from challenging New England or Buffalo atop of the division.

Want action on the AFC East Division winner? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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2020 NFL Futures Betting: NFC North Division Winner

Analyzing the 2020 NFL futures odds for which team will win the NFC North Division, with sports betting picks, tips and best bets.

For the better part of the last decade, when trying to determine who would win the NFC North, the choice has come down to two teams – the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings. The Packers have been the dominant team, but Minnesota has been the most dynamic and the 2020 odds from BetMGM.com bears that out.

However, this season is going to be a year of change in the NFC North and nine wins might win the division. Below, we look at the futures odds to win the NFC North.

2020 NFC North odds: Green Bay Packers (+135)

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Monday, March 2 at 3:10 p.m. ET.

Green Bay is the slight favorite (+135) over Minnesota. The Packers showed defensive improvement last year, but they aren’t in the position to be viewed as an elite defense. They have depth issues at all three levels. Offensively, Green Bay still has the best QB in the division (and have for the last 25 years), but aside from WR Davante Adams, the Pack don’t have a legitimate No. 2 receiving threat and their offensive line is injury prone. They’re coming off a 13-win season, but many analysts thought they were a fraudulent 13-3 – and may have been right.

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2020 NFC North odds: Minnesota Vikings (+140)

Minnesota is at a crossroads. The Vikings have the best top-to-bottom roster, but their commitment to keeping their own players has led to a huge disparity in player contracts and has pressed Minnesota tight against the salary cap. Throw in that three of their top five defensive backs are set to hit free agency and one of the other two (cornerback Xavier Rhodes) could be asked to take a pay cut or get released because his play dropped significantly.

2020 NFC North odds: Chicago Bears (+400)

Chicago, 8-8 last season, took a huge step back after running away with the NFC North title in 2018. One of the reasons (aside from injuries) was that the offense didn’t have the security blanket of the power run game that  RB Jordan Howard provided to close out games they were leading. Much more onus was laid at the feet of QB Mitch Trubisky and he struggled. Without defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, the defense also took a step back, despite having arguably the best linebacker corps in the league.

2020 NFC North odds: Detroit Lions (+1100)

Detroit hasn’t won the division since 1993, when it was the NFC Central and had five teams. Pedigreed coaches have come and gone without any success and, in his first two seasons, former Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia has a record of 9-22-1. The Lions need to build through the draft and have many more hits than misses to compete.

2020 NFC North odds: The Pick

When it comes to wagering on who will win the NFC North, most money will be bet the way of the Packers and the Vikings. But in a division where no team may end up winning more than 10 games, our money is going with the BEARS (+400). They appear to be the only team in the division that is on an upward trajectory and can get better by continuing to add young talent and a couple of key free agent signings.

Want action on the NFC North Division winner? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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