NFL Futures: AFC Divisional Odds 2020

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There is still a small part of me that has doubts about the 2020 NFL season. Covid-19 will make things very difficult, but the National Football League seems confident that it can find a way around all obstacles this season. This means business as usual in fantasy and in the sports betting world. In this article, I’ll review the AFC conference and all of its divisional odds. I plan to follow up with the NFC later next week. If you’re interested in placing the NFL future bets this season make sure you research the sportsbook beforehand and shop for the best odds possible. According to SportsbookAudit.com, there are dozens of little things you should take into consideration before signing up. As sports betting is becoming more and more common in the US, make sure you still go the extra mile in picking the best sportsbook.

AFC Division Odds 2020

My Thoughts

AFC North – It’s odd how quickly the general public has forgotten how good the Pittsburgh Steelers can be. For a team that hasn’t had a losing record since 2003, you would think the sports betting community would give them a little more respect. I understand the Ravens are the heavy favorite in this division, but the Steelers should bounce back in 2020. The Black and Yellow endured a ton of injuries last season, including veteran QB Ben Roethlisberger. The Steelers still managed to go 8-8 last year, mainly from their superb defense. Pittsburg held teams to just 18.9 points per game last season, which ranked 6th in the league. Where they struggled was on offense. Without Roethlisberger, the Steelers ranked 27th in points per game. With no disrespect to the Ravens, I think the Steelers at +350 is an excellent bet. In my opinion, it’s easier to buy into the notion that the Steelers return to form than believe the Ravens can repeat on their record-breaking rushing offensive attack.

AFC South – There is good overall value in the AFC South when it comes to this year’s divisional odds. No one team is a heavy favorite, allowing fans to buy their homer team for a chance to win with a decent payout. I feel like this was done by design. Sportsbooks created tempting odds for each team, even Jacksonville, to help convince you they could win the division outright. In reality, the Titans and Texans who both won playoff games last year should get the edge over the Colts and Jags, but Sportsbooks feel Philip Rivers and a good draft class is enough to be considered the slight AFC South odds favorite here.

In terms of best bet value, it’s hard to argue against the at Texans at +300. The obvious headline for the Texans this offseason has been the loss of DeAndre Hopkins. The trade that may never make sense and could eventually cost Bill O’Brien his job is behind us, and fans need to try to move forward. Fortunately, the addition of Brandin Cooks, Randal Cobb, and David Johnson should help replace the loss of one of the best receivers in the game. The team also replaced their defensive coordinator, after an uncharacteristic poor season on defense.

AFC East – It’s strange not seeing the Patriots as the clear favorite in these AFC East divisional odds. The Tom Brady era in New England is over, and the team needs to find a way to move on. While Pats fans are bummed to see him go, I for one am very curious to see what Bill Belichick has up his sleeve this season. Jarrett Stidham has been penciled in as the team’s new starter, but who knows how long that will last. Cam Newton is still a free agent and should start to hear his phone ring in early August once training camp is underway. This season we will finally know how good the Patriots will be without Tom Brady for a full season, and vise versa with Brady without Belichick now in Tampa.

The Bills have a playoff-caliber team after adding talent in the offseason. Stefon Diggs is an interesting new weapon for the Bills who should make a huge impact if he can connect with Josh Allen. While the Bills are the division favorite, +115 isn’t the best bet here. Despite everything that has changed in this division I think I like the Jets at +750. Those odds are great and the Jets do have a lot of talent on both sides of the ball. Last season was lost to injures, and after an excellent draft class that included the addition of OT Mekhi Becton and WR Denzel Mims, the team could rebound and rally behind Sam Darnold, who is going into his 3rd season now.

AFC West – The Chiefs are the heavy favorite to win the AFC West this season, and I would be hard-pressed to find anyone to bet against that. I honestly don’t think the sportsbooks made the odds of the Broncos, Raiders, and Chargers tempting enough. To lure in homer bettors, you need to offer a better return. The Chiefs at -400 is my pick, but the ROI isn’t really worth your time. I think this division should be avoided unless you’re willing to make a large enough wager.