The long wait for the new NFL season is almost over. However, there is still some time to place a few futures bets on each of the upcoming division title races.
Given the updated odds at BetOnline Sportsbook, there is some serious value to be found in each of the division title battles in the NFC.
NFC East
- Dallas Cowboys +150
- Washington Football Team +200
- New York Giants +325
- Philadelphia Eagles +625
Washington is the defending NFC East Champion after going 7-9 last year. That tells you just how far this division has slipped. This year, Dallas is the slight favorite with a healthy Dak Prescott under center. However, you could make a case for every team finishing first or last in these division standings.
With no clear-cut power in this division race, there is a golden opportunity to stretch the odds as far as possible to find a winner.
Free Pick: Take the longest odds on the board in Philadelphia as the top value play.
NFC North
- Green Bay Packers -150
- Minnesota Vikings +220
- Chicago Bears +575
- Detroit Lions +2000
Aaron Rodgers is back in Green Bay for summer camp, but he will remain a distraction without any long-term plans to keep him there. Minnesota is capable of winning the NFC North, but so are the Chicago Bears.
We may not see Justin Fields as the starting quarterback of Chicago on opening day. However, he could still be a factor in this team’s chances to win the NFC North this season. Once again, stretching the odds in this race is a viable option.
Free Pick: The Bears have enough pieces in place to pay off on their high odds.
NFC South
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers -210
- New Orleans Saints +350
- Atlanta Falcons +800
- Carolina Panthers +950
Tampa Bay is the biggest favorite to win a division title in the NFC, coming off last season’s Super Bowl title. At 44 years old, Tom Brady still carries all the pressure on his shoulders. A slow start could send the Buccaneers reeling backward this year.
The loss of Drew Brees in New Orleans due to retirement will be felt. However, the Saints still have a number of impact players on either side of the ball. Resting your fortunes on the arm and decision-making abilities of Jameis Winston comes with some risk, but the reward makes it worth it.
Also, Atlanta and Carolina will help to keep the standings in the NFC South closer than expected with some unexpected division upsets.
Free Pick: The Saints would be my value play in the South even with the loss of Brees.
NFC West
- San Francisco 49ers +195
- Los Angeles Rams +205
- Seattle Seahawks +275
- Arizona Cardinals +475
The wild, wild west should be the most interesting division race on the board in the NFC. The Rams were the early favorites, but the public is shifting towards the 49ers as we get closer to Week 1.
The Seahawks will always be a factor with Russell Wilson under center, and Arizona can make some noise if more than a few breaks fall its way. I still think the addition of Matthew Stafford as the new starting quarterback in Los Angeles is the difference-maker in this race. His new surroundings could bring out the best in this veteran gunslinger.
Free Pick: I still have the Rams as the best team on this list with Stafford under center.
