Best value bets on teams to make the playoffs
With seven weeks of games in the books, there are basically three different groups of teams in the NFL. The first would be the ones that are on a clear track to the postseason derby to win Super Bowl LIV.
The next group are the ones that are lining up for a very high draft pick next April. The remaining group is all the teams in the middle of the pack that still have a chance to make a run to the playoffs.
BetOnline Sportsbook has recently adjusted its prop bet odds to reach the playoffs this season for all 32 NFL teams. The following three teams offer the best value at plus money.
Carolina Panthers +110
The Panthers started the season 0-2 with Cam Newton at quarterback, and they have won their last four games with Kyle Allen leading the way. There was no word out of Carolina as to which player will be under center when Newton is cleared to return, but this offense still hinges on the play of running back Christian McCaffery. He has rushed for 618 yards in six games while scoring seven touchdowns.
Overall, the team appears to be rallying around Allen to give head coach Ron Rivera a very tough decision once Newton is ready to go.
Add in a defense that is playing better and better each week, and you have a legitimate contender for a wild spot in the NFC. With two games yet to play against the 6-1 New Orleans Saints, I still would not count out the Panthers in the NFC South Division title race.
Philadelphia Eagles +110
The Eagles have been one of the more frustrating teams through the first seven weeks. At 3-4, they have a big road win against Green Bay on their resume along with bad road losses against Minnesota and the rival Dallas Cowboys. Injuries and a lack of consistency on each side of the ball could point to a very long season for a team that is just two years removed from a Super Bowl title.
However, this is also a team that plays its best football with its back squarely against the wall. The 37-10 loss to the Cowboys in Week 7 could also mark a turning point. Philly found a way to make the playoffs last season when things looked rather dire, and it still has a good shot to turn things around this year. If the Eagles can keep Dallas in their sites, the second meeting this season at home in late December could decide the NFC East title.
Jacksonville Jaguars +250
The big plus for the Jaguars at 3-4 is playing in the AFC South. The Indianapolis Colts are at the top of the standings at 4-2, followed by Houston at 4-3. This gives Jacksonville a respectable chance to stay in the division title race all season long. It still has two games against the Colts and a home game against the Texans to try and close the gap.
Rookie quarterback Gardner Minshew has been the big story in Jacksonville this season with the team’s top two quarterbacks on the shelf with injuries. The big plus on this offense is still running back Leonard Fournette. He has already rushed for 715 yards in his first seven games.
Jacksonville is also playing well on defense with a points-allowed average of 21.1. There are reasons why the odds are so high to make the playoffs, but I still like the value in the number.
