NFL Futures: Division Winner Odds, Picks & Predictions (2024)
With two games left in the NFL regular season, half of the division races are still up for grabs. Yes, there is a definite favorite in each. But if there is anything that can be counted on at this time of year, it’s that someone is going to lose a game or two they shouldn’t.
Should that happen and you place the right bet, a nice payday may be in your future. Let’s take a look at the four remaining division races and the odds to win each.
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NFL Futures: Division Winner Odds, Picks & Predictions
(Odds Courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
AFC North
The Steelers were in the driver’s seat in the AFC North. However, after losses to the Eagles and Ravens, that is not the case anymore. Heading into Week 17, they have the same record as Baltimore (10-5) but hold the tiebreaker. If they lose once and the Ravens win out...
However, they face the Chiefs this week (Kansas City is a 2.5-point favorite). Patrick Mahomes looks fine after going down with a high-ankle sprain a couple of weeks ago. Their defense is playing well, and the offense has played well enough all season long.
The Steelers’ defense can challenge the Chiefs’ offense, but the question is whether the Steelers can score enough. If George Pickens plays as expected, and he and Russell Wilson can connect on a couple of deep balls early, they might open the Chiefs’ defense up enough to make this a game.
As for the Ravens, they are 5.5-point favorites against the Texans on Christmas Day, a game they should win. Since the division will not be wrapped up yet, they’ll bring their ‘A’ game against the Browns to end the season.
Pick: It’s not looking good for the Steelers. Take the Ravens.
NFC South
By losing to the Cowboys, the Buccaneers lost control of the NFC North to the Atlanta Falcons. But they have two games remaining they should win, while the Falcons have a tough one this week vs. the Commanders before closing out the season against the Panthers.
The Falcons have to win out to secure the division. With a rookie at quarterback for the final games, that is unlikely. As long as the Buccaneers take care of business against the Panthers this week (they are 7.5-point favorites) and beat the Saints in Week 18, the division should be theirs.
Pick: I’m a Michael Penix Jr. fan, but he’s going to get his ‘Welcome to the NFL’ moment this weekend against the Commanders. Take the Buccaneers to win the NFC South.
NFC North
The NFC North is the one division truly up for grabs. The Lions can clinch this week if they beat the 49ers (Detroit is favored by 3.5 points on the road) and the Packers beat the Vikings. Both results are possible but far from certain.
If they both win, then it will be a winner-take-all showdown in Week 18 when these two teams face off in Detroit. The Lions will be favored in that game. But there is no denying how well Sam Darnold and the Vikings’ offense are playing. Minnesota only lost by two points to the Lions earlier in the year.
And that was when the Lions had a relatively healthy defense.
Pick: My heart says Lions, but there is certainly value in betting on the Vikings at +240 odds.
NFC West
This division is not as locked up as the odds make it appear to be. If the Rams lose to the Cardinals this week (Rams are 5.5-point favorites) and the Seahawks beat the Bears (Seattle is a 3.5-point road favorite), next week’s Rams-Seahawks game could be for the division.
The Cardinals crushed the Rams earlier in the year 41-10. However, they have lost four of their last five. Chicago has lost nine in a row, but pride can turn a bad team into a great one at this time of year.
Should it come down to Week 18, the Rams will be favored. When these teams met earlier in the year, the Rams beat the Seahawks.
Pick: Seattle is asking a lot of the Cardinals. But the Rams’ offense has not been great the last two weeks. The Seahawks have value here, but I would not recommend anything other than using a bonus bet. If you risk real money, do so with some form of bet insurance only.