'Tis the season to dig into NFL futures. But while the vast majority of time around these big-picture bets is dedicated to win totals and Super Bowl odds, let us not forget about the most important regular-season race taking place within each division.
Yes, the rumors are true: It's time for our 2021 NFL winner picks.
Let's start with the latest NFL odds for the favorites to win each division, brought to you by BetOnline:
Make sure to double-check these lines before committing to a specific wager. These NFL betting odds will move at BetOnline and other online sportsbooks before Week 1 and as the 2021 regular season unfolds.
2021 NFL Division Predictions
With eight divisions to predict, we don't have time to waste. We'll be moving quickly through all of our selections.
Don't worry, though. We won't skimp on the reasoning when it comes to controversial divisions.
For your edification, we'll begin with the four NFC conferences and run our way through the four AFC conferences.
NFC East
- Dallas Cowboys (+165)
- Washington (+180)
- New York Giants (+325)
- Philadelphia Eagles (+625)
Going with the Cowboys when we haven't seen quarterback Dak Prescott play in over a year no doubt carries some risk.
The alternative, though, is investing in the carousel under center of Washington or trusting the New York Giants to make a leap. So, yeah, Dallas it is.
OSB Prediction: Dallas Cowboys (+165)
NFC North
- Green Bay Packers (-150)
- Minnesota Vikings (+220)
- Chicago Bears (+575)
- Detroit Lions (+2000)
Maybe you can talk yourself into the Vikings if you think Kirk Cousins regains some of his magic under center from 2019. We're not there.
Anyway, even if he does, Aaron Rodgers is still an MVP candidate the last we checked. It doesn't make sense to bet against him knowing he'll finish the season in Green Bay.
OSB Prediction: Green Bay Packers (-150)
NFC South
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-225)
- New Orleans Saints (+375)
- Atlanta Falcons (+800)
- Carolina Panthers (+950)
There is no path to picking anyone other than the Bucs unless you think Tom Brady will suffer an injury. But you can't make these early projections by assuming something like that.
Perhaps the Saints would have a crack at it if Drew Brees didn't retire. But he did.
OSB Prediction: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-225)
NFC West
- San Francisco 49ers (+195)
- Los Angeles Rams (+205)
- Seattle Seahawks (+275)
- Arizona Cardinals (+475)
Most will gravitate toward the Niners or Rams here. We get it. Their defenses have a chance to rank in the top seven of points allowed per game and can smother you from all angles.
Still, the Seahawks have the most potent offense of anyone in this division. We're putting our faith in Russell Wilson.
OSB Prediction: Seattle Seahawks (+275)
AFC East
- Buffalo Bills (-160)
- New England Patriots (+340)
- Miami Dolphins (+350)
- New York Jets (+1800)
Taking the Patriots is an interesting value you play if you think Cam Newton will have a bounce-back year. And yet, we can't even be sure he'll be given enough time to establish himself with Mac Jones waiting to take over.
After New England, nobody else poses a threat to the Bills. They are a two-way beast, and the Josh Allen-Stefon Diggs one-two punch is among the most dangerous QB-WR duos in football.
OSB Prediction: Buffalo Bills (-160)
AFC North
- Baltimore Ravens (+140)
- Cleveland Browns (+140)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (+425)
- Cincinnati Bengals (+1200)
It feels like oddsmakers are overlooking the Steelers.
Sure, Ben Roethlisberger is 39, and the defense has their fair share of issues. But Pittsburgh just won 12 games last season and didn't obliterate the core. As long as Big Ben stays healthy, this feels like a 10-win team—and that should be enough to eke out an edge over the Browns and Ravens.
OSB Prediction: Pittsburgh Steelers (+425)
AFC South
- Tennessee Titans (-130)
- Indianapolis Colts (+180)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (+600)
- Houston Texans (+2500)
Imagine not picking the Titans.
Seriously, there is no reason to bet against them. Rayn Tannehill continues to be one of the most underrated quarterbacks in the game, Derrick Henry remains the best running back alive, and they just traded for star wideout Julio Jones.
From where we're standing, Tennessee at -130 is a gift from the oddsmakers to you.
OSB Prediction: Tennessee Titans (-130)
AFC West
- Kansas City Chiefs (-250)
- Los Angeles Chargers (+500)
- Denver Broncos (+525)
- Las Vegas Raiders (+1400)
You could bet against the Chiefs to win the AFC West. But why?
Short of Patrick Mahomes falling off the face of the Earth, this is their division to lose. We recommend hopping on their odds while they're still paying out better than -1000.
OSB Prediction: Kansas City Chiefs (-250)
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