Take a look at the NFL futures betting market right now at online bookmakers, and in the case of division winners, there’s very little betting value left. Many divisions have clear-cut winners already — think the NFC North (Green Bay), the NFC South (Tampa Bay), the AFC East (Buffalo), among others. However, that’s not the case with three divisions, which make up our betting picks in this article.
NFL Betting Pick To Win NFC West
We begin with arguably the best division in football. It features the lone undefeated team remaining (the 6-0 Cardinals), a Super Bowl favorite (the Rams are +900 to win), and an underperforming team capable of turning things around when healthy (the 49ers).
After Arizona smashed Los Angeles 37-20 on the road three weeks ago, they would seem like the “smart” betting pick here. However, we’re not on the Cardinals bandwagon (not yet at least). Call us crazy, but we’re not ready to crown a team that hasn’t even had a winning record since 2015 (and its head coach Kliff Kingsbury only has two winning season ever).
To us, the Rams just have a more calming presence to them. Much of that roster has “been there, done that” after a Super Bowl appearance only two years ago. They’re our betting pick despite the previous shellacking at the hands of the Cardinals.
In that game, LA’s defense was absolutely shredded by Kyler Murray. But people forget, the Rams are young, especially on that side of the ball. In fact, three-time Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald is its oldest player on defense at only 30. That gives us belief they can improve in time for their second go-round with Arizona and win the division in the process.
NFL Betting Pick To Win AFC North
Two of the most injury-bitten teams in the NFL have been Baltimore and Cleveland, who are separated by one game atop the North standings (Ravens are 5-1, while the Browns are 4-2). However, Cleveland’s injuries feel much more pressing at this point of the season.
Quarterback Baker Mayfield reportedly has a completely torn left labrum. It’s in his left should so not his throwing arm, but still, that’s a tough one to come back from. Mayfield wants to play through the injury, but we can’t imagine him being as productive as he needs to be in order to take back the division. His backup Case Keenum hardly evokes betting confidence, too.
Ravens, despite losing two running backs to season-ending injuries, have hardly been affected in their offense, which is always run-heavy. Quarterback Lamar Jackson is a difference-maker no matter who is joining him in the backfield — and that’s something the Browns lack under center (even if Mayfield were fully healthy). Heck, Jackson might be more valuable to Baltimore’s success right now than he was in his 2019 MVP season.
If you’re going to bet Baltimore to win the AFC North, you have to do it now. Another Browns loss and Ravens win would kill the value of this betting line. Baltimore at -275 isn’t great, but it’s likely the best line we’ll see from here on out.
NFL Betting Pick To Win AFC West
The doom and gloom about the Chiefs' demise is just that — overreaction from media and fans alike. Kansas City will be just fine and their slow start has created a betting opportunity you don’t want to pass up. C’mon, getting the two-time AFC champs at plus money to win their so-so division? Yeah, we’re laying the hammer on that one!
Here’s why we’re so optimistic: there’s no way the Chiefs turnover woes continue. No way. Kansas City has an NFL-high 16 giveaways (eight interceptions and six fumbles). With that, its turnover differential is -8, second-worst across the league. Despite these catastrophic events, they're still only one game behind the division lead.
Look, no statistical category is affected more by sheer luck than turnovers — fumbled balls that bounce the wrong way, tipped receptions that become picks, etc. That bad luck will slow down for the Chiefs, but our luck in picking winners won't once Kansas City returns to their normal, not-giving-it-away selves.
How To Bet NFL Online In 2021?
As mentioned before, now is a good time to drop these NFL futures bets before the masses realize the Chiefs are perfectly fine and the Browns are in trouble with Mayfield hobbled. If you need an online sportsbook to place these wagers (plus other NFL bets), then check out the table below.
We’ve listed the top NFL bookmakers right now. That’s based on their NFL betting selection, site features, and sign-up bonuses (that are worth thousands of dollars in free play in some cases). Reference the table below to get started!
