NFL futures predictions: NFC South and West divisions might have new winners

Late July is correct across the time to start out digging into NFL futures.

We’ve discovered some strong inefficiencies within the divisional markets.

Listed here are two groups I’m betting to win their division in 2023.

NFL Division odds and picks

NFC South: Falcons (+240, Caesars)

Any individual has to win the NFC South. Why not Atlanta?

The Falcons will run the ball rather a lot and may run it very effectively.

They ran for over 2,700 yards final season with excessive effectivity, rating fourth within the NFL in Rush Anticipated Factors Added per play.

Atlanta put a cellular quarterback (Marcus Mariota), a rookie working again (Tyler Allgeier), and a transformed extensive receiver (Cordarrelle Patterson) behind a top-five offensive line.

The outcomes had been surprisingly efficient, because the Falcons ranked top-five in whole speeding yards (2,718), speeding yards per try (4.9), and speeding Anticipated Factors Added per play (.072).

NFC South Division odds
New Orleans Saints +120
Atlanta Falcons +240
Carolina Panthers +340
Tampa Bay Buccaneers +800

It was a surprisingly adept technique, because the Falcons boasted the perfect offense within the division.

The Falcons have doubled down on this technique.

They returned 4 offensive linemen and drafted one in every of this technology’s finest working again prospects (Bijan Robinson) to pair with their different weapons.

The Falcons seemingly have the NFL’s deadliest speeding assault.

The important thing will likely be marked enhancements to the passing recreation and protection.

I’d argue the Desmond Ridder-Taylor Heinicke duo is an improve over Mariota, particularly if Kyle Pitts stays wholesome.

And new defensive coordinator Ryan Nielson ought to enhance the workforce’s revamped entrance seven.

In the meantime, there’s no cause to belief Tampa Bay with out Tom Brady, Carolina with Bryce Younger or New Orleans with Derek Carr. The Falcons supply probably the most upside of any NFC South workforce, and I’m prepared to wager on that.

Additionally, it’s price mentioning the Falcons have the best schedule within the division after dropping the divisional tiebreakers final 12 months. The additional video games in opposition to Arizona and Washington may be the distinction maker within the NFL’s weakest division.

NFC West: Seahawks (+240, BetRivers)

The NFC West is a race between Seattle and San Francisco, and I really like the Seahawks in that derby.

I’m all in on NFL Comeback Participant of the 12 months Geno Smith. In the meantime, the 49ers are a large number on the quarterback place between Brock Purdy’s UCL, Trey Lance’s harm points and the change from Jimmy Garoppolo to Sam Darnold.

Seattle additionally put collectively one of many NFL’s finest drafts.

Betting on the NFL?

The Seahawks had been top-of-the-line offenses within the NFL final season, profitable 9 video games and incomes a playoff spot on Smith’s again.

So, Pete Carroll used the draft to get his up-and-coming quarterback extra weapons (WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba and RB Zach Charbonnet).

The Seahawks had been one of many worst defenses within the NFL final season.

So, Carroll used premiere picks to improve the secondary (high CB Devon Witherspoon with decide No. 5) and the move rush (OLB Derick Corridor with decide No. 37).

NFC West division odds
San Fransisco 49ers -182
Seattle Seahawks +240
Los Angeles Rams +800
Arizona Cardinals +2500

In the meantime, San Francisco took a security, tight finish and kicker with its first three picks.

The Seahawks received 9 video games whereas rebuilding in 2022 and may proceed their ascension.

The 49ers received 13 video games in 2022 however are due for a letdown 12 months — bear in mind, Kyle Shanahan has by no means received back-to-back division titles.

Guess on the up-and-coming ’Hawks in 2023.