The wait for the NFL season is on. With the draft and free agency behind us, now is a good time to start evaluating teams. Today we look at last-place teams from the 2021 season and their odds to win their respective divisions this season. All of the Division Odds are powered by PointsBet.
New York Giants - Odds To Win NFC East +700
There seems to be a sense of optimism around the New York Giants this offseason. Pair up new Head Coach Brian Daboll with what looks like a successful draft on paper definitely has some hype around Big Blue. Fans think this could be the start of a turnaround. PointsBet has the Giants’ regular-season win Total set at 7.5, albeit heavily juiced to the Under at (-155). In order for the G-Men to have a successful season, quarterback Daniel Jones will need to have the best season of his career or run the risk of getting benched for a capable Tyrod Taylor, who the Giants added in the offseason.
The Giants have the advantage of playing in the NFC East. The once-proud division no longer houses title contenders. If Dak Prescott or Jalen Hurts were to miss significant time this season, the Giants could be in the mix. It’s a long shot but a few dollars at 7:1 on the Giants to win the east is worth the risk.
Detroit Lions - Odds to Win NFC North +1000
The Detroit Lions were lovable losers last season. The Lions suffered some heartbreaking losses on their way to a 3-13-1 season. Detroit did not win a single road game in 2021. Bettors loved the Lions, Detroit was 11-6 against the spread last season. The Lions will need to improve in many areas. Defensively they have to defend the run better. The Lions have some young talent on offense but Jared Goff is not the long-term answer at quarterback.
Even if the Packers were to falter this year, the Minnesota Vikings are in the best position to dethrone them. The Lions will compete just as hard this season as they did last season. I don’t see them winning their first division title since 1993, but they should double their win total from last season.
Carolina Panthers - Odds to Win NFC South +1200
If the Carolina Panthers don’t show some improvement this season, Head Coach Matt Rhule could be looking for a new job next offseason. QB Sam Darnold looks to be the starting quarterback at the moment, but I can see Baker Mayfield or Jimmy Garoppolo ending up in Carolina. That won’t help them win the NFC South but both players are better than Darnold. The Panthers were poor on offense last season. They were in the bottom five of total offense and passing offense. If RB Christian McCaffrey could stay on the field he may help, but the poor quarterback play is Carolina’s main issue.
Last season Carolina went 2-4 in the division and 3-9 in the conference. I see them drafting high in the 2023 NFL Draft. They may be good enough to have a better record than the Falcons, but that’s about it.
Seattle Seahawks - Odds to Win NFC West +1400
No team in the NFC is a higher long shot to win their division than the Seahawks. The Rams, Niners and Cardinals could all be playoff teams this season. Seattle’s quarterback room features Geno Smith, Drew Lock and Jacob Eason. Clearly, this is a glaring issue. They’re another team I could add Mayfield or Garoppolo.
The NFC West should be one of the better divisions in the league. If Trey Lance lives up to expectations, the Niners will be a tough out. The Cardinals are a well-coached team that is just missing a few pieces. Pete Carroll is a great head coach but without Russell Wilson, the Seahawks are not NFC West contenders. This could turn into a full-tank season for the birds.
