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With the start of the 2024 NFL season inching closer, more odds continue to emerge. Obviously, it’s all future wagering as of now, but there are always intriguing props to check out.
We’ve been dissecting the ‘make/miss playoffs’ area over the past month or so, picking apart four teams at a time. There isn’t always value with these selections, but they appear to be ‘gimmes’ ahead of the season.
Here’s a look at four more teams in the league, along with our recommendations…
Kansas City Chiefs to Make (-600)
Your opponent may well concede short putts such as this one on the golf course. The Kansas City Chiefs have won the last two Super Bowls and the last eight titles in the AFC West. Sitting at -600, they are the puniest minus-money proposition to just get back into the playoffs.
While quarterback Patrick Mahomes has owned the division since entering the league back in 2017, there is reason to think the rest of those rivals won’t stink. There’s a new regime with the Los Angeles Chargers, a new quarterback with the Denver Broncos, and the Las Vegas Raiders have had their moments against the Chiefs.
Even if you’re of the opinion the Chiefs, 11-6 last season, may not win the West (they’re 1-4 [250]) on that board, they still figure to enter via the wild-card route.
KC will have another tremendous regular season, so this wager is very low-hanging fruit.
New England Patriots to Miss (-1600)
It’s sacrilege to see how the once-dynastic New England Patriots are no longer.
The former Patriots’ linebacker Jerod Mayo replaced Bill Belichick, who was around so long, it’s hard to remember this franchise before him (and some guy named Brady). Six titles (and 11 conference championships) have left town.
Having finished 4-13 last season and matching the Carolina Panthers as the league’s worst offense (13.9 points per game), there is much room to improve.
Defense did allow the team to hang around in some games last season, but this season is all about the development of (North Carolina) rookie quarterback Drake Maye.
Theoretically, this is a wager that’s available, but why bother?
New York Giants to Miss (-600)
There weren’t many positives with the New York Giants last season, having regressed to 6-11 after a surprising postseason berth.
New York was trying to rid itself of inconsistent/oft-injured quarterback Daniel Jones this past offseason, but no takers. In the backfield, it’s Devin Singletary as the ‘new’ Saquon Barkley, who’s down the Jersey Turnpike in Philadelphia.
Even the once-mighty Big Blue defense is no longer, certainly not as often.
Projected to win 6½ games this season (according to NFL regular-season wins) is not conducive to advancing, especially with much better NFC East rivals in Dallas and Philadelphia.
Giants missing the playoffs is another high-risk, low-reward wager, but it is what it is.
Washington Commanders to Miss (-325)
What to make of the new coach (Dan Quinn) and new quarterback (Jayden Daniels) Commanders? Washington finished 4-13 in 2023, mailing it in over much of the second half.
‘Changing the culture’ (love that) is among the first priorities with a team that lost its last eight. Washington surrendered a ghastly 518 points (also dead-last in total defense) in ‘23, outscored by 189 points overall.
As with aforementioned Drake Maye in New England, Daniels is giving this team hope…but not postseason hope. They’re -325 to miss, as per NFL playoff specials, and that’s how we’re going.
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