Any sports fan can understand the unrivaled buzz that the arrival of a fresh season brings. New coaches, new tactics, new players and the excitement of finally watching our beloved teams again after months of waiting.
Much of the excitement around this year’s season is owing to a particularly crazy offseason that saw some incredible trades and transfers. NFL mainstays such as Deshaun Watson, Russell Wilson and Tyreek Hill will all play in different jerseys this year.
The line between favorite and underdog seems particularly blurred this year. Several teams look good enough to win a championship.
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Favorites
The Buffalo Bills currently sit as slight favorites for the Super Bowl at +600. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are just behind with +700.
In AFC North, the Baltimore Ravens are slight division favoritesaccording to the NFL odds at +160. The Cincinnati Bengals are not too far behind at +190.
In AFC South, the Indianapolis Colts are firm favorites at -125. Oddsmakers are not giving Houston Texas much of a chance at +4,000.
AFC West is tipped to be one of the most competitive leagues with the oddsmakers putting all teams close. The Kansas City chiefs edge it at +195.
Unsurprisingly, the Super Bowl favorites are also tipped to win AFC East with -240 odds.
In NFC East, Dallas Cowboys edge out the odds to win the division at +135. Philadelphia Eagles are at +155.
The Green Bay Packers are heavy favorites for NFC North at -180.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are the team to watch in NFC South. At -230, they are the biggest favorites to win their division out of anyone.
Oddsmakers have tipped NFC West to also be close. The Rams edge out the 49ers at odds of +125 to +175.
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AFC West
Any keen football fan will understand the potential of the AFC West division this year. Multiple acquisitions, offensive coaches and quality players in every area are sure to make unmissable viewing.
The new arrivals to the division include Russel Wilson, Randy Gregory, Devante Adams and more. Although the Chiefs have dominated in recent years, winning six consecutive titles, this year is set up to be fiercely competitive.
NFC West
If preseason is anything to go by, the San Francisco 49ers could be extremely competitive this season, owing mostly to Trey Lance. NFC West is home to the defending Super Bowl champions in the Rams who have themselves strengthened with the additions of Wager and Robison.
AFC East
The Buffalo Bills have probably the strongest squad in all of football and are Super Bowl favorites for a reason. With smart acquisitions in defense with Von Miller, anything less than the division title would be unacceptable.
Despite this, the Miami Dolphins shouldn’t be overlooked and have themselves done some clever business. This includes the signings of Tyreek Hill, Terron Armstead and Chase Edmonds.
AFC North
The big news in AFC North is the massive 11 game suspension for Deshaun Watson. This is a huge blow for the Browns which could seriously dent their playoff prospects.
Don’t be surprised to see the Bengals retain their division title this year.
NFC East
The Philadelphia Eagles surprised everyone last year which made for some very entertaining football and will hopefully continue this year. Although the Cowboys look good defensively, there undoubtedly cracks offensively which could jeopardize their chances of winning another title.
Amari Cooper and Cedrick Wilson have been lost whilst James Washington and Michael Gallup are sidelined with injuries.
AFC South
Tennessee Titans have been the champions recently, however, there are plenty backing the Colts. Matt Ryan is a huge reason for this and is constantly showing his class.
Not only have the Colts strengthened, the Titans look weaker with the departure of A.J. Brown. Whether the result of injuries or bad form, their offense isn’t instilling confidence.
NFC North
Green Bay Packers have won the last three division titles and are heavily tipped to make it four. Aaron Rodgers is perhaps the team’s strongest asset, having picked up two league MVP awards consecutively.
The Detroit Lions mid-season revival last year in spite of a disastrous start showed they can’t be written off.
NFC South
Tom Brady is what much of the hype in this division is around. Still showing class despite his age, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be very strong this season.
The Buccaneers should at least seal the division title and get a playoff run. It would surprise everyone if New Orleans don’t manage to secure second place.
There are few things football fans look forward to more than the arrival of the new season. In a year that seems particularly competitive, there is no doubt that the campaign will be both entertaining and memorable.
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