As the dust settles on the first two weeks of the NFL season, playoff odds are already fluctuating. While the journey to Super Bowl LIX is just beginning, some teams are solidifying their postseason aspirations, while others are facing an uphill battle. Let’s delve into the current playoff odds for all 32 teams, assessing their chances of making the cut based on early performances and expert analysis.
AFC Playoff Picture: Early Favorites and Emerging Contenders
The AFC landscape is as competitive as ever, with perennial powerhouses and rising stars vying for playoff berths.
AFC North: A Tight Race to the Finish
The AFC North is shaping up to be a nail-biter, with three teams boasting strong playoff potential. The Baltimore Ravens, led by the electric Lamar Jackson, are early favorites with -250 odds, reflecting their strong start and dynamic offense. The Cincinnati Bengals, with a healthy Joe Burrow back at the helm, are close behind at -145, poised for another deep playoff run. The Cleveland Browns, at +160, are a wild card, their success hinging on the performance of quarterback Deshaun Watson. Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Steelers, facing an uphill climb at +115, hope to defy expectations and remain in contention.
AFC East: Bills Remain the Team to Beat
The Buffalo Bills, despite a few early hiccups, are still the frontrunners in the AFC East with a commanding -380 odds. Their explosive offense, led by quarterback Josh Allen, makes them a constant threat. The New York Jets, bolstered by the acquisition of Aaron Rodgers, are also strong contenders at -210, but their ability to maintain consistency will be key. The Miami Dolphins, at +160, and the New England Patriots, facing long odds at +750, will need to string together some impressive wins to challenge for a wild card spot.
AFC South: Jaguars Aim for a Repeat
The Jacksonville Jaguars, last year’s surprise package, are favored to repeat as division champions with -550 odds, thanks to the continued development of quarterback Trevor Lawrence. The Indianapolis Colts, with new hope in rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson, have +300 odds, but their success will depend on his ability to adapt to the NFL. The Tennessee Titans, at +600, face an uphill battle in a competitive division, while the Houston Texans, at +1300, are focusing on building for the future.
AFC West: Chiefs Reign Supreme
The Kansas City Chiefs, with Andy Reid at the helm and Patrick Mahomes orchestrating the offense, are overwhelming favorites at -2500 to win the AFC West, a testament to their sustained dominance. The Los Angeles Chargers, at -115, and the Las Vegas Raiders, at +250, face an uphill battle against the Chiefs, but remain in the mix for a wild card berth. The Denver Broncos**, at +1300, are looking to bounce back from a disappointing season, but face a tough road to the playoffs.
NFC Playoff Picture: Familiar Faces and Potential Upsets
The NFC boasts a mix of established contenders and teams looking to make their mark in the postseason.
NFC East: A Battle Royale
The NFC East is poised for another thrilling season, with three teams harboring legitimate playoff aspirations. The Philadelphia Eagles, last year’s Super Bowl contenders, are favored to repeat as division champions with impressive -425 odds, fueled by a potent offense and a stifling defense. The Dallas Cowboys, at -195, are always in the mix, their success dependent on the performance of quarterback Dak Prescott. The Washington Commanders, at +425, are an intriguing dark horse, but need to prove their consistency. Meanwhile, the New York Giants, facing long odds at +2000, aim to build on last year’s surprise playoff appearance.
NFC North: Vikings Look to Fend Off Lions
The Minnesota Vikings, with a high-powered offense led by quarterback Kirk Cousins, are slight favorites at -110 to win the division. However, the Detroit Lions, at -200, are hot on their heels, their gritty defense and dynamic offense posing a serious threat. The Green Bay Packers, adjusting to life after Aaron Rodgers, face an uncertain future at +120. The Chicago Bears, at +160, are focused on the development of quarterback Justin Fields as they rebuild for the future.
NFC South: Saints Emerge as Early Favorites
The New Orleans Saints, with a resurgent Derek Carr leading the offense, have emerged as early favorites in the NFC South at -225. Their strong defense and efficient offense make them a formidable contender. The Atlanta Falcons, at -145, led by a young and talented roster, are also in the mix. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, navigating a post-Tom Brady era, face an uphill battle at -200, while the Carolina Panthers, at +3000, are in the midst of a rebuild.
NFC West: 49ers Remain the Class of the Division
The San Francisco 49ers, with a loaded roster and a Super Bowl pedigree, are the clear favorites in the NFC West at -500. Their dominant defense and explosive offense make them a force to be reckoned with. The Seattle Seahawks, at -135, are also contenders, fueled by the resurgence of quarterback Geno Smith. The Los Angeles Rams, at +500, are looking to rebound after an injury-plagued season, while the Arizona Cardinals, at +240, are focused on the development of quarterback Kyler Murray.
The Race is On: Buckle Up for an Exciting Season
The 2024-25 NFL season is shaping up to be another unforgettable ride. With playoff races heating up and surprise contenders emerging, the battle for Super Bowl LIX is guaranteed to be filled with twists and turns. As teams jockey for position and the stakes get higher, football fans are in for a wild ride.
