NFL Betting: AFC Conference Odds
The 2020 NFL Draft didn’t cause much of a shakeup on the AFC conference futures odds, but they do look slightly different than they did a week ago.
The top of the futures at Bovada Sportsbook remains the same with the Kansas City Chiefs still the favorite at +275. The Chiefs added another offensive weapon in the draft by snagging running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire. The Chiefs offense potentially getting even better is not what opposing defenses needed.
Chiefs, Ravens remain atop AFC odds after draft
Behind the Chiefs on the odds list are the Baltimore Ravens at +325. That’s actually down slightly, as they were at +300 before the draft. The Ravens took linebacker Patrick Queen in the first round of the draft and he should improve an already fierce defense. Also keep an eye on running back J.K. Dobbin, who adds another dynamic piece to the Ravens backfield that already included Lamar Jackson and Mark Ingram.
Rounding out the top five on the AFC odds are the New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills and Pittsburgh Steelers, all at +1000. The Patriots and Bills are both up from +1100, while the Steelers moved up from +1200.
New England stands pat at quarterback
The Patriots did not draft a quarterback so unless they dip into the free-agent market, they’ll start the season with Jarrett Stidham behind center. With Tom Brady last season, New England had the No. 15 offense in the league. Will a quarterback who has attempted only four career passes be better?
The Bills have their best chance at competing in the AFC East in decades. Despite not having a first-round pick, they had a good draft, upgrading their depth charts with defensive end A.J. Epenesa and running back Zack Moss.
Are the Steelers overrated at +1000? It’s hard to say. Sure, they were 8-8 last season, but that was with Ben Roethlisberger playing only two games. Big Ben will have some new passing options this season in newly drafted wide receiver Chase Claypool and newly signed tight end Eric Ebron.
AFC South contenders’ odds slip after draft
One team that has seen its AFC title odds take a hit following the draft is the Tennessee Titans. Before the draft, the Titans were listed at +1100. Today you’ll find them at +1500. That put them behind the Indianapolis Colts, who have also dropped from +1200 to +1400.
The AFC South division could be a battle this season between a Titans squad that ran hot late last season all the way to the conference championship game, a Colts squad that is giving Philip Rivers one last shot at a title, and a Houston Texans squad that won the division last year but appears to have taken a step back.