NFL Previews 
MLB Previews 
NBA Previews 
NHL Previews 
Soccer Previews 
The MLB’s Houston Astros have been the team to beat in the AL West for the past few seasons and the Oakland Athletics did just that in 2020 with a healthy seven-game lead over the shortened 60-game MLB schedule.
The MLB betting futures to win that division this season have been posted on the board of most online sportsbooks. Those betting odds already suggest that Oakland remains the team to beat in 2021.
Oakland Athletics Team Preview 2021
AL West Odds: +110
The A’s took the top spot in the division standings with a record of 36-24 last year. Despite an unexpected early exit from the postseason, Oakland gets the early nod as the team to beat in the AL West again in 2021.
The issue could be Oakland keeping pace over the regular 162-game stretch. The team is loaded with a few excellent players but it definitely overachieved last season as a collective unit. Fueled by an ability to put quite a few runs on the board, the A’s have the making of an AL wild card team. They may be a bit overvalued in their +110 to repeat as division champs.
Shop for the Best MLB Betting Lines
Houston Astros Team Preview 2021
AL West Odds: +175
Houston’s string of three-straight AL West titles highlighted by a World Series run in 2017 came to an end with a losing record of 29-31 last year. Given all the surrounding circumstances, I would be quick to give the Astros the benefit of the doubt as the best team in the AL West.
The loss of outfielder George Springer is a big hole to fill. There is also a few other concerns throughout the starting lineup and pitching staff. Yet, the core talent on this team will now have a full complement of regular season games to regain its place at the top of the standings.
Los Angeles Angels Team Preview 2021
AL West Odds: +375
The Angels are put together well enough to keep things interesting as third-favorites. They went 26-34 to take a step forward from a just 72 wins in a 162 games in 2020. They will begin the new season much healthier at a few key positions. The trio of Mike Trout, Anthony Rendon and David Fletcher still commands the attention of opposing teams.
As with most of the also-rans in the race for a division title, Los Angeles does not have the starting rotation or bullpen to keep pace with the top two teams in the AL West. There is still some time to address that issue but it will probably be a case of too little too late.
Professional MLB Handicapper Picks
Seattle Mariners Team Preview 2021
AL West Odds: +2200
As a longshot with high odds to win the division title, Seattle is one of those teams that could stun everyone by taking a big step forward. Yet, the roster is fragile enough to send the Mariners to the bottom of the list.
They did win 27 games to finish third last year after posting just 68 wins in 2019. Historical trends is another concern. You would have to go all the way back to the 2001 season to find the last time Seattle won an AL West title.
Texas Rangers Team Preview 2021
AL West Odds: +3300
Texas has nowhere to go but up after winning 22 games last year. This followed a respectable 78-84 record the year before. The longer odds on the board properly highlight the team’s chances to be competitive in 2021. This total rebuild is going to take a few more seasons to make a lasting impact.
Joey Gallo stands out in the staring lineup with Jose LeClerc a bright spot in the bullpen. The rest of the roster is uninspiring at best.
