I’m back with some more NFL futures today, but this time we’re analyzing two teams that are locks to make the 2020 NFL playoffs. Both bets are odds-on this time around.
You may remember my article on three underdogs to make the NFL playoffs last month. I predicted the Broncos (+175), Falcons (+220) and Texans (+150) would all make the playoffs this season.
The betting odds on all three teams have dropped since last month at America’s Bookie.
What NFL Teams Are Locks to Make the 2020-21 NFL Playoffs?
A few teams are almost certainly “locks” to make the NFL playoffs. The Ravens (-900), Chiefs (-1100), Saints (-340) and 49ers (-320) should all easily make the expanded NFL playoffs this season.
However, for the sake of this article, my “locks” need to be priced under –200 odds.
Bet on the Buffalo Bills to Make the Playoffs
Odds to Make the Playoffs: Yes (-190) vs. No (+155) at America’s Bookie
I’m high on the Bills after they had an amazing off-season.
Last month, I predicted the Bills would have the most regular season wins at +2000 odds.
Buffalo went 10-6 in 2019 and earned a wild card out of the AFC East. With Tom Brady gone, the Bills are now the best team in the division and they finally have a chance to dethrone the Patriots.
In 2018, Josh Allen threw for 2074 yards, 10 TDs and 12 INTs in 12 games. In 2019, he showed massive improvement – throwing for 3089 yards, 20 TDs and 9 INTs in 16 games. John Brown (72 receptions for 1060 yards and 6 TDs) was the team’s #1 WR last season.
The Bills retained Brown and Cole Beasley (67 receptions for 778 yards and 6 TDs), but they also went out and traded for Stefon Diggs (63 receptions for 1130 yards and 6 TDs). Diggs is a true #1 for Allen and he’ll also open up more space for Brown, Beasley and Dawson Knox.
Buffalo lost some defensive pieces this off-season, but they replaced them by bringing in some big names, including Mario Addison (Edge), Vernon Butler (DT), Quinton Jefferson (DE), E.J. Gaines (CB) and Josh Norman (CB). After allowing 16.5 PPG (2nd) last season, the defense could be even better.
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Bet on the Seattle Seahawks to Make the Playoffs
Odds to Make the Playoffs: Yes (-130) vs. No (+100) at America’s Bookie
Seattle went 11-5 and earned a wild card last season out of the tough NFC West.
Well, the division will be even tougher this season. The Cardinals are going to be better; the Rams are still a tough team and the 49ers are now the class of the division. Seattle’s defense is also still going to be a work in progress. They ranked #19 in points against (24.2 PPG) last season.
The reason why the Seahawks are locks to make the NFL playoffs is because of Russell Wilson.
Seattle like to run the football and they’ll need to have success on the ground again. Chris Carson (278 carries for 1230 yards and 7 TDs) will lead the RB group again, but if he continues to fumble, Carson may lose touches again. Carson fumbled six times last season (lost three fumbles).
As a team, the Seahawks rushed the football 481 times for 2200 yards and 15 TDs. Wilson only threw the football 517 times. They run almost 50% of the time, which keeps their defense off the field.
I’d like to see Seattle open things up a bit more in 2020. Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf combined for 1957 receiving yards last season and I expect both WRs to surpass 1000+ receiving yards each this season. Greg Olsen and could have a bounce back year with Seattle as well.
