NFL Betting Futures Update: Chiefs Only Change Among Favorites

Is one week into the new NFL season too early to predict the division winners in the AFC? The AFC division odds have been available for months and with one game down, the oddsmakers have already made a few changes.

AFC Division Odds: Patriots Still Ruling The East

Let’s start in the AFC East, where there are no big surprises. The New England Patriots are heavily favored to win the division again at -1300. New England won the division for the ninth straight season last year. They have also won it in 14 of the last 15 seasons.

The Miami Dolphins follow New England on the odds list at +1000. The Jets have been bumped up to +1200 after their surprising rout of the Detroit Lions in Week 1. However, it will likely take a miracle, or injury to Tom Brady, for them to surpass New England. We haven’t mentioned the Buffalo Bills yet because at +8000 betting on them is basically throwing your money away

AFC Division Odds: Even Without Bell, Steelers Are Still On Top of the North

Moving on to the AFC North, where the Pittsburgh Steelers are the favorite to win their third straight division title at -140. The Steelers didn’t get off to a great start, tying the Cleveland Browns in their opener, but the real concern in the Steel City is the ongoing contract squabble with Le’Veon Bell. If his holdout continues, it could hamper the Steelers’ chances. That the Steelers reportedly removed Bell from their Week 2 depth chart is certainly not a good sign.

If the Steelers do falter the favorite to unseat them in the division are the Baltimore Ravens at +250. The Ravens pummeled the Bills in Week 1. But until they get a real test against a contender, you might want to hold off jumping on that bandwagon. Rounding out the odds are the Cincinnati Bengals at +550, and the Cleveland Browns at +1100. Week 2’s Ravens-Bengals matchup on Thursday could be crucial.

AFC Division Odds: Jaguars Sit Atop The South

In the AFC South, the Jacksonville Jaguars are favored to repeat as champs at even money right now. The Jaguars won’t sneak up on anyone like they did last season, but they still appear to be the class of a mediocre division.

Following the Jaguars on the odds are the Houston Texans at +200. Houston’s chances of winning the division likely depend on quarterback Deshaun Watson, who was establishing himself last season before a season-ending knee injury. The longer shots in the AFC South are the Tennessee Titans at +600, and the Indianapolis Colts at +700.

AFC Division Odds: Chiefs New Favorites In Tight West

The AFC West may be the toughest division to call with the oddsmakers giving three teams a legitimate shot. The Kansas City Chiefs are the favorites at +140, followed by the Los Angeles Chargers at +200 and the Denver Broncos at +275.

The Chiefs did themselves a big favor last week by beating the Chargers. The Chiefs are 17-1 straight up in their last 18 divisional games and if they can keep that up they could roll to another division title. The longshot in the division are the Oakland Raiders at +1000. Jon Gruden’s return doesn’t mean much to the oddsmakers who are probably more concerned that Oakland traded away their best player for no immediate help in return.