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2018 NFL Betting Futures: Rams Are Strong Favorites in the NFC West Odds

The Los Angeles Rams surprised many last year by easily winning the NFC West title with an 11-5 mark, finishing two games ahead of the Seattle Seahawks. This season, the Rams are strong -130 in these NFC West odds (bet $130 to win $100) to repeat as division champions. What about the other rebuilding teams, including the Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers and Arizona Cardinals?

Who Are The Favorites In The NFC West Odds?

Los Angeles had one of the most balanced squads in the NFL in 2017 with a strong offense and defense. On paper, they improved on both sides of the ball this offseason in hopes of making a run at the Super Bowl. Offensively, the Rams added two new wide receivers in Brandin Cooks and Robert Woods. They also picked up defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, along with cornerbacks Aqib Talib and Marcus Peters. In theory, this trio should make the defense even better. If third-year quarterback Jared Goff continues to make strides, then this team will have a solid shot to not only win the NFC West again, but also go deep into the postseason.

Are The 49ers Worth The Hype?

The 49ers are listed as the +275 second choice (bet $100 to win $275). Most of the hype surrounding this team comes from one player – quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. The fourth-year player went a perfect 5-0 after taking over as San Francisco’s starter following his trade from the New England Patriots. “Jimmy G” was an instant upgrade to the offense. While Garoppolo certainly looks like the real deal, questions remain about his supporting cast. Also, there are concerns about how the defense stacks up against other teams in the division. Keep in mind, the 49ers went 1-10 in their first 11 games last year without him. Their NFL online betting odds could be the most intriguing to watch this season.

Can The Seahawks Still Be A Threat?

Despite taking a step back last year at 9-7, Seattle has still won the NFC West in three of the previous five seasons. They also have one of the most dynamic signal-callers in the league in Russell Wilson. The Seahawks may hold some value to win the division as the +400 third choice. However, a lot of that obviously depends on how Wilson and their defense performs. Gone are defensive end Michael Bennett (Philadelphia Eagles) and cornerback Richard Sherman (San Francisco), two leaders who will be sorely missed. Tight end Jimmy Graham also signed with the Green Bay Packers as a free agent. Wilson will need to find some other weapons that can help him out. One figures to be rookie running back Rashaad Penny, their first-round selection in the 2018 NFL Draft.

How Much Of A Longshot Are The Cardinals?

The Cardinals won the division in 2015. But they enter this year with the longest NFC West odds to take home the title at +1200. With a new head coach in Steve Wilks and a new quarterback – likely veteran Sam Bradford over rookie Josh Rosen – Arizona will be hard-pressed to contend, even after a solid 8-8 campaign in 2017. Bradford’s injury history is a major concern. But the Cardinals will also have Mike Glennon and Rosen, in case he gets hurt again. Rosen appears to have a promising future as their first-round pick. Future Hall of Fame wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald can aid in his transition.