Examining the NFL AFC Division Betting Futures

Those who bet on the NFL know that we’re past the halfway point of the season (every team in the league has now played at least eight games), which means it’s time for some reflection. Bovada continually has their divisional futures posted and we’ll do a two-part look at the odds to evaluate who’s expected to win.

We’ll catch up with the NFC next week but for now, here’s our look at how the AFC divisional races are shaping up:

Odds to Win the 2014 AFC East Division
New England Patriots -1000
New York Jets +700
Miami Dolphins +900
Buffalo Bills +7500

The NFL online betting odds heavily favor the Patriots in this division and it’s pretty clear why. Have they been as dominant as in recent years? No. But is there anyone that can legitimately unseat them? Likely not. The Bills are a team that’s rebuilding, the New York Jets are very inconsistent while the Miami Dolphins – even with their offseason additions – aren’t ready for a seat at the big-boy table.

However, if you’re feeling bold, keep in mind that the Jets are only two games back, so with +700 NFL odds, they are an enticing option.

Odds to Win the 2014 AFC North Division

Cincinnati Bengals -1000
Cleveland Browns +700
Baltimore Ravens +900
Pittsburgh Steelers +2800

The Bengals have been the best team in the AFC North this season, which is why they are the heavy favorite on the NFL lines. The Cleveland Browns are using a third-string quarterback, the Pittsburgh Steelers have been a train wreck and the Baltimore Ravens look like anything but Super Bowl champions.

At the end of the day, the Bengals are 6-3 and everyone else in the division is below .500. They’ll have to do something catastrophic to blow this.

Odds to Win the 2014 AFC South Division

Indianapolis Colts -1200
Tennessee Titans +700
Houston Texans +2000

The AFC South looks like it’s the Colts division to lose but the loss of star receiver Reggie Wayne has opened the door a little bit. The Tennessee Titans have exceeded expectations this season and it has to be noted that they are 4-1 with starting quarterback Jake Locker in the lineup. They still have two contests against the Jacksonville Jaguars, which likely translates into a pair of wins, and they still have two meetings with the Colts. Although the Colts are a huge favorite NFL betting odds and probably will end up taking this division, the Titans will have a window of opportunity.

Odds to Win the 2014 AFC West Division

Denver Broncos -225
Kansas City Chiefs +160

The Chiefs have been a great weekly bet on the NFL point spread (6-3-0) and they are a perfect 9-0 on the season, which is better than the Broncos 7-1 record, but they are still an underdog to win the division. That’s mostly because the perception is that they’ve squeaked by in a number of their wins while the Broncos have looked impressive.

If you think defense trumps offense, the Chiefs are offering good value. If you’re looking for some NFL betting tips or nuggets, take note that these teams still have two meetings to play this season.