Well the headline pretty much sums its up. We’re taking a look at how Vegas is predicting the total wins for each NFL team this season and how you should bet accordingly. Say hello to Pete Rose when you get to the window. Omaha! Omaha! Hike!
Key: o=under; u=over. The numbers is (parentheses) correlate to payouts.
Arizona Cardinals o7.5 (-150) u7.5 (+120): If the Cardinals didn’t play in a division with the 49ers and Seahawks, eight wins would seem like a slam-dunk. Take the under and hope they take a step back instead of forward.
Atlanta Falcons o8.5 (even) u8.5 (-130): The Falcons weren’t themselves last year, so getting to nine wins seems like a reasonable goal. Even odds on the over make it a better bet.
Baltimore Ravens o8.5 (-115) u8.5 (-115): This is kind of the most confusing bet on the board, but it comes down to which Ravens team you think will show up. Their arrest-filled offseason has the under looking better and better.
Buffalo Bills o6.5 (-170) u6.5 (+140): It would be nice to think the Bills are going to be better this season but until they do actually have a decent season, it’s probably smarter to take the under and the nice payout.
Carolina Panthers o8 (even) u8 (-130): The third-best team in the NFC last season should be right back there again. Nine wins and the over seem reasonable and the even money isn’t bad.
Chicago Bears o8.5 (-170) u8.5 (+140): The Bears certainly don’t stink, but the overall quality of the division makes taking the over tough. Go under and take the larger payout.
Cincinnati Bengals o9 (-120) u9 (-110): Another tough call that comes down to somewhat of a coin flip. The Browns and Ravens should both be better this year, but Cincy still should be able to win 10 games.
Cleveland Browns o6.5 (-150) u6.5 (+120): The Browns will be better, but they are still the Browns. Bet on Johnny Football starting the season on the bench while the losses mount and go under.
Dallas Cowboys o7.5 (+130) u7.5 (-160): If the Cowboys don’t make the playoffs this year, heads will roll in Big D. Eight wins seems totally doable for a team that should finally get over the hump.
Denver Broncos o11.5 (+105) u11.5 (-135): Already the best team in the AFC, the Broncos got better. Denver should win at least 12 games in what could be one of Peyton Manning’s final years.
Detroit Lions o8.5 (-115) u8.5 (-115): The Lions can score points in bunches and their defense should be okay. They seem like a team that will improve this season, so nine wins looks about right.
Green Bay Packers o10.5 (-115) u10.5 (-115): After an injury-riddled season last year, the Pack will be back. Eleven wins for this star-studded team is not unrealistic in the slightest.
Houston Texans o7.5 (-145) u7.5 (+115): The Texans will be better with a new coach and a strengthened defense, but they still don’t have a quarterback. Go under and trust Ryan Fitzpatrick to be his old self.
Indianapolis Colts o9.5 (-130) u9.5 (even): The Colts will have a healthy Reggie Wayne and Andrew Luck will be even more experienced this year. The over of 10 wins looks too attainable to pass up.
Jacksonville Jaguars o4.5 (-185) u4.5 (+150): The increased payout if the Jags only get four wins or less seems like one of the better bets on the board.
Kansas City Chiefs o8.5 (+120) u8.5 (-150): The Chiefs look primed to backslide after a great first year on the sidelines for Andy Reid in Kansas City. Eight wins seems slightly low, but nine seems high.
Miami Dolphins o7.5 (even) u7.5 (-130): Miami is still a ways away from getting it together. Go under and watch the Fins fall apart by Week 10.
Minnesota Vikings o6 (-130) u6 (even): The Vikings are in a tough division and it’s unclear how the team will play with a new coach. Take the under to the bank.
New England Patriots o10.5 (-210) u10.5 (+170): Well the payout isn’t great, but the Pats addition of Darrelle Revis makes anything short of 12 wins a complete disappointment. Eleven victories this year seems very attainable.
New Orleans Saints o9.5 (-210) u9.5 (+170): The Saints always seem to be in the mix, unless they are having a “bountygate” situation, and ten wins seems like a solid bet.
New York Giants o8 (-130) u8 (even): The Giants were putrid last year and their division is always tough. It’s probably a coin-flip, but the under seems like a better bet.
New York Jets o7 (-160) u7 (+130): The Jets aren’t good, but beating up on the Dolphins and Bills should get them at least three wins. They are good enough to get an additional five on their own.
Oakland Raiders o4.5 (-225) u4.5 (+180): MJD isn’t enough to help raise the Raiders out of the AFC East basement. Take the under as they are still a couple years away from competing.
Philadelphia Eagles o9 (-130) u9 (even): The Eagles are another team that might come crashing back to Earth next year. If you believe in Nick Foles, take the over. If not, go under.
Pittsburgh Steelers o8.5 (-165) u8.5 (+135): The Steelers are playing in a division that should be better all-around. They’ll be lucky to get back to eight wins, let alone nine.
San Diego Chargers o8.5 (-110) u8.5 (-120): The Chargers always seem to compete and their division has the potential to be weak except for Denver. The over is the way to go.
San Francisco 49ers o10.5 (-120) u10.5 (-110): It’s basically a choice between the 49ers and the Seahawks. Pick the over for whichever team you think will win the division.
Seattle Seahawks o11 (-120) u11 (-110): It’s basically a choice between the 49ers and the Seahawks. Pick the over for whichever team you think will win the division.
St Louis Rams o7.5 (-165) u7.5 (+135): Similar to the Cardinals, it just seems like it will be really tough for the Rams to win eight games while playing in the NFC West. The increased payout on the under is the kicker.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers o7 (-155) u7 (+125): Six win or fewer for the Bucs seems like a realistic, and lucrative, number. Go for it.
Tennessee Titans o7 (-115) u7 (-115): Seven wins actually seems like the perfect number for the Titans, so this one has a great chance to end up as a push no matter which side you choose.
Washington Redskins o7.5 (-135) u7.5 (+105): Things were a mess in Washington last year and the team will almost certainly be better – their offense is too good. Eight wins is the least they should be able to accomplish.
All odds numbers are from Sportsbook as of 7/28.
Evan Bleier is a freelance writer based out of wherever he can plug in his laptop. You can send him questions, comments and Buffalo wing suggestions @itishowitis or “like” CraveOnline Sports on Facebook
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