128 days until kickoff! 128 days until NFL regular season football! And with that announcement, it’s time to dive into some post-draft NFL futures that are looking promising. The draft delivered excitement across the league and a record number of trades, but who in this year’s draft class will be able to deliver for their team and our futures bets? Alright, enough talk; let’s dive into some futures! (Odds as of 5/1/2023, as always, please bet responsibly)
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Top 10 Post-Draft NFL Futures to Bet
1. Philadelphia Eagles to Win the NFC East, +115, DraftKings
If you read my previous article, this will be no surprise. I would have been high on this bet before the draft, but with the absolute clinic the Eagles front office put on in the draft, plus trading during the draft to acquire D’Andre Swift, I absolutely love this. There is no way the Eagles should be plus money when teams like Kansas City and San Francisco are minus money to win their divisions.
2. Kansas City Chiefs to Win the AFC West, -150, DraftKings
This bet isn’t my favorite type of bet because there is little juice here, but Kansas City will easily win the division. Patrick Mahomes has a new, exciting pass catcher in Rashee Rice, while the Chiefs also address needs on the offensive and defensive line. While the Chiefs didn’t have an overly impressive draft, neither did any of their division rivals. Look for the Chiefs to repeat as division champs.
3. Cincinnati Bengals to Win the AFC North, +120, DraftKings
On top of having an already impressive team, the Cincinnati Bengals had a great 2023 draft, adding an immediate impact player in EDGE Myles Murphy, getting two impressive upgrades for their secondary in CB DJ Turner and S Jordan Battle, while also adding depth at skill positions with WR Charlie Jones and RB Chase Brown.
While the Ravens did FINALLY get the Lamar Jackson contract situation figured out, and the Steelers had a great 2023 (2nd to only the Philadelphia Eagles, in my opinion), it doesn’t feel like either team has enough to give the Bengals a run for the money. Of course, I’m only mentioning the Browns at the end to remind everyone that they’re still in the division. Count on the Bengals to follow suit with the Chiefs in the AFC West and repeat as AFC North division champs.
4. Philadelphia Eagles to Win the NFC Conference, +350, DraftKings
Again, this shouldn’t be a surprise if you’ve read my previous article, as I genuinely think we’re heading towards a Super Bowl rematch for the 2023-2024 season. I’ve listed the Eagles above Kansas City because the Eagles will have the path of least resistance to reach the Super Bowl for the upcoming season. Look for Jalen Hurts and company to have another MVP-like season, get Philadelphia the first-round bye, and lead the city of brotherly love to another Super Bowl appearance.
5. Kansas City Chiefs to Win the AFC Conference, +380, DraftKings
As mentioned above, I’m predicting a Super Bowl rematch. But, for that to happen, Kansas City must win the AFC Conference to meet the Eagles for another exciting Super Bowl matchup.
I listed the Chiefs below the Eagles because there could be a little more resistance in the way of the Chiefs making a second straight Super Bowl appearance and a third appearance out of the past four Super Bowls. But, again, as mentioned above, the Bengals had an impressive draft and could be the only team that can genuinely give the Chiefs a challenge in the playoffs.
But Travis Kelce and company get it done in the AFC Conference for the second year in a row, giving us the second annual Kelce Bowl.
6. Cincinnati Bengals to Win the AFC Conference, +500, BetMGM
If you’re not high on the Chiefs to repeat as the AFC Conference Champions, then the Bengals must be the move. The Chiefs and the Bengals are the top two teams in the AFC, and that gap is growing, especially with the Bills having a relatively weak 2023 draft and not making much noise/improvements during the off-season. So count on the Bengals to win the AFC if you’re not high on the Chiefs.
7. Seattle Seahawks to Win the NFC West, +275, BetMGM
The Seattle Seahawks getting Jaxon Smith-Njigba as the 20th overall pick could be the pick of the 2023 draft that we look back at and wonder how he went so late in the draft. JSN instantly gives Geno Smith a triple threat at WR.
Oh yeah, the Seahawks also got CB Devon Witherspoon with the fifth overall pick, giving the Seahawks another playmaker who can keep up with San Francisco’s offensive weapons.
Speaking of San Francisco, the quarterback conundrum could cost them a few wins throughout the season. However, with Seattle improving on both sides of the ball and picking up a few more wins than last season and San Francisco dropping a few games due to inconsistent quarterback play, look for Seattle to surprise everyone by winning the NFC West.
8. New York Giants to make the playoffs, +145, DraftKings
In case anyone needs a reminder, the New York Giants made the playoffs last year. Brian Daboll and the Giants don’t get enough credit for their turnaround as a franchise and the right direction they are heading in. The Giants getting Darren Waller during the offseason is a move that is going to pay dividends for the Giants.
The Giants followed that up with an impressive 2023 draft class, which involved Daboll making a trade call to Sean McVay of the Los Angeles Rams. The trade call resulted in the Giants landing Jalin Hyatt. Additionally, the Giants addressed needs throughout the draft, improving both their depth and immediate needs.
While the Giants won’t be able to slow down the Eagles, I’m looking for them to continue trending in the right direction, surpass the Cowboys for 2nd in the NFC East, and make the playoffs again as a wild card.
9. San Francisco 49ers Under 11.5 Regular Season Wins, -140, DraftKings
Following up on the quarterback woes that the 49ers will find themselves in the upcoming season. 11.5 is way too high for the 49ers. Yes, I understand they won 13 games last year. Yes, I know they have a lot of offensive firepower. But I’m starting to feel that the 49ers are getting overhyped and will not live up to expectations. The quarterback position is the anchor of any team, and with uncertainty at the position, look for the 49ers’ win total to sink more than expected.
10. Philadelphia Eagles to beat Kansas City Chiefs, Super Bowl Exact Result, +4500, DraftKings
(or Kansas City Chiefs to beat Philadelphia Eagles +4000 or Philadelphia Eagles to beat Cincinnati Bengals +5000 or Cincinnati Bengals to beat Philadelphia Eagles +4500 DraftKings)
I probably could have found another future I like as much as this, but I like the Eagles to avenge their loss last year and beat the Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII. The Eagles and the Chiefs are a few steps ahead of the rest of the league, with the Bengals just a little behind. I like the Eagles as the clear NFC favorite and eventual Super Bowl LVIII winner, but depending on how you feel about the Chiefs or the Bengals making it out of the AFC, play to your liking.