The annual preseason Hall of Fame Game is approaching quickly! NFL teams have reported to camp and are already facing injuries. Yes, it’s true, the NFL season is upon us. A more unique approach to your NFL futures bet is to parlay how teams will finish in their own division. Some of the books have made that pretty easy for us, offering division exacta bets for first and second place in each division. Today, we’re looking at the NFC’s four divisions and picking our exacta.
NFC South
The Buccaneers open as slight favorites in a wide-open NFC South. However, it won’t be an easy road, just as it wasn’t last year. Last year, the Carolina Panthers won the division.
Carolina added meaningful pieces on offense and defense during the offseason. A favorable schedule in a parity-driven division further helps their case. Consistent quarterback play and steady defensive improvement can push the Panthers to first place with enough wins to claim the title. Their recent growth shows they are ready to take the next step and finish ahead of the field.
I see the Buccaneers then settling into second place thanks to their established core and playoff experience. Tampa Bay still owns the talent to compete for postseason spots and has the veteran leadership needed to stay ahead of the Saints and Falcons. Even if they fall short of first, their ability to win enough games against division opponents keeps them locked into the runner-up position.
Pick: Panthers – Bucs (+850)
NFC West
The Rams sit as clear favorites to win the NFC West after a major defensive upgrade. Matthew Stafford continues to direct a high-powered offense capable of scoring in bunches. The addition of elite edge Myles Garrett strengthens an already physical front seven and should generate consistent pressure all season. That combination of offensive firepower and improved defense positions Los Angeles for a first-place finish with 11 or more wins.
The 49ers currently sit third in most books, behind the defending champion Seahawks. Yet, San Francisco returns a proven core that has claimed the West multiple times in recent years. Strong coaching, experienced skill players, and solid depth across the roster give them the tools to claim second place. The 49ers have shown the ability to win close games and stay healthy enough to challenge for the top spot when everything clicks. Any regression or injury issues for Seattle open a clear path for San Francisco to slide into the runner-up position. However, the 49ers also need to try and stay healthy.
The Rams look like the safest bet to finish first, while the 49ers offer a realistic and underpriced second-place option. Yes, I am fading the defending Super Bowl champions.
Pick: Rams – 49ers (+310)
NFC East
The Eagles remain favorites in the NFC East after winning consecutive division titles. However, there is one other team I think holds some value in NFL futures. Just don’t show this to Sean or Kramer.
Dallas made significant defensive upgrades that address previous weaknesses in the offseason. Their high-powered offense returns and should continue producing points at a high level. Those combined improvements position the Cowboys to leapfrog Philadelphia and finish first in the East. The Eagles also have a much tougher schedule than Dallas.
The Eagles still possess elite talent and coaching stability that should secure them the second spot. Philadelphia’s roster depth and experience in close games keep them ahead of the Commanders and Giants. Even if they drop a few more contests than expected, their overall quality ensures a strong second-place finish and another playoff appearance. We’ll see if life without AJ Brown is painful or painless, but this team continues to go through changes.
This exact order offers major value for our NFC Exacta Division Bets. Selecting the Cowboys first and the Eagles second takes advantage of Dallas’s improved defense while respecting Philadelphia’s consistent floor. The East remains competitive, but these two teams stand out as the most likely to finish 1-2.
Pick: Cowboys – Eagles (+375)
NFC North
The Lions hold the shortest odds to win the NFC North, despite finishing fourth last season. However, as a homer pick as it seems, the Bears still present a strong case for first place.
Caleb Williams enters another year of growth in a coaching system that already delivered a division title. Chicago’s home performances remain a major strength, and a balanced attack on both sides of the ball can produce consistent results. The Bears showed they can win the North once and have the young talent to do it again. A favorable mix of games against division rivals and a rising defense support a first-place finish with double-digit wins. They should take a step forward on defense, where they upgraded in speed.
The Packers are second in the division odds, and I think that’s right where they fall. Green Bay had a lot of receiver turnover, which will be interesting to watch play out on the field. However, their offensive line and running game provide a reliable foundation that should keep them competitive week after week. The North remains tight, yet Chicago’s momentum and Green Bay’s consistency make this exact finish a smart and realistic play.
Pick: Bears – Packers (+850)
