The NFL season is fast approaching, with the Hall-of-Fame game a little over a week away. Here at SGPN, College Football team previews are rolling along, as well as all 32 NFL team previews. We continue to search high and low for every NFL futures market to bet on, and that leads us to an important question. Who will be the AFC Conference’s #1 seed in the playoffs? Let’s dive in and look at the odds for all 16 teams, and who the best bets are.
Last season, the Denver Broncos surprised many by grabbing the #1 seed in the AFC. It was a race of teams not many expected most of the season. The Indianapolis Colts controlled the #1 seed for the first 10 weeks before their epic collapse. The New England Patriots and Jacksonville Jaguars were in the mix with the Broncos as well. All teams that weren’t in the “favorites” category.
The AFC of 2026 feels like it could go the same way. The Ravens are the favorites, but there is uncertainty with a new coaching staff. Buffalo is in the same boat when it comes to coaching, as Joe Brady takes over. The Chiefs are facing injury questions as Patrick Mahomes returns and their team doesn’t feel like the “super team” of years past. It’s a wide-open AFC; let’s take advantage of that with our bets!
AFC Conference #1 Seed Odds
Baltimore Ravens +400
Buffalo Bills +500
Kansas City Chiefs +750
Los Angeles Chargers +750
New England Patriots +1000
Denver Broncos +1000
Cincinnati Bengals +1000
Houston Texans +1000
Jacksonville Jaguars +1100
Indianapolis Colts +2500
Pittsburgh Steelers +3000
Tennessee Titans +7500
Cleveland Browns +10000
Las Vegas Raiders +12500
New York Jets +20000
Miami Dolphins +30000
AFC Conference #1 Seed Best Bets
Los Angeles Chargers (+750)
There are a few times I’m higher on going into 2026 than the Los Angeles Chargers. Year three of Jim Harbaugh and Justin Herbert, adding Mike McDaniel as the offensive coordinator. The team they are building. I love everything about it. Los Angeles will be a team to watch all season. I already have them down as a team that is going to establish themselves as one of the teams to beat. Why not make them the best in the AFC? Justin Herbert will be in the mix as an MVP candidate, and with the uncertainty of the teams above them in odds, it’s an easy bet.
Houston Texans (+1000)
I love the Texans just as much as I love the Chargers heading into 2026. This defense is scary. They were an elite unit in 2025 that carried the team while Davis Mills made starts and CJ Stroud struggled. If Stroud can get back on track and stay healthy, watch out in 2026. This offensive unit has the ability to be extremely explosive. Stroud playing to the level he’s shown he can, David Montgomery added to the backfield with Woody Marks. Nico Collins has turned into a star wide receiver. Tank Dell should be back, and if Jayden Higgins can continue to blossom, they’ll be tough to beat. This defense will carry them to the playoffs, and Houston could easily be the best team in the AFC.
Indianapolis Colts (+2500)
Unlike the Chargers and Texans, the Colts are a team I don’t believe in in 2026. What a weird way to start trying to sell you on a bet, huh? Well, value is value, and I see it in this Colts team. We’re simply betting on potential, the glimpses we saw last year, and most importantly, the number. 25/1 odds for the team that started the year 8-2 last season and was clearly in control of the AFC seem a bit crazy.
There are plenty of reasons to doubt this team in 2026. But that’s for another article. The ceiling is there. Suppose Daniel Jones returns to the form of the first 10 weeks before his injury last season. We know Jonathan Taylor is one of the best backs in the league. Tyler Warren is scary good, and they paid Alex Pierce. Their defense isn’t too shabby either. It’s worth the possibility at the number!
