One unique thing about the NFL’s scheduling process is its parity. In the other major sports leagues, the schedule basically stays the same from one year to the next in terms of who you face. In the NFL, though, if you win your division, you play the first-place teams in the other divisions in your conference — and now, with the addition of a 17th game, a team from the other conference based on common finish. This means that teams that did poorly one year have an easier schedule the next and that teams that did well have a harder schedule. So teams that are sports betting longshots to make the playoffs often squeak in — making these wagers more likely to pay than their counterparts in the other major sports.
We have four teams for you to consider when thinking about NFL betting odds to make the playoffs..
NFL News: Longshot Picks to Make the Playoffs
N.Y. Giants
Before you laugh, the Giants would have gone to the playoffs if Philadelphia had beaten Washington in Week 17 last season. However, the Eagles mysteriously pulled Jalen Hurts from the game, leaving backup quarterback Nate Sudfeld to run the offense in the third quarter. Washington held on and won the division, but the way the game was going in the third quarter, the Eagles had a definite chance to win. The decision to pull Hurts likely played a role in the firing of head coach Doug Pedersen…who has yet to find employment elsewhere despite his Super Bowl title. The Giants will have tailback Saquon Barkley back, and their defense was stout last year. The offensive line has a year more of experience under its belt, and Daniel Jones won’t be playing hurt at quarterback. In the NFC East, there really isn’t a dominant-looking team. I like Washington to win the division, but with some breaks, the Giants could take the East’s playoff spot instead.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Remember, this is a list of longshots. But Trevor Lawrence does have the talent to use a quality group of wide receivers and put up points. The defensive roster is definitely a question mark, but the team has a new coordinator putting in a defense that mirrors what Baltimore does. Let’s say that Carson Wentz implodes in Indianapolis, the Titans don’t figure out their defensive woes, and the Texans are as dreadful as everyone thinks. The Jaguars could sneak to nine or ten wins and win this division.
Arizona Cardinals
Of these four teams, the Cardinals are my top pick to get to the postseason. The team’s running game has been decent, but the passing game has actually stagnated, despite the presence of Kyler Murray, who could lead an elite offense. The Cardinals almost got to the playoffs last season, and the team has added a few veterans, including J.J. Watt, who could get them over the top. I don’t see the Rams getting the same jolt from Matthew Stafford that a lot of people do, and the 49ers also have transition at quarterback. Seattle has some question marks on defense, so the Cardinals definitely have some space here.
Atlanta Falcons
Yes, the Falcons went 4-12 in 2020, but their point differential was just -18. Their coaching staff has some new arrivals from Tennessee, with Arthur Smith replacing Dirk Koetter. That should upgrade the offense, and the defense will improve under Dean Pees. Kyle Pitts arrives to join a passing game that has opportunities after the departure of Julio Jones via trade. The Saints are working in a new quarterback, the Panthers are rebuilding and the Buccaneers could have some Super Bowl hangover to deal with. But can Matt Ryan really deliver?
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