Predicting every AFC win total for the 2019 season
In the coming months, bettors will be wagering on NFL win totals for the 2019 season. Before making any picks, we're taking a stab at predicting the opening numbers.
After covering the NFC, here are our projections for the AFC.
AFC EastBuffalo Bills - 6 (Over +110, Under +130)Josh Allen sparking hope during the 2018 stretch run aside, the Bills will likely still battle it out with the Dolphins to avoid the AFC East basement.
Miami Dolphins - 5.5 (Over +100, Under -120)Miami was more lucky than good while getting past its 6.5 win total in 2018 during a 7-9 season. There's a potential drop-off looming as the Dolphins search for a franchise quarterback under a new head coach.
New England Patriots - 11 (Over -110, Under -110)The Patriots will be a fixture in the AFC again, though we're not giving them the highest win total in the conference.
New York Jets - 6.5 (Over -105, Under -125)A second-year Sam Darnold paired with Adam Gase should be enough to inject life into the Jets' fan base. But this team is still years away from contention, or even a winning record.
AFC NorthBaltimore Ravens - 8.5 (Over -110, Under -110)The Lamar Jackson show has officially started in Baltimore, and he's not even the most hyped second-year quarterback in the division. The Ravens still have a juggernaut defense, but they're a couple offensive pieces away from separating in the AFC North.
Cleveland Browns - 8 (Over -130, Under +110)The Browns' win total will arguably be the most intriguing to watch once it's posted. There will be a huge over shift on the public's stance. After not wanting anything to do with them, recreational bettors will pounce on the Browns with Baker Mayfield under center and a competent coaching staff on the sideline.
Cincinnati Bengals - 6 (Over +110, Under -130)The Bengals looked like a dark horse last year before injuries interrupted their momentum. Now, they're taking over the Browns' spot as division bottom-feeders.
Pittsburgh Steelers - 9.5 (Over +100, Under -120)Here's another number that'll be fascinating to watch as it fluctuates, given all the drama surrounding the Steelers. The Browns are attracting Super Bowl bets, and the Ravens are coming off the lone postseason berth in the division. But it wouldn't be surprising if Pittsburgh opens with the best win total of the bunch.
AFC SouthHouston Texans - 8.5 (Over -115, Under -105)The AFC South has been a pretty quirky division in recent seasons, and it should be a fun race to the finish line again in 2019. Here, the Texans get the same number they closed with in 2018.
Indianapolis Colts - 9 (Over +100, Under -120)The Colts should be a public darling after making a run to the AFC divisional round behind a healthy Andrew Luck. They have the third-shortest odds among AFC teams to win the Super Bowl.
Jacksonville Jaguars - 6.5 (Over -125, Under -105)The Jaguars are pretty volatile entering 2019. Are they a quarterback away from contention? And was their 2017 defensive production a fluke? You could give Jacksonville a win total anywhere between five and eight, and it wouldn't raise an eyebrow.
Tennessee Titans - 7.5 (Over -130, Under +110)Some liked the Titans as a sleeper in 2018. Now, they'll likely lose public attraction as the Texans and Colts surge.
AFC WestDenver Broncos - 6.5 (Over +100, Under -120)The Broncos were hot midway through the 2018 season before crumbling. The trade for Joe Flacco actually sends their Super Bowl odds in the opposite direction.
Los Angeles Chargers - 10 (Over -110, Under -110)Every year is the Chargers' year!
Kansas City Chiefs - 11.5 (Over -110, Under -110)Here's the highest win total in the conference, and it's tied for the most in the league with the Los Angeles Rams. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes defied the odds during his first season as a starter. Better defensive play should balance out any regression the Chiefs get from their young pivot.
Oakland Raiders - 5 (Over -105, Under -115)The lone source of hope for the reeling Raiders will be an exciting upcoming draft that includes three first-round picks, and four in the top 35. However, the club is still in a pretty ugly situation overall.
Alex Kolodziej is theScore's betting writer. He's a graduate of Eastern Illinois who has been involved in the sports betting industry for 11 years. He can quote every line from "Rounders" and appreciates franchises that regularly wear alternate jerseys. Find him on Twitter @AlexKoIodziej.
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