NFL playoff odds: Buy Broncos, fade Patriots in 2020
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The NFL draft is still two weeks away, but there's no better time to find value on next season's playoff odds than at the tail end of free agency. Rosters are nearly complete ahead of the summer, but the betting market hasn't quite caught up to a few teams' likely playoff fates.
Here are each team's playoff odds at theScore Bet in New Jersey, followed by a few of the best bets to make (and miss) the postseason.
| TEAM | MAKE | MISS |
|---|---|---|
| 49ers | -380 | +300 |
| Bears | +120 | -140 |
| Bengals | +750 | -1100 |
| Bills | -185 | +165 |
| Broncos | +210 | -250 |
| Browns | +135 | -155 |
| Buccaneers | -170 | +150 |
| Cardinals | +290 | -350 |
| Chargers | +180 | -220 |
| Chiefs | -900 | +600 |
| Colts | -165 | +145 |
| Cowboys | -210 | +175 |
| Dolphins | +500 | -700 |
| Eagles | -230 | +190 |
| Falcons | +220 | -260 |
| Giants | +330 | -400 |
| Jaguars | +750 | -1100 |
| Jets | +400 | -550 |
| Lions | +350 | -450 |
| Packers | -170 | +150 |
| Panthers | +525 | -750 |
| Patriots | -220 | +180 |
| Raiders | +270 | -330 |
| Rams | +140 | -160 |
| Ravens | -900 | +600 |
| Redskins | +525 | -750 |
| Saints | -330 | +270 |
| Seahawks | -140 | +120 |
| Steelers | -140 | +120 |
| Texans | +130 | -150 |
| Titans | -130 | +110 |
| Vikings | -120 | Even |
Broncos (+210)
Denver feels like a sleeping giant in the AFC. Its defense is loaded with talent and could improve upon last year's impressive performance with another season under head coach Vic Fangio, while its offense should get a jolt depending on what receivers are available in the first round of the draft.
The key is Drew Lock, who will need to deliver on his potential to help cash this juicy ticket. If he can provide above-average play from the position, he's got a host of young, athletic weapons around him to help create some real "wow" moments.
Bills (-185)
We've discussed Buffalo's incredible futures value ad nauseam, so it makes sense that we'd love their playoff odds, too. The Bills bring back nearly every starter and coach from last year and add a star receiver to the mix, addressing the team's biggest weakness in 2019. This shouldn't be shorter than -200.
Lions (+350)
If you're looking for a fun long shot, look no further than Detroit, which added playmakers on defense and should grab an instant impact guy in the top five. The NFC North feels as winnable as it's been in years, giving the Lions a great window into the playoffs for the first time since 2016.
Best bets to miss playoffsPatriots (+180)
We're still giving this kind of value to a team with one of the worst quarterback situations in the league, a skill-deficient offense, and a defense in flux? The Patriots have real competition within the division for the first time in years and also face the toughest projected schedule in 2020.
Before you start retelling the folk story of '08, when New England went 11-5 without Tom Brady, remember two important facts: The Patriots had one of the easiest schedules that season, and they missed the playoffs! At plus-money, it's hard not to bet on the same happening this year.
Packers (+150)
The Packers were already major regression candidates based on the nature of their wins in 2019. Then they got worse in free agency and did little to inspire confidence. If Aaron Rodgers shows signs of slowing down like he did at times last season, it could be a long year in Green Bay.
Texans (-150)
I don't need to explain why the Texans' offense is worse, but it's a bad sign for a team that has long been carried by that side of the ball. Houston's defense hasn't made enough moves to avoid being a liability, and its O-line is still a big concern. Don't expect a playoff run in 2020.
C Jackson Cowart is a betting writer for theScore. He's an award-winning journalist with stops at The Charlotte Observer, The San Diego Union-Tribune, The Times Herald-Record, and BetChicago. He's also a proud graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill, and his love of sweet tea is rivaled only by that of a juicy prop bet. Find him on Twitter @CJacksonCowart.
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