The countdown has begun until the 2020 NFL season commences. The season’s schedule has been formally published, franchises have traded prospects and well-established stars and the clock is ticking down quickly until the race for Super Bowl 2021 begins.
For those who enjoy betting on the NFL throughout the regular and postseason period, now is the perfect time to start your research. The following predictions are likely to be considered by our leading tipsters and might give you some NFL betting angles to consider in the weeks ahead.
Baltimore Ravens likely to romp the AFC North
There is only likely to be one winner of the AFC North this year. Last year’s MVP Lamar Jackson and his Baltimore Ravens teammates are likely to be an unstoppable force during the regular season. How they deal with the increased media limelight will determine whether they can go forward and become a genuine contender for the Super Bowl. With five games scheduled for prime-time viewing, the Ravens haven’t been such “media darlings” for some time. They will need to get off to a solid start as between Week 9 and Week 13, Baltimore face five teams with playoff chances of 57% or greater.
AFC East likely to be one of the most competitive divisions
There are quite possibly three of the four teams in the AFC East that could conceivably win the division this year. The Buffalo Bills are the pre-season favorites, while the Miami Dolphins are in the midst of a major roster rebuild. It would seem that most of the leading US sportsbooks also believe there could be life after Tom Brady for the New England Patriots, with the latest futures NFL odds available on the Pats securing a postseason playoff berth priced at no better than -187.
Kansas City Chiefs well-placed for back-to-back Super Bowls
It is always tough to defend your Super Bowl crown, but if there’s one roster currently capable of doing so it’s the Kansas City Chiefs. Although there is renewed interest in the Baltimore Ravens and New Orleans Saints as potential Super Bowl winners next February, the Chiefs will again have a major say in the eventual outcome. Head coach Andy Reid has cultivated a wonderful team culture and tying down the likes of Chris Jones and superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes to new long-term contracts is a clear statement of intent to build a lasting dynasty. With their roster intact and a favorable schedule, it’s difficult not to see the Chiefs being number-one seeds in the AFC and beyond.
Kyler Murray a reasonable shout to become NFL’s next MVP
The Arizona Cardinals have been very savvy in the offseason, negotiating a massive deal to bring impressive wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins in from the Texans. Hopkins, along with Larry Fitzgerald and Christian Kirk, gives the Cardinals considerable attacking threats. This trio will be music to the ears of quarterback Kyler Murray, who will now have plenty of targets to throw to this season. After becoming the Offensive Rookie of the Year last season, Murray could be a dark horse for this year’s MVP if he can strike up a rapid understanding with Hopkins and co.
Schedule has been kind to the Las Vegas Raiders in the AFC West
It promises to be a very special season for the Raiders franchise, having completed the move from Oakland to Las Vegas. The Las Vegas Raiders begin their first season at the spectacular Allegiant Stadium and the schedule appears to favor them. Three of their final four games are on home turf, which could be the difference between them qualifying for the playoffs ahead of the Chargers and Broncos and missing out.
Dallas Cowboys have a great opportunity to reach the playoffs
The NFC East looks wide open this year and the Dallas Cowboys have the best possible chance to qualify for the postseason. The scheduling gods have been kind to Dallas, with just two of their opening nine games against teams that reached the playoffs last season. A trio of back-to-back home games during the month of October should also give them a chance to build some momentum, particularly with the likes of the Giants and Redskins very much in transition.
Although some teams are starting over in terms of rebuilding their rosters for this coming season, there are plenty of franchises that have spent the last few seasons to build up to this year, ready to make their long-awaited impact on the postseason.
