Register for FREE to read this article.

Already have an account?

You have article views left.
Register for FREE to read more articles.

Already have an account?

Remind me next time

The NFL returns after a long off-season at the weekend with the Kansas City Chiefs looking to retain their Super Bowl LIV win against the San Fransico 49ers back in Feburary.

We got Russ Yershon to take a look at the outright betting markets in the NFL to see where the value is.

Russ Yershon is an avid NFL follower and has had a keen interest in the sport for over a decade. During this period Russ has seen almost all of the London games and barely missed an episode of Red Zone which has enabled him to swot up on the sport. In that same time Russ has worked in the betting industry so is perfectly fit to give us a preview to this year’s NFL with top tips on the ante-post markets.

NFL Super Bowl Odds

Kansas City Chiefs to win the Super Bowl - 13/2

Kansas City Chiefs won the Super Bowl last year and have now tied down young super star quarter back Patrick Mahomes to a long term deal which is great news for their Organisation. Mahomes was superb last season as the Chiefs dominated their AFC West division winning 12 of their regular season matches.

After Tennessee Titans caused a shock by winning at Baltimore, this gave Kansas City chiefs home field advantage in the AFC Championship and after a 35-24 win, they went onto the Super Bowl and their class shone through as they beat 49ers 31-20.

With no pre-season matches, I expect Kansas City Chiefs to hit the ground running given the key players from last season are retained and with no real sign of improvement from their divisional rivals, you could well see Kansas city taking the number one spot in AFC meaning the 13/2 on offer will be a lot shorter come the start of the play-offs.

Looking at the key weapons on offence for Mahomes there is no one better at tight end that Travis Kelce. With Tyreek Hill in the wide receiver slot, he is one of them most consistent players in the League. Sammy Watkins became an important player for Chiefs in wide receiver position as the season went on and can improve on his number of touchdown contributions this season.

One further offensive key could be the rookie Clyde Edwards-Helaire who joins Kansas City Chiefs at running back and the anticipation is he will set the NFL on fire.

Defensively The Chiefs can improve on last season which could be ominous for the rivals looking to take their scalp. One further note is Coach Reid. Andy Reid performed miracles at Philadelphia Eagles to maintain them as a play-off team and the move to Kansas City has only further his credentials as one of the best coaches in the game. Both as a tactician and as a man manager, Andy Reid will ensure the Chiefs don’t rest on last season’s success but strive for another Championship.

I would have Kansas City Chiefs quite a bit shorter in price to retain the Super Bowl given they are likely to be one or two seed, so starting the play-offs in Jan 21, expect them to be around 5/2 mark.

NFL Super Bowl Prediction

Outsider: Minnesota Vikings to win the Super Bowl - 25/1

Minnesota Vikings on their day can be very special. At home they are very strong and if they can improve on their road form during the regular season, there is a chance the Vikings can not only win their division, but take the number one or two spot in the NFC.

They have talent all over the field and in Kirk Cousins they have a quarter back growing in confidence every year and with this comes experience and game management. He can get off to a great start and thrive with his arsenal of weapons on offence.

Dalvin Cook is a special running back who will pick up plenty of yards and in Kyle Rudolph, the Vikings have strong, physical and reliable tight end who will make many big plays. Adam Thielen is the main wide receiver who can have another big season. As a group on defence Minnesota are competitive and can be tough when it matters.

With Green Bay in transition and Chicago and Detroit not showing signs of mass improvement, Minnesota Vikings can be the dark horses in the NFC and a lively outside bet for the Super Bowl.

NFL MVP Odds

Jimmy Garoppolo to be Regular Season MVP - 35/1

The usual suspects are at the top of the market with Patrick Mahomes favourite at odds of 4/1 with Bolylesports to land this lucrative prize. With one Super Bowl ring in the back, Mahomes could set the NFL on notice with another superb season giving he can run as well as pass.

Lamar Jackson and Russell Wilson are next up priced at odds of 7/1 generally and like Mahomes, they both have huge quality both in terms of persona in leading their teams and being able to carry the ball as well as throw the ball well and most importantly not give away too many turnovers. Both Jackson at Baltimore and Wilson at Seattle will have a strong offensive line to protect them this season so you can expect both their stats to be very good.

Looking at the key stats here this regular season MVP is mainly given to quarter backs, so a couple to mention at longer odds include Jimmy Garoppolo at San Francisco 49ers who was so close to winning the Super Bowl last season. Should the motivation be present for 49ers, Garoppolo is capable of having a great season and 35/1 generally in the market is far too high odds.

Kirk Cousins at 66/1 with Boylesports isn’t without a chance as he can light up the stats with touchdown passes this season.

AFC East Winner Odds

Buffalo Bills to win the AFC East - 5/4

After years of owning the AFC East can this be the year that New England Patriots don’t win the division? New England are Tom Brady less and with Cam Newton in to replace the hall of fame quarter back, he has big shoes to fill. The Buffalo Bills reached the play-offs last year and can build on this success by winning the AFC East. With a top defence and Josh Allen improving all the time at quarter back, The Bills can deliver a shift change. The recruitment of Stefon Diggs is significant as can add another weapon on offence which can help Josh Allen.

AFC West Winner Odds

Tennessee Titans to win AFC West - 13/8

The AFC West is as competitive as ever. Indianapolis Colts are the favourites at 13/10 to win the division for the first time since 2014. With the signing of Phillip Rivers and defensive lineman DeForest Buckner this does improve the Colts, however I don’t believe they can deliver this division title. The team who have arguably the best running back in the division and caused a huge shock in the play-offs last year can win the title this year. Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry can be the difference this season and along with a strong defensive line and quarter back Ryan Tannehill can lead them to the division title

NFC East Winner Odds

Dallas Cowboys to win NFC East - 5/6

Another competitive division is the NFC East and we’re with the favourites Dallas Cowboys. At a shade of odds on they have a new and proven Coach who knows how to win. Mike McCarthy is exactly what that team needs as they have a few superstars that need the right type of coach to take them deep into the play-offs. With Amari Cooper ready to continue his good form and Prescott at quarter back needing more guidance, they can finish ahead of likely challengers Philadelphia Eagles

NFC North Winner Odds

Minnesota Vikings to win NFC North - 13/8

Minnesota Vikings can take the NFC North division this season as they improve on last season which will then see a regression in Green Bay Packers this year. Kirk Cousins is showing good arm strength and with Dalvin Cook and Adam Thielen as main weapons, they can put up a good number of points per game. Defensively Minnesota were strong last year and if they can repeat this for the coming season, can take top spot.

NFL Defensive Player of The Year

Nick Bosa to be NFL Defensive Player of the Year - 12/1

A wide open market for defensive player of the year, we’re putting on Nick Bosa from the San Francisco 49ers. Bosa is so athletic and mobile and had a super read on the opposing quarter back. He had some impressive stats last year as the 49ers went all the way to the Super Bowl and can follow up this year with another top performance in defence. Bosa also showed last year when it comes of brute strength he is not to be underestimated.

NFL Most Regular Season Passing Yards Odds

Tom Brady to have the Most Regular Season Passing Yards - 9/1

The top quarter backs in the NFL top the market here and Patrick Mahomes leads the way as favourite at 9/2. It’s not surprising to see Mahomes as the most likely winner as given the division he is in, points should be easy to come by and passing yards very high. Looking at the previous winners, it pays to go with a quarter back that is likely to have a good selection of top wide receivers and the passing game is more valuable to them than the running game. At 9/1 we’re putting up the hall of fame quarter back Tom Brady. With a great set of wide receivers and the fact that Jameis Winston won this with Tampa Bay last year, Brady can once again capture this title.