2021 NFL Playoff Betting Odds
The NFL draft is behind us and with the schedule released on May 12, football bettors are anxiously awaiting the start of the new season. Last year, we witnessed a weird and unusual pandemic season. For the first time since 2002, the NFL changed the playoff format adding two games to the postseason. It meant that 7 teams from each conference made the playoffs. This year, the league is adding a new wrinkle. In 2021/22 we’ll see a 17-game schedule for the first time ever. Of course, this also means the oddsmakers have to adjust the NFL playoff odds. We’ll take a closer look at the chances the teams are given to make or miss the playoffs. Also, we’ll try to find a couple of value picks.
What Are The Latest 2021 NFL Playoff Betting Odds?
As expected, the bookies see the 2021 Super Bowl finalists as the teams most likely to make the playoffs. Last year’s runners-up, the Chiefs are given the best chances at -1200. The reigning champions, the Buccaneers are priced at -650. The list of teams most likely to miss the playoffs is led by the Texans at -1200 and the Lions at -900. Houston was one of the worst teams last year. Plus, their star QB Deshaun Watson may miss the season due to his issues off the field. Another team with an uncertain QB situation isn’t even on the board. Green Bay’s HOF quarterback Aaron Rodgers has requested a trade just before the draft. While the Packers seem determined to keep him, the oddsmakers are going to wait out before releasing the odds.
Below is the complete list of odds for NFL teams to make or miss the playoffs.
Team Make Playoffs Miss Playoffs 2020 Record
Arizona Cardinals +190 -240 8-8
Atlanta Falcons +185 -225 4-12
Baltimore Ravens -300 +240 11-5
Buffalo Bills -350 +275 13-3
Carolina Panthers +275 -350 5-11
Chicago Bears +175 -215 8-8
Cincinnati Bengals +375 -550 4-11-1
Cleveland Browns -225 +185 11-5
Dallas Cowboys -160 +130 6-10
Denver Broncos +145 -175 5-11
Detroit Lions +550 -900 5-11
Green Bay Packers N/A N/A 13-3
Houston Texans +650 -1200 4-12
Indianapolis Colts -210 +170 11-5
Jacksonville Jaguars +300 -400 1-15
Kansas City Chiefs -1200 +650 14-2
Las Vegas Raiders +300 -400 8-8
Los Angeles Chargers +120 -150 7-9
Los Angeles Rams -180 +150 10-6
Miami Dolphins +125 -155 10-6
Minnesota Vikings +120 -150 7-9
New England Patriots +120 -150 7-9
New Orleans Saints +110 -140 12-4
New York Giants +200 -260 6-10
New York Jets +450 -700 2-14
Philadelphia Eagles +240 -300 4-11-1
Pittsburgh Steelers +160 -200 12-4
San Francisco 49ers -190 +155 6-10
Seattle Seahawks -120 -110 12-4
Tampa Bay Bucs -650 +425 11-5
Tennessee Titans -115 -115 11-5
Washington +145 -175 7-9
Pick to Make the Playoffs: LA Chargers +120
One of the picks offering the most value at this stage is LA Chargers to make the playoffs. The odds seem a bit inflated, likely because the Chargers were below .500 last season, going 7-9. However, it was the first season for the rookie QB Justin Herbert. Still, the young quarterback has clearly shown the ability to lead this franchise in the future. In his first season, he set the record for most TD passes by a rookie. Besides, Herbert will have a slew of offensive weapons at his disposal to terrorize opposing defenses. Chargers’ roster is loaded with talent throughout and their defense will receive a big boost this year. Safety Derwin James, a first-team All-Pro in 2018, is finally healthy after struggling with the injuries for the past two seasons. The LA team also has a favorable schedule and other than playing Chiefs twice, they will face only four teams that made the playoffs in 2020.
Pick to Miss the Playoffs: Dallas Cowboys +130
As always, the Cowboys are entering the season with big expectations. However, they haven’t made any real noise in the NFL since 2o16 and have made the playoffs only once since then. Their main issue is their defense which is nowhere near the level needed to compete in the loaded NFC. They made some moves to reinforce in that department, such as drafting Micah Parsons, but it’s hard to see them improving much over the last year. In the 2020 season, the Cowboys were the 5th-worst defense in the league. In addition, the Cowboys will play one of the toughest schedules in the NFL. They open the season against the reigning champs, the Bucs, and will play away from home in Kansas City, New Orleans, Minnesota, and New England.