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Two Conferences – Eight NFL Divisions and Here’s Our Picks for the Winner of Each!

As we approach the midway point of the NFL season, it’s time to dive into predictions for each division in the AFC and NFC.

From NFL heavyweights like the Kansas City Chiefs to upstart challengers in the NFC, this season has provided plenty of intrigue, twists, and dark-horse candidates.

Let’s break down each NFL division, current trends, and odds for each team to capture their respective titles.

All odds shown were correct with bet365 Sport at the time of writing.


AFC Divisions

AFC East

Division Prediction: Buffalo Bills

Current Odds:

  • Buffalo Bills: 1.12
  • Miami Dolphins: 12.00
  • New York Jets: 11.00
  • New England Patriots: 151.00

The Buffalo Bills entered the NFL season as favorites, and they’ve largely lived up to that billing. With Josh Allen leading an talented offense and the defense showing up in big games, they’re a balanced team built to win.

An expected challenge from the Miami Dolphins has failed to materialise with some key injuries on offense giving Dolphins fans nightmares after a 2-4 start.

Similarly the Jets have had struggles, notably on defense, but also on offense where a lack of offensive firepower saw them trade for Davante Adams.

Finally, the Patriots continue to struggle to find any consistency or wins and will finish bottom of the group. With their depth and experience, the Bills are the safest bet to finish on top in the East.

AFC North

Division Prediction: Baltimore Ravens

Current Odds:

  • Baltimore Ravens: 1.28
  • Cincinnati Bengals: 9.00
  • Cleveland Browns: 251.00
  • Pittsburgh Steelers: 5.00

The Ravens got off to a dismal start, losing their first two NFL games, but won five on the bounce to take control of this tough-looking division. Derrick Henry’s running power has added an extra dimension to the offense and they look well set to win this division now.

For the Bengals, despite a shaky start, they still have the talent to contend, especially with Joe Burrow under center. However, their slow start and tough schedule have put them in a challenging position with a 3-4 record.

Cleveland’s defense has kept them in games, but poor WB play has undermined their efforts this season and with Deshaun Watson now out for the campaign, the Browns look done for this season.

Lastly, that leaves the Pittsburgh Steelers who will likely be the Ravens main challengers in the AFC North, but it is hard to see the Steelers having the offensive strength to go toe to toe with the Ravens. However, expect the Terrible Towels to be in the playoffs.

AFC South

Division Prediction: Houston Texans

Current Odds:

  • Jacksonville Jaguars: 23.00
  • Indianapolis Colts: 6.00
  • Houston Texans: 1.16
  • Tennessee Titans: 41.00

The AFC South looked one of the weaker divisions in the NFL this season and so it has proved.

For the Jaguars, Trevor Lawrence has been hit and miss and they are struggling to contain teams on defence. While a solid running game gives the Jags a balanced attack a lack of consistency and silly mistakes has cost them dearly.

It is a similar story for the Indianapolis Colts although Anthony Richardson has shown flashes of brilliance at QB. Their running game is their strength, but they haven’t been able to get their offense performing as they need.

Tennessee’s inconsistency and lack of offense limits their upside, and with a real issue at QB, where Will Levis has struggled, the Titans look set for a rebuild after trading away two starters this week. The Titans will finish bottom of the division.

That leaves the 5-2 Texans who look the best team in this division by a mile. DeMeco Ryans has got this team playing great football and they should win the division comfortably.

AFC West

Division Prediction: Kansas City Chiefs

Current Odds:

  • Kansas City Chiefs: 1.04
  • Los Angeles Chargers: 17.00
  • Denver Broncos: 31.00
  • Las Vegas Raiders: 251.00

The Kansas City Chiefs remain the clear choice in the AFC West. With Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid at the helm, the Chiefs continue to look unstoppable within their division. And outside of it too with a 100% record from their six NFL matches so far.

The Chargers have Justin Herbert at QB but their form has been so inconsistent with injuries on both sides of the ball hindering their chances to challenge the Chiefs.

Denver have been a surprise package with Bo Nix performing well in his rookie season. They may well be the Chiefs closest challengers in this division.

Finally, Las Vegas, meanwhile, are unlikely to challenge, as they have struggled and traded away their top receiver to the Jets (Davante Adams). Kansas City is still the powerhouse of the West and should comfortably win this division. But can they match the Patriots of a few years back and go 16-0?


NFC Divisions

NFC East

Division Prediction: Washington Commanders

Current Odds:

  • Philadelphia Eagles: 2.15
  • Dallas Cowboys: 5.50
  • Washington Commanders: 2.35
  • New York Giants: 101.00

Philadelphia was the early season pick for many in the NFC East, but it is fair to say that Jalen Hurts and company have not yet found the rhythm that they show when at their best. A 4-2 record is about where they stand at present and they are still in this division.

Dallas has struggled with a lacklustre offense and some surprisingly poor defensive play. The Cowboys are under pressure to perform but have not yet found that consistency required to win this division. A wildcard spot could be their only realistic hope of progressing into the post-season.

In terms of shock teams this season, the Commanders have been that team. Jayden McDaniels has been sensational in his rookie QB campaign and the Commanders look strong on both sides of the ball.

With the Giants struggling to gain any traction in a tough division, its the Commanders who will likely top this division.

NFC North

Division Prediction: Detroit Lions

Current Odds:

  • Detroit Lions: 2.00
  • Minnesota Vikings: 3.75
  • Green Bay Packers: 4.00
  • Chicago Bears: 13.00

The Detroit Lions are on a roll in the NFC North, capitalising on a dynamic offense led by Jared Goff and a reliable defense. They beat the previously unbeaten Vikings to take top spot in the group and they look to be the class act in what is a stacked NFC North.

All four of the teams in this division will feel they have a realistic Playoff chance. The Vikings, now 5-2 after losing on Thursday night to the Rams, are still a solid team and should be playoff bound.

You can say the same for Green Bay, with the Packers looking very strong defensively and with QB Jordan Love managing the offense effectively.

The Bears are 4-2 but perhaps the weakest of the four teams in this division. Even so, with Caleb Williams at QB, they could win enough games to push into contention for the playoffs.

For us, the Lions will win this division, but expect the NFC North to produce at least two of the three wildcard teams in the NFC.

NFC South

Division Prediction: Atlanta Falcons

Current Odds:

  • New Orleans Saints: 17.00
  • Atlanta Falcons: 1.60
  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 2.35
  • Carolina Panthers: 151.00

The NFC South is one of the most open divisions in the league, with each team facing its own challenges. The Falcons have been competitive, especially with a strong ground game, but their reliance on younger players could make consistency an issue.

The Buccaneers, while surprising early on, have faced offensive struggles and losing their top two wide receivers, and potentiall their QB, through injury in week 7 is a huge blow.

Carolina remains winless and lacks the depth to mount any real challenge. They have issues at all key positions and may struggle to win too many more games.

New Orleans’ experience and stability saw them start the season superbly well, but since then they have lost five in a row and it is hard to see them recovering from that.

It’ll be a close call, but we’re going for the Falcons to take advantage of the Bucs injury issues to earn a playoff berth here.

NFC West

Division Prediction: Seattle Seahawks

Current Odds:

  • San Francisco 49ers: 2.10
  • Seattle Seahawks: 3.80
  • Los Angeles Rams: 6.50
  • Arizona Cardinals: 5.25

Prior to the NFL season starting the 49ers have looked like the class of the NFC and the NFC West, dominating with a roster loaded on both offense and defense. Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle led a balanced attack, while their defense, led by Nick Bosa, looked stifling.

Then the injury bug hit and left the team decimated with key players injured on offense and defense, leading to an uncharacteristic 3-4 record. And with more players out this past week, the 49ers could struggle to make the playoffs.

The Seahawks have remained competitive with Geno Smith under center, and they look best placed to take advantage of the 49ers’ injury woes.

The Rams and Cardinals, meanwhile, are both proving to be somewhat inconsistent. That’s a pity as if either can get a run of wins going, they could come into surprise contention in this division.

This division could go down to the final matchday of the season, but we feel the Seahawks may just pip the 49ers to top spot.


NFL Division Picks – Conclusion

As the NFL season progresses, these division predictions highlight the likely winners based on team strength, current form, and depth.

While the odds and standings will shift week-to-week, these teams have shown they are in the best position to capture their division titles.

With each division offering its own set of challenges and surprises, fans and punters alike can look forward to a thrilling second half of the season.

Always remember to gamble responsibly.

Check out bet365’s Safer Gambling page for more details.

Updated on 25th October 2024

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