West Virginia sportsbooks are already gearing up for the upcoming season, despite it being just a few weeks since the Kansas City Chiefs triumphed in Super Bowl LIV.
In the Mountain State, sportsbooks have unveiled the betting odds for the upcoming 2020/2021 NFL season. These odds encompass team win totals as well as predictions for Super Bowl futures.
In the US, the NFL holds the title for being the sport with the highest amount of wagers placed on it. Sportsbooks waste no time in releasing betting lines, as they understand that it is never too early to do so. Many bettors are taking advantage of this opportunity, placing their bets now, as they anticipate a significant shift in odds following the NFL draft and free agency.
The betting options are open around seven months prior to the commencement of the regular season, but it is almost certain that the odds will undergo significant changes by September. Each team is expected to have new players joining their ranks, including the likelihood of several prominent quarterbacks switching teams.
Placing a futures wager in February may come with some added risk, but it can also prove advantageous if your selection shows signs of improvement in the upcoming period.
In addition to having multiple options to choose from, the crowd of sports bettors in WV can now explore various avenues to find the most favorable odds. Within the state, there are three top-notch online sports betting applications available, which are considered among the finest in the country.
You can easily determine the sportsbook with the most favorable odds for your bet by comparing the highly competitive lines offered by each mobile app.
In addition, you now have the choice to place bets on any of the lines offered at the various retail sportsbooks located throughout the state. With the reopening of Wheeling Island and Mardi Gras Casino, West Virginia boasts a total of five operational land-based locations.
In this analysis, we will explore the intriguing team win totals for the upcoming year and highlight potential areas of value in the early Super Bowl LV odds.
2021 NFL Win Totals
While win totals may not be currently offered by all WV sportsbooks, they are expected to be available shortly. Fortunately, a few early odds have already been released, providing us with a glimpse into the upcoming season.
NFC
Chicago Bears: 8.5 wins
Heading into 2020, the Chicago Bears present a significant uncertainty. Despite their remarkable 12-4 record and division victory the previous year, the Bears encountered considerable struggles throughout 2019, culminating in an underwhelming 8-8 finish.
Quarterback Mitchell Trubisky is facing a crucial year that could determine his future. Failing to lead Chicago to the postseason will likely result in him seeking opportunities with another team in the future.
The Bears have a strong defense, spearheaded by Khalil Mack, and an innovative coaching staff, which could potentially lead them to a 9-7 record next season. However, their rivals in the NFC North are some of the top teams in the league, posing a challenge that may restrict their overall success.
Dallas Cowboys: 10.5 wins
Heading into next season, the Dallas Cowboys present yet another captivating betting option. Their previous year was marked by disappointment, as they fell short of the playoffs with an 8-8 record.
Determining the final win count for Dallas has been challenging in recent years, despite their undeniable talent. The Cowboys have developed a pattern of alternating between highly successful seasons with over 10 victories and less impressive years with just seven or eight wins.
Dak Prescott remains without a contract, as does Amari Cooper, a crucial member of the team. This spring, owner Jerry Jones faces numerous decisions, including determining which position to prioritize with the No. 17 pick in the draft.
The number of wins this season is slightly higher compared to previous years, but the addition of coach Mike McCarthy might compensate for it. Given Dallas’ tendency to attract a lot of betting, this number is likely to fluctuate.
LA Rams: 9.5 wins
The Los Angeles Rams, a NFC team, failed to meet expectations last year. Despite making it to the Super Bowl, they only managed to win nine games in 2019 and did not make it to the playoffs.
Just like the Cowboys, the team’s salary cap doesn’t offer much flexibility. The majority of the team’s cap space is occupied by players such as Jared Goff, Todd Gurley, Brandin Cooks, and Aaron Donald.
Sean McVay, one of the most promising young coaches, leads a team in LA that is filled with plenty of talented players.
Should the Rams replicate their performance from two years ago, they will effortlessly secure 10 wins. Nevertheless, it is worth noting that the NFC West poses a considerable challenge, featuring formidable opponents such as the 49ers, Seahawks, and an increasingly promising Cardinals team.
AFC
Cleveland Browns: 8.5 wins
Last season, the Cleveland Browns showcased themselves as one of the major disappointments. As they approach the year 2020, they will embark on a fresh start under yet another new head coach, eagerly aiming to put an end to their prolonged playoff absence.
This team appears well-equipped to surpass nine victories and genuinely contend for a division championship. However, it remains uncertain whether Baker Mayfield and Odell Beckham can prioritize football and collaborate effectively for a successful season.
Nick Chubb stands out as an exceptional young running back, and the return of Myles Garrett from suspension adds to the Cleveland Browns’ appeal. However, their track record suggests that despite these promising factors, the Browns have tended to fall short in recent history.
Buffalo Bills: 7.5 wins
In quarterback Josh Allen’s second season, the Buffalo Bills emerged as a team that surpassed all expectations by securing a Wild-Card berth with an impressive 10 wins.
As Tom Brady contemplates his return to New England, the division appears to be more open for the taking than ever before. Miami is undergoing a complete rebuild, while the Jets continue to struggle in their quest for stability.
Despite a potentially challenging schedule, the signs indicate a promising year ahead for Buffalo. Although their projected season win total is not particularly high, the Bills are a rising team with the capability to secure a minimum of eight victories.
New England Patriots: 9.5 wins
New England seemed destined for another bye into the Divisional Round until the final day of the regular season. Unfortunately, a defeat against Miami compelled the Patriots to compete on Wild Card Weekend, resulting in a 20-13 loss to Tennessee.
Tom Brady’s future remains uncertain for the upcoming year, as previously stated. While he is confirmed to play for another season, the lingering question is whether it will be with the Patriots.
The absence of his signature adds to the riskiness of the current Pats’ season total. If Brady returns, they have a high chance of achieving double-digit wins. However, if he chooses to play for another team, New England may face a significant setback as they lack a solid plan for the quarterback position.
Super Bowl LV Futures Odds
Naturally, placing a bet on the favorites to win the upcoming Super Bowl is the most probable method to profit from a futures bet a year from now. It appears quite evident that teams such as the Ravens, Chiefs, and 49ers are highly likely to maintain their positions at the pinnacle of the standings in 2020.
Although it may seem like the best choices towards the end of the year, the NFL has a tendency to defy expectations. Betting on teams like the Dolphins or Bengals may not be ideal, but there are multiple teams with promising futures that offer better value than the top-ranked squads.
Seattle Seahawks +2000
In 2019, the Seattle Seahawks exceeded expectations by winning a total of 11 games. The dynamic duo of Russell Wilson and Pete Carroll continues to be one of the league’s most formidable quarterback-coach combinations.
Despite facing a challenging division, Seattle is highly likely to secure a playoff spot once more, with favorable chances to proceed further. Wilson has demonstrated his ability to triumph away from home and ranks among the top quarterbacks, second only to Patrick Mahomes.
Pittsburgh Steelers +2200
When it comes to quarterbacks, the Pittsburgh Steelers will undoubtedly welcome the return of their starting player, Ben Roethlisberger, to the field next year. Despite Big Ben’s absence for most of the games, the Steelers impressively achieved an 8-8 record.
Although Baltimore currently holds a strong position in the NFC North, Pittsburgh possesses a talented roster that has the potential to catch people off guard.
Houston Texans +3300
The Houston Texans are in dire need of assistance on their defensive unit, as J.J. Watt has experienced a decline in performance and Jadeveon Clowney has departed.
With the addition of a few more players, this team has the potential to make a significant impact in 2020. Deshaun Watson, an exceptional young quarterback, possesses the ability to lead his team to success singlehandedly.