2024 NFL Odds, Predictions: Who will be the division leaders?

It’s no surprise that the two teams in last year’s Super Bowl, Kansas City and San Francisco, are the biggest divisional favourites in 2024, but there’s also some fairly close divisions that oddsmakers essentially expect to be a coin-flip.

So, who will be the division leaders in 2024? Let’s take a look.

AFC East

Outside of New England, the AFC East will be one of the most competitive divisions this season. The Bills are short favourites over the Dolphins and Jets to win a fifth straight division crown, but all three teams have a legit shot to win.

I’m leaning Miami at +210. Josh Allen lost his main weapon in Stefon Diggs and it’s fair to wonder what Aaron Rodgers has left in the tank. Tua Tagovailoa has thrived under Mike McDaniel and the Dolphins have a stacked offence with the likes of Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle and Raheem Mostert in addition to Tua.

Division winner prediction: Miami Dolphins (+210)

AFC North

Barring significant injuries, Baltimore and Cincinnati should be the last two teams standing in the AFC North. Lamar Jackson is coming off his second career MVP and Joe Burrow should be fully healthy, so it’s a bit of a coin toss heading into Week 1.

I like the value in taking the Bengals at +165. It’s a better return than the Ravens provide and if Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase stay healthy, Cincinnati could make another run to the Super Bowl.

Division winner prediction: Cincinnati Bengals (+165)

AFC South

Houston is a fairly significant favourite to win the AFC South for a second straight season. C.J. Stroud, last season’s Offensive Rookie of the Year, is expected to take another step forward in his development and he has a shiny new toy in Stefon Diggs to target.

I’m all-in on the Texans.

Division winner prediction: Houston Texans (-115)

AFC West

Everyone knows the deal in the AFC West. It’s Patrick Mahomes’ world and everyone is just living in it. Kansas City has won the division a ridiculous eight consecutive years and they’re the biggest divisional favourite in 2024.

Denver is relying on a rookie quarterback in Bo Nix, Las Vegas is relying on a backup in Gardner Minshew and the Chargers still haven’t won anything with Justin Herbert under centre. You’d be crazy to bet against the Chiefs.

Division winner prediction: Kansas City Chiefs (-300)

NFC East

The NFC East is a two-horse race between Philadelphia and Dallas, which is tricky to pick considering both teams are choke artists. The Eagles ended last season playing their worst football since Nick Sirianni took over and the Cowboys have been the kings of underachieving for years.

In a coin-flip division I’m taking Dallas to repeat as NFC East champs simply because they provide better value.

Division winner prediction: Dallas Cowboys (+160)

NFC North

This will be an interesting division. Detroit is coming off their first divisional crown in 30 years, but there’s a case to be made for Green Bay and the emergence of Jordan Love as well as Chicago and rookie QB Caleb Williams.

The difference in the NFC North, however, will be the Lions’ defence and running game. Give me Jared Goff and Dan Campbell to edge out the Pack.

Division winner prediction: Detroit Lions (+130)

NFC South

Sorry if you’re a Falcons, Bucs, Saints or Panthers fan, but the NFC South is the worst division in the NFL by a mile. Kirk Cousins couldn’t win anything in Washington, he couldn’t win anything in Minnesota and he won’t win anything in Atlanta.

I like what Baker Mayfield brought to the table last year. He is coming off what is easily the best season of his career and he’s leading a young team that’s capable of surprising some people. Baker’s Bucs are the way to go.

Division winner prediction: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+290)

NFC West

This division is the Niners’ to lose. The Rams’ defence took a massive step back with the retirement of Aaron Donald, the Seahawks are unproven with a new head coach and offensive coordinator and does anyone seriously trust Cardinals QB Kyler Murray to show up?

San Francisco is an easy pick to win the NFC West.

Division winner prediction: San Francisco 49ers (-210)