What NFL Fans and Bettors Are Thankful For: Division Races, Individual Awards Odds

As a great NFL head coach once said, the NFL season really only begins after Thanksgiving. However much that’s true depends on who one asks. It’s doubtful the 1-9 Carolina Panthers have much to play for other than what little pride they have left. Nevertheless, in the spirit of this great American holiday, we expand on some reasons what NFL fans and bettors are thankful for this 2023 campaign.

As always, don’t forget to check out the NFL odds for all your football action.

Thankful for Close Divisional Races: NFC South, NFC East, AFC South

Some divisional races are extremely close this season. Not always for the best reasons, but regardless, the battle for first place in any division is of utmost importance. The winner earns, at a minimum, one home playoff game.

NFC South

The NFC South has not been the most exciting quartet of contenders for a few seasons already, but fans of those teams will still root for their sides in the hopes that they make it to the postseason. If anything, the NFC South is bit tricky to predict, adding some spice to what bettors might want to do. Right now, Derek Carr and the New Orleans Saints sit atop at 5-5, but the Atlanta Falcons and the Baker Mayfield-led Tampa Bay Buccaneers are 4-6. Granted, none of these sides are great, but when it comes to betting, all that matters is getting it right.

NFC East

The NFC East will once again be decided between the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys. Philly is a terrific 9-1, fresh off a huge Monday night win in Kansas City. Furthermore, they’ve defeated the Cowboys once already this season. However, things could be even closer in a few weeks’ time when the eternal rivals meet again. The Eagles play the Bills this weekend and the 49ers in two weeks before visiting Dallas. Neither Jalen Hurts nor Dak Prescott have said their final words on this race.

AFC South

The AFC South is offering one of the most unexpected races in recent memory. The Colts are a little far behind at 5-5 (and no Anthony Richardson) but the battle between the 6-4 Houston Texans and 7-3 Jacksonville Jaguars is fascinating. It’s a case of the potential new generation of NFL stars lighting it up in a division that all too often is easily overlooked. QB rookie phenom C.J. Stroud and a collection of talented receivers have the team trailing Trevor Lawrence and the Jags by just a game. And guess what? They play this Sunday in Week 12 in Texas.

Thankful for Individual Awards Races: Myles Garrett, DeMeco Ryans, Tyreek Hill

Head Coach of the Year

From the macro team level, we go to the micro level, the individual. We just spoke of how surprisingly good the Texans are this season. A lot of that has to do with first-year head coach DeMeco Ryans, formerly a coordinator in San Francisco. He’s currently second in the running at +300, behind only the new poster boy for NFL coaches, Dan Campbell of the Detroit Lions. After a rough first season when his decision-making was questioned and the first half of a second year that was just as bad, in year three Detroit is 8-2 and leading the NFC North. Small wonder he leads the race at +125. Not to be completely overlooked is Mike McDaniel’s work in Miami. Granted, he’s in third place at +500, but the word around the league is that he is one of the most interesting, intelligent, and innovative coaches out there. His post-game pressers are certainly a lot of fun.

Defensive Player of the Year

There is also a barnburner of a race for Defensive Player of the Year. While the names on the list will surprise no one, it’s the tightness of the race that thrills. Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns leads at +100. He’s followed closely by Micah Parsons of the Dallas Cowboys at +200, who himself is tailed by T.J. Watt of the Pittsburgh Steelers at +350. All three are incredible examples of smart and ferocious footballing skills on the defensive end. The only shame when this award is handed out is that two of those fine athletes will go home empty-handed.

Offensive Player of the Year

Lastly, there is the Offensive Player of the Year race. There are a ton of incredible attacking forces in the NFL, but only two names stand apart from the fray. Tyreek Hill of the Miami Dolphins (+110) and Christian McCaffrey of the San Francisco 49ers (+175). Even the Philadelphia Eagles’ A.J. Brown, a remarkable talent, lags at +700. It’s incredibly difficult to fathom what this award will come down to.

Each player looks virtually unstoppable, albeit in different ways. Few if any defenders can run with Hill. Once he catches a pass, who knows what speeds he’ll reach until the end zone. As for McCaffrey, he seemingly can do it all. Run, catch, run after said catch, and even block a bit. Does one go for the Jack of all trades or the lightning-fast WR? A fascinating battle.