NFL future betting: Playoff Teams

In looking at the NFL futures market, a change in league rules regarding the playoffs will have an impact on bettors. In the offseason, the NFL decided to add two more playoff participants - one per conference - to the postseason.

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Now, the AFC and NFC will have seven teams each - four division winners, plus three wild cards - advance to the postseason. The move has had an impact on some teams’ odds to make the 2020 NFL playoffs. 

Live & Die in L.A.

Both the Rams and the Chargers missed the playoffs last year. The Rams, under head coach Sean McVay, had won two straight NFC West division titles and the 2018 team made it all the way to the Super Bowl.

Last season, the Rams sputtered and ended up 9-7. Despite the winning record, they did not make the playoffs. Had this year's new rule been in effect, the Rams would have made the postseason last year. 

While RB Todd Gurley is now Atlanta, the rest of the roster has not changed all that much. Former NFL Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald is still at defensive tackle. Jared Goff, who has had two straight 4,600-yard passing seasons, is still at quarterback and he'll continue to throw to a cast of receivers that includes Robert Wood and Cooper Kupp.

Still, the Rams are listed at +150 to make the playoffs. With the move to seven teams, there is some value in L.A.

The Chargers won their division in 2018 after going 12-4. Anthony Lynn's team fell apart in 2019 and wound up 5-11. The Chargers said goodbye to QB Philip Rivers, now in Indianapolis.

Like the Rams, the Chargers are listed at +150 to advance to the postseason. Their problem is they will likely start the season with veteran journeyman Tyrod Taylor under center. Plus, they have Kansas City to deal with in the division. The Chargers at -190 to not make the playoffs might be the better play.

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Houston, We Have a Problem

The Texans won the AFC South for the second straight season in 2019 and then head coach and GM Bill O'Brien traded away one of the best receivers in football - DeAndre Hopkins.

The trade is probably one reason why Houston is listed at +150 to make the playoffs. They may be a weekly favorite for football bettors. The thing is though, Houston under O'Brien has been successful. They have made the playoffs in four of six seasons and have four division titles. 

Houston is 21-11 in the past two seasons. Don't be surprised if Houston wins another division title. O'Brien still has QB Deshaun Watson and the Texans signed wide receivers Randall Cobb and Brandin Cooks to replace Hopkins.

Brady, Gronk & Tampa Bay

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers haven't been to the postseason since 2007, but the signing of Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski changed the entire perception of the franchise. The Bucs are now favored at -215 odds to make the postseason.

Sure, Brady will have his former teammate to throw to. He will also have two 1,000-yard receivers in Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. The Tampa Bay offense should be outstanding. 

The problem is the Bucs defense gave up 28 points a game last season. Yes, they had the NFL's sack leader in Shaq Barrett and they even led the National Football League in rush defense. Yet, the Bucs still managed to give up 28 points per game.

With a defense like that, it might make more sense to look at the Bucs to not make the playoffs at +165. Teams that don't play great defense seldom make the postseason.