We’re back with another divisional breakdown. So far, we’ve covered and given our pick for the AFC East, AFC South, and AFC North. Today, we’re tackling the AFC West, which looks to be one of the more wide-open races in the league.
We will provide odds for both Bovada and BetOnline’s divisional betting futures, but it’s still important to line shop for the best price available.
Bovada’s to Win AFC West Odds
BetOnline’s to Win AFC West Odds
Odds Analysis
The Chiefs finished the season with a divisional win last year with a 12-4 record. Oakland and KC both had the same record, but the Chiefs had the edge in tiebreakers and managed to get a first round bye. They lost to the visiting Steelers in the Divisional Playoffs. Kansas City is better wager at Bovada at +240 than at BetOnline where they’re just +215.
The Raiders remain the odds-on favorite to win the AFC West this year after losing in the first round of the playoffs to Houston last season. However, that team was without starting quarterback, David Carr, who missed the game with a broken fibula. He’s now back and fully healthy. Oakland is a slightly better bet at Bovada where they’re +155 compared to BetOnline’s +160.
Two seasons removed from a Super Bowl, but with a different head coach and quarterback – the Broncos have found it hard to replicate past success. The defense is much the same, but they’ve had issues on the offensive side of the ball. They’re coming off a 9-7 season. Denver is a better bet at BetOnline at +375 compared to the Bovada’s +350.
The Chargers played their final game in San Diego last season. They’re now in Los Angeles, and in a city, that now has two professional football teams. Rivers and Company are coming off a 5-11 season. L.A.’s odds to win the division are the same at Bovada and BetOnline at +400.
Our Pick to win the AFC West
The Raiders are one of the trendier picks to win the Super Bowl this season. They’re taking a lot of future bets in Las Vegas to win Super Bowl 52. They’re an excellent football team, but their schedule is much harder this season, and their defense has plenty of question marks.
Kansas City has one of the best home-field advantages in all of football, but Alex Smith and the offensive scheme they run limits their upside. They’re also without many skill position playmakers, aside from tight end, Travis Kelce.
Denver’s defense is not what it once was, but is still an active unit. A return to glory after a 9-7 is in the cards, but too many offensive question marks make me hesitant to wager on the Broncos, despite their upside.
The Chargers are the most interesting team for me in this division. Rivers has not missed a single game since he became a starter back in 2006. Their offense is loaded with weapons with the return of Keenan Allen and emergence of Melvin Gordon.
Their run defense is weak, but their secondary is one of the strongest. They have also hired Gus Bradley to take over the defense, and he has instituted a 4-3 scheme that should have an immediate impact. On paper, this is an elite offense with a likely Hall of Fame quarterback and an ascending defense. There’s a lot to like here for a team getting +400.
Pick: Los Angeles Chargers +400 at Bovada
About the Author
Joseph Falchetti
Editor-in-Chief, Pro Sports Bettor and Casino Expert
Joe is the author of the majority of sports betting pages on SBS and he serves as a gambling consultant to our content team. He's been mentioned on Forbes.com as a gaming analyst, and his articles have been linked by larger publications, such as the New York Times.
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Joseph Falchetti | August 18, 2017Next post
