2018 NFL Betting Odds For The NFC South

There wasn’t any shortage of teams from the NFC South that made it to the playoffs last year. In fact, the New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers, and Atlanta Falcons all made it to the postseason. The Saints won the division, and there’s talk they could win it this year once more. But, let’s check the NFL betting odds to win the division in 2018 (and throw in some predictions of our own).

Early NFC South Betting Lines & Predictions

Saints football returns this week! #GoSaints pic.twitter.com/qseQR1P1hS

— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) August 6, 2018

Who’s The Favorite?

The New Orleans Saints are the early favorites at +150, which means if you lay $100 you’ll get back $150 if they win the division.

The Saints have built up a great team this year that’s aggressive and will help out Drew Brees do his thang. With Alvin Kamara in the fold, they have a great ground game that balances out Brees’ formidable air attack. They added depth to the roster during the offseason so you can expect they’ll make a run for the Super Bowl.

The Saints’ defense is top notch and it will even more so with the addition of defensive end Marcus Davenport, who will only strengthen a defensive unit that also happens to have the best secondary in the division.

Don’t count out the Atlanta Falcons, however, because though they had a lackluster 2017 campaign, quarterback Matt Ryan is bound to bounce back this year. The Falcons drafted wide receiver Calvin Ridley in the first round of the draft and this will give Ryan a great target to mount his air attack. They also have an aggressive defense that’s young and can win games.

What About The Carolina Panthers?

The Panthers odds to win the NFC South are at +275 just behind the Falcons that are at +175. But, Carolina gave the Saints a run for their money in the NFC playoffs after securing a wild card berth. Never discount what Cam Newton can do as one of the most exciting quarterbacks in the league.

The Panthers’ defense has always been top-notch with players of the likes of Luke Kuechly and I expect them to keep up the good work. They’ve hired their third defensive coordinator in three years and this shows commitment to have a great defense to back up the offense.

And The Tampa Bay Buccaneers?

Of course, having Jameis Winston suspended for the first three games of the season won’t be good for the Buccaneers, but then again they’re not the favorites in any of those games with or without Winston. It wouldn’t be surprising to anyone that Tampa Bay ends up as the worst team in the NFC South, but they have added some players in key positions especially on defense which could help them out. They drafted defense tackle Vita Vea in the first round of the draft and he may make some waves in his first year.

On offense, Winston should get some help from running back Ronald Jones II and he’s a big improvement from Doug Martin.