Odds and Picks to Win the NFC in 2017
By Loot, NFL Handicapper, Lootmeister.com
Last season, it was the Atlanta Falcons who took the NFC, almost winning the Super Bowl, before an unlikely comeback by the Patriots spoiled it. This season, a look of the NFC odds shows a bunched-up group of teams at the top, with very little separating the Packers, Seahawks, Cowboys, and defending champion Falcons. In this bet, you pick who will win the conference and represent the NFC in the Super Bowl. It's a bet that can pay off handsomely and you don't need to have a team go all the way to collect. Making a Super Bowl bet is really asking a lot to happen and it's extra stinging when the team you bet goes all the way, only to fail at the very end. Making a conference winner bet insulates you from some of that late drama that spoils bets.
Here, Loot shows you the odds to win the 2017 NFC Conference, followed by some of our picks. We categorize our picks to win the NFC along three different lines—the best favorite picks, the top middle-of-the-road selections, and even some interesting longshots that could surprise. Take a look!
Betting Odds to Win the NFC Conference in 2017
Green Bay Packers win NFC Conf +485
Seattle Seahawks win NFC Conf +500
Dallas Cowboys win NFC Conf +520
Atlanta Falcons win NFC Conf +600
New York Giants win NFC Conf +1050
Carolina Panthers win NFC Conf +1300
Minnesota Vikings win NFC Conf +1400
Arizona Cardinals win NFC Conf +1600
Tampa Bay Buccaneers win NFC Conf +1600
New Orleans Saints win NFC Conf +2000
Philadelphia Eagles win NFC Conf +2000
Washington Redskins win NFC Conf +2500
Detroit Lions win NFC Conf +2800
Chicago Bears win NFC Conf +7000
Los Angeles Rams win NFC Conf +7500
Our Top Favorites to Win the NFC:
Green Bay Packers (+485): It was a streaky season for the Packers in 2016, with a big winning roll leading them to an appearance in the conference title game. They look to do one better this season and are atop the board of teams to win the NFC. With personnel issues on both sides of the ball last season, it makes you wonder what they could do if things ran a little smoother, which they're hoping happens this upcoming season.
Seattle Seahawks (+500): This could be a season where we see some pieces fall into place for the perennially-contending Seahawks. A more-concrete identity on offense, along with a still-feared defense should have the Seahawks back in the thick of the conference hunt in 2017. The run-game could get a boost with Eddie Lacy and a healthy Thomas Rawls, with a suspected mini-jump from the O-line maybe making it all come together this season for Seattle.
Dallas Cowboys (+520): The Cowboys are a team that has been overvalued more often than not in recent seasons, but this year has brought more-modest expectations and it's not entirely clear what the reason is. Granted, a lot went their way last season in terms of overall breaks and there could be a comedown for Prescott and Elliott after terrific rookie seasons. There are also a few questions up-front with an offensive line that has been a lynchpin of recent success. We'll see, but one shouldn't be too surprised in the Cowboys figure in this convo come January.
Atlanta Falcons (+600): Last season's conference champion isn't getting a ton of respect as the 4th choice on the board. While it is understandable that many are anticipating a letdown this season, it seems based on unreliable factors such as them making it last year and it being someone else's turn or perhaps how badly they collapsed in the Bowl with a big lead. Other than that, it's unclear why they would be appreciably worse than last season.
Our Top Middle-of-the-Road Picks to Win the NFC:
New York Giants (+1050): Last season, the Giants saw a lot of things go right, especially with a revamped defense that took a lot of focus off the offense. After a less-than-dazzling season from the offense, they add Brandon Marshall and rookie Evan Engram to the mix. Look out for the Giants in coach Ben McAdoo's second season at the helm.
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+1600): The offense, led by rising Jameis Winston, gets an aerial boost with the arrival of DeSean Jackson and first-round rookie tight end OJ Howard. In a 9-7 season in 2016, the Bucs' defense showed some measurable growth. If consistency and improvement continues, the Bucs are a nice middle-of-the-road choice that could pay off.
Our Top Longshot Picks to Win the NFC:
New Orleans Saints (+2000): The offense gets Adrian Peterson and that could boost an already-potent offense. The real excitement comes from the additions made on the other side of the ball. If that unit can manage to make a nice upgrade over the last several seasons, we could see some of those close losses become wins, in which case the Saints could make noise this season.
Detroit Lions (+2800): OK, there's a reason they're +2800, but we think good value is being offered on a team that last season won 8 of 9 games at one point. The defense seemed to find its footing and could be big this season. Stafford would benefit if his big targets were more-consistent, but the formula could catch fire this season. Tired of your credit card not working for sportsbook deposit? End that problem today and bet on who will win the NFC by signing up at Bovada Sportsbook where your credit card WILL work and where you'll receive a generous 50% sign-up bonus!