As the dust settles from an action-packed offseason, the 2024 NFL season is just around the corner. The quest for the Lombardi Trophy kicks off on September 5 with a Thursday Night Football showdown between the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs. Could this be a sneak peek at the upcoming AFC Championship Game? It’s definitely within the realm of possibility.
With most offseason moves now behind us, it’s the perfect time to explore some futures bets for the season and the Super Bowl 59 Vegas bets and odds. Let’s dive into the NFL Futures picks you should consider before Week 1 kicks off.
By Week 8 of last season, Green Bay quarterback Jordan Love ranked third in the expected points added and completion percentage over expected composite metric. This surge was part of a young Packers offense that clicked in the second half of the season. They performed at an elite level through the playoffs. With a deep pool of receiving talent—four receivers and two tight ends all 25 or younger—there’s a strong argument that the Packers have a higher ceiling than the Lions.
Another reason to consider Green Bay as a value bet is the coaching change on defense. Head coach Matt LaFleur finally parted ways with defensive coordinator Joe Barry after his defenses ranked 25th in DVOA in 2022 and 27th in 2023. The move to the more aggressive Jeff Hafley could unlock greater potential against top quarterbacks.
Following their Thanksgiving win over the Lions in Detroit, the Packers and Lions were nearly equal for the rest of the season. By EPA, the Packers ranked second offensively and 26th defensively after Week 12. Detroit was fifth offensively and 20th defensively. Green Bay and Detroit should be considered co-favorites for the NFC North, with the Packers holding a slightly easier schedule.
Last year, the Jaguars were fresh off a season where they went from worst to first, clinching the AFC South in Week 18 and pulling off a historic playoff comeback against the Chargers before falling to the Chiefs in the divisional round. The Jaguars even started last season strong, going 8-3, but a string of injuries, many to Lawrence, and a series of close losses derailed their playoff aspirations.
Fast forward to now, and it seems Jacksonville has been largely forgotten. Houston have taken over as the popular pick to challenge Kansas City atop the AFC.
The Jags are much closer in quality to the Texans than the current betting market suggests, with Jacksonville sitting at +320 to win the division. Despite the buzz surrounding Houston, it’s worth noting that quarterback C.J. Stroud finished 12th overall in the EPA and CPOE composite metric and 16th among quarterbacks with at least 150 plays in the second half of the regular season. He trailed Lawrence slightly in these metrics. The Texans’ offense may not be as elite as the market currently suggests.
The Kansas City Chiefs will open the 2024 NFL season at home on Thursday, September 5, with a highly anticipated rematch of last season’s AFC Championship Game. The Baltimore Ravens will visit GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium to take on the reigning Super Bowl champions.
No team in NFL history has managed to win three straight titles. So why are the Chiefs favored to win the Super Bowl again this year? It’s simple—they’re just that good. The Chiefs are well-positioned to claim the AFC West, secure the best record in the conference, and host yet another AFC Championship Game, setting them up with the ideal route back to the Super Bowl. And if the Chiefs make it to the big game, why would you bet against them? Even though the NFL Vegas odds were +700 right after their Super Bowl LVIII victory, a +500 futures bet is still a solid option if you want to jump in before Week 1 kicks off.
Starting out in the betting industry, Henry later found his calling in sports writing. Specializing in soccer, golf, and darts, he also offers insights into a wide array of sports across the globe. After earning a BA Honors degree in Business and Management, Henry advanced through the ranks at William Hill in England. His career isn't just limited to sports; he's also made a mark in Property and Finance, fields in which he remains engaged. Henry now resides in Barcelona, where he enjoys playing golf year-round as part of the Real Federacion Espanola de Golf.