Green Bay Packers (o8.5 -143/u8.5 +116) 2020 Preview
The Packers went 13-3 last year. Yea, shocking right? They were even in the NFC Championship game, where they got trashed by the 49ers. As they were so close to going to a SuperBowl, the right move would’ve been to pick up some good free agents and draft needs in the offseason. They did none of that. They didn’t get Aaron Rodgers a legit #2 receiver. They added another running and they drafted a QB in the first round. I am down on the Packers this year.
Chicago Bears (o7.5 -130/u7.5 +107) 2020 Preview
“Mitch Trubisky is a bust!” “This defense just isn’t the same without Vic Fangio.” “The skill position players are just not enough to make this team great.” These are just a few choice quotes and thoughts coming out of Chicago this offseason. The narrative is that the Bears had one good season in 2018 and then Trubisky fell apart, Fangio left, the defense regressed and there’s just not enough talent to get this team deep in the playoffs. The Bears are ready to not only ready to prove this narrative wrong in 2020; this team is poised to make a run.
Philadelphia Eagles (o9 -134/u9 +110) 2020 Preview
Last year’s NFC East Champs, the Eagles come in to 2020 as a team with something to prove. Even after winning a SuperBowl just 3 short years ago, Philly doesn’t seem to get enough credit. There are still questions about Carson Wentz as a top-flight NFL QB. As the architect of the “Philly Special”, the shine has come off of Doug Pederson a great deal. Many of the same issues from last year seem to be carrying right into 2020. The Eagles are at a crossroads and need to prove their worthiness yet again.
Washington Football Team (o5 -143/u5 +118) 2020 Preview
The Washington Football Team (they shoulda just went with Washington FC) cleaned house last year. Out is the old coaching regime and in comes veteran Ron Rivera. The team is coming into 2020 serious about giving Dwayne Haskins a shot to succeed. Armed with the #2 pick they bring in Chase Young and Terry McLaurin is looking to expand on his stellar rookie campaign. If it sounds like everyone I just mentioned went to Ohio State, its because they did (that’s a good thing). Success for Washington this season will depend on the offense taking a step forward, as the defense is already primed for success.
New York Giants (o6 -110/u6 -110) 2020 Preview
There is excitement, anticipation and worry headed into Daniel Jones’ second full year. The Giants 1st round QB from last year is coming in with expectations through the roof after he flashed several times last year. Saquon is now a veteran and fully in his prime. The Giants have weapons at WR and TE and even upgraded the Offensive Line. So, the Giants are gonna be good, right?! Wrong. Dead wrong. This defense is about as good as Dave Gettleman’s job prospects in December.
Houston Texans (o7.5 -106/o7.5 -115) 2020 Preview
After yet another playoff appearance last season that saw the Texans lead the eventual SuperBowl champions by 24 points, to only lose by 20. Houston is looking to win the AFC South again in 2020, which would mark their 5th division win in 6 years. In what certainly seems like the last gasp for his job by Bill O’Brien, he has traded DeAndre Hopkins for David Johsnon and brought in Brandin Cooks. With a top 5 quarterback in Deshaun Watson, can the Texans even go .500?
Jacksonville Jaguars (o4.5 -112/o4.5 -112) 2020 Preview
This team stinks! The Jags are slated to be the worst team in football, which is confirmed with their lowly 4.5 game win total. Jacksonville is coming into the year with Gardner Minshew as their starting QB. They have let go or traded every key piece from their vaunted defense from a few years ago. And just today, they have waived Leonard Fournette, their former first round draft pick (after no team in the league wanted to trade for him). Yea, sure seems like they’re “Tanking for Trevor”. All that doesn’t mean we can’t make money betting on or against them!
Indianapolis Colts (o9 -117/u9 -105) 2020 Preview
The Indianapolis Colts have one of the best rosters in football. The offensive line is the best per Pro Football Focus. The team signed Philip Rivers in the offseason to hopefully bring some veteran presence and reinvigorate the passing game that withered without Andrew Luck. Make no mistake though, Jacoby Brissett is probably one of the best backups in the league and is more than serviceable. Between Marlon Mack and rookie Jonathan Taylor, the run game is secured. Deforest Buckner and Xavier Rhodes have been brought in to improve the defense. I like the Colts to win this division.
Tennessee Titans (o8.5 -130/u8.5 +107) 2020 Preview
When we last saw the Titans they were marching towards an improbable run in the playoffs. They knocked off the Ravens and were the last team to play the Tom Brady Patriots. Ryan Tannehill took over in the middle of the year and turned the Titans season around. Along with rushing champion, Derrick Henry and dynamic rookie, AJ Brown, the Titans overachieved. Tennessee comes into this year hoping to recreate last year’s magic. They may be poised to find out that good teams get figured out and great teams continue to thrive in the NFL. Are the Titans merely good or are they great?
Las Vegas Raiders (o7 -110/u7 -110) 2020 Preview
The Las Vegas Raiders: it just has a strange ring to it. After spending decades in California, the Raiders have set up shop in Sin City. Finally, an NFL team in the sports gambling capital of America. The NFL, where the TV contracts are pricey and the hypocrisy is cheap. Jon Gruden is back at the helm for season three of “The Contract” and this is now officially, fully, his team. Gone are (most of) the remnants of the old regime. This was supposed to be the year this team took a turn of for the better. First year in a new city with a shiny spaceship-looking stadium. However, it’s the same old Raiders.
Denver Broncos (o7.5 -118/u7.5 -106) 2020 Preview
The Broncos are one of the biggest conundrums coming into this NFL season. Who are the Broncos? Are they still a defensively-oriented powerhouse that is winning games by fundamentals and a solid running game? Are they the new young offensive upstart waiting to break out? Is Drew Lock a legit NFL starter and can he support these offensive weapons? I believe that if you know who the Broncos are (or who they will try to be) during this season is the key to unlocking their 2020 handicap.
Los Angeles Chargers (o7.5 -143 / u7.5 +118) 2020 Preview
The Chargers are perennially a sharp bettor favorite. Every year, you aren’t a “smart” if you aren’t on the Chargers and every year, they find new inventive ways to lose games and most importantly, blow covers. Could this year finally be different? The year the Chargers shed their long time quarterback – Philip Rivers and draft their future – Justin Herbert. The year they move out of their soccer stadium to play second fiddle to the Rams in a shiny new (and most likely, empty) stadium. It will be an uphill battle in a very tough division and with their coach’s job on the line.
Kansas City Chiefs (o11.5 -121/u11.5 +100) 2020 Preview
The Chiefs are the best team in the NFL. There is no denying this. There is no deficit they can’t overcome. They have the best quarterback in the league in Patrick Mahomes. The skill position players are otherworldly – Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce, Sammy Watkins and the rookie, Clyde Edwards Helaire. Andy Reid is easily a top 3 coach. They are coming into the 2020 season with a target on their backs and have to overcome a strong division to try to repeat.
Baltimore Ravens (o11 -115/u11 -106) 2020 Preview
The Ravens were anointed to win the SuperBowl last year, until the Titans happened. The emergence of Lamar Jackson as MVP from “project quarterback” was the main storyline last season. Now, expect the headlines to read: “Jackson can’t win the big game”. Jackson is key to handicapping the Ravens this year.
Cincinnati Bengals (o5.5 -125/u5.5 +103) 2020 Preview
It’s Joe Burrow season in the Jungle. The Bengals were a horrible football team last year. And for that, they were rewarded with the number one pick in the NFL Draft and picked Burrow to be their franchise QB. The Red Rifle, Andy Dalton, is gone and this is now Joey’s team. I do not expect big things this year from Cincy.
Pittsburgh Steelers (o9 -121/u9 +100) 2020 Preview
The Steelers are a good football team. This season and their handicap relies solely on Big Ben. That’s it. If you know how Big Ben is gonna look this year, you can make money on the Steelers. It’s all going to center around him.
Cleveland Browns (o8.5 -121/u8.5 +100) 2020 Preview
The Browns have had 12 consecutive losing seasons. But here we are in 2020, the strangest year of our lifetimes. So strange in fact, that I think the Browns are a good team.
Miami Dolphins (o6.5 +118 / u8.5 -143) 2020 Preview
The 2020 Dolphins are an interesting team. They are still young and inexperienced. They have a roster that can be described as Foxborough South. They have drafted their franchise QB in Tua Tagovailoa and he will be playing at some point in the year. They have revamped their RB room. They are also still the worst team in the division.