The online NFL betting season is less than two months away. Pretty soon sportsbook players will be going over NFL preseason wagering lines to see if there are any easy bets to be made. Afterwards, players will get the full madness that is the NFL season.
As the season gets closer, more and more fans will get hyped up about making Super Bowl predictions. Of course, correctly predicting the NFL title winner in the preseason carries much more weight than it does in the playoffs, and the lines are more lucrative for that reason.
So, which teams are currently the biggest online NFL betting contenders for the Super Bowl? To answer that question we’ve decided to break the league down division by division to get a more dynamic picture of how the contenders truly stack up. We’ve already taken a look at the NFC North as well as the NFC East, so let’s buckle down our straps and take a look at the NFC West.
Arizona Cardinals
Odds to Win NFC West: +325 Odds to Win Super Bowl: +4250
The Cardinals were one of the biggest disappointments in the NFL in 2016. A season removed from competing for the NFC title, Arizona crawled their way to a 7-8-1 record that ensured they would not make the postseason.
This season, the Cardinals could compete for the NFC West title and one man will determine how well they fare: Carson Palmer. Palmer posted a 104.6 passer rating in 2015 and the Cards had no problem making the postseason. Last season, Palmer posted a meager 87.2 rating and Arizona failed to qualify for the playoffs. Online NFL betting sites like Arizona’s defense and Palmer’s early season performance will determine what kind of odds the Cardinals face later on in the year.
Los Angeles Rams
Odds to Win NFC West: +2550 Odds to Win Super Bowl: +25000
The Rams are still trying to get acquainted with their new city and most players who bet on NFL are expecting another rebuilding season from the Rams. Although, Los Angeles isn’t facing the steepest of odds.
Defensively, the Rams weren’t half bad last season. Yes they were 23rd in points, but they were also 9th in total yards allowed and 10th in passing yards allowed. Overall, it was Los Angeles’ offense which habitually put their defense up against the wall. If the Rams can do better offensively; control field position and chew up the clock, their defense might just be allowed to shine.
San Francisco 49ers
Odds to Win NFC West: +4050 Odds to Win Super Bowl: +32500
The 49ers were terrible on both sides of the ball last season, and the franchise had a hard time contending with off the field issues as well. Colin Kaepernick, the 49ers’ former quarterback, once took the franchise to a Super Bowl but stirred some controversy last season that undoubtedly has helped Kaepernick stay a free agent.
Kaepernick aside, the Niners haven’t made enough moves to be NFC West contenders this season. They might be able to pick up one or two upsets over rivals that could play a key role in determining who wins the division however.
Seattle Seahawks
Odds to Win NFC West: -290 Odds to Win Super Bowl: +1125
The Seahawks finished the 2016 season with a 10-5-1 record that allowed Seattle to clinch the division. Once in the playoffs, Seattle picked up a quick win over the Detroit Lions before losing to the Falcons in the divisional round.
The Seahawks are the most complete team in the West. They have a capable offense, a foreboding defense, and superstars on both sides of the ball. The biggest thing holding Seattle back is their lack of team chemistry. Ever since losing the Super Bowl on the 1-yard line, this team has not been the same.
