Phil Agius
Show Bio
The NFL still stands for Not For Long in many respects and there will surely be surprises in store when the 2023-24 season begins on September 7. Some teams who had a shot at winning the Super Bowl last time might not look so good this time around, while others could be on their way back to greatness after a period in the wilderness. In this article, we’ll be looking at our favorite picks to make the playoffs this season.
You won’t get rich backing the Chiefs (-500) or Eagles (-400) to be among the 14 playoff teams again this season, and FanDuel Sportsbook has 7 teams priced at -200 or lower to be in the postseason field. We’re going to be looking for a little better payout than that, though, targeting teams that are expected to be near the bubble for the playoffs who could have a stronger chance of making it in than the odds suggest.
You can bet any of our NFL predictions at FanDuel Sportsbook, which has a great new-customer offer to take advantage of. If you sign up for FanDuel right now, you can get up to $100 in bonus bets following a $5 wager. Click here to join FanDuel right now.
Cleveland Browns to make the playoffs (+115, DraftKings)
People are sleeping on the Browns’ talented roster again after they disappointed in the last 2 seasons. The Covid-year playoff road win over the Steelers already seems a long time ago, but with the last two seasons basically write-offs after Baker Mayfield’s injuries and Deshaun Watson’s 11-game suspension, the stage is set for a renaissance this year. Watson should be much sharper after a full offseason and preseason campaign to work on a playbook now built around his talent — and he was rated among the top 5 QBs in the league at his best with the Texans.
He’s not short of weapons with Amari Cooper, Elijah Moore and David Njoku to target, and defenses can’t afford to forget about RB Nick Chubb! The Browns’ own defense has been bolstered by the additions of Za’Darius Smith and Juan Thornhill and is also now under the experienced eye of coordinator Jim Schwartz after some costly breakdowns under Joe Woods. The Bengals remain tough opponents in the AFC North (although there’s a chance Joe Burrow may not now be available for their Week 1 meeting), but the gap between the playoff odds of the Browns and the Ravens (-150) looks too wide.
If you’re looking for a new sportsbook, check out Bet365, the world’s #1 sportsbook. They have an amazing sign-up offer where you can bet just $1 and instantly get $200 in bonus bets! There’s no catch, it’s really that simple. Click here to join Bet365 right now.
Miami Dolphins to make the playoffs (-105, FanDuel)
The Dolphins did make the playoffs last season and showed the talent they have by going close to beating Buffalo in the wild-card round despite starting third-string QB Skylar Thompson. The threat of another injury to starter Tua Tagovailoa will hang over the team again but they look to have a much better than even chance to get there again.
The odds have been affected by the arrival in their division of Aaron Rodgers with the New York Jets, but Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel has plenty of talent at his disposal, not least in elite WR pair Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, and Miami should be in the playoff mix once more.
New York Giants to make the playoffs (+172, FanDuel)
The Giants’ odds look generous for a team that made the playoffs last year and who could still be on an upward curve in head coach Brian Daboll’s second season. QB Daniel Jones took a much-needed step forward and RB Saquon Barkley regained his sharpness. The Giants also have plenty of young talent around with Kayvon Thibodeaux ready to break out in his second season.
Much has been made of the Giants’ tough schedule, but aside from their games against the Eagles and a Week 3 trip to San Francisco there’s nothing they should be unduly afraid of. Those NFC East clashes with the Eagles both come in the final 3 weeks of the season, too, which means there’s a non-zero chance they could be facing the Philly backups at least once. I see no reason why the Giants can’t make another run at a wild-card spot.
Check out all of our 2023-24 NFL futures predictions in our NFL Betting Guide
Pickswise is the home of free expert NFL Picks and NFL Odds. Be sure to check out all of our season previews and NFL Futures Bets leading up to the 2023 NFL season.
