NFL Futures – Picking AFC Divisional Dark Horses
Here is one dark horse team from each division in the AFC and their odds to win the division at one of the leading sportsbooks. All of these teams have the odds stacked against them to win their respective divisions, but they have a legit, albeit small one, shot to win it.
AFC North – Cincinnati Bengals +900
OK, so it is the Bengals and they are in the same division as the defending champion Pittsburgh Steelers, but Cincinnati may surprise some teams this season. Like the Steelers the Bengals play a very weak schedule, as besides facing the Browns twice this season in the AFC North they also play the Broncos, Texans, Raiders, Lions, Chiefs, and Jets. One thing the Bengals have going for them is that they should head into the season ready to play, as they may play the toughest pre-season schedule facing the Saints, Patriots, and Colts. Carson Palmer is back and healthy and Chad Ochocinco has come to camp in great shape and has stated he will not be a distraction. The Bengals have a shot at having a good offense this season if Palmer can stay on the field. It is a little surprising that the Bengals have a solid D, as they ranked 12th last season. Sure, the Bengals are a long shot and they are the Bengals, but they may surprise some teams this season.
AFC South – Tennessee Titans +300
The Titans won the division last season and while they did lose stud DY Albert Haynesworth and their defensive coordinator in the off-season they still are a solid team. Kerry Collins had a solid season last year and the Titans addressed their weak passing offense by taking WR Kenny Britt in the 1st round and signing free agent WR Nate Washington. Their defense is solid and they have one of the best young running backs in the game in Chris Johnson. The Titans will battle with the Colts this season, but the big question mark for the Colts is their rushing defense, which is good for the Titans, as their strength is their rushing offense.
AFC East – Miami Dolphins +800
This one is tough to call, as it is hard to see the Patriots not winning the division with a healthy Tom Brady. The Dolphins won the AFC East last season and it remains to be seen if Brady will be the same player he was before his serious knee injury. Chad Pennington had the best year of his career and the Dolphins D should be much better with their free agent additions and solid draft picks, including 1st round pick CB Vontae Davis. The Dolphins ran the Wildcat offense well last season and they drafted QB/WR Pat White in the 2nd round and he was born to run that type of offense. Also, what if Brady goes down early again? If that is the case the Dolphins have to be the favorites to win the AFC East.
AFC West – Denver Broncos +450
This is another tough call, as the division is a weak one and the Chargers should have no problem winning the division. Kyle Orton is the new starter and he is no Jay Cutler, but he knows how to manage a game. RB Knowshon Moreno was a great 1st round pick and the Denver D may be better this year with early draft picks DE Robert Ayers and CB Alphonso Smith. If the Chargers’ D played like they did last year Moreno may have a field day against them in their 2 match ups. This one is a long shot for sure, but you never know how San Diego will play and if they struggle the Broncos have a shot to win the division.
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