The AFC has not seen a team win the Super Bowl since Kansas City won before the pandemic, but the conference is still viewed as the more talented of the two.
AFC Teams Analysis
The best players in the country have moved from the NFC to the AFC, and you could argue that 7 of the top 10 quarterbacks in the NFL are in the AFC.
13 of the 16 teams in the AFC have a strong chance to be competitive this season, and the other three are developing sophomore quarterbacks.
Teams With a Better Chance to Win the Conference
Upsets can happen every week, and we could easily see a team shock the world and win the conference like the Bengals did last season.
So, which AFC teams have the best betting value to win the AFC East and reach the Super Bowl? We won’t pick the favorites.
Instead, we are looking at teams with a better chance to win the conference than the odds say.
Denver Broncos
The Broncos might be overhyped after adding Russell Wilson to the squad, but this team has the pieces to win the AFC West.
If you can win the stacked AFC West, then you are good enough to win a Super Bowl.
Broncos Key Players to Win AFC West
Expect Jerry Jeudy to become a true threat in the offense now that the Broncos have a competent quarterback.
- The offense will also take a step forward with Javonte Williams getting more touches in the backfield.
- Add in the dynamic Albert Okwuegbunam at tight end and you have an underrated group of skill players.
- Adding Randy Gregory to the pass rush will elevate the defense, and Patrick Surtain is one of the best young corners in the NFL already. The secondary is stacked, and the core of this team is solid.
Denver has a rough road ahead of them, but they are good enough to reach the AFC Playoffs despite the wild division ahead of them.
Broncos Quarterback Projection
Once they get there, they will have a solid rushing attack and a proven quarterback. Teams won’t want to be playing the Broncos in the postseason, and I can’t blame them. That’s what gives them value beyond the NFL odds.
NFL Pick: Broncos (+1000) with BetOnline (visit our BetOnline Review)
Baltimore Ravens
Ravens 2021 Injury List
The Ravens had the worst injury luck last year, and they still almost made the Playoffs. They should have the best rushing offense in the AFC once again this year, and the offensive line got better with additions through the draft.
- Once David Ojabo is healthy, this defensive front should be one of the best in the AFC. It isn’t as star-studded as the one in Pittsburgh or Cleveland, but the depth is impressive.
- Patrick Queen needs to improve as a linebacker, but the rest of the defense looks to be significantly better.
The secondary added depth through free agency, and they should be healthier this season. The only concern is at receiver, but the Ravens can still add weapons this offseason.
Bateman and Ravens’ Expectations
Also, Bateman should take a step forward in his sophomore season. The tight ends are solid, and the Ravens like to run most actions through them.
A healthy Ravens team should win the AFC North, and an elite rushing attack will help in the postseason. Having betting odds at +1400 makes this my favorite value in the AFC.
NFL Pick: Ravens (+1400) with BetOnline
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts and the Titans are tied at +1600, making the AFC South the weakest division on paper. For that reason, I think the Colts have incredible value.
If they go 5-1 against divisional opponents, they should almost certainly make the Playoffs.
Colts Players that Add Value
They have an easier schedule than the Titans, and they took a significant step forward at quarterback with Matt Ryan.
Jonathan Taylor is the best young back in the NFL, and he could go for over 2000 all-purpose yards this season.
That will be valuable in the postseason, and the Colts will host at least one postseason game if they win the division.
Titans Should Take a Step Back
I expect the Titans to take a step back after a lackluster offseason, and the Colts should take a step forward.
With a proven quarterback and a great offensive front, the Colts could be the team to shock us and win the conference.
NFL Pick: Colts (+1600) with BetOnline
*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.
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