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NY Post
New York Post
17 Jul 2023


NextImg:NFL futures predictions: NFC South and West divisions could have new winners

Late July is right around the time to start digging into NFL futures.

We’ve found some solid inefficiencies in the divisional markets.

Here are two teams I’m betting to win their division in 2023.

Somebody has to win the NFC South. Why not Atlanta?

The Falcons will run the ball a lot and should run it very well.

They ran for over 2,700 yards last season with high efficiency, ranking fourth in the NFL in Rush Expected Points Added per play.

Running back Bijan Robinson will play a massive role in the offense on Day 1 for Atlanta.

Running back Bijan Robinson will play a massive role in the offense on Day 1 for Atlanta.
Getty Images

Atlanta put a mobile quarterback (Marcus Mariota), a rookie running back (Tyler Allgeier), and a converted wide receiver (Cordarrelle Patterson) behind a top-five offensive line.

The results were surprisingly effective, as the Falcons ranked top-five in total rushing yards (2,718), rushing yards per attempt (4.9), and rushing Expected Points Added per play (.072).

NFC South Division odds
New Orleans Saints +120
Atlanta Falcons +240
Carolina Panthers +340
Tampa Bay Buccaneers +800
Odds provided by Caesars

It was a surprisingly adept strategy, as the Falcons boasted the best offense in the division.

The Falcons have doubled down on this strategy.

They returned four offensive linemen and drafted one of this generation’s best running back prospects (Bijan Robinson) to pair with their other weapons.

The Falcons likely have the NFL’s deadliest rushing attack.

The key will be marked improvements to the passing game and defense.

I’d argue the Desmond Ridder-Taylor Heinicke duo is an upgrade over Mariota, especially if Kyle Pitts stays healthy.

And new defensive coordinator Ryan Nielson should improve the team’s revamped front seven.

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Meanwhile, there’s no reason to trust Tampa Bay without Tom Brady, Carolina with Bryce Young or New Orleans with Derek Carr. The Falcons offer the most upside of any NFC South team, and I’m willing to bet on that.

Also, it’s worth mentioning the Falcons have the easiest schedule in the division after losing the divisional tiebreakers last year. The extra games against Arizona and Washington might be the difference maker in the NFL’s weakest division.

The NFC West is a race between Seattle and San Francisco, and I love the Seahawks in that derby.

I’m all in on NFL Comeback Player of the Year Geno Smith. Meanwhile, the 49ers are a mess at the quarterback position between Brock Purdy’s UCL, Trey Lance’s injury issues and the switch from Jimmy Garoppolo to Sam Darnold.

Seattle also put together one of the NFL’s best drafts.

Geno Smith #7 of the Seattle Seahawks

Geno Smith #7 of the Seattle Seahawks
Getty Images

The Seahawks were one of the best offenses in the NFL last season, winning nine games and earning a playoff spot on Smith’s back.

So, Pete Carroll used the draft to get his up-and-coming quarterback more weapons (WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba and RB Zach Charbonnet).

DK Metcalf #14 of the Seattle Seahawks fist bumps head coach Pete Carroll

DK Metcalf #14 of the Seattle Seahawks fist bumps head coach Pete Carroll
Getty Images

The Seahawks were one of the worst defenses in the NFL last season.

So, Carroll used premiere picks to upgrade the secondary (top CB Devon Witherspoon with pick No. 5) and the pass rush (OLB Derick Hall with pick No. 37).

NFC West division odds
San Fransisco 49ers -182
Seattle Seahawks +240
Los Angeles Rams +800
Arizona Cardinals +2500
Odds provided by BetRivers

Meanwhile, San Francisco took a safety, tight end and kicker with its first three picks.

The Seahawks won nine games while rebuilding in 2022 and should continue their ascension.

The 49ers won 13 games in 2022 but are due for a letdown year — remember, Kyle Shanahan has never won back-to-back division titles.

Bet on the up-and-coming ’Hawks in 2023.