NFL Predictions: Dark horse pick to win each division in 2019
By Lucas Schuh
It’s easy to pick the favorites to win each division in the 2019 NFL season but these dark horses could emerge and take the crown.
The 2019 NFL season has already gotten underway. In the kickoff game for the league’s 100th season, the Green Bay Packers survived a slugfest to top the rival Chicago Bears on Thursday night. But now we’re readying for 17 weeks full of action and attempting to make predictions for how things will transpire.
We know how each NFL division should shake out, at least given the odds. But things can get turned on their heads instantly in this game. Just last year, the Kansas City Chiefs offense and Patrick Mahomes exploded on their way to winning the AFC West. Over in the NFC North, the Chicago Bears rode their elite defense to a 12-4 record after going 5-11 in the previous season.
With that in mind, we’re going to look at the odds to win each NFL division in 2019 and pick the most likely dark horse to come out and take the division crown. Let’s start in the NFC West.
Note: All odds are courtesy of Bovada.
NFC West Dark Horse: San Fransisco 49ers
Odds
- Los Angeles Rams -180
- Seattle Seahawks +285
- San Fransisco 49ers +500
- Arizona Cardinals +2500
The Arizona Cardinals drafted really well in 2019, landing Kyler Murray, Hakeem Butler, Andy Isabella and Byron Murphy. The Cardinals also made a good move in hiring Kliff Kingsbury but they are still a few years away from competing as their offensive line is lacking and they have few proven offensive weapons at this point.
Meanwhile, the Seattle Seahawks are going in the opposite direction of where they should be going. Brian Schottenheimer, the Seahawks offensive coordinator, is calling plays and designing his offense like its the 1960s. Despite having Russell Wilson, Seattle’s offense was exceptionally run-heavy, taking the ball out of their star quarterback’s hands.
Sneakily, though, San Francisco has the pieces to compete for the NFC West, at least on paper. Nick Bosa and Dee Ford were added to an already strong defensive line and the 49ers have also added more talent to the secondary, especially if Jason Verrett can stay healthy.
Losing Jimmy Garoppolo derailed a potential breakout season for the Niners last year. As the starting quarterback returns, though, if all the pieces fit together for the 49ers, they could definitely compete with the Rams for the NFC West crown.