Early NFL Over/Under win total predictions for the 2021 season
Not only is the schedule out for the 2021 NFL season but so are the Over/Under win total betting lines. And we have predictions for all 32 teams.
Even though we aren’t exactly in the heart of a hotbed of NFL action — aside from Julio Jones being traded — minicamps are ramping up throughout the league after OTAs just subsided not long ago. But more important than any of that, the release of the 2021 schedule in May also brings with it the first true Over/Under win total betting lines.
The Over/Under betting odds are perhaps more interesting now than they would be in previous years at this time thanks to the unknown commodities still floating out there, namely what will happen with Aaron Rodgers. Subsequently, the lines for the Green Bay Packers and Denver Broncos (the favorites to possibly land the quarterback) aren’t listed on WynnBET, which is the odds we’re looking at.
Even still, we’re using some logic to give them win total lines so that we can weave our way throughout all 32 teams and make NFL Over/Under predictions for their win totals. And it’s a whole new venture with the first 17-game slates in league history now in play. Still, this is something worth tackling to project how things could play out in the 2021 season.
We’ll go division-by-division for organizational purposes, meaning it’s time to start with the AFC East with these predictions.
Early NFL Over/Under Win Total Predictions: AFC East
Buffalo Bills, 10.5 wins: Over
The ascent of Josh Allen last season was nothing short of remarkable. After flashing his prowess early in his career, he emerged as an MVP candidate and helped guide the Bills to the AFC Championship Game, albeit a game in which they were slightly overmatched.
My worry with the Bills this season is that, though Allen and Stefon Diggs should continue to headline a potent offense, the defense could be stagnant if not worse. They’re going over comfortably but their ceiling is in question.
Miami Dolphins, 9.0 wins: Over
What Tua Tagovailoa looks like in year two will determine what the Miami Dolphins, in turn, can achieve. The young quarterback has readily admitted his flaws as a rookie when speaking this offseason and now has a host of new weapons at his disposal, namely Jaylen Waddle and Will Fuller. Miami has been on the rise and, with a defense that was already emerging in 2020 and has now added more talent, hammering over 9.0 wins is an easy call.
New England Patriots, 9.0 wins: Under
I’m sure the good people of Foxborough are sharpening their pitchforks over this one and, frankly, it has the potential to make me look a bit stupid. But there’s some logic here.
Whether it’s Cam Newton or rookie Mac Jones, there should be some worry about the quarterback spot, be that inconsistent performance or inexperience. In any case, that coupled with a revamped offense that’s still lacking at wide receiver is only going to put more pressure on an admittedly ample defense. In such a tough AFC East, though, I’m not sure that’s enough for the Patriots to creep over .500 this year.
New York Jets, 6.5 wins: Under
There should undoubtedly be excitement around the New York Jets. The arrival of head coach Robert Saleh along with rookie quarterback Zach Wilson are positives for a franchise that has been missing those in recent years. Coupling that with strong moves thus far by general manager Joe Douglas and the future should be bright for Gang Green.
With that said, this team still needs some work, particularly on defense, if they are going to withstand what is ultimately a tough schedule. This is a classic case of a team that will be noticeably better than last year but their record may not wholly reflect that.