With the conclusion of the 2024 NFL Draft, and free agency period, we have a more clear picture of what teams look like heading into the 2024 NFL season. The NFL playoffs are volatile, and we often see teams make the jump into the playoffs without making it the year prior. Sportsbooks provided odds on teams to make the NFL playoffs, and there are three teams favored to make the playoffs, after missing last season.
Cincinnati Bengals -240 To Make the NFL Playoffs
The first team expected to make the jump is the Cincinnati Bengals. After making the Superbowl in 2021 the Bengals were expected to be a perennial playoff threat in the AFC. The Bengals lost to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC championship in 2022 and failed to make the playoffs in 2023 due to Joe Burrow’s injuries.
The elephant in the room for the Bengals is the future of star wide receiver Tee Higgins. On February 26, 2024, the Bengals officially franchise-tagged Tee Higgins, however, on March 11, 2024, Tee Higgins requested a trade from the team. It is unclear how this saga will play out, but it could be a potential blow to the Bengals’ offensive skill unit.
Cincinnati added wide receiver Jermaine Burton, and tight end Erik All via the 2024 NFL Draft. These can be two sneaky productive additions to the Bengals’ skill unit.
Given Joe Burrow stays healthy, the Cincinnati Bengals will be firmly in the playoff mix. The Bengals are also +170 behind the Baltimore Ravens (+140) to win the AFC North Division.
Atlanta Falcons -240 To Make the NFL Playoffs
Another team favored to make the jump to the playoffs is the Atlanta Falcons. A season ago the Falcons had a record of 7-10 and displayed inconsistent play. The Falcons have not made the playoffs since 2017, but look to make the jump this season.
On January 25, 2024, the Atlanta Falcons hired former Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris as their new head coach. Morris brought Zac Robinson with him from Los Angeles and named him the team’s new offensive coordinator.
The Falcons made a splash move on March 13, 2024, signing former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins to a massive 4 year $180 million deal. Cousins will bring the solid quarterback play the team needs to spark that young offensive skill group. Kirk Cousins will also bring four playoff games of experience to the Falcons.
The Atlanta Falcons are also -115 favorites to win the NFC South division.
New York Jets -175 To Make the NFL Playoffs
The New York Jets are -175 to end their playoff drought in 2024. The Jets disappointingly went 7-10 in 2023, mostly due to Aaron Rodgers’s week 1 Achilles injury.
The Jets are seemingly going all in on protecting Aaron Rodgers as they signed veteran tackle Tyron Smith from the Dallas Cowboys. Smith brings thirteen years of NFL experience with eight pro bowls to the Jets offensive line. The Jets also added to the team’s offensive skill bringing in former Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams.
Adding to the offense wasn’t the only thing the Jets did this offseason as they made a trade for star pass rusher Hasson Reddick from the Philadelphia Eagles. Reddick will add to the Jets’ stout defense making them one of the best defenses in the NFL.
The Jets are +200 to win the AFC East putting them tied for second with the Miami Dolphins, and behind the Buffalo Bills (+160). If the Jets can’t find a way to win the division they will need to secure a wild card spot.
All odds via FanDuel Sportsbook.
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