The wait is sort of over. Soccer season is nearly right here. The Baltimore Ravens and back-to-back champion Kansas Metropolis Chiefs get issues began Thursday, Sept. 5 from Arrowhead, and Week 1 concludes with the New York Jets visiting the Tremendous Bowl runner-up San Francisco 49ers on “Monday Night time Soccer” (8:20 p.m. ET on ABC/ESPN/ESPN+).
It additionally means fantasy soccer drafts are seemingly wrapped up and leagues are able to get going. Oh, and did we point out the NFL can be fairly fashionable among the many betting group?
It is a good time to take a look at odds (if you have not already), and we have you coated with every part from over/unders on regular-season win totals to Tremendous Bowl odds. And our group of consultants will supply a few of their favourite picks as properly — and perhaps a prop or two.
Editor’s Picks
2 Associated
The 49ers took the division final 12 months and made it to the Tremendous Bowl, the place they misplaced 25-22 to the Chiefs. The Niners are the prohibitive favourite to repeat as NFC West champs at -200 and path solely the Chiefs in Tremendous Bowl odds (6-1).
The Los Angeles Rams are coming off a wild-card berth and first-round playoff exit and are subsequent in line at +350. The Seattle Seahawks (+750) and Arizona Cardinals (13-1) spherical out the division.
Listed here are all the percentages for the NFC West groups and our ideas on potential wagers.
Odds as of publication. For probably the most up-to-date odds, go to ESPN BET.
NFC West odds
Notable NFC West props
2024 schedules/strains: 49ers, Rams, Seahawks, Cardinals2023: 49ers (12-5), Rams (10-7), Seahawks (9-8), Cardinals (4-13)Assessment: NFC EastComing up: NFC North (Saturday) | NFC South (Sunday) | AFC East (Monday) | AFC West (Tuesday) | AFC North (Wednesday) | AFC South (Sept. 5)
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Courtesy ESPN Stats & Data
In accordance with ESPN Analytics, the 49ers have a 68% likelihood to repeat as NFC West champions, which might be their third consecutive division title. It will be the primary time the NFC West had a three-peat champion for the reason that Seahawks gained 4 consecutive titles from 2004-07. The Chiefs are the one workforce with the next likelihood to win their division in accordance at 74%.
No workforce up to now 5 seasons that misplaced the Tremendous Bowl has reached the massive recreation the 12 months after, together with the 6-10 49ers workforce in 2020 that failed qualify for the playoffs.
Puka Nacua crammed the void of Cooper Kupp’s absence final season and set the NFL rookie data for receptions (105) and receiving yards (1,486).
The Seahawks will likely be making an attempt to keep away from lacking the playoffs for a second consecutive season, one thing they have not executed since 2008-09.
Marvin Harrison Jr. will attempt to turn out to be solely the second Cardinals receiver to file 1,000 receiving yards in his first season (Anquan Boldin in 2003), and no Cardinal has reached double-digit receiving touchdowns in his first season.
Patrick Mahomes is the favourite to guide the NFL in passing yards at 5-1, and he has the very best passing yards prop within the NFL. Mahomes can be the 6-1 favourite to guide the NFL in passing touchdowns, adopted by Dak Prescott (+750), Brock Purdy (10-1), C.J. Stroud (10-1) and Joe Burrow (10-1).
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Workers bets
49ers UNDER 11.5 wins (-145)
The Niners had been one of many healthiest groups within the NFL final season, a beautiful trait that’s nearly unattainable to duplicate. And when a workforce’s well being begins to deteriorate, you may anticipate its wins to regress as properly. Take be aware that San Francisco will play eight of its 17 regular-season contests towards groups that can possess a relaxation benefit. The 49ers’ offensive line has query marks, outdoors of left sort out Trent Williams, and the protection will take its marching orders from a fourth completely different coordinator in 5 years. Do not be shocked if this outfit misses the playoffs completely. — Joe Fortenbaugh
