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Which NFL Teams will make the Playoffs? Odds and Best Bets

by Mike Allen - 8/12/2024

Which NFL teams will make the playoffs Sam Darnold Minnesota Vikings

It's that time of year again, guys. The 2024 NFL Preseason is barely underway, and here we are, predicting which teams will qualify for the postseason. Some would say we are getting ahead of ourselves. However, I would argue that the value in our best bets will never be better.

After the New Orleans Saints get off to a 1-6 start and head coach Dennis Allen is deservedly fired, you won't be able to find any affordable -140s lying around. What if the 4th place-projected Minnesota Vikings get off to a hot start?

Sometimes, it's better to wait and, sometimes not.

Today, we have several best bets from the yes/no betting odds for teams to make the 2024 NFL Playoffs. These are very straightforward. Let’s jump on them.

Doc’s Sports offers NFL expert picks for every game on our NFL predictions page.

Yes or No to Make the NFL Playoffs

Indianapolis Colts

Yes: +140

No: -170

The Indianapolis Colts let go of the only thing that's held them together for the past couple of years, quarterback Gardner Minshew, to make way for the Anthony Richardson era. It didn't get off to a good start, but it did give the kid more time to learn the offense and acclimate himself into the league.

This team has to seriously overperform to make the playoffs. It doesn't look like anyone from the AFC South will challenge the Texans. That means Indy would be vying for one of the three wild card berths.

The East and the North are quite strong. They are more than likely going to provide the three wild card spots for the AFC.

Pick: No (-170)

Minnesota Vikings

Yes: +240

No: -300

The Minnesota Vikings are entering the post-Kirk Cousins era and are projected to finish dead last in the NFC North. I don't know how much I buy that.

The quarterback situation is not that bad. They brought in Sam Darnold, who was a steal in free agency. I don't understand how this guy doesn't get the respect he deserves. Backing him up is the rookie, J.J. McCarthy, out of Michigan.

Either of these two QBs can lead the Vikings to a playoff spot in the weaker conference, the NFC. It isn't likely but that's why the betting odds are (+240). Be responsible here. We have much more valuable odds coming up.

Los Angeles Rams

Yes: +100

No: -130

People are picking the Los Angeles Rams to potentially win the NFC West over the Niners. I was already high on Sean McVay and Matt Stafford. Then, once my sentiments were repetitively echoed, I had to make this bet.

Bet however much you want and double your money when the LA Rams make the postseason. This team is loaded with talent. It may come down to them and the Dallas Cowboys, and when the pressure is on, give me Stafford all day over Dak Prescott.

Pick: Yes (+100)

Buffalo Bills

Yes: -160

No: +140

The Buffalo Bills looked significantly better at the end of last season than they did in the middle of it, or the beginning, for that matter. They won their final five regular season games, the wild card game, and then fell to the eventual Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs.

What turned around their season? Health. The Bills were probably the most banged-up defense in the league in 2023. They peaked at the right time, though. The only problem was they played Patrick Mahomes in the playoffs.

The AFC East looks to be tough at the top again with the Dolphins, as well as the Aaron Rodgers-led Jets. Playoff spots will be at a premium in the AFC. However, the Bills have the talent and continuity in the right places to be a playoff team in 2024.

Pick: Yes (-160)

New Orleans Saints

Yes: +170

No: -210

Lastly, the New Orleans Saints stink. We spoke a bit about them already. There is the possibility they go on a bit of a winning streak after they fire their head coach.

The only thing that worries me with a bet against the Saints here is their schedule. Much like their division, the out-of-division schedule is cake. Any way you cut it, though, their ceiling is 8-9, and that's not good enough to make the playoffs.

Pick: No (-210)

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