Spread Astaire (@SpreadAstaire)
I have a NFC West futures bet for each team in the division. The Niners are the overwhelming favorite to win the division at a -200 price. They could very well be the only team in the West with a winning record.
Let’s dive in to our NFC West futures bets with the defending NFC Champions up first.
San Francisco 49ers: Super Bowl or Bust
Once again, the San Francisco 49ers made it to the Super Bowl only to fall short in a close game against the Kansas City Chiefs. The Niners have spent this offseason going over every decision made in that game and seeing how they can improve.
Historically, Super Bowl’s losing team often has a rough season in the following year. On the flip side, I think the 49ers are strong and deep enough to buck that trend.
The Niiners are still dealing with contract situations of two key pieces, Brandon Aiyuk and Trent Williams. I think that Trent Williams will return for sure but it seems like Brandon Aiyuk is on the precipice of being dealt. Regardless, the 49ers offense can be successful with or without Aiyuk, although obviously, they would be better with Aiyuk in the lineup
The 49ers know their window is now as QB Brock Purdy is still on a rookie contract. After they pay Purdy, these team building decisions will become much tougher. But for now, they can afford to put a stacked supporting cast around him, including one of the strongest defenses in the league.
Christian McCaffrey is one year older but I wouldn’t bet against him just yet. 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan knows how to get him involved and will put him in the most advantageous situations possible.
Barring injuries, the San Francisco 49ers have a great chance to be the number one seed in the NFC again this year. Do not let the camp drama fool you and bet over 11.5 wins.
The Play: 49ers over 11.5 wins
Los Angeles Rams: Missing Aaron Donald
The Los Angeles Rams will take their high-powered offense into the 2024 season. However, the Rams will be dealing with one of the biggest losses in football; DT Aaron Donald’s retirement. Donald made the defense so strong with his ability to command at least three defenders. His play made it easier for the Rams defensive coordinators to hide the rest of the weaknesses on their roster. With Donald gone, will the defense be easier to exploit?
The Rams still have a strong offense and one of the top offensive minds in football in Sean McVay. They’ll be counting on the health of Matthew Stafford. If he can stay on the field, he has a complement of weapons to make this a high-powered, high scoring team.
Unfortunately for Stafford and his potential health issues, the Rams offensive line has suffered a myriad of injuries during training camp. The Rams’ ability to stay healthy upfront will be the key to their season.
With a multitude of injuries to their offensive line and the loss of Donald I think this will be a tough season for the Rams.
This might be the season that convinces them that this run is over and it’s time to rebuild. Football is won at the line of scrimmage, and the Rams are going to have problems winning that battle this year.
The Play: Los Angeles Rams Under 8.5 wins
Seattle Seahawks: New Coach, New Era
The Seattle Seahawks are a team surrounded by uncertainty. Long time coach Pete Carroll is finally gone. Mike Macdonald is now the head coach, after spending the past two seasons as defensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens.
Seattle also revamped their offensive play calling after grabbing former University of Washington offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb to run their offense.
This will no longer be a “grind it out” defensively based team. The Seahawks are going to try to push the ball down the field and be an explosive offense.
While this might be exciting for the fantasy players, we still don’t know if this style of play will work for the Seahawks. Macdonald was able to craft a top defense with the Ravens, but he has much less talent in Seattle.
Also, the questions about Geno Smith at quarterback will continue to surround the team unless he can put up another top 10 season.
The Seahawks have all the pieces to be good on offense, and if Macdonald can mold this defense into at least an above average unit, they will win more games than they lose.
I have faith in Macdonald and Geno Smith. I will bet the Seattle Seahawks Over 7.5 wins.
The Play: Seattle Seahawks Over 7.5 Win Total
Arizona Cardinals: Will Kyler Murray ever live up to the hype?
The Cardinals will begin their second season under the leadership of head coach Jonathan Gannon. Gannon came over from the Eagles and has helped the Cardinals defense become a passable team for the level of talent they possess.
They were in a multitude of close games last season that didn’t go their way. Now Gannon will look to have more offensive success with his newly minted weapon WR Marvin Harrison Jr, who they selected in this year’s draft.
Harrison is considered to be one of the best wide receiver prospects in the last five years. He should make an instant impact for controversial quarterback Kyler Murray.
Murray has been derided for his study habits and small stature, however, there is still a possibility that he can become an MVP level player.
The biggest concern for Murray is “can he stay healthy?” throughout the 17 game season. Towards the end of the year, Murray always seems to be beat up as one of the smaller players in the NFL.
At the end of the day, it’s hard to see Murray staying healthy for the full 17 weeks. If he does, the Cardinals can be a potential Wild Card team. However I’m worried about Murray’s health and therefore I will go back to the Under 6.5 wins.
Arizona Cardinals Win Total Under 6.5
NFC West Futures betting recap:
San Francisco 49ers Over Win total 11.5
Los Angeles Rams Under 8.5 wins
Seattle Seahawks Over 7.5 Win Total
Arizona Cardinals Win Total Under 6.5
Nuke The House Futures and Live Betting Experts
Sign up to Nuke The House Sports Betting to become a winner here. Use the code NUKE25 for 25% off your first payment of a monthly plan.
Nuke The House Sports Betting provides sports fans with an unparalleled live betting experience. We strive to deliver real-time, in-game wager notifications and expert picks. This empowers our users to make informed decisions and maximize their chances of winning.
The Nuke The House Sports Betting team of bettors were up 343 units in 2023 in pre-flop and in-game bets and continue to crush sports books in 2024. All of our picks are tracked, which gives subscribers the opportunity to see every one of our experts’ picks, every day.
