Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Packer Plus

Which teams are already winning before the draft?

- Charles Curtis

We know: it might seem EXTREMELY early to start thinking about betting on the NFL win total over/unders for 2021 before April’s draft has taken place.

On the other hand, this could be an opportunit­y. If there’s a team on this list who you project could clean up at the draft, there might be value in buying in now before the O/U goes up. The same goes for a team that might strike out later this month, with an over/under that seems too high.

Or this is a starting point to track movement over the coming months.

Away we go:

(All odds courtesy of BetMGM)

Arizona Cardinals: 8

Is this the year they take off?

Atlanta Falcons: 7.5

Are they really better than a 4-12 team in 2021?

Baltimore Ravens: 11

Seems exactly right.

Buffalo Bills: 10.5

They could contend again in 2021.

Carolina Panthers: 7.5

Welcome to Carolina, Sam Darnold.

Chicago Bears: 7

Andy Dalton, QB1!

Cincinnati Bengals: 6.5

Does this assume Joe Burrow is back Week 1?

Cleveland Browns: 10

They won 11 last year with basically the same team.

Dallas Cowboys: 9

Will a healthy Dak Prescott get the Cowboys back to their winning ways?

Denver Broncos: 7.5

Feels like I’ll go back and forth on this one until September. Detroit Lions: 5

A rebuilding team that may not get up to that number.

Green Bay Packers: 11

They’ve got an amazing Jeopardy! guest host at QB, so there’s that. Houston Texans: 4.5

This team is going to be BAD this season.

Indianapol­is Colts: 10

Could be a push.

Jacksonvil­le Jaguars: 6.5

Is Trevor Lawrence — assuming he’s being taken No. 1 overall — worth five more wins than last year to hit the over?

Kansas City Chiefs: 12

The highest number of any team, and of course that’s the case.

Las Vegas Raiders: 7.5

I’ll be honest, I have no idea what to make of this one.

Los Angeles Chargers: 9

Justin Herbert, Year 2!

Los Angeles Rams: 10

Matthew Stafford under center means good things in L.A.

Miami Dolphins: 9

A reminder that while the Fins might have an A+ draft after a good free-agency period, they play in a very tough AFC East. Minnesota Vikings: 9

They won seven games last year. Are they really that much better than that in 2021?

New England Patriots: 9.5

A number that dares you to bet against Bill Belichick.

New Orleans Saints: 9

It depends on who the starter is at QB (it’s got to be Jameis Winston, right? RIGHT?).

New York Giants: 7

Daniel Jones has some weapons. Does that mean he finally puts together a good season? This O/U definitely reflects some of that uncertaint­y.

New York Jets: 6

Too high after a 2-14 season, you say? Go ahead, bet on the under! Philadelph­ia Eagles: 6.5

After a rough 4-11-1 season, this seems like it makes sense. Pittsburgh Steelers: 8.5

A number that perhaps reflects some trouble ahead for the offense with Ben Roethlisbe­rger still under center.

San Francisco 49ers: 10

I have a feeling this already reflects a rookie QB being taken. Seattle Seahawks: 9.5

The division is super-tough, for what it’s worth.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 11.5

Super Bowl hangover? With all the starters coming back, maybe not? Tennessee Titans: 9

Does this feel undervalue­d after they won 11 times last year? Washington Football Team: 8

They won seven games last year, have some Fitzmagic under center and a pretty solid offense and defense. Hmm.

 ?? GEORGE WALKER IV / TENNESSEAN.COM ?? Coach Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots will be looking to improve on their 7-9 season.
GEORGE WALKER IV / TENNESSEAN.COM Coach Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots will be looking to improve on their 7-9 season.

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