BookMaker Sportsbook offers multiple types of futures wagering for myriad sports. These bets have a long-term settle date. You can gamble on team win totals, the AFC West Division winner, the American Football Conference winner, and of course the Super Bowl 50 winner.
Payouts for futures bets are usually better than even, or greater than +100, so the amount staked is much less than the potential payout. Of course, the inherent risk of futures betting is the unknown of the future.
BookMaker posts adjusted futures odds on team win totals, to win the AFC West Division, AFC and NFC, and Super Bowl 50 every day of the season.
AFC WEST
The AFC West has the makings of being the most competitive division in the NFL in 2015, but as long as Peyton Manning stays healthy, the Denver Broncos remain the team to beat. There were cracks in Manning’s pristine exterior toward the end of last season, likely due to an injured quadriceps and decimated offensive line than an erosion of skills. Manning agreed to return for a fourth season only after assurances that the issues on the line would be addresses and for another shot at a Super Bowl with new head coach Gary Kubiak. The Chiefs lured Jeremy Maclin to be their big-play receiver after no wideout caught a touchdown pass for them last season. Now Alex Smith has to get him the football. San Diego scored an impressive haul in the draft getting running back Melvin Gordon to complement Philip Rivers. The pair will need to put up plenty of points to mask a weak defense. It’s time to play ‘name that coach’ in Oakland, again. Jack Del Rio takes his shot at resurrecting the storied franchise that has just 11 wins in the last three seasons.
Here is a team by team breakdown with odds to win the division and victory total.
DENVER BRONCOS -185 – Wins O/U: 10
A bitter end to the 2014 season meant curtains for head coach John Fox, who took offensive coordinator Adam Gase with him to Chicago. But the Broncos have quarterback Peyton Manning for at least another year and that makes them the pick to win the AFC West. The Broncos have won four consecutive AFC West titles and, at least at first glance, have the schedule to make it five in a row. That would be historic, given the Broncos have not made the playoffs in five consecutive seasons in the franchise’s history.
When Denver came up short in the playoffs last season, general manager John Elway didn’t waste any time blowing up the coaching staff. The presence of Gary Kubiak and a veteran staff represents a breath of fresh air for the players, who are anxious to buy in to the new approach. Assuming Manning stays healthy, there’s no reason to believe the Broncos won’t win the West and be a factor in the playoffs.
Prediction: 11-5
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS +376 – Wins O/U: 8.5
Andy Reid’s Kansas City Chiefs were the only team with wins over both the AFC and NFC champions in 2014. And they did it despite numerous injuries and suspensions. They also had some horrible losses which led to a bumpy 9-7 season. Everyone knows what to expect of certain players such as Jamaal Charles, Justin Houston and Dontari Poe, but the team still lacks in certain areas and competes in a division that features the explosive Denver Broncos and the feisty San Diego Chargers.
The Chiefs will have an above average defense, but Alex Smith has yet to prove he’s the difference maker needed to get this team over the hump. He’s surrounded with more pieces and needs a career-defining season to give the Chiefs a chance in the division. They have the best chance to knock off the Broncos this year. However, a second place finish is more likely with a trip to the postseason as a wild card. If this team gets a home playoff game, watch out.
Prediction: 10-6
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS +344 – Wins O/U: 8.5
While the issue of a possible move to Los Angeles plays out between team ownership and the city, general manager Tom Telesco and coach Mike McCoy stayed focused on how to improve on last year’s mostly unsatisfying performance. The Chargers finished third in the AFC West for the second straight year and missed the playoffs for the fourth time in five seasons. A lackluster effort at Kansas City in the finale cost them a playoff spot and had people wondering about their focus and motivation.
The Chargers drafted Melvin Gordon, an explosive runner who should make the run game better than what Ryan Matthews gave them. With Philip Rivers back under center, the Bolts will need to score plenty of points and hold onto the football to keep a suspect defense off the field. There is clearly enough talent on the roster and a return to the playoffs isn’t out of the question, especially with the addition of Gordon, but another third-place finish is just as likely.
Prediction: 8-8
OAKLAND RAIDERS +1659 – Wins O/U: 5.5
The Raiders won a total of 11 games in the past three seasons and haven’t had a winning year since 2002. They are starting another coaching era, this time with former Jacksonville head coach and Bay Area native Jack Del Rio, who will try to lead the team back to respectability and, ultimately, prominence in the NFL. A year ago, general manager Reggie McKenzie added two legitimate franchise pieces via the draft in linebacker Khalil Mack and quarterback Derek Carr. Ever since, the team has quietly gotten better, even if it's only incrementally.
After back-to-back solid drafts, the Raiders have raised their talent level and added some solid building blocks, particularly Mack, Carr and Amari Cooper. They won three of their final six games last season, and a lot depends on how quickly the team adapts to yet another coaching change. The 2015 schedule isn’t nearly as difficult as last year’s and with young foundation players the Raiders could double their win total from 2014.
Prediction: 5-11
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