- The Cardinals sport a revamped protection: Jonathan Gannon’s protection is poised to point out enhancements, with quite a few new faces set to play key roles because the workforce fights to be within the playoff dialog.
- Michael Penix Jr. holds the keys to the Falcons’ success: With the fourth-easiest projected power of schedule within the NFL this season, the Falcons stand a combating likelihood of breaking a seven-year playoff drought on the again of their younger quarterback.
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Every NFL workforce begins 0-0, making this the time for optimism for all 32 NFL franchises. However, oddsmakers don’t fairly see it that method. With every workforce going through distinct challenges, books have positioned equally differing odds on every workforce’s possibilities to interrupt into the postseason, from the Bills (-750) and Ravens (-550) to the Giants (+650) and Browns (+800).
While groups such because the 49ers (-200) and Bengals (-160) missed out on the massive dance in 2024, they stand a greater than 50% likelihood of creating the playoffs in 2025, per PFF’s projection mannequin. We’re inspecting the groups you need to goal a bit additional down this checklist with extra profitable betting odds.
Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook
Arizona Cardinals (+130)
The Cardinals made notable enhancements to their offense in 2024, and it resulted in top-10 marks in PFF general grade (81.0) and EPA per play (0.058). It was the protection that fell nicely brief, main Arizona to make vital investments in that facet of the ball this offseason. Headlined free-agent signing Josh Sweat, who flourished beneath Jonathan Gannon in Philadelphia, and first-round draft choose Walter Nolen, Arizona’s entrance is equipped for 2025.
The Cardinals endured a grueling begin to 2024, going through off with 5 eventual playoff contenders within the first six weeks earlier than regaining their footing heading into their Week 11 bye. The workforce fell flat down the stretch, although, posting a 2-5 document from Week 12 on. By the season’s finish, Arizona had performed one of many 5 hardest schedules within the NFL.
In 2025, the workforce has the Tenth-easiest power of schedule heading into the yr, slated to face off with simply 4 playoff groups from 2024 — although that doesn’t embrace groups anticipated to bounce again, such because the 49ers.
Oddsmakers have Arizona’s win whole line set at 8.5, consistent with PFF’s projection of 8.7. With a 44% projected likelihood of creating the playoffs, the Cardinals rank seventh amongst NFC groups in postseason likelihood.
Atlanta Falcons (+155)
The Falcons have been within the driver’s seat within the NFC South final season, standing at 6-3 over the primary 9 weeks, earlier than the wheels fell off down the stretch. Despite sustaining a slim lead within the division late within the yr, the workforce went 2-6 to shut out the season, and a postseason berth slipped by way of its fingers.
It’s no secret that the Falcons’ success in 2025 hinges on their younger quarterback, Michael Penix Jr. While his enjoying time final season was restricted, he confirmed quite a lot of promise. As a starter, Penix produced a little bit of a blended bag, with PFF passing grades starting from 54.3 on the highway in Washington to 94.5 at house in opposition to Carolina. Yet, he managed to toss 9 big-time throws to only a pair of turnover-worthy performs, positioning him within the prime three in big-time throw fee (9.0%) from Week 16 on.
The largest change Atlanta made this offseason was its aggressive strategy to revamping the go rush, drafting two gifted gamers within the first spherical in Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. The pair will undoubtedly breathe new life right into a pass-rush unit that ranked thirtieth in PFF grade (59.0) and thirty first in pass-rush win-rate (35.2%).
With the fourth-easiest projected power of schedule within the NFL this season, the Falcons stand a combating likelihood of breaking a seven-year playoff drought. An 8.0 win projection and a 39% likelihood of creating the playoffs, per PFF’s season simulation mannequin, provides the Falcons new floor on which to construct. And with the Buccaneers touring to Atlanta in Week 1, count on fireworks within the NFC South proper off the bat.
New England Patriots (+130)
We’ve already talked about New England’s expectations beneath new head coach Mike Vrabel and the workforce’s promising outlook for 2025. An aggressive roster overhaul on either side of the ball, that includes Stefon Diggs, Morgan Moses, Milton Williams, Carlton Davis III and rookies Will Campbell and TreVeyon Henderson, could have this workforce trying very totally different from the squad that gained 4 video games a yr in the past.
With a revamped offensive line, the Patriots’ offense beneath Josh McDaniels can take steps towards higher defending its younger quarterback, Drake Maye, in yr two and enhancing a passing recreation that ranked twenty fifth in EPA per dropback. Although Maye struggled in his rookie marketing campaign, even from a clear pocket, his 95.3 PFF passing grade when left clear throughout his two seasons as a starter at North Carolina factors to his potential enchancment.
Oddsmakers have tapped New England as one of the crucial improved franchises heading into 2025, giving the workforce +130 odds to make the playoffs and a win whole line starting from 7.5 to eight.5. With the third-easiest projected power of schedule, the new-look Patriots ought to make some noise and press for a playoff berth this season.