NFL Futures: NFC West Win Totals Betting Picks (2021)

Jul 27, 2021 - 11:07 AM

As NFL training camps start to open, we can begin to focus on futures bets. With more information becoming available daily, it allows us to formulate an informed opinion on our respective bets. Below, we’ll analyze wins totals for the NFC West.

Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook

Compare odds from all major sportsbooks for NFL Win Totals >>

Arizona Cardinals

Over 8.5 wins: (+100)
Under 8.5 wins: (-120)

Arizona enters the 2021 season fresh off an 8-8 campaign – propelled by their offense despite mediocre defensive play.

The Cardinals offense ranked:

• 2^nd in pace of play
• 13^th in PPG
• 6^th in total yards
• 13^th in passing TD’s
• 4^th in rushing TD’s

Much of the passing success was not only the result of quarterback Kyler Murray’s improved play but from receiver Deandre Hopkins, who put up a ridiculous 1,407 yards with 6 receiving touchdowns – including this dagger with time expiring against the Buffalo Bills:

Don't ever say it's impossible… pic.twitter.com/lqe2UkxsCT

— Deandre Hopkins (@DeAndreHopkins) November 16, 2020

They won’t lack offensive talent, but the question will be whether Kliff Kingsbury continues to let Murray run and gun or if he will design a safer scheme to protect the diminutive QB.

Though the defense wasn’t asinine, it certainly was not great.

The defense ranked:

• 22^nd in rushing yards allowed
• 10^th in passing yards allowed
• 12^th in points allowed

The team brought in Pro Bowl defensive end J.J. Watt to shore up the pass rush and form a dynamic duo with Chandler Jones. However, rumors are swirling that Jones wants out of Arizona due to a contract dispute, which would significantly downgrade the defense.

With a questionable secondary and three of their first four games against the Tennessee Titans, Minnesota Vikings, and LA Rams, I don’t foresee this team going over their win total in 2021.

PICK: Under 8.5 wins (-120)
CONFIDENCE LEVEL: Medium

 Los Angeles Rams

Over 10.5 wins: (+105)
Under 10.5 wins: (-125)

The Rams made waves this offseason when they traded for quarterback Matt Stafford, who had been stuck in Detroit Lions purgatory since 2009. Long considered an elite talent, Stafford will team up with head coach Sean McVay in hopes of leading this team to the Super Bowl.

The offense struggled last season with Jared Goff at the helm, ranking:

• 16^th in pace of play
• 22^nd in PPG
• 26^th in passing TD’s
• 10^th in rushing TD’s

Despite elite talents in Robert Woods, Cooper Kupp, and Cam Akers, moving the chains became arduous. Though Stafford will be learning a new system, he has the intelligence and physical talent to adapt quickly.

The recent news that Akers ruptured his Achilles is not ideal. Still, backup Darrell Henderson Jr. should be an admirable replacement, and they may look to bring in another ‘back – certainly a situation worth monitoring.

This offense does have offensive line questions, but if OT Andrew Whitworth comes back healthy, it should be serviceable.

There is no doubt the identity of this team is its defense. Last season the team ranked:

• 1^st in total points allowed
• 1^st in passing yards allowed
• 3^rd in rushing yards allowed

Between DT Aaron Donald and CB Jalen Ramsey, this defense suffocates its opponents weekly.

Weeks 2 and 3 will offer challenges to start the season. They visit the Indiana Colts and host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but the schedule lightens up a bit after that.

If Stafford adapts well to his new scheme and the defense stays healthy, I believe this team will reach eleven wins.

PICK: Over 10.5 wins (+105)
CONFIDENCE LEVEL: High

San Francisco 49ers

Over 10.5 wins: (+105)
Under 10.5 wins: (-125)

San Francisco did not meet expectations last season due to a myriad of injuries to key players. Finally healthy, they return much of the same roster that was considered a Super Bowl contender just last season.

Incumbent quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is in the lead to begin the season as the starter, but after drafting Trey Lance third overall, his leash may be short if he continues to underwhelm or becomes injured yet again.

To no one’s surprise, the offense struggled mightily last season, ranking:

• 21^st in PPG
• 19^th in passing TDs
• 15^th in total yards

Much of this had to do with injuries, but with tight end George Kittle and receiver Deebo Samuel finally healthy, this offense should rebound considerably.

Defensively, they’re sound, but the secondary may need help. Last season saw down years from CB’s K’waun Williams and Emmanuel Moseley that left them vulnerable. Jason Verret was a bright spot but relying on him to stay healthy all year is a big ask. Additionally, Richard Sherman is a free agent and facing legal problems. Leaving yet another hole in this shaky secondary.

Between mediocre quarterback play, a leaky secondary, and perpetual injuries, this team will need everything to go right to surpass 10.5 wins.

PICK: Under 10.5 wins (-125)
CONFIDENCE LEVEL: Medium

Seattle Seahawks

Over 10 wins: (+100)
Under 10 wins: (-120)

In typical NFL fashion, drama surrounded the quarterback position in Seattle this past offseason, as rumors circulated that Russell Wilson wanted out. However, as it stands, Wilson will be back under center after leading this team to a 12-4 record in 2020 and the divisional crown.

For all the success Wilson has had, questions continue to surface as to whether himself and head coach Pete Carroll are on the same page. They seem to have differing opinions each season but continue to see sustained success. I’m sure it won’t be long before we hear “let Russ cook!” being belted out amongst the levelheaded Seahawks fans on Twitter.

Despite rumors of turmoil, this offense put up solid numbers in 2020:

• 8^th in PPG
• 3^rd in passing TDs
• 17^th in total yards

Tyler Lockett was his usual self, but DK Metcalf’s breakout allowed Russ to sling it.

Metcalf exploded for 1,303 yards and 10 touchdowns, averaging 15.7 receiving yards per reception. Now entering this third season, look for the massive wideout to build on his otherworldly 2020 numbers.

DK @dkm14 @Seahawks

#NYGvsSEA on FOX pic.twitter.com/jAbe3mwydz

— The Checkdown (@thecheckdown) December 6, 2020

Once an intimidating defensive team, the Seahawks lacked consistency last season.

• 5^th in rushing yards allowed
• 31^st in passing yards allowed
• 15^th in points allowed

Despite a stout rushing defense, this team could not stop the pass as it lacked talent in the secondary and defensive line. However, once veteran DE Carlos Dunlap arrived midseason, his play elevated the defense and others around him as Jarran Reed, and Benson Mayowa began to pile up sacks in the latter part of the season.

With Dunlap and Mayowa returning, along with the signing of DE Kerry Hyder, the defensive line will be much improved and put more pressure on opposing quarterbacks – alleviating the barrage of passes the secondary saw last year.

Despite returning key offensive players and an improved defense, I believe it will be difficult to replicate their 12 wins from last season with a healthy 49ers team and improved Rams squad in the division.

PICK: Under 10 wins (-120)
CONFIDENCE LEVEL: High

• AFC North Win Totals Betting Picks
• AFC South Win Totals Betting Picks
• AFC East Win Totals Betting Picks
• NFC North Win Totals Betting Picks

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