We’re nearing NFL training camp as the 2021 season gets ever closer. Today we’ll take a look around the league and make our best predictions for which teams will make the NFL playoffs in 2021.
One way to gauge how the public feels about each team is to check out MyBookie’s Super Bowl LVI odds to win. The higher the NFL Playoffs odds, the more people are betting on them to not just make the playoffs but win it all. With all that in mind, let’s jump right into action so you can keep planning your bets against their NFL odds.
Which Teams Will Make the NFL Playoffs in 2021
2020 Playoff Teams
For the first time, the NFL expanded the playoff field to include seven teams from each conference. The change is permanent and will remain in effect for this season and beyond.
AFC Playoff Teams In 2020
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Buffalo Bills
- Pittsburgh Steelers
- Tennessee Titans
- Baltimore Ravens
- Cleveland Browns
- Indianapolis Colts
The Chiefs beat the Bills in the AFC Championship game to advance to their second straight Super Bowl. Both Baltimore and Cleveland won their Wild Card matchups.
NFC Playoff Teams In 2020
- Green Bay Packers
- New Orleans Saints
- Seattle Seahawks
- Washington Football Team
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Los Angeles Rams
- Chicago Bears
The Buccaneers beat the Packers in the NFC Championship game, going on to win the Super Bowl. New Orleans and Los Angeles won their Wild Card matchups.
Best Odds for 2021 Super Bowl
Here are the best odds for each conference’s top seven teams. It’s a good way to track public sentiment, then we’ll decide if we agree or disagree with the assessment.
AFC Best Odds
NFC Best Odds
AFC Playoff Prediction
Out of the AFC’s best odds, I do agree that the Chiefs, Bills, Browns, and Ravens should all make the playoffs once again in 2021.
Kansas City has reached two straight Super Bowls and has the best player in the game in Patrick Mahomes.
Buffalo saw a massive jump in play from quarterback Josh Allen in 2020, and his continued growth and chemistry with weapons like Stefon Diggs will go a long way to solidifying Buffalo on top of the AFC East.
Cleveland made some massive additions to shore up their defense this past offseason and return one of the best offensive lines in football.
It seems Pittsburgh’s reign is ending with Ben Roethlisberger still starting despite showing his age. As such, Baltimore should be safe in the playoff race with an explosive rushing attack and strong defense.
The Colts have a big question mark in new quarterback Carson Wentz. I prefer Tennessee in the AFC South.
The Denver Broncos’ odds have been fueled by a rumored Aaron Rodgers trade. If they do land the 2020 MVP, Denver has one of the best defenses in the NFL and a strong receiver group. Even without Rodgers, I like the Broncos to make the playoffs.
Our final pick will stay in the AFC West. Justin Herbert won Rookie of the Year in 2020 and showed the makings of a star in the NFL. I think the Chargers make a run into the playoffs.
Final AFC prediction:
- Chiefs
- Bills
- Browns
- Titans
- Ravens
- Broncos
- Chargers
NFC Playoff Prediction
There’s no division stronger than the NFC West, evidenced by all four teams coming in the top-seven of Super Bowl odds. I agree that the Rams with Mathew Stafford, a 49ers team a year removed from a Super Bowl and getting healthier, and the always steady Seahawks should all make the playoffs.
Tampa Bay is returning all 22 starters from their Super Bowl and seem to be a lock for the playoffs.
I don’t like Green Bay in the playoffs this season, especially if Rodgers does not play for them. I prefer Minnesota in that division. The Vikings made some additions to a struggling secondary and have one of the best offensive duos in the NFL in Justin Jefferson and Dalvin Cook.
I also don’t like the Cowboys in 2021. A perpetual underperforming franchise, they are relying on Dak Prescott to come back from a major injury.
My preference is Washington, who made the playoffs a year ago on the back of one of the best defenses in the NFL and loaded weapons on offense. Ryan Fitzpatrick is a fine band-aid option for a year.
We’ll give the final spot to New Orleans. Yes, Drew Brees has retired, but they still have a strong defense and Michael Thomas and Alvin Kamara to weather the season.
Final NFC Prediction:
- Buccaneers
- Rams
- Washington
- Minnesota
- 49ers
- Seahawks
- Saints
NFL Betting News
Odds and Lines: NFL Betting | Live Betting | Super Bowl | NFL Playoffs odds | AFC | NFC
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