The NFL preseason is not far away and oddsmakers have released each NFL team’s odds to make the playoffs.
The regular favorites, like New England, Green Bay and Seattle, don’t have near the return on an investment, considering they’re about as much of a shoe-in as possible for NFL teams.
Here’s three sleeper teams that have solid value at making the playoffs in the 2016 season.
Jacksonville Jaguars (+175)
Maybe Jacksonville is a year away, but there’s no reason to pass up on this value.
The Jaguars have an explosive offense already, with the improved Blake Bortles at the helm and weapons aplenty, including Chris Ivory and T.J. Yeldon at the running back spots, a healthy Julius Thomas at tight end, and a bevy of wide receiver options.
What has been the Achilles heel, though, is the defense. However, they’re getting healthier and more experienced, with Dante Fowler Jr., Myles Jack and Jalen Ramsey expected to join the ranks of Paul Posluszny, Tyson Alualu and Telvin Smith.
What also helps is the Jaguars are in a division not known for its quality depth. Houston and Indianapolis will be the favorites, but the Jaguars are every bit as talented as the Colts, minus the quarterback position. And why would anyone be scared of the Texans? They’ve been on the cusp of being better for years without taking the next step.
Don’t be surprised if the Jaguars start off hot in 2016 and are over .500.
New York Giants (Even)
The NFC East is always up in the air and this season is no different.
Philadelphia is likely out of contention (I say likely because we thought the same thing about Washington entering last season), so that leaves three teams in the mix. I’m counting out Washington based on my belief that it was a one-year wonder, so that leaves me with Dallas and New York.
The Cowboys are one of the favorites, but the Giants shouldn’t be far behind. I’m a big believer in a change of scenery at times, and moving out Tom Coughlin will generate better results for a team that has been consistently underperforming lately.
Eli Manning has consistency with Ben McAdoo at head coach and the defense should be better.
The NFC East will likely feature a champion with a 9-7 record. Expect the Giants to be in that mix.
Baltimore Ravens (+125)
The division is brutal, but the Ravens have consistently shown an ability to make the playoffs when they’re not completely decimated by injury.
I get a playoff-tested head coach with a playoff-tested starting quarterback? There’s no reason in the world I wouldn’t be jumping on the Ravens.
The defense still wasn’t that bad last year and it should only get better this year. The offense will be much improved with Justin Forsett back at full strength and Joe Flacco once again leading the offense.
Don’t sleep on the Ravens in the early going. Motivation can play a big role in getting off to a hot start. I’m banking on the Ravens to jumping out in a big way.
