Written by: The Blitz Team
We are just a couple weeks removed from the federal government fully legalizing sports betting. Of course, it will still be up to the state governments to decide if they will allow it within their borders. Either way, most people have the understanding that gambling on sports will eventually happen regardless. For this month’s All32 Series, we’ve decided to take a look at if fans should go with the over or the under on their team’s wins in 2018. Check out what our team members think what you should do!
**Odds per https://www.oddsshark.com/nfl/nfl-over-under-win-totals per BetOnline**
(Note: as of this reading the odds may have changed, so check the closest legal betting outlet)
Houston Texans — 9.5 Wins
Over
A majority of this prediction relies on the knees of Deshaun Watson. If he is able to stay healthy and return from his torn ACL, the Texans will be over this win total. They are bringing back a defense that, when completely healthy, is one of the best in the league. They also play the AFC East in crossover games, which should be three easy wins, as should their meeting with the Browns. Receiver DeAndre Hopkins has been a menace to the division, and with a competent quarterback his numbers could be scary. Also, look for D’onta Foreman to take more carries away from Lamar Miller and potentially become a breakout player for the team. Defensively, the Texans were able to reload with Tyrann Mathieu and Aaron Colvin suring up the secondary. The front seven will round out with with Zach Cunningham sliding into a more prominent role. J.J. Watt and Whitney Mercilus returning healthy will be keys for them to boost the pass rush. Overall, if they can avoid injuries, look for the Texans to push the Jaguars for the division title.
-Ryan Goudy
Indianapolis Colts — 6.5 Wins
Under
This Colts team is going into year two under GM Chris Ballard and their first with new head coach Frank Reich. This roster is looked at as one of the worst rosters in the league and no one thinks it could make any noise. This season for the Colts, to me, is a wash. They are not winning the Super Bowl and probably not making the playoffs, but there is still a glimmer of hope in the near future. The entire Colts franchise is dependant on the shoulder of Andrew Luck. He has been rehabbing his injury for some time now and some believe he will never return to his old form, when he was one of the best QBs in the league. My prediction of under 6.5 wins comes from the assumption that Luck will not be starting under center. The Colts front office and coaching staff have been very hopeful for Luck’s return this season. If he does return then I would pound the over, but for now, with Luck’s health still up in the air, I could see the Colts winning just 6 games.
-Collyn Foster
Jacksonville Jaguars — 9.5 Wins
Over
Last season, the Jacksonville Jaguars were a play away from making the Super Bowl. If not for an incredible effort from Patriots corner Stephon Gilmore, we’d be talking about New England passing the torch to the AFC’s new top dog. The Jaguars have built one of, if not the most, stacked defensive lines of all time. Between Calais Campbell, Malik Jackson, Marcell Dareus, Yannick Ngakoue, Dante Fowler Jr., and recently drafted DT Taven Bryan, they are a frightening sight for any NFL quarterback. Not to mention the team’s secondary, which features the league’s best cornerback duo in Jalen Ramsey and A.J. Bouye, and a set of elite safeties and linebackers. The Jags’ defense was the NFL’s best last season and only got stronger during the offseason. Jacksonville added pieces to their offensive line, their receiving corps, and brought in Austin Seferian-Jenkins to be their starting tight end. This leaves only the quarterback position in question, so the team’s success will be tied to how well Blake Bortles can perform. If he can be a top 20 QB in the league, the defense and run game alone will carry the team to a double-digit win season. Take the over and expect at least a 10–6 record, if not better.
-Jack Bourgeois
Tennessee Titans — 7.5 Wins
Over
The Tennessee Titans are coming off a playoff run where they saw their season end in the divisional round after upsetting the Kansas City Chiefs in the Wildcard match. The team improved its roster with the additions of Dion Lewis and Malcolm Butler in free agency, and they also picked up Rashaan Evans and Harold Landry in the draft. Each of those guys should make contributions this season. Even though the Jacksonville Jaguars won the AFC South, the Titans swept them last season in their two matchups. The division is considered one of the weaker ones in the league, so Tennessee should enter the season with a lot of confidence coming off last year. While I think they might fail to win the division, I still see them having a winning record. I would take the over if I were a betting man.
-Cody Manning