The usual suspects remain as favorites in the NFL conference championship odds. But a few weeks of upsets have shaken up the rest of those NFL futures.
NFL Conference Championship Odds: Rams are Heavy NFC Favorites
Let’s start in the NFC, where the undefeated Los Angeles Rams are heavy conference favorites at +175. After knocking off the Minnesota Vikings last week to improve to 4-0, the Rams have outscored their opponents 140-67 so far this season. It may still be early, but barring any major injuries it looks like the Rams could cruise to the NFC West title and lock up home field advantage through the postseason.
Following the Rams on the NFC championship odds are the New Orleans Saints at +550. The Philadelphia Eagles and the Vikings are both at +900.
After starting the season with an upset loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Saints have posted three straight wins. Their offense behind Drew Brees, Alvin Kamara and Michael Thomas is the No. 3 scoring offense in the NFL. This makes up for a defense that currently ranks near the bottom.
The Eagles and Vikings are both sliding on the futures after upset losses. Last week, the Eagles fell to the Tennessee Titans as a 3-point favorite, dropping them to 2-2 on the season. It doesn’t appear the Eagles have much competition in the NFC East. They could have time to right the ship.
Minnesota may be ready to hit the panic button quicker than Philadelphia. The Vikings were stunned by the Buffalo Bills and followed that up with a loss to the Rams. The arrival of Kirk Cousins was supposed to push Minnesota to the next level. So far, it has been a letdown.
Other options on the NFC championship odds include the Green Bay Packers at +1000, and the rising Chicago Bears at +1100.
NFL Conference Championship Odds: Chiefs Edging the Patriots In The AFC
In the AFC, the conference favorites are the Kansas City Chiefs at +300. After starting the season 4-0 behind a brilliant debut from Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs have flown up the futures. The Chiefs get three straight tough opponents in the Jacksonville Jaguars, New England Patriots and Cincinnati Bengals, so we should find out just how good they are soon.
Speaking of the Patriots, they follow the Chiefs on the AFC odds at +325. The Patriots put a scare into some people after starting the season 1-2, but bounced back last week with a win over the Miami Dolphins. With Julian Edelman returning this week and Josh Gordon getting up to speed, it will be interesting to see if the Patriots’ passing attack finally takes off.
Next in line on the AFC championship odds are the Jaguars at +550, the surprising Baltimore Ravens at +800 and the disappointing Pittsburgh Steelers at +900.
The Jaguars are still looking for some consistency from Blake Bortles and a healthy Leonard Fournette. The defense still stands out though. Baltimore is off to an unexpected 3-1 start. But don’t get too excited as the three teams they beat are a combined 4-7-1. Pittsburgh is 1-2-1 and may fall off the contender list if they don’t turn things around or get Le’Veon Bell back soon.