Zurich Classic of New Orleans Odds and Picks
April 23, 2024
2024 NFL Draft Betting: AFC West 1st Drafted Positions at Caesars Sportsbook
April 24, 2024
The Jacksonville Jaguars (+750) and Houston Texans (+1100) surprised NFL bettors by winning the AFC South title as substantial underdogs over the last two seasons. Following the footsteps of the Jaguars last season, DeMeco Ryans’ squad is now the odds-on favorite to defend its title in the upcoming 2024-25 NFL betting season, according to the current divisional futures odds at Caesars Sportsbook.
GM Nick Caserio traded up to select Will Anderson last season, leaving the Texans without a first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. However, the Jacksonville Jaguars, Indianapolis Colts, and Tennessee Titans are all armed with first-round picks and are eager to make impactful moves to counter the reigning champions’ offseason improvements. Each team currently has first draft position odds listed, providing an opportunity to analyze the market trends and potentially capitalize on the enhancements made by each team in the opening round.
Bet AFC South First Drafted Positions at Caesars Sportsbook
Jacksonville Jaguars First Drafted Position at Caesars Sportsbook:
- Cornerback: -160
- Wide Receiver: +220
- Defensive Lineman or EDGE: +450
- Offensive Lineman: +475
- Safety: +5000
- Tight End: +6000
Last season proved to be a significant letdown for the Jaguars, despite Doug Pederson’s team barely scraping by with a record just above .500. While Trevor Lawrence achieved over 4,000 passing yards for the second consecutive season, he regressed with 14 interceptions and missed his first career game due to injury. The offense struggled, committing 30 turnovers, a major factor in its decline from the previous year. However, it was the stop unit, particularly in defending the pass (#26), which ultimately prevented the defense of its title. With Gabe Davis joining the wide receiver corps alongside Christian Kirk and Zay Jones, and Evan Engram occupying the tight end position, Jacksonville’s focus is likely on bolstering the defensive side of the ball with their first pick. Adding talent in the secondary or securing a playmaker on the defensive line to complement Josh Allen appears to be the priority. Cornerbacks Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, along with FSU EDGE Jared Verse, have been mentioned as potential additions. Any of these options would significantly strengthen Jacksonville’s defense.
Indianapolis Colts First Drafted Position at Caesars Sportsbook:
- Cornerback: +115
- Wide Receiver: +210
- Tight End: +350
- Defensive Lineman or EDGE: +600
- Offensive Lineman: +1000
- Linebacker: +5000
Despite Anthony Richardson’s early departure and the defense’s struggles to contain opposing offenses, the Colts managed to exceed expectations by winning nine games, easily surpassing what proved to be a laughable 6.5-game season win total. This success speaks volumes about the impact of new head coach Shane Steichen and his staff, who restored respectability to a franchise that had been a laughingstock the previous year under Frank Reich and Jeff Saturday. While the Colts observed their division rivals making significant moves in free agency, they remained relatively quiet. It wouldn’t be surprising to see GM Chris Ballard trade up in the draft to secure a difference-maker like Malik Nabers or Rome Odunze, should either game-changing pass-catching option become available. Alternatively, the Colts may opt for much-needed cornerback help, targeting players like Quinyon Mitchell or Terrion Arnold if they fall to the 15th pick. Ultimately, it seems likely that Indy will choose from the top two position options, offering a potential profit opportunity for Colts first draft position investors.
Tennessee Titans First Drafted Position at Caesars Sportsbook:
- Offensive Lineman: -290
- Wide Receiver: +250
- Defensive Lineman or EDGE: +550
- Tight End: +1600
- Quarterback: +3000
- Cornerback: +3000
The news of the Titans parting ways with Mike Vrabel came as a shock to many, including myself. Despite back-to-back losing seasons under his tenure, Vrabel had been a consistent winner, both on the field and for NFL bettors who backed the Titans the prior six seasons. Nevertheless, a changing of the guard has gone down in Nashville, marked by significant offseason signings on both sides of the ball, including Calvin Ridley, Tony Pollard, Chidobe Awuzie, and L’Jarius Sneed. Rookie head coach Brian Callahan, son of Bill Callahan, will bring his offensive mindset to the Titans after calling plays in Cincinnati the past five seasons. Despite selecting an offensive lineman with their first-round pick last season, the Titans’ offensive line still struggled, conceding a staggering 64 quarterback sacks (#29). Given the trend of teams prioritizing quarterbacks and wide receivers ahead of them, it’s no surprise to see offensive lineman as the heavy favorite for the Titans’ first draft pick. With a likely first crack opportunity to address the deficiency, Tennessee will likely select Joe Alt or Olumuyiwa Fashanu to bolster their offensive line early in the draft.
Houston Texans
The Texans’ turnaround began in the 2023 NFL Draft when upper management selected C.J. Stroud with the No. 2 pick and traded up to acquire Will Anderson immediately afterward. The success of last year’s draft extended beyond these picks, with Juice Scruggs, Tank Dell, and Henry To’oTo’o all contributing to the team, albeit to varying degrees. The front office made significant moves in free agency, bringing in 17 new players, including star additions like Stefon Diggs, Joe Mixon, Danielle Hunter, and Denico Autry. Additionally, Houston boasts nine picks in the upcoming draft, including two in the second round. These developments have propelled the franchise into Super Bowl LIX contention, with Stroud also emerging as one of the favorites to win the MVP Award. The future looks promising for the Texans!
