by ASA, Inc.
Thursday, Jan 04, 2024Buffalo Bills (+800)
Buffalo’s season has been a rollercoaster in 2023, yet they managed to get in position to win the AFC East with a victory over Miami in their regular season finale. The Bills have been a powerhouse in recent years but took a step back with some uncharacteristic losses. All the pieces are still in play for another playoff run and statistically they seem as elite as previous years. Ranking sixth in points scored while also top four in points allowed, seems a good recipe for playoff success. A Ravens team that has underperformed in the Playoffs in recent years with a 1-4 SU record, a beatable Chiefs team, and a Dolphins team that struggles against top tier competition are all that stand between Buffalo and their first Super Bowl appearance since 1994. Josh Allen is the true catalyst for this team, and his 42 total TDs (most in NFL) do not get the credit they deserve due to his turnovers and the team's struggles. Winners of four straight, the Bills are the 3rd best overall DVOA team and a top contender that comes at a discount.
Cleveland Browns (+3500)
It is hard to think of another player's resurgence that has had more of an impact on a team than Joe Flacco’s current hot streak. Nick Foles is the only one in the same ballpark and we know how that ended. Cleveland has also won four straight and in Flacco’s five starts he is averaging 323 ypg and about 3 TDs per game. On a team that ranks number one in yards allowed, it has been a welcome sight to see the offense carry its weight for once. Again, with the AFC having no established juggernauts, it is not out of the realm of possibilities to see the Browns new found success persevere into January. Flacco did go 4-0 with the Ravens in 2012 and won a Super Bowl. He’s playing with confidence, pressure free and has one more playoff run to settle the argument as to if he is an elite quarterback.
Green Bay Packers (+12500)
You never know which Jordan Love you are going to get, and despite his inconsistency the Packers could make an unexpected appearance in the playoffs. The NFC path for Green Bay seems near impossible, but a young Aaron Rodgers won the 2010 Super Bowl from a wild card spot, which gives some hope. A middle of the road offense and defense will need to play much better when they get a likely road matchup vs DAL or PHI in the Wildcard round. Jordan Love has had moments of greatness and played like a star this past week in Minnesota as well as week 12 and 13 against Detroit and Kansas City. Matt LaFluer has dialed up great schemes with GBs young wide receiver core and has the experience to lead the Packers on a Cinderella run IF he can get the best Jordan Love to show up.
