Ray “The Razor” Monohan – Last Updated on February 6, 2023 10:38 am
NFL Odds: 2021 AFC Championship Futures Winner
Looking for 2021 AFC Championship Predictions? The odds tell us the conference should belong to the Chiefs, Ravens, Patriots, and Steelers, but we all know the fun in futures betting comes with picking a longshot as well. Cappers Picks provides complimentary expert handicapping picks on all NFL Football matchups all season long so stay tuned for more FREE daily NFL predictions. So surf around our site, and view our updated odds on games plus grab your 50% bonus up to $1000 now at MyBookie.ag.
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The AFC Conference looks like a 1-horse-race at the top in the Kansas City Chiefs. Behind them there are only two teams with odds under +1000 to win in 2021. Do the bookmakers have it right? Is the AFC a 3-way fight?
Hopefully the AFC conference has some parody that would make for a very exciting season, with lots of good battles come playoff time.
Here then are 5 favorites that can win the AFC in 2021, followed by some longshots.
2021 AFC Championship Predictions: Kansas City Chiefs +275
The reigning Super Bowl champions are clearly the favorite this upcoming season to defend their AFC championship and make it back to the Super Bowl. Rightly so as Patrick Mahomes continues to improve and this Chiefs offense returns with the same firepower that won them the title this past season.
The Chiefs did not make many signings during free agency, picking up the XFL’s St. Louis BattleHawks quarterback, Jordan Ta’amu. They also added cornerback, Antonio Hamilton to add depth to their secondary and offensive linemen, Mike Remmers. They did lose several key defensive players including defensive tackle, Xavier Williams, defensive end, Emmanuel Ogbah, linebacker, Reggie Ragland and cornerback, Kendall Fuller. To put things into perspective, Fuller was the guy who sealed their Super Bowl win with an interception.
The good news is the Chiefs franchise tagged Chris Jones (9 sacks last season), so they have him returning to this defense. They also re-signed wide receiver, who was not Mahomes’ favorite target, but still managed to be a factor during the season.
The Chiefs showed how explosive their offensive could be last season and with their defense improving, they should at the very least find themselves playing for the chance to go to a second consecutive Super Bowl.
2021 AFC Championship Baltimore Ravens +325
After a tremendous regular season, the Ravens were upset in the playoffs in their first game. There is no doubt that Lamar Jackson is a superstar in the making, but can he get over that hump that is the postseason?
It may be tough for the Ravens to bounce back from a disappointing end to their season, but they certainly have the talent to do so. Most notably, Baltimore picked up veteran defensive end, Calais Campbell from the Jacksonville Jaguars. Campbell has ample experience in this league and could emerge as the leader for this team.
Some key losses for Baltimore includes tight end, Hayden Hurst (traded to Atlanta), inside linebacker, Josh Bynes, defensive end, Michael Pierce and wide receiver, Seth Roberts. Despite these losses, Jackson and the Ravens will likely have another successful campaign but the key here is they need to find a way to wins games in the postseason.
Regular season success is great, but the playoffs are where teams show their true colors. The Ravens ability to run the ball is no joking matter and their ability to control the clock gives them a legit chance to make a deep playoff run and to compete with the Chiefs for the AFC crown.
2021 AFC Championship Predictions: Buffalo Bills +1200
With the departure of Tom Brady, the Bills have life to finally win the AFC East. The Bills were able to make the playoffs this past season, but lost to the Houston Texans in overtime. This was a game the Bills let slip away as well.
This offseason, Buffalo have really focused on bolstering their defense. They added cornerback, EJ Gaines, defensive tackle, Vernon Butler, defensive end, Mario Addison, linebacker, A.J. Klein, defensive tackle, Quinton Jefferson, and finally cornerback, Josh Norman. These guys add quite a lot of depth an experience as well, which is exactly what the Bills need right now.
Josh Allen returns as the quarterback for Buffalo, looking to bounce back from his first and only playoff loss this past season. Devin Singletary emerged as a reliable running back for the Bills and should have an even bigger role this upcoming year. Also, they added Stefon Diggs (former Minnesota Vikings wide receiver).
Again, with the focus on defense, the Bills are going to have a chance to win the AFC East and if their offense can improve, they will be in the mix for a deep playoff run.
2021 AFC Championship Predictions: Los Angeles Chargers +1800
The Chargers may have lost Phillip Rivers, but their defense returns as a major threat. This Chargers dealt with so many injuries last season, which is why they lost so many close games. They did lose Melvin Gordon III, but managed to resign Austin Ekeler, who had a major impact.
Tight end, Hunter Henry was franchised tagged, and of course Keenan Allen returns as the top offensive weapon for Los Angeles.
Some defensive additions include cornerback, Chris Harris Jr. Of course the Chargers have Joey Bosa too, making their defense that much more dangerous. The biggest issue will be the offense, not because of their weapons, but because of the transition from their longtime quarterback. Tyrod Taylor is expected to take over under center.
Taylor has shown he can be a serviceable quarterback, so as long as he can learn the offense, the Chargers are likely going to have success.
The other issue is the Chargers are in the same division with the Kansas City Chiefs. This means they are likely to be fighting for a Wild-Card spot. With the extra playoff team, it gives Los Angeles a better chance to make the postseason and to make a deep run.
2021 AFC Championship Predictions: Indianapolis Colts +1800
The Colts had to completely change their plans last season when Andrew Luck all of sudden retired. This forced Jacoby Brissett to take over under.
To be honest, he was not that bad during the first half of the season, but near the back half, things started to take a turn. That being said, the Colts added Philip Rivers this offseason an even though he is getting older, he may still have enough gas in the tank to help Indianapolis make a playoff push. Especially since the Houston Texans made some moves, the Colts have a legitimate shot to win the AFC South.
A couple other moves the Colts made include defensive tackle, DeForest Buckner from the San Francisco 49ers. Alongside Darius Leonard at linebacker, the Colts could have a nasty defense. To have any shot at making the Super Bowl, the Colts are basically going to have to rely on Phillip Rivers. They also will need to win their division so they will not have to play every playoff game away from home.
LONGSHOTS
2021 AFC Championship Predictions: Cleveland Browns +1600
Whenever you write a futures piece, it is almost mandatory that you include the new look Cleveland Browns. Especially with the talent they have acquired recently, they have the roster to go all the way.
The problem is they have quite a few egos on that team, which is why they failed miserably last year.
Now the biggest addition this offseason has to be tight end, Austin Hooper. He joins Cleveland from Atlanta and could be a huge red zone threat for Baker Mayfield.
Hooper could also be a threat in terms of opening running lanes for Nick Chubb. Mayfield is going to need to mature this season and the Browns cannot have the constant off the field drama.
I am setting Cleveland as a longshot because time and time again they have failed to exceed expectations. They have not even made the playoffs with their new look squad, so to all of a sudden win the AFC and play in a Super Bowl is a bit too much to ask for.
2021 AFC Championship Predictions: Las Vegas Raiders +2000
The move to a new city means a ‘new start’ so to speak with a new environment an everything in between. The Raiders actually were a surprise last season and for awhile competed for a playoff spot. The emergence of Josh Jacobs at running back is extremely promising and takes some of the pressure off Derek Carr.
Add in the fact that they have a tight end such as Darren Waller, who had a great rookie season and the Raiders have some very solid offensive weapons.
As for offseason acquisitions, the Raiders added guys such as safety, Damarious Randall, wide receiver, Nelson Agholor, defensive end, Carl Nassib, safety, Jeff Heath, and tight end, Jason Witten among a few others. They also added Marcus Mariota to backup Derek Carr or perhaps take the starting job.
Just like I mentioned before with the Chargers, the Raiders play in the AFC West with the Chiefs meaning a Wild-Card is likely their only chance to make the playoffs.
If the Raiders can get out to a hot start, this season could be a very successful one in Vegas with their young talent.
Full AFC Futures Odds to Win the 2021 AFC Championship
- Kansas City Chiefs +275
- Baltimore Ravens +325
- New England Patriots +850
- Pittsburgh Steelers +1100
- Buffalo Bills +1200
- Cleveland Browns +1600
- Tennessee Titans +1800
- Indianapolis Colts +1800
- Los Angeles Chargers +1800
- Las Vegas Raiders +2000
- Houston Texans +2200
- Denver Broncos +2200
- Miami Dolphins +3500
- Jacksonville Jaguars +4500
- New York Jets +4500
- Cincinnati Bengals +5500
CappersPicks.com 2021 AFC Championship Prediction — Kansas City Chiefs +275
It seems like the easy pick to take Kansas City here, but I believe their offense is just too strong in the end. Their defense has been steadily improving, but when you have an offense that can score on almost any play, you are going to score and that is going to lead to a ton of wins.
That being said, I look for the Chiefs to take over the AFC this upcoming season and will represent their conference in the Super Bowl.
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