2024-25 NFL Playoff Odds: Chiefs, 49ers Have Shortest Odds to Reach Postseason
The Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers are the frontrunners to make the playoffs, according to the NFL playoff odds listed on our top NFL betting sites.
As NFL OTAs kick off, the preseason is nearing and Week 1 of the season is fast approaching. Teams are gearing up for a championship push, with the usual contenders leading the way in Super Bowl odds.
The Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers are leading the way in the NFL, expected to once again dominate the league. These two teams are not only the favorites to win the Super Bowl, but they are also among the three teams with their NFL win totals set at 11.5.
Not surprisingly, they have the lowest odds of reaching the NFL playoffs in both the AFC and NFC. With only seven teams from each conference making it to the postseason, who else is predicted to secure a spot in the playoffs?
Check out the latest NFL playoff odds for the 2024-25 season from top sports betting websites, as well as our expert NFL picks.
2024-25 NFL playoff odds: AFC
As of May 22, the odds for the NFL playoffs are…
AFC playoff odds analysis
The Super Bowl champions are heavily favored to make it to the NFL playoffs this season. With the other teams in the AFC West facing changes like new head coaches, new starting quarterbacks, or being the Las Vegas Raiders, it seems like an easy road for Patrick Mahomes to secure another division title.
The Baltimore Ravens, competing in one of the most challenging divisions in the NFL, have the second-best odds in the AFC. They have made the playoffs in five of the past six seasons and are led by reigning MVP Lamar Jackson as they aim to conquer the AFC North.
The Cincinnati Bengals, led by a healthy Joe Burrow, pose a strong challenge to their competitors. With both teams as top contenders for the NFL MVP title, one of them is expected to clinch the division while the other is a strong candidate for a Wild Card spot.
During the past five seasons, the Buffalo Bills have made it to the playoffs and won four AFC East titles. However, with Josh Allen leading the team once again, there is more uncertainty in Buffalo this season due to the departure of wide receiver Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans.
After leading Houston to victory in the AFC South as a rookie, Texans QB C.J. Stroud can only benefit from this move. With recent acquisitions in the draft and 2024 free agency, the Texans now boast one of the most talented rosters in the NFL. Houston’s odds of reaching the playoffs are as short as -200, suggesting a 66.67% chance of making it to the postseason.
The Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, Los Angeles Chargers, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Indianapolis Colts appear to be the top contenders for wild-card spots, but uncertainties surrounding their quarterbacks and coaching staffs may impact their chances.
The health of their starting quarterbacks is a major concern for both the Jets and Colts. Aaron Rodgers is returning from a torn Achilles for the Jets, while the Colts are relying on sophomore QB Anthony Richardson to stay healthy. The addition of NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year favorite Laiatu Latu has made the Colts an intriguing sleeper team.
AFC projected playoff picture
Seed | Team | Playoff odds |
---|---|---|
1 | Ravens | -250 |
2 | Chiefs | -430 |
3 | Dolphins | -135 |
4 | Texans | -190 |
5 | Bengals | -210 |
6 | Bills | -160 |
7 | Colts | +160 |
The AFC is filled with top-tier quarterbacks and high-powered offenses, making it a tough competition. If Jackson can remain injury-free in 2024, Baltimore looks to be the strongest team in the conference. Jackson previously won MVP under Todd Monken’s guidance as the offensive coordinator, so their second season together could be even more successful.
The Chiefs are the reigning champions and it would be unwise to doubt Mahomes in January. However, there may be a transition period as the offense adjusts to new receivers and tackles.
The Dolphins and Texans are both loaded with talent and have the potential to be top contenders in their respective divisions. However, staying healthy will be key for the Dolphins, while the Texans will have to overcome a challenging schedule to secure the top seed.
The Bengals and Bills have standout quarterbacks, but they compete in tough divisions and there are uncertainties about Burrow’s health and Allen’s supporting cast. The Colts are favored over the Jets, led by Rodgers. Anthony Richardson is a highly skilled player, and Shane Steichen is known for his elite play-calling abilities in the NFL.
2024-25 NFL playoff odds: NFC
As of May 22, the odds for the NFL playoffs.
NFC playoff odds analysis
Similar to the AFC, the NFC also has a consistent Super Bowl contender leading the NFL playoff odds. The San Francisco 49ers have made it to the playoffs four out of the last five seasons, making it to the Super Bowl twice. Despite the usual roster changes that can impact Super Bowl hopefuls, the 49ers are retaining many key players, such as running back Christian McCaffrey, who is the favorite to win NFL Offensive Player of the Year.
San Francisco is fortunate to be in the NFC West, where they will face teams with a new head coach (Seattle Seahawks), a weak roster on paper (Arizona Cardinals), and an aging core (Los Angeles Rams).
The team that the 49ers defeated to reach the Super Bowl is now a strong contender to make a return to the playoffs. The Detroit Lions have secured their key offensive players (Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Penei Sewell) and have bolstered their defense with their last three NFL draft classes.
The emergence of Jordan Love has added a new dimension to the Packers’ threat to repeat as NFC North champions. Keep an eye on the Chicago Bears and Caleb Williams, who is currently the favorite to win NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Just like in the NFC North, the NFC East is shaping up to be a battle between two teams, with a rookie QB making waves. Despite criticism for their lack of offseason moves, the Cowboys are bolstered by the return of franchise QB Dak Prescott and standout linebacker Micah Parsons, who is a favorite for NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
The Philadelphia Eagles will need to be stopped by their opponents, as they have undergone numerous coaching changes this offseason. However, the Eagles still have key players like Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown, and DeVonta Smith returning to an offense that now includes Saquon Barkley. Additionally, the Washington Commanders, led by Jayden Daniels, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, should not be overlooked.
Finally, but undoubtedly the weakest, the NFC South could be considered the least competitive division in football. The Atlanta Falcons seem to be focused on winning immediately by acquiring Kirk Cousins, but they also selected Michael Penix Jr. as his potential successor with the 8th overall pick. However, under head coach Raheem Morris, the Falcons have the most skilled roster, with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers led by Baker Mayfield appearing to be their biggest challengers.
NFC projected playoff picture
Seed | Team | Playoff odds |
---|---|---|
1 | Lions | -200 |
2 | 49ers | -400 |
3 | Eagles | -200 |
4 | Falcons | -230 |
5 | Packers | -150 |
6 | Rams | +115 |
7 | Bears | -120 |
It is unlikely that the 49ers will be dealing with a Super Bowl appearance hangover in 2024, as they have retained a lot of talent. However, the Lions are a strong challenger and the scariest team in the NFC North. Detroit has addressed its cornerback issues and their offense looks ready with Ben Johnson returning.
The competition in the NFC East is fierce between the Eagles and Cowboys, but only one team has shown significant improvements during the offseason. Philadelphia has strengthened its offense by acquiring Barkley and added key defenders to its roster. With these upgrades, it is not unlikely for the Eagles to emerge as the division champions, while Dallas may struggle to secure a spot in the playoffs.
The NFC South is by far the most challenging division to predict due to its overall weakness. With Morris and Cousins providing stability, the Falcons are in a good position, especially since they have the easiest schedule in the NFL.
There are numerous skilled teams vying for a wild-card spot, but the Rams and Packers stand out with their exceptional QBs and top-tier play-callers in the NFC. The Bears, in particular, have a lot of promise with the talented players like D.J. Moore, Keenan Allen, and Rome Odunze alongside the Williams Kool-Aid.
2023-24 NFL playoff teams
Seed | AFC | NFC |
---|---|---|
1 | Baltimore Ravens | San Francisco 49ers |
2 | Buffalo Bills | Dallas Cowboys |
3 | Kansas City Chiefs | Detroit Lions |
4 | Houston Texans | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
5 | Cleveland Browns | Philadelphia Eagles |
6 | Miami Dolphins | Los Angeles Rams |
7 | Pittsburgh Steelers | Green Bay Packers |
NFL playoff FAQs
Who are the favorites to make the NFL playoffs?
The Kansas City Chiefs are the top favorites to make the playoffs in the AFC with odds of -500, giving them an implied probability of 83.33% to secure a playoff spot.
The San Francisco 49ers are the frontrunners in the NFC to make the postseason with odds of -550, giving them an 84.62% chance of reaching the playoffs.
When are the 2024-25 NFL playoffs?
The NFL playoffs kick off with the wild-card round on January 11-13, 2025. Following that, the divisional round is scheduled for January 18 and 19, leading up to the AFC and NFC championship games on January 26.
When will the 2025 Super Bowl be played?
The date for Super Bowl 59 is set for February 9, 2025.
Where will the 2025 Super Bowl be played?
The Super Bowl in 2025 is scheduled to be held at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana.
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