NFC South 2021 Odds: Bucs odds-on but still value
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are coming off of one of the most memorable runs in NFL history.
Going on the road and defeating the teams and quarterbacks they did, Washington Football Team, followed by Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints.
I don’t think anybody saw that run coming, especially with Tom Brady having lost to the Saints pretty badly twice already that season. Despite being an underdog, the Bucs blew out Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. Brady was good, but the defense was better, never allowing Mahomes to make a comfortable throw.
The personnel of the Bucs pass rush made that all possible. Shaquil Barrett led the league in sacks two seasons ago, and Jason Pierre-Paul has proven to not have lost a step. Those guys on the outside, Vita Vea and Ndamukong Sue in the middle of the line, made it tough for offensive lines in terms of who to double team.
The guys on the next level; Lavonte David and Devin White, who had become a household name after the team’s playoff run, all had their hand and moment on the run. That meant it was even more important they retained this group.
Beyond all odds, the Bucs were able to keep both David and Barrett, who were free agents following the season. We already talked about the Bucs’ title odds at +750, but I think the Bucs to win the NFC South at -167 at ugarHouse, Unibet and 888sport is insane.
The Saints will be going through a quarterback transition for the first time in 15 years. I know they still have talented players on their roster like Michael Thomas and Alvin Kamara on offense, but I just don’t see Jameis Winston bringing his team to a better record than Brady. The Saints are currently +250 to win the division, and I just don’t see it happening.
The Carolina Panthers are currently at +700 to win the division. They were involved in some of the Deshaun Watson buzz early on, as well as being players for Matthew Stafford before he was traded to the Los Angeles Rams.
Teddy Bridgewater wasn’t bad last season, but he was mediocre at best. At times, Phillip Walker of the XFL looked the better of the two. They also lost Curtis Samuel, who proved to be a do-it-all weapon for the Panthers and Matt Rhule last season. I don’t think a team led by Bridgewater will be enough to beat Brady and this returning Bucs team.
Lastly, the Atlanta Falcons at +1000. I actually think the Falcons could have a turnaround year and finish the season second in the division. They seemingly found new ways to lose last season. Calvin Ridley started to emerge as a legitimate No. 1, while Julio Jones showed some regression at age 32.
The defense left a lot to be desired, the same with the running game. I think Matt Ryan could have a few more good years, especially with the weapons around him, but again, don’t see them knocking off the Bucs from atop the division.
I see the odds of -167 only getting less valuable, so if you agree, jump on it now.
