After just three weeks the 2022-23 NFL season is still young, but we're starting to get a picture of which teams are legit Super Bowl contenders and which ones will be more focused on their draft positions down the stretch.
There are a few teams off to slow starts, notably the Ci ncinnati Bengals (1-2) and San Francisco 49ers (1-2). There have been a few surprising starts as well, such as the Jacksonville Jaguars (2-1) and Cleveland Browns (2-1).
It's a lot to unpack, but thankfully The Duel is here to help. We're taking the early reactions to Weeks 1-3 and zoning in on a few underdog bets to make.
NFL Odds
Check out these three teams not currently favored to win their divisions who will reach the top of the standings by season's end. All of the betting odds are from FanDuel Sportsbook's odds to win the division.
3 Best Divisional Underdog Bets
1. Miami Dolphins (+210 to win AFC East)
The Miami Dolphins are one of just two undefeated teams remaining across the league and already hold a key divisional win over the Super Bowl favorite Buffalo Bills. Buffalo is legit and that's why they are still favored at -240, but the +210 odds on the Dolphins are too good to pass up. Two of those wins came against AFC East foes, and while both wins came at home, taking care of business at home goes a long way in the title hunt. Miami's balance should scare Buffalo. The Dolphins rank top-10 in both points scored and points allowed, plus they tout an impressive No. 7 ranking according to Football Outsiders' rush- defense DVOA metric. They can score with anyone (including the Bills), and that's why I like them to shock the world with an AFC East crown.
2. Cincinnati Bengals (+290 to win AFC North)
Cincinnati is one of those teams off to a slow start. At just 1-2, they already find themselves at the bottom of the AFC North standings. Fortunately, only one of those losses came against a divisional foe (Pittsburgh). Keep in mind, the Bengals were just 7-6 last year before winning four of their last five to take the NFC North. This team is built to score on the backs of Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase and Joe Mixon. The offensive line hasn't gelled yet, but it has better pieces than a year ago and should imp rove. What's most impressive is the defense, as Cincinnati ranks top-10 in points allowed (9th), yards allowed (8th) and takeaways (7th). The Bengals just pounded the New York Jets in a get-right game and appear to be turning things around.
3. Los Angeles Chargers (+340 to win AFC West)
Brandon Staley's offense certainly hasn't clicked like many of the experts projected. They managed just 10 points against the Jacksonville Jaguars last week and rank 16th in points scored on the year. Getting this team at +340 odds is enticing, however. As it stands, the Kansas City Chiefs (-110) are the only AFC West team that would truly scare me against this bet. The Las Vegas Raiders are a mess at 0-3, and the Denver Broncos have looked even worse despite starting 2-1. LA's offense will find its rhythm, especially once Justin Herbert gets past his rib injury. The defense needs to be better, but injuries to J.C. Jackson and Joey Bosa haven't helped so far. I like that they rank top-10 in red zone defense and still rank 15th in Football Outsiders' overall defense DVOA metric, despite the inflated yards/points allowed.