The 2023 NFL regular season has concluded, and the playoff field for the 2024 playoffs has been determined. While elite teams such as the Baltimore Ravens and the San Francisco 49ers appear to be strong moving into January, several lower seeds appear to be dangerous bets based on late-season performance and faults. Here’s a more in-depth look at the teams to avoid betting on with sports betting apps this offseason.
The Indianapolis Colts
With a 9-7 record, the Colts clinched the AFC’s #7 seed. Indianapolis labored to the finish, struggling in their final seven games against questionable opponents like the Texans and Giants.
The Colts relied largely on former All-Pro running back Jonathan Taylor to power their offense, but he wore out late in the season due to excessive use. Matt Ryan, the veteran quarterback, suffered hard in his season in Indianapolis. Ryan’s inability to move behind a shaky offensive line resulted in many sacks and interceptions.
The Colts’ offense struggled late in the season, scoring more than 20 points just once in their final five games. The Colts appear to be a very risky pick to go on a January run, with inconsistent quarterback performance, a one-dimensional offense based on an overworked Taylor, and a challenging Wild Card game against red-hot Jacksonville.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers used their position in the NFC South to sneak into the playoffs with a poor 8-8 record. However, Tampa Bay lacks the explosive offense and smothering defense that propelled them to the Super Bowl. The Buccaneers appear to be a team to avoid these playoffs, with small odds to win it all.
The team appeared agitated at times with an injury-ravaged offensive line that allowed Baker Mayfield to be sacked many times this season. Tampa Bay’s running attack is pitiful, ranking as one of the last in rushing offense. The Buccaneers also lacks the great receiving threats of previous years, sometimes relying on inexperienced rookie wideouts.
Age and injuries took their toll on defense. Veterans such as LaVonte David, Vita Vea, and Akiem Hicks lost time and saw their play suffer as a result. The Buccaneers are unlikely to rediscover championship form with a shaky defense and Mayfield leading an uncharacteristically underperforming offense.
The Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks were a terrific story this season, but they are still unprepared for a strong postseason run. Seattle has the weakest scoring defense in the NFC playoffs (23.2 points allowed per game). Their secondary is especially weak, being among the bottom five in passing yards allowed.
Behind running back Kenneth Walker, the Seahawks’ offense is essentially one-dimensional. It’s been a season-long fight to get the chains through the air. Seattle’s Super Bowl hopes are over this year after missing out on the final day, but following the departure of Pete Carroll they don’t look like a strong choice for next season either.
The Miami Dolphins
This season, the Dolphins started strong before struggling miserably down the stretch. During a five-game losing skid, their defense entirely collapsed, allowing 37 points per game. Miami has a bottom-five scoring defense, which caused considerable worry in January.
What’s more, rookie head coach Mike McDaniel has no postseason experience. Tua Tagovailoa’s availability is also uncertain, owing to chronic concussion difficulties that have led him to miss numerous games. Relying on untested McDaniel and uncertain Tua appears to be incredibly risky. There was one stage of the season when Miami were considered as a Super Bowl favourite with the top 10 best US sports betting apps, but now they have to go into Arrowhead in a freezing cold playoff game and they can’t be seen as contenders at all just now.
The Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys have tremendous skill on both sides of the ball, but they haven’t made it to the NFC Championship Game since 1996.
Dak Prescott, the veteran quarterback, has a 1-3 career postseason record. His earlier postseason problems included a terrible performance in a home Wild Card defeat, in which he passed for only 206 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Based on their history and odds, the Cowboys finally breaking an almost 30-year title drought is very speculative.
This part of the season is always risky. Lower seeding with weaknesses, limits, dubious coaching, and limited playoff pedigree may be avoided by shrewd gamblers during the league’s “second season.”
The NFL playoffs offer thrilling football with unexpected swings at every turn. January magic may be used by any franchise. However, while judging genuine roster quality and worth, bettors must be objective.
Look beyond regular-season records or endearing stories. Remember, there is no reward for loyalty or fandom in playoff wagering. As a famed oddsmaker once said, “your favorite team and your betting team should rarely be the same.” To make wise bets, rely on the eye test rather than the emotions.