Talk about a return on investment, right? Last year, if you’d just blindly thrown one unit on each of our 32 plays from that article, you’d be up 7.26 units right now. That’s why we’re back for the 2026 NFL season, diving deep into one bet for every team, starting with the AFC. Forget generic forecasts, we’re cutting straight to the heart of what matters with these early season looks.
AFC North Roller Coaster: Health and Head-Scratchers
Over in Baltimore, the Ravens are dreaming big. Their best-case scenario hinges on Jesse Minter and a beefed-up defensive front absolutely shutting things down. The hope is that most games will be in the bag by the fourth quarter, letting Derrick Henry just grind out the clock, keeping Lamar Jackson from needing to scramble all over the place. Optimism for Jackson’s numbers is high, especially since he’s coming into the season healthy. But let’s be real, staying healthy has been a challenge, and we saw his rushing efficiency drop in 2025 with just 349 yards on 67 carries in 13 games. Jackson’s turning 30 this season, and the bet here is that he doesn’t get loose enough to clear 599.5 rushing yards. It’s a tough call, but it speaks to his durability and a potential shift in play style.
Then there’s the Cleveland Browns. Wow. The depth chart is a straight-up “head-scratcher” with Deshaun Watson locked in as the number one quarterback. You just don’t know what you’re gonna get. Will it be the usual bad offense, good defense combo, or with some new pieces and an offensive-minded head coach, will it flip completely? The most likely outcome, intentionally or not, is a full-blown rebuild. With Watson in and Myles Garrett reportedly off to L.A., the source says it plain: the rebuild has begun. That’s why betting the Browns under 5.5 wins feels like a brutal but honest assessment for the year.
Mahomes? Nah, We’re Talking Allen and Chase
Let’s talk Buffalo, because young Josh Allen didn’t exactly rack up rushing touchdowns like he has in his late-20s. His rushing yardage has dipped over the last three seasons, sure, but the guy still put up 15, 12, and 14 rushing touchdowns in those campaigns! And that’s with James Cook right there for goal-line handoffs. Until Allen hoists that Super Bowl trophy or they drag him off the field to break his Ironman streak, he’s doing everything in his power to win. That means calling his own number near the goal line, every single time. Betting Josh Allen over 10.5 rushing touchdowns isn’t just a bet, it’s an acknowledgement of his sheer will to win.
Over in Cincinnati, Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase are long-time teammates, going back to their LSU days. When those two are healthy, it’s electric. They’ve only been healthy for two full seasons in their pro careers, but look at the numbers. Chase’s rookie year in 2021: 1,455 yards and eight touchdowns. And 2024? Over 1,700 yards and 17 touchdowns! That kind of output usually snags you an Offensive Player of the Year award, but Saquon Barkley went absolutely bonkers that season. The bet on Ja’Marr Chase to win Offensive Player of the Year isn’t just a dream, it’s banking on their continued health and that explosive connection firing on all cylinders again.
These are the kind of early season reads that can set the tone. Keep an eye on Jackson’s health and rushing attempts, Allen’s relentless drive near the goal line, Chase’s explosive potential, and the Browns’ fascinating rebuild. It’s going to be a wild 2026 season!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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