As the 2023 NFL season rapidly approaches, the always fiercely competitive NFC West is shaping up for another thrilling campaign.
Last year, we saw the San Francisco 49ers outlast the upstart Seattle Seahawks to win their first division title since 2019.
Can Kyle Shanahan’s crew continue to build on the momentum and ensure the NFC West runs through San Francisco for years to come?
Let’s look at the latest NFC West winner odds.
NFC West Winner Betting Odds 2023-24
NFL betting odds used for these best bets are from Friday, May 19, and courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
- San Francisco 49ers (-150)
- Seattle Seahawks (+200)
- Los Angeles Rams (+750)
- Arizona Cardinals (+2500)
At first glance, the odds indicate a two-horse race between the 49ers (-150) and Seahawks (+200).
Trailing in the distance are the Los Angeles Rams (+750), who could provide some sleeper potential as a team that is less than two years removed from winning a Super Bowl.
Well beyond them sit the Arizona Cardinals (+2500), the longest longshots in the NFL division winner market. No other NFL team has odds worse than +1100 to win their respective division.
While the 49ers are clear favorites, there’s intriguing value to be found by those willing to take a chance on Seattle or LA.
NFC West Winner Best Bet
San Francisco 49ers (-150)
The 49ers are the bookmakers’ favorite to win the NFC West, and it’s not hard to see why.
San Francisco had the best defense in the NFL last season and added another playmaker to its front four with the signing of former Eagles DT Javon Hargrave.
On offense, Kyle Shanahan has plenty of playmakers to draw plays for, including star running back Christian McCaffrey, do-it-all weapon Deebo Samuel, and tight end George Kittle.
- Can the 49ers go one step further this season? Check out our 2023 NFC Championship odds.
However, as is the case most offseasons in San Francisco, the quarterback position remains a question mark. Brock Purdy and Trey Lance are coming off significant injuries, and the team’s Week 1 starter remains unknown.
Still, this deep quarterback room, which also added Sam Darnold in the offseason, should do enough to help this talented roster win double-digit games again.
NFC Divisional Futures Odds & Picks
NFC West Winner Sleeper Pick
Seattle Seahawks (+200)
At +200, the Seahawks offer a compelling option for NFL futures bettors.
Geno Smith stepped up admirably as the starter last season, demonstrating his ability to command the offense effectively and producing some stellar performances that have generated a great deal of optimism around Seattle.
The offense should take another step forward in 2023, with the addition of rookie Jaxon Smith-Njigba bolstering the wide receiver corps significantly.
Despite struggling on defense in 2022, there are reasons to be hopeful moving forward. Seattle has some quality pieces already on the roster in second-year corner Tariq Woolen and safety Jamal Adams.
Plus, the Seahawks were proactive in the 2023 NFL Draft and free agency in beefing up the backend, selecting corner Devon Witherspoon at No. 5 and bringing back linebacker Bobby Wagner.
If he can help this young defense channel its ‘Legion of Boom’ days and Smith can maintain his form from last season, Seattle could present a formidable challenge for the NFC West title.