2024 NFL Draft Betting – AFC South 1st Drafted Positions at Caesars Sportsbook
April 24, 2024
2024 NFL Draft Betting – NFC East 1st Drafted Positions at Caesars Sportsbook
April 24, 2024
Since Andy Reid took over as head coach in 2013, the Kansas City Chiefs have dominated the AFC West. The emergence of Patrick Mahomes as the starting quarterback in 2018 only solidified the team’s chokehold of the division. The Chiefs enter the NFL betting season having secured the division title eight consecutive times and won three Super Bowl championships along the way. Currently, Kansas City stands as the premier team not only in the division but also the entire NFL, making it a daunting task for any other team to challenge their dominance and prevent the stockpiling of more Lombardi trophies by cashing in on the Super Bowl futures odds at Caesars Sportsbook.
In response, the Los Angeles Chargers, Denver Broncos, and Las Vegas Raiders have undergone significant management and roster overhauls in recent years in an effort to dethrone the perennial division winners. Let’s examine the possible top selections for each team in the 2024 NFL Draft, with the aim of identifying the players who have the potential to either disrupt the Chiefs’ reign or contribute to the ongoing success of the dynasty.
Bet AFC West First Drafted Positions at Caesars Sportsbook
Kansas City Chiefs First Drafted Position at Caesars Sportsbook:
- Wide Receiver: -120
- Offensive Lineman: +140
- Cornerback: +425
- Defensive Lineman or EDGE: +650
- Tight End: +2000
- Linebacker: +4000
Since 2020, the Chiefs have made four first-round selections, picking 32nd twice, 21st, and 30th, with George Karlaftis having the most significant impact. There’s a prevailing sentiment among NFL bettors and linemakers that GM Brett Veach will opt for a wide receiver towards the end of the first round, with the position slightly favored over an offensive lineman. This choice seems logical on the surface, especially considering the uncertainty surrounding Rashee Rice’s legal issues.
However, with Marquise Brown already brought in and a plethora of young receiving talent already on the roster, I’ll bypass looking at the chalk with it doubtful Rice will face a season-long suspension. Therefore, there might be value in considering the Chiefs selecting a tight end with their first pick after Travis Kelce’s regular-season production just jumped off a cliff. At 20-1, it could be worth a wager, especially considering the recent praise for Arizona TE Tanner McLachlan, indicating that he may not be available when the Chiefs pick again at the end of the second round. Taking a chance on a tight end to close out the first round could prove to be a lucrative gamble.
Las Vegas Raiders First Drafted Position at Caesars Sportsbook:
- Offensive Lineman: +130
- Quarterback: +135
- Cornerback: +225
- Defensive Lineman or EDGE: +900
- Wide Receiver: +1500
- Tight End: +4000
Tom Telesco is poised to make a significant impact with his first pick as the new General Manager of the Las Vegas Raiders. His track record of first-round selections while leading the rival Chargers suggests a knack for early success in the draft. With the appointment of Antonio Pierce as the team’s head coach in the offseason, Telesco appears to have solidified the defense, which demonstrated unexpected strength last season. The acquisition of Christian Wilkins in free agency further indicates a focus on bolstering the offense with the team’s first pick in the NFL Draft.
If Denver opts not to trade up for one of the higher-touted quarterbacks and instead addresses various roster issues, it seems likely that the Silver and Black will take a chance on Michael Penix Jr. at No. 13. Penix is widely regarded as one of if not the best deep ball thrower in this quarterback class, and the Raiders possess ample downfield playmaking talent that would be underutilized should either Aidan O’Connell or Gardner Minshew be anointed QB1 heading into the regular season.
Denver Broncos First Drafted Position at Caesars Sportsbook:
- Quarterback: +180
- Defensive Lineman or EDGE: +180
- Wide Receiver: +1100
- Cornerback: +350
- Offensive Lineman: +700
- Tight End: +1200
The initial go-round of the Sean Payton regime didn’t unfold as planned. The Russell Wilson experiment turned into a catastrophic failure, resulting in his benching and Denver’s offense ranking among the league’s worst in multiple categories. The defense also struggled immensely, with the infamous 70 points conceded to the Miami Dolphins highlighting their season-long woes. They were ineffective at stopping the run (#30), defending the pass (#22), and preventing opponents from scoring (#27).
Despite GM George Paton’s recent acquisition of Zach Wilson, it seems likely that he’ll pursue every avenue to secure one of the top four quarterbacks in the draft. However, if unable to do so and presented with the opportunity to draft a top offensive tackle, that would be my choice. Denver has the potential to establish a dominant running game with Javonte Williams, Semaje Perine, and Jaleel McLaughlin in the backfield. Strengthening the offensive line could significantly enhance this aspect of their game, which currently stands as their primary strength. Taking a chance on an offensive tackle like Olumuyiwa Fashanu or Taliese Fuaga at 7-1 odds is a worthwhile beer money gamble in my opinion.
Los Angeles Chargers First Drafted Position at Caesars Sportsbook:
- Offensive Lineman: -175
- Wide Receiver: +200
- Cornerback: +600
- Tight End: +1500
- Defensive Lineman or EDGE: +1000
- Linebacker: +10000
Mercifully, the Brandon Staley era has come to a close in the City of Angels. It’s still disheartening to me how little the former coaching staff accomplished with so much roster talent on both sides of the ball. Hopefully, Jim Harbaugh and his staff will find a way to utilize this talent more effectively. I remain convinced that the Chargers have the pieces to immediately challenge the Chiefs for division supremacy, especially since oddsmakers at Caesars currently project them to finish second in the division standings, despite bringing up the rear a season ago.
With the acquisition of the Ravens former backfield in the offseason, it’s understandable why offensive lineman is the favored position at -175. The Chargers struggled with the league’s 25th-ranked rushing attack last year, even with Austin Ekeler in the backfield. However, if the top four quarterbacks are off the board by the time the Chargers pick at No. 5, I can’t see upper management passing up the opportunity to give Justin Herbert a new weapon to work with. With Keenan Allen and Mike Williams no longer on the roster, selecting a wide receiver like Marvin Harrison Jr. or Malik Nabers makes perfect sense. Count me in for the Bolts selecting a wide receiver with their first pick at +200!
