NFL Predictions: Odds for Each Team to Win Their Division in 2012

In an era where we see teams winning Super Bowls from the wild-card position, no doubt it's still important to win your division each year and hopefully make the postseason journey a little more comfortable.

So what clubs are in the best position to win a division title in 2012? (Keep in mind that the Patriots were the only team to repeat from 2010 to 2011.) Let's take a look, starting with the teams with the best odds.

New England Patriots (13-3, Won AFC East in 2011)

The dynastic run of the franchise continues as Bill Belichick and company come off their ninth division title and fifth Super Bowl appearance in 11 seasons. The Patriots have scored 500 or more points in three of the last five seasons, but all they have to show for it is a pair of losses on Super Sunday to the Giants.

Still, no team in the AFC East can match this team’s firepower, and if the defensive additions and changes make a difference, get ready for a record-tying eighth Super Bowl appearance. Simply put, the Jets, Dolphins and Bills still have too many questions.

ODDS TO WIN AFC EAST: 2-1

Baltimore Ravens (12-4, Won AFC North in 2011)

There’s been a lot of success since head coach John Harbaugh and quarterback Joe Flacco arrived in 2008. The Ravens are the only team in the league to make the playoffs each of the last four seasons, and last year, they captured their first division title since 2006, thanks to a sweep of the Steelers.

The offense continues to develop with the help of running back Ray Rice, the NFL leader in yards from scrimmage last season, but there might be a few question marks on defense with the absence (at least for now) of NFL Defensive Player of the Year Terrell Suggs.

ODDS TO WIN AFC NORTH: 3-1

Green Bay Packers (15-1, Won NFC North in 2011)

When you’re the defending Super Bowl champions, open the season 13-0 on the way to 15-1, score the second-most points in a season in NFL annals (560) and your quarterback (MVP Aaron Rodgers) throws an astounding 45 touchdown passes and a mere six interceptions in 15 starts, an early exit from the playoffs—at home, no less—was certainly not in the cards. But when you allow the most passing yards in a season in NFL history and your sack total decreases from 47 to 29, there are issues.

Still, the positives outweigh the negatives for Mike McCarthy’s club.

ODDS TO WIN NFC NORTH: 3-1

Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4, 2nd Place in AFC North in 2011)

For the third time in four seasons, the Steelers produced a 12-4 record. In 2008 and 2010, that was good enough to win the AFC North and eventually advance to the Super Bowl. A year ago, Mike Tomlin’s team was relegated to wild-card status and was stunned by a Tim Tebow-to-Demaryius Thomas touchdown connection in overtime at Denver.

There will be fewer familiar faces with the departures of retired wideout Hines Ward and linebacker James Farrior, but there will be a restructured offensive line and a different approach under new coordinator Todd Haley.

ODDS TO WIN AFC NORTH: 3-1

San Francisco 49ers (13-3, Won NFC West in 2011)

From no playoff appearance for eight consecutive seasons to winning the division by five games, Jim Harbaugh and company opened plenty of eyes in San Francisco a year ago. With a few additions this offseason, the 49ers may be in position to make its first trip to the Super Bowl since 1994.

Quarterback Alex Smith should top his 17 touchdown passes from 2011 with the arrivals of wideouts Randy Moss and Mario Manningham. The defense is as physical as any group in the league, and the remainder of their NFC West rivals have some major question marks.

ODDS TO WIN NFC WEST: 3-1

Denver Broncos (8-8, Won AFC West in 2011)

After losing 12 games in a season for the first time in the history of the franchise and opening 1-4 in 2011, the inexplicable occurred in the Mile High City. Quarterback Tim Tebow and an improving defense helped Denver double its wins and capture the AFC West at 8-8.

With Tebow in New York, Peyton Manning is the Broncos’ new quarterback, and the prolific passer is looking to get back on track after neck issues caused him to miss last season. Second-year linebacker Von Miller should be better, as should the defense under new coordinator Jack Del Rio.

ODDS TO WIN AFC WEST: 4-1

Houston Texans (10-6, Won AFC South in 2011)

Down one of their best defensive players, one of the league’s best receivers and an All-Star quarterback for much of the season, the Texans parlayed those issues into the franchise’s first division title and playoff appearance in history.

With a healthy Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson, sensational runner Arian Foster and a defense that made incredible strides under Wade Phillips, the Texans have gone from fashionable sleeper to AFC South favorite. Still, it will be interesting to see how this team adjusts to the full-time losses of Mario Williams, DeMeco Ryans and Eric Winston.

ODDS TO WIN AFC SOUTH: 4-1

New Orleans Saints (13-3, Won NFC South in 2011)

It’s been an offseason quite unlike any by any team in sports. But the bottom line is that these Saints won’t have head coach Sean Payton and linebacker Jonathan Vilma for the season; there’s no sense rehashing the other suspensions.

Prolific quarterback Drew Brees is signed and sealed and figures to deliver once more, but the team can’t afford to have safety Roman Harper lead the team in sacks again. Adding to the angst is the fact that they’ve never been to the playoffs four years in a row, and no team has ever repeated as NFC South champion.

ODDS TO WIN NFC SOUTH: 4-1

Atlanta Falcons (10-6, 2nd Place in NFC South in 2011)

Since the arrival of head coach Mike Smith and quarterback Matt Ryan in 2008, the Falcons have experienced four consecutive winning seasons and come off back-to-back playoff appearances, both unprecedented in the franchise’s history.

There seems to be a change in offensive philosophy on the near horizon with second-year wide receiver Julio Jones (six touchdown receptions in his last four games in 2011) and perhaps a tad less of running back Michael Turner. But the inability to consistently beat the Saints (2-10 since 2006) looms extremely large.

ODDS TO WIN NFC SOUTH: 5-1

Chicago Bears (8-8, 3rd Place in NFC North in 2011)

Although three games behind the Packers, Lovie Smith’s team was cruising at 7-3 when quarterback Jay Cutler was lost for the season. A few weeks later, versatile Pro Bowl running back Matt Forte was gone as well. A 1-5 stretch run relegated the Bears to third place in the division, but let's not forget that this was the team that won the NFC North in 2010 and hosted the conference title game.

Former Raiders running back Michael Bush provides insurance in the backfield, and Cutler has his old friend back in wide receiver Brandon Marshall, making this a formidable bunch.

ODDS TO WIN NFC NORTH: 5-1

Cincinnati Bengals (9-7, 3rd Place in AFC North in 2011)

The surprising Bengals won six of their first eight games before running into the Steelers and Ravens twice apiece and failing to win any of those four meetings. Still, Marvin Lewis’ team did enough to secure a playoff berth for the second time in three seasons, and the prospects are very promising.

Consider the young talent the organization has accumulated, led by quarterback Andy Dalton and wideout A.J. Green, both of whom were Pro Bowlers as rookies last season. BenJarvus Green-Ellis gives the club a flawless ball-handler, and Mike Zimmer’s unit is deep on the defensive line.

ODDS TO WIN AFC NORTH: 5-1

Detroit Lions (10-6, 2nd Place in NFC North in 2011)

Buoyed by the franchise’s best start in more than five decades, the Lions finally returned to the postseason for the first time since 1999. However, they were still a distant second from the NFC North champion Packers, whom they failed to beat last season regardless of whom Green Bay started at quarterback.

The combination of Matthew Stafford and wideout Calvin Johnson is as good as any in the league, but an improving defense, led by fiery Ndamukong Suh, still needs some work, and those costly penalties have to go.

Is it time for Jim Schwartz’s team to take the next step?

ODDS TO WIN NFC NORTH: 5-1

New York Giants (9-7, Won NFC East in 2011)

There’s usually plenty of room for improvement when you finish 9-7, unless you wind up winning the Super Bowl.

All kidding aside, Tom Coughlin’s club captured a second Lombardi Trophy in five seasons despite splitting its first 14 games, which included a pair of losses to the 5-11 Redskins. The defense had its issues staying healthy, but along with quarterback Eli Manning, it played its best football late in the season and in the playoffs.

Still, Big Blue was the first NFC East champion ever with fewer than 10 victories, and the rest of the division isn’t too terribly far behind.

ODDS TO WIN NFC EAST: 5-1

Philadelphia Eagles (8-8, 2nd Place in NFC East in 2011)

You’ve heard the D-word(s) around the City of Brotherly Love for the last year or so, be it “Dream Team” or “Dynasty,” but it was the traditional “D” that had its issues last season for those new-look Eagles, and 38 turnovers (second most in the league) didn’t help Andy Reid’s cause.

The question now is, will we see the Birds (with plenty of weapons on both sides of the ball) who ran the table after a 4-8 start last season? The addition of former Pro Bowl linebacker DeMeco Ryans is a big help for a unit that lacked experience last year.

ODDS TO WIN NFC EAST: 5-1

Arizona Cardinals (8-8, 2nd Place in NFC West in 2011)

It wasn’t all that long ago that Ken Whisenhunt and company were two-time division champions (2008-09), but the last two seasons have resulted in a combined 13-19 record and no playoff appearances. Still, last year’s 8-8 mark was the result of a 7-2 finish, with one of those victories over the 49ers.

Under defensive coordinator Ray Horton, the Cardinals made big strides last season and should be even better in 2012. But until the quarterback situation (Kevin Kolb and John Skelton) resolves itself, it’s a wait-and-see approach for a club that has definite sleeper potential.

ODDS TO WIN NFC WEST: 6-1

Carolina Panthers (6-10, 3rd Place in NFC South in 2011)

It would be hard to top Cam Newton’s debut last season, considering he became the first rookie to throw for 4,000-plus yards while setting a league record for quarterbacks with 14 rushing touchdowns. And perhaps those numbers will go down for the right reason, as the Carolina defense looks to bounce back from a rough season in which the Panthers allowed a franchise-record 429 points.

The latter should rebound with a healthy Jon Beason and the addition of rookie Luke Kuechly at linebacker, but you have to beat the Saints and Falcons (0-4 in 2011) at least once each.

ODDS TO WIN NFC SOUTH: 6-1

Dallas Cowboys (8-8, 3rd Place in NFC East in 2011)

It was a tale of multiple seasons for Jerry Jones’ team. They lost games to the Jets and Lions in the first four weeks after blowing double-digit leads and had a four-game winning streak that gave the club a 7-4 mark and four losses in the final five weeks, leaving Jason Garrett’s squad at .500.

The Pokes had their chances to win the NFC East, but two losses to the Giants in the final four games had Dallas home for the playoffs. It was a big year for Tony Romo after a so-so start. He appears primed for another solid season, but a new-look secondary must rise to the occasion.

ODDS TO WIN NFC EAST: 6-1

Kansas City Chiefs (7-9, 4th Place in AFC West in 2011)

From AFC West champions to last place in the division, the 2011 season was costly on a lot of fronts for the Chiefs, who saw injuries rob them of Pro Bowlers Eric Berry and Jamaal Charles in the first two weeks. Later, quarterback Matt Cassel went down, and Todd Haley was out in December.

Enter Romeo Crennel, who’ll do double duty as head coach and defensive coordinator this season. The additions of running back Peyton Hillis and tackle Eric Winston add some oomph to the offense—potentially good news in this tight division.

ODDS TO WIN AFC WEST: 6-1

New York Jets (8-8, 2nd Place in AFC East in 2011)

There’s never a dull moment when it comes to the Green and White—who haven’t won the AFC East since 2002—whose ebbs and flows a season ago would have made most people seasick.

Now the real fun has seemingly begun, as Denver hero Tim Tebow was brought in to back up starting quarterback Mark Sanchez, whose touchdown pass total equaled his number of turnovers (26) during the club’s 8-8 campaign.

More importantly, enter new offensive coordinator Tony Sparano, who hopes to revive a rushing attack that fell to 22nd in the NFL a season ago.

ODDS TO WIN AFC EAST: 6-1

San Diego Chargers (8-8, 2nd Place in AFC West in 2011)

Two straight seasons and no playoff appearances for head coach Norv Turner and general manager A.J. Smith after the franchise captured four consecutive AFC West titles from 2006-09. Only Eli Manning has started more consecutive regular-season games at quarterback than fellow Class of 2004 alumnus Philip Rivers.

The Chargers dipped very deep into the free-agency pool, which is somewhat unusual for Smith, but time could be running out for a group that is slowly but surely not the same talented team as in recent years.

ODDS TO WIN AFC WEST: 6-1

Tennessee Titans (9-7, 2nd Place in AFC South in 2011)

Following a last-place finish and the loss of the league’s longest-tenured head coach in Jeff Fisher, no one was quite sure what to expect from the Titans a year ago. Despite a not-so-Chris Johnson-like season from…Chris Johnson and veteran quarterback Matt Hasselbeck having his issues staying healthy, the Titans managed nine wins and just missed the playoffs.

With many already conceding the division to the talented Texans, Mike Munchak’s club is more than capable of upsetting those plans, granted he can fix the AFC’s worst pass rush (28 sacks in 2011).

ODDS TO WIN AFC SOUTH: 6-1

Buffalo Bills (6-10, 4th Place in AFC East in 2011)

A season of promise quickly materialized into a disappointing showing for the team with the longest current playoff drought (1999) as a 5-2 start was followed by eight losses in nine games. Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick led the NFL in interceptions, and the loss of running back Fred Jackson for the final six games didn’t help.

The Bills have a long way to go when it comes to beating their AFC East rivals (1-5 last season, 4-20 since 2008), but a much-maligned defense will have a new look via ends Mario Williams and Mark Anderson.

ODDS TO WIN AFC EAST: 7-1

Oakland Raiders (8-8, 3rd Place in AFC West in 2011)

It’s been far too long since the Silver and Black had been playoff-bound (2002), and a year ago, with newly-acquired quarterback Carson Palmer in tow following a midseason trade, the Raiders were 7-4 and looked headed to the postseason for the first time since Super Bowl XXXVII.

But a funny thing happened on the way for then-head coach Hue Jackson's team: A late slump had them finish 8-8 for a second straight year. Newest sideline leader Dennis Allen hopes to fix a defensive unit that allowed 31 touchdown passes last season, while a healthy Darren McFadden could rectify a lot of issues.

ODDS TO WIN AFC WEST: 7-1

Washington Redskins (5-11, 4th Place in NFC East in 2011)

The good news is that Mike Shanahan’s team swept the eventual Super Bowl champion Giants last season and handed them their final loss of 2011. The bad news is that that was only two of their five wins en route to the NFC East basement for the fourth straight season.

Enter rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III and new receivers Pierre Garçon and Josh Morgan to pair with Santana Moss and a defense that is on the rise. If the former Heisman winner can avoid the turnovers that plagued the position in 2011, this team is firmly in the mix.

ODDS TO WIN NFC EAST: 7-1

Seattle Seahawks (7-9, 3rd Place in NFC West in 2011)

Despite a division title and playoff win in 2010, back-to-back 7-9 finishes can’t be what head coach Pete Carroll had in mind when he made his way to the Pacific Northwest a couple of years ago. Although the Seahawks played better during the second half of the season, they watched the NFC West champion Niners nearly double them in wins in 2011.

Free-agent quarterback Matt Flynn hopes to make an impact, but there will be competition from incumbent Tarvaris Jackson and perhaps rookie Russell Wilson. And what can we expect from Marshawn Lynch and an intriguing defense?

ODDS TO WIN NFC WEST: 8-1

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-12, 4th Place in NFC South in 2011)

Off a surprising 10-6 season and with four victories in their first six games—which included home wins over the playoff-bound Falcons and Saints—it all came apart rather badly for the Buccaneers, who by season’s end couldn’t hold onto the ball (league-high 40 turnovers), couldn’t get to the quarterback (NFL-low 23 sacks), couldn’t stop anyone (allowed league-worst 494 points) and couldn’t win (10 straight losses).

Now, new head coach Greg Schiano welcomes free agents Vincent Jackson and Carl Nicks and first-rounders Mark Barron and Doug Martin in an attempt to end the current bleeding.

ODDS TO WIN NFC SOUTH: 8-1

Miami Dolphins (6-10, 3rd Place in AFC East in 2011)

By the time the Dolphins got a win last season, they were way behind in the AFC East race. But six victories in their final nine games have the club thinking optimistically.

New head coach Joe Philbin will see if running back Reggie Bush can top his career season on the ground, but the quarterback situation is the main concern, with Matt Moore, David Garrard and rookie Ryan Tannehill in the mix. Replacing wideout Brandon Marshall won’t be easy, although Chad Johnson hopes to rebound from a forgettable year in Foxborough.

ODDS TO WIN AFC EAST: 9-1

Cleveland Browns (4-12, 4th Place in AFC North in 2011)

It’s start-over time again for this version of the Browns, which has gone a less-than-scintillating 18-46 the past four seasons after a promising 10-6 finish in 2007. The opening night of the draft brought promising workhorse runner Trent Richardson, as well as “elder statesman" Brandon Weeden, the third quarterback the team has selected in the first round (Tim Couch, Brady Quinn) since returning to the NFL in 1999.

Despite those expected improvements, it obviously won’t be easy moving up in a division in which the other three teams went to the playoffs a year ago.

ODDS TO WIN AFC NORTH: 10-1

Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11, 3rd Place in AFC South in 2011

While no running back in the NFL gained more rushing yards last season than workhorse Maurice Jones-Drew, no team in the league amassed fewer total yards than the Jaguars. Add the fact that the Pro Bowl runner scored 11 of the club’s 21 offensive touchdowns, meaning that the passing game needs to step it up.

It will be up to new head coach Mike Mularkey to get second-year pro Blaine Gabbert and/or ex-Dolphins quarterback Chad Henne ready to play. Jacksonville’s improved defense showed its mettle last season, but it’s not in a position to carry the team.

ODDS TO WIN AFC SOUTH: 10-1

Minnesota Vikings (3-13, 4th Place in NFC North in 2011)

It was just a few seasons ago that the Purple Gang found itself in overtime at the Superdome in the NFC title game. But over the last two years, the Vikings own a combined 9-23 record; last season, they tied the franchise record for losses (13) in a season.

The biggest problem for the franchise these days is finding a way to beat their divisional brethren (11 straight losses to NFC North rivals). On-the-mend running back Adrian Peterson expects to be ready Week 1, but the defense gave up the most touchdown passes in the league last season (34) despite tying for the NFL sack lead (50).

ODDS TO WIN NFC NORTH: 12-1

Indianapolis Colts (2-14, 4th Place in AFC South in 2011)

It’s amazing what the loss of one player can do, especially when you build your team around him. The Colts went from tying an NFL record for consecutive seasons in the playoffs (nine) to taking 14 games last season to post a victory.

Legendary passer Peyton Manning is now in Denver, and first overall pick Andrew Luck hopes to usher in a new successful era in Indianapolis. But Manning is far from the only familiar face that is no longer with the club, meaning there’s a lot of work to be done by new head coach Chuck Pagano and company.

ODDS TO WIN AFC SOUTH: 12-1

St. Louis Rams (2-14, 4th Place in NFC West in 2011)

To say that head coach Jeff Fisher has his work cut out for him in the Gateway City may be a bit of an understatement. Dating back to 2007, the Rams have won only 15 games (equaling the Packers’ total in 2011), and nearly half of those victories came during the team’s 7-9 campaign of 2010.

The club managed an NFL-low 193 points—the second time in three years it’s scored less than a double c-note—and it certainly didn’t help that former No. 1 overall pick Sam Bradford had problems staying healthy.

Escaping the NFC West basement will be easier said than done.

ODDS TO WIN NFC WEST: 15-1