Which teams offer the best value to make the NFL playoffs this year? Let's take a look at the odds and find some winning picks:
SBR's Gary Pearson shares his best bets to make the NFL postseason in 2025/26:
Los Angeles Chargers (-132 FanDuel)
"The Chargers improved offensively by investing heavily in their pass catchers - an area that desperately needed upgrading.
While Mike Williams retired sooner than most Chargers fans would have liked, they drafted KeAndre Lambert-Smith and tight end Oronde Gasden II. Jim Harbaugh's team lost J.K. Dobbins to the rival Denver Broncos but added Najee Harris - a net positive outcome. Harris is currently on the NFI list, but he isn't expected to stay there long-term.
At least in terms of big-name players, the Chargers took a step back defensively, losing Joey Bosa and Poona Ford to the Buffalo Bills and Rams. While defensive coordinator Jesse Minter believes new arrivals Da'Shawn Hand and Naquan Jones will help offset Bosa and Ford's departures, I'm not so sure.
Either way, I'm calling it a wash, with their offensive improvements offsetting the defensive losses.
Harbaugh instilled a winning culture in his first year as head coach, and I expect his tight-knit unit to remain one of the most challenging teams to play against. Under his stewardship, they should get back to the postseason despite being entrenched in one of the league's most competitive divisions."
Washington Commanders (-138 FanDuel)
"Even if Jayden Daniels endures a sophomore regression - a likely scenario considering the otherworldly level at which he played throughout his rookie campaign - the Washington Commanders should be heading back to the postseason.
They have a middle-range schedule in terms of difficulty, ranked 14th according to Sharp Football Analysis. While their fatigue-adjusted index is among the most arduous, the Commanders boast a stacked offense.
They bolstered their attack by reinforcing the offensive line, trading for Laremy Tunsil and drafting rookie first-rounder Josh Conerly Jr., while acquiring Deebo Samuel to strengthen the receiving core.
Samuel, whose arrival garnered raised eyebrows for the perceived notion that he showed up more out of shape than the featured subject at the end of Super Size Me, scoffed at the notion, putting together this IG clip for his naysayers.
He will invariably add another level of dynamism."
Denver Broncos (-114 FanDuel)
"Unless QB Bo Nix endures a palpable sophomore slump, the Broncos should have a clear path to the playoffs. Denver's already top-notch defense, which had the fourth-best DVOA last season, has become even more elite.
Sean Payton added assets in linebacker Dre Greenlaw and safety Talanoa Hufanga, who should be impactful as long as they stay off the treatment table.
That's in conjunction with selecting cornerback Jahdae Barron with the 20th pick in the 2025 draft and boasting reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Patrick Surtain.
Offensively, Payton brought in tight end Evan Engram and running back J.K. Dobbins. They also have a middling 14th-easiest schedule to look forward to. Like Nix in his rookie season, FanDuel is the standout among the best sports betting apps for this pick, offering the best odds."
Who is your favorite bet to make the playoffs this year? Comment below!
SBR's Gary Pearson shares his best bets to make the NFL postseason in 2025/26:
Los Angeles Chargers (-132 FanDuel)
"The Chargers improved offensively by investing heavily in their pass catchers - an area that desperately needed upgrading.
While Mike Williams retired sooner than most Chargers fans would have liked, they drafted KeAndre Lambert-Smith and tight end Oronde Gasden II. Jim Harbaugh's team lost J.K. Dobbins to the rival Denver Broncos but added Najee Harris - a net positive outcome. Harris is currently on the NFI list, but he isn't expected to stay there long-term.
At least in terms of big-name players, the Chargers took a step back defensively, losing Joey Bosa and Poona Ford to the Buffalo Bills and Rams. While defensive coordinator Jesse Minter believes new arrivals Da'Shawn Hand and Naquan Jones will help offset Bosa and Ford's departures, I'm not so sure.
Either way, I'm calling it a wash, with their offensive improvements offsetting the defensive losses.
Harbaugh instilled a winning culture in his first year as head coach, and I expect his tight-knit unit to remain one of the most challenging teams to play against. Under his stewardship, they should get back to the postseason despite being entrenched in one of the league's most competitive divisions."
Washington Commanders (-138 FanDuel)
"Even if Jayden Daniels endures a sophomore regression - a likely scenario considering the otherworldly level at which he played throughout his rookie campaign - the Washington Commanders should be heading back to the postseason.
They have a middle-range schedule in terms of difficulty, ranked 14th according to Sharp Football Analysis. While their fatigue-adjusted index is among the most arduous, the Commanders boast a stacked offense.
They bolstered their attack by reinforcing the offensive line, trading for Laremy Tunsil and drafting rookie first-rounder Josh Conerly Jr., while acquiring Deebo Samuel to strengthen the receiving core.
Samuel, whose arrival garnered raised eyebrows for the perceived notion that he showed up more out of shape than the featured subject at the end of Super Size Me, scoffed at the notion, putting together this IG clip for his naysayers.
He will invariably add another level of dynamism."
Denver Broncos (-114 FanDuel)
"Unless QB Bo Nix endures a palpable sophomore slump, the Broncos should have a clear path to the playoffs. Denver's already top-notch defense, which had the fourth-best DVOA last season, has become even more elite.
Sean Payton added assets in linebacker Dre Greenlaw and safety Talanoa Hufanga, who should be impactful as long as they stay off the treatment table.
That's in conjunction with selecting cornerback Jahdae Barron with the 20th pick in the 2025 draft and boasting reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Patrick Surtain.
Offensively, Payton brought in tight end Evan Engram and running back J.K. Dobbins. They also have a middling 14th-easiest schedule to look forward to. Like Nix in his rookie season, FanDuel is the standout among the best sports betting apps for this pick, offering the best odds."
Who is your favorite bet to make the playoffs this year? Comment below!