The 2021 NFL season officially begins on September 9 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers hosting the Dallas Cowboys. While there will be plenty of hype and excitement for that game, the real fun is set to begin on Sunday, September 12 with a full slate of games.
The New York Giants and New York Jets will both take the field in Week 1 as underdogs, and that could be a theme for each team throughout much of 2021. The Giants are 1.5-point underdogs against the Denver Broncos and the New York Jets are 4.5-point underdogs on the road in Carolina.
When it comes to the Jets, they have a very young team that is going to be led by a rookie starting quarterback. The Jets should have a solid defensive unit this season, but moving the football could be a real challenge.
Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley are set to lead the Giants on the offensive side of the ball, but scoring points has been a challenge for this team. New York will be facing a great defensive team in Week 1, and the Giants defense will have to play well to make this a game.
Giants a Threat in NFC East
Despite being an underdog at home in Week 1, the Giants are still going to be a threat to win the NFC East Division this season. This is arguably the worst division in the entire NFL, but it is a division that should be extremely competitive.
The New York Giants are listed at +400 to win the NFC East, which currently gives them the third-best odds to accomplish that. Dallas (+130) and Washington (+260) currently have better odds at this time, but it might take just nine wins to wrap up that division title.
Can Wilson Lead Jets?
The New York Jets are currently +1600 to win the AFC East, and that is by far the worst odds in that division. This is a division that is loaded with playoff contenders, and it’s hard to see the Jets racking up many wins against division opponents.
The regular-season win total for the New York Jets is set at just six total wins, and that won’t be good enough to reach the playoffs. Zach Wilson has a lot of pressure on him to deliver as a rookie quarterback, and that doesn’t always go well.
Wilson is listed at +650 to win the Offensive Rookie of the Year Award, and that has him third on the list.
Chiefs Are Super Bowl Favorites
The Kansas City Chiefs suffered a bad loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in last year’s Super Bowl, but it should be another great season for Patrick Mahomes and company. Kansas City is +500 to win the Super Bowl this season, making them a clear favorite.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are next on the list at +650 and they bring back virtually the same roster as they had a season ago.
