NFL draft betting: Which teams will select offense, defense 1st?
There are multiple ways to make betting on the NFL draft profitable.
If you have a decent pulse on the prospect pool, draft total over/unders are probably your strength. If you're more comfortable in an area such as team needs or have a good feel for which side of the ball a franchise may address first, then the market we're covering today is likely up your alley.
We already have a good idea where the Jaguars, Jets, and 49ers are leaning with the first three picks. However, most other organizations could go in a multitude of directions, making this one of the more fun markets to bet.
Here are the odds on which select teams will draft offense or defense first, along with two that stick out right away.
Playing position of team's 1st draft pick
| Team | Offense | Defense |
|---|---|---|
| Bears | -335 | +250 |
| Bengals | -2500 | +1000 |
| Bills | +163 | -210 |
| Broncos | -157 | +125 |
| Browns | +170 | -225 |
| Buccaneers | +155 | -200 |
| Cardinals | +180 | -230 |
| Chargers | -177 | +140 |
| Chiefs | -177 | +140 |
| Colts | -137 | +111 |
| Cowboys | +230 | -305 |
| Dolphins | -1250 | +675 |
| Eagles | -155 | +124 |
| Falcons | -715 | +475 |
| Giants | -125 | +101 |
| Lions | -278 | +215 |
| Packers | -150 | +127 |
| Panthers | -275 | +215 |
| Patriots | -200 | +159 |
| Raiders | +140 | -177 |
| Ravens | +105 | -130 |
| Saints | +115 | -143 |
| Steelers | -230 | +180 |
| Titans | +133 | -167 |
| Vikings | -134 | +108 |
| Washington | -305 | +230 |
Broncos: Offense (-177)
From an offensive standpoint, the AFC West is terrifying.
The Chiefs have the best quarterback in the league, the Chargers are set under center, and even the Raiders have finished top 10 in pass DVOA each of the last two seasons despite owning a 15-17 record since 2019. The Broncos have effectively stockpiled weapons - Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy, Noah Fant, and K.J. Hamler are all 25 or younger - but their only problem is they don't have a solution under center.
Denver's Drew Lock led the NFL with a 28% uncatchable rate in 2020 and shouldn't be the least bit surprised if George Paton - the first-year GM who's taking over John Elway's duties - trades up to pluck his franchise signal-caller.
With an influx of offensive talent at the top of the draft, the Broncos will have a serious case of FOMO if they don't go that route.
Packers: Offense (-150)
The Packers wouldn't dare go defense again, would they?
Green Bay has used 12 of its 15 first-round picks on defense since taking Aaron Rodgers in 2005. The Packers haven't taken a wide receiver in the opening round since 2002, but that could be this year's move when the club is on the clock at No. 28.
One of Kadarius Toney, Elijah Moore, Rashod Bateman, and Rondale Moore will be available, and any of the four would be welcome additions alongside Davante Adams.
Green Bay has other priorities besides stacking last year's top-ranked DVOA pass offense, but a dynamic receiver who can make an impact right away would slap a smile on Rodgers' face.
Alex Kolodziej is a betting writer for theScore. He can quote every line from "Rounders" and appreciates franchises that regularly wear alternate jerseys. Find him on Twitter @AJKolodziej.