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NFL Week 7 Odds, Picks & Predictions: Best Futures Bets (2023)

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I'm taking a detour from the more conventional NFL futures that I've given out over the first six weeks to go in-depth with a couple of fun derivative markets that are both available on DraftKings.

The first play is a prop for the Seahawks to make the playoffs as a Wild Card team, which I believe to be their only route to a playoff spot. The path is certainly there for them to win enough games to get there.

The other play is a prop for the Carolina Panthers to pick up their first win of the season at Chicago in Week 10. They have a bye this week and then will have to be winless in Weeks 8 and 9 at home against the Texans and Colts, respectively. Still, the Bears are by far the most incompetent of that trio, and I find the price right to take a stab at a fun future prop.

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NFL Week 7: Best Futures Bets

(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)

NFC Wildcard Seed: Seattle Seahawks (+170)

Found Under Futures > Wildcard Seed Market

The 49ers’ recent loss at Cleveland is creating a bit of value in this market, as this price is much juicier than the current odds for the Seahawks to make the playoffs at -125. I think it's fair to assume that the Seahawks will not catch San Francisco for the division, leaving the Wild Card as the only route for them to make it for the postseason.

The NFC North and NFC South both currently have just one team each over the 0.500 mark, giving Seattle a leg up on the teams that do not win those divisions. Additionally, the favorite in the South is the Saints - not the Buccaneers - so oddsmakers are expecting some regression from that division leader.

Seattle's offense is squarely in the top half of the league, ranking in the top 10 in a few categories, including points per possession, percentages of drives ending in a score and first downs completed. Their defense isn't a liability either, ranking No. 1 in the NFL in yards allowed per rushing attempt and ranking in the top half in net yards allowed per pass attempt.

Their schedule still includes two matchups against the Cardinals, and they catch some tough opponents like the Browns and Eagles at home. Nine wins should be good enough for an NFC Wild Card spot, and I think the Seahawks have the goods to get there.

Carolina Panthers First Win To Come Against the Chicago Bears (+550)

Found Under Season Specials Market

The value in this future lies in the fact that Carolina has two home games against the Texans and Colts following their bye this week. So, this bet is essentially a parlay for three consecutive weeks.

The Texans are one of the surprises of the young season, ranking in the top half of the NFL in points allowed per possession and rushing yards allowed per attempt while turning their opponents over at a top-13 rate. C.J. Stroud has led the Texans to the league's 12th-best offense in terms of points per possession, ranking in the top five in net yards per passing attempt while committing the fewest turnovers in the NFL. I like the Texans in that matchup, even on the road.

The Colts, even without Anthony Richardson, have also proven to be far more competent than most anticipated. They rank inside the top 10 in yardage and just outside the top 10 in scoring. Their defense ranks in the top half of the league in yards allowed per drive, rushing yards allowed per attempt and percentage of drives that they allow the opponent to score. Again, I like the Colts to win that matchup regardless of who's under center, even on the road.

That leaves us with the Bears, who have arguably been even more dysfunctional than the Panthers, even though they technically have a better record. Chicago has one of the worst defenses in the NFL, ranking in the bottom 10 in points and yards allowed per possession, net yards allowed per passing attempt and turnovers forced. On offense, they're turning the ball over nearly 20% of the time they have the ball. Aside from the Thursday night game against the Commanders, they have no explosiveness to speak of, averaging fewer than six yards per pass attempt.

Carolina also has a bit of extra motivation to win that game against Chicago, as the Bears have ownership of their first-round pick this year. So every win they rack up makes that pick a little worse.

Make sure to check out our other best bets for Wednesday:

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