Tipico Tips: Picking out some NFL futures

With minicamps wrapping up across the league, most NFL franchises are breaking for summer vacation. Yes, your AC and sweat glands are working overtime, but before you know it training camps will begin in earnest, thankfully. Betting and fantasy Twitter are bored. The hyperbole caused by still photos of player thighs and videos of quarterbacks completing downfield passes to undefended receivers are viable explanations. Looking ahead to the 2021 season, FTN Bets’ Brad Evans tosses out a couple of futures from Tipico Sportsbook worth tying up your money for months on end.

Miami Dolphins to reach the playoffs (+115)

Similar to scoring two-for-one sweet tea at any Publix dotting the landscape in South Florida, this is a tremendous value. Buffalo is undeniably the class of the AFC East, but in a more competitive league compared to last season, the Dolphins are still silver medalists destined to land a spot in the second season. Despite winning 10 games last season, the Fightin’ Flippers were left out in the cold, unable to punch a postseason ticket. Roster enhancements on both sides, particularly at wide receiver with Will Fuller and Jaylen Waddle in tow, has the arrow pointing up. If the offensive line gels quickly later this summer and Tua Tagovailoa develops into at least a serviceable passer, 10-12 wins are attainable. Keep in mind, Miami, according to multiple predictors, boasts a top-five easiest schedule.

Washington to reach the playoffs (+155)

Can lightning strike twice? Does Ryan Fitzpatrick trigger feelings of boundless joy? The answer is an obvious and resounding YES. Washington is a team, at least on paper, constructed to compete and win. A fierce pass rush highlighted by QB pursuers Chase Young and Montez Sweat combined with a likely top-10 secondary has Ron Rivera’s defense humming. Besting last season’s top-six finishes in sacks and INTs is certainly doable. Mix in an offense with a competent, though occasionally reckless, QB at the helm along with an emerging superstar in Antonio Gibson at RB and the stars begin to align. Dallas is a formidable roadblock to a division title, but the Footballs’ road to 10 wins isn’t bumpy. At plus odds, it’s not an overly HUEVOS-y wager.

Los Angeles Rams to win the Super Bowl (+1200)

Celebratory shots along Sunset Boulevard are in the offing. The Rams are wonderfully blanched from top-to-bottom. Upgrading from Jared Goff to Matthew Stafford is akin to trading in a murder-stained Super 8 room for an exorbitant ocean-view suite at the Loews. Effective on play action and accurate downfield, the accomplished passer, surrounded by reliable targets Robert Woods, Cooper Kupp and Tyler Higbee, is set for a career year. Cam Akers’ presence as the lead dog only enhances the offense’s potential. Toss in arguably the league’s most inflexible defense along with a suitable offensive line and the Rams are strong candidates to hoist the Lombardi come year’s end. Most prognosticators project Sean McVay’s crew to play a top-five toughest schedule. Still, the talent is there for a stirring run.

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