Get Sports Strong

by David Delano

With the 2023 NFL preseason approaching, here are my favorite over/under win total bets with the odds as of July 3, 2023.

Pittsburgh Steelers
Over 8.5 Wins (-150 on BetMGM)

Mike Tomlin has been the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers since 2007 and has never had a losing season. The Steelers went 9-8 last season after a 3-7 start, and they’ll be even better in 2023, with quarterback Kenny Pickett entering his second season and taking a step forward. The Steelers also have a favorable schedule, with games against the AFC South and NFC South. They’ll win at least nine games, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they reach double digits.

Kansas City Chiefs
Over 11.5 Wins (-134 on FanDuel)

The Kansas City Chiefs have won at least 12 regular season games in each of the past five seasons, which is every year that Patrick Mahomes has been the starter, and I don’t see that changing in 2023. Mahomes is the best quarterback in the NFL, and he has a lot of weapons around him, with Andy Reid still pulling the strings. The Chiefs also have a good defense, which should only get better with the addition of safety Justin Reid. This team will win at least 12 games and compete for the best record in the AFC.

Detroit Lions
Under 9.5 Wins (+105 on BetMGM)

Last season, the Detroit Lions were a feel-good story, winning six games as an underdog and barely missing the playoffs. The team will be exciting again, but they won’t be able to catch teams by surprise in 2023. The Lions’ defense should be better, but I would not simply pencil the offense in as one of the top four in the NFL again. It is also hard to overlook that the Lions’ franchise has yet to win more than nine games since 2014. Although the Packers have alot of questions, the Bears should be better, and the Vikings will be competitive as well, so I do not see the Lions cruising through the NFC North. Outside the division, the Lions have a brutal schedule that includes road games against the Chiefs, Ravens, Chargers, Saints, and Cowboys. I see the Lions winning eight or nine games in 2023, but not 10 or more.

Los Angeles Rams
Over 5.5 Wins (-150 on BetMGM)

The Los Angeles Rams lost some key defensive players, including Bobby Wagner and Jalen Ramsey, and there are also rumors that Aaron Donald will be traded. Even with the transitions to the roster, Sean McVay is one of the best coaches in the NFL, and he’ll find a way to get the most out of his players. The Rams have a young roster that will be hungry, and a healthy Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp will be tough for any defense to contain. Los Angeles will be competitive in the NFC West, and I wouldn’t be surprised if this overlooked squad wins at least seven games.