2014 NFL futures betting: Win totals odds and predictions

One of the most profitable endeavors a bettor can embark on is discovering a discrepancy between the perception of a team held by the oddsmakers and the betting public, and reality.

While they may clog up accounts for nearly 20 weeks, NFL win totals offer bettors a chance to exploit that discrepancy, while providing them an opportunity to turn their offseason research into cash. These preseason judgements can be the difference between a profitable season, and a losing one.

Here is a four-pack of win totals worthy of a closer look - two overs and two unders.

Odds courtesy BetOnline, Bovada, Pinnacle.

Chicago Bears Over 8.5 -150, BetOnline

The Bears took a major step forward offensively a year ago, and the unit has a chance to be special this season with all 11 starters returning. Keeping Jay Cutler healthy will be key with Josh McCown out of town, but it's hard to imagine anyone having trouble moving the ball with Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery on the outside, Matt Forte in the backfield, and Marc Trestman whispering in their ear.

The defense held the team back last season, so general manager Phil Emery poured a bunch of cash into that side of the ball. A more Bears-like defensive performance will have this team cruising to double-digit wins.

Buffalo Bills Under 6.5 +135, Bovada

The Bills' front office staff may think the team is a move away from contention, but the team is seriously lacking in talent right now, and playing in an improving AFC East division.

Quarterback EJ Manuel is having plenty of trouble adjusting to the pro game, and the team's backfield doesn't instill a lot of confidence.

The Bills' greatest strength a year ago was its defense, but puppet master Mike Pettine has moved on to coach the Cleveland Browns, top safety Jairus Byrd moved on to greener pastures with the New Orleans Saints, and the unit was dealt a crushing blow this offseason when middle linebacker Kiko Alonso suffered a season-ending injury.

Detroit Lions Under 8.5 -125, Bovada

The Lions are going to score a lot of points this season, but expecting them to finish above .500 is comical, and maybe one of the best bets on the board at the moment.

General manager Martin Mayhew added additional weapons to Matthew Stafford's arsenal in the offseason, with Golden Tate and No. 10 pick Eric Ebron coming into the fold.

The defense will be what holds the team back, with defensive-minded Jim Schwartz leaving in favor of Jim Caldwell. The unit was good at stopping the run a year ago, and should be again, but there's little else to like about the group.

San Diego Chargers Over 8 -150, Bovada

The Chargers really figured things out offensively towards the end of last season. Head coach Mike McCoy's passing scheme was light years ahead of what the team was doing the previous year, but when they shifted their focus to the running game, they were able to move the ball with consistency week in and week out. The team won five of their final six regular season games, and now look to carry that momentum into this season.

The team's defense didn't stand a chance with a weak secondary, but the additions of Brandon Flowers and No. 25 pick Jason Verrett will help solidify that group. Their schedule will be more difficult than it was a year ago, but this team is built to win now.

More 2014 NFL futures betting articles:

AFC East | AFC North
AFC South | AFC West

NFC East | NFC North
NFC South | NFC West

Super Bowl odds | Yardage leaders odds
MVP odds | Win total odds
Super Bowl odds II