Sports betting: 2 NFL teams to target for overachievers

Sports betting: 2 NFL teams to target for overachievers By Zachary Cohen VSiN August 21, 2026 - 3:12 pm The 2025 NFL season confirmed our approach of looking for turnaround candidates. In last year’s guide we highlighted the Bears, Jaguars, Panthers, and Patriots as sleeper picks. Spotting these teams isn’t as difficult as it seems, so we’re revisiting the method for 2026. We’ll apply the same criteria: clubs that finished at or near the bottom of their division in 2025, coupled with a coaching change, a refreshed roster, a favorable schedule, or improved roster‑wide conditions that hint at a genuine turnaround.  VSiN, The Sports Betting Network Here are the two top candidates for 2026. Use them as you see fit. Division odds, win totals, over/under lines, alternative overs, and higher futures are all in play. ### New Orleans Saints New Orleans really enters this season with some legitimate buzz. Not many were paying attention last year, but they were second in the NFL in EPA per play allowed (‑0.178) from Week 10 to the end of the 2025 regular season. Defensive coordinator Brandon Staley did a standout job turning that unit around, and he’ll have more tools this season. The offense needs to take a big step forward, but there were signs last year. After switching from Spencer Rattler to Tyler Shough, New Orleans’ offense looked much improved. Rattler probably wasn’t as bad as the public thinks, and Shough wasn’t quite as good, but the unit clearly improved. The Saints went 5‑4 in Shough’s last nine games midway through 2025, and his combination of size and speed gave him more upside than Rattler showed. Overall, Shough threw for 2,384 yards with 10 touchdowns and six interceptions on the season, and he added three rushing scores. In year two of Kellen Moore’s system, the expectation is that Shough will look even sharper. New Orleans also did solid work giving Shough help. The team signed Travis Etienne Jr. as a versatile weapon out of the backfield. They also used the No. 8 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on Jordyn Tyson, who has the potential to be a true No. 1 wide receiver. The tight end corps was upgraded as well, with the Saints signing Noah Fant and adding Oscar Delp in the third round of the draft. Even the offensive line was addressed, as New Orleans signed tackle David Edwards away from Buffalo. The Saints enter 2026 with genuine momentum, and they own Warren Sharp’s second‑easiest slate for 2026. We could see a major turnaround here. ### Tennessee Titans On the surface, hiring Robert Saleh may not appear the most inspiring move. His stint with the Jets was highly disappointing, and it’s not yet clear he can handle the responsibility of leading a full team. However, Saleh definitely knows how to run a defense, and he was able to bring Brian Daboll on as his offensive coordinator, giving Tennessee a clear offensive identity. That makes this coaching staff far more appealing for a roster aiming to leap in 2026. Tennessee actually scored at least 24 points in the final six games of the 2025 season, and Cam Ward’s development as a passer played a major role in that. Now Ward has a much better group of weapons to work with. The Titans used the fourth overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on Carnell Tate, who looks like a budding star at wide receiver. They also signed Wan’Dale Robinson, one of Daboll’s favorites, to be their slot receiver. With a solid offensive line, a strong collection of pass‑catchers, and some capable rushers out of the backfield, the Titans could flirt with being a league‑average offense. The Titans also completely overhauled their defense. Not only did they hire Saleh, but significant moves were made to address talent up front. It began with Tennessee swapping T’Vondre Sweat for Jermaine Johnson, giving Saleh a legitimate pass‑rushing threat on the edge. The Titans also signed another Saleh favorite, John Franklin‑Myers, to a sizable three‑year deal. Tennessee also addressed the secondary, signing Alontae Taylor and Cordale Flott to give the club a new set of starters at corner. If things click faster than expected, there’s no reason Tennessee can’t turn heads. The Titans have a manageable schedule and they play in the weakest division in the AFC. They’re exactly the kind of team bettors should target.