Alabama continues to be the perennial favorite to capture the SEC title, but Kirby Smart has Georgia closing in on the Crimson Tide.
The SEC continues to be regarded as America’s most competitive college football conference, but that doesn’t mean Alabama isn’t a clear favorite to win the title again this season. Nick Saban and company are still getting a lot of love from oddsmakers.
The experts aren’t counting on Kirby Smart’s Georgia squad though. They are a clear favorite in the SEC East. No one will be surprised if Alabama and Georgia meet in Atlanta in another SEC Championship game this season.
That doesn’t mean those are the only two teams worth wagering on. There are some really appetizing odds lower down FanDuel’s list of opening odds.
2019 SEC championship odds
- Alabama -160
- Georgia +300
- Florida +1200
- LSU +1200
- Mississippi State +2300
- Auburn +2700
- Kentucky +2700
- Texas A&M +2700
- Missouri +3500 (Ineligible due to NCAA sanctions)
- South Carolina +5000
- Tennessee +5000
- Ole Miss +12500
- Vanderbilt +12500
- Arkansas +25000
Best Bet: Alabama
Sometimes the smartest bet is to take the favorite. That’s just the situation with the SEC this season. Alabama isn’t a lock to take the title, but -160 certainly doesn’t signal overwhelming odds. When in doubt, take the most talented team. The Crimson Tide are an NFL factory with one of the best coaches in college football history. You may not like Alabama, but you can’t argue with their success. Bet on them and collect your winnings at the end of the season.
Worst Bet: Kentucky
The Wildcats were one of the most fun stories in college football last season. Benny Snell ran SEC defenders into the ground with his physical rushing style. Josh Allen and the Wildcats’ defense stifled opposing offenses on a weekly basis.
Unfortunately for Kentucky fans, both of those players are in the NFL now. There’s still plenty of talent left in Lexington, but not enough to mount a credible title challenge. Bet on the Wildcats to slide back to the pack in 2019. Stay away from them even with the long odds.
Favorite Long Shot: Texas A&M
The Aggies have the same -2700 odds that Kentucky sports, but they are a much better play. Jimbo Fisher clearly has this team well ahead of schedule. Kellen Mond is set for a breakout year at quarterback. If the defense can catch up it could be a special year in College Station. It might be one season too early to bet on the Aggies, but it’s a move that could pay off big this year if things break right.
Championship Prediction: Alabama
Georgia has the talent to mount a credible title challenge, but they’re still a step behind the Crimson Tide. This isn’t a fun bet, but it’s the best way to make money in the SEC. Alabama isn’t a lock, but they are a really strong favorite in America’s toughest football conference.