While Super Bowl 46 is past and gone, it is already time to run down the NFL landscape for next season and see who sportsbooks are liking to win the Lombardi Trophy next season. Who are the front runners?
Why waste any time?
Hours removed from the conclusion of Super Bowl XLVI, we're
here to go over the NFL betting and futures odds for next year's rendition of football's
biggest game.
Three Kings
.jpg "Aaron Rodgers")
After a 15-1 regular season record (and subsequent
postseason collapse), the Green Bay Packers are the overall NFL odds favorites to win it
all in 2013. They're priced at +500 to do so.
Aaron Rodgers was practically unstoppable and rightfully
earned himself the MVP. He'll have to get some help from an underperforming
defense next season and it wouldn't hurt if the Packers got a reliable running
back too.
The next two on the list are the New Orleans Saints (+600)
and New England Patriots (+700).
New Orleans, led by Drew Brees, had one of the most
explosive offenses we've ever seen this past season, with the pickup of Darren
Sproles and the emergence of Jimmy Graham adding even more weapons to an
already strong unit.
The addition of Steve Spagnuolo could be just what the
doctor ordered for New Orleans' defense as well. Considering the Super Bowl is
back in the Big Easy in 2013, you have to like the chances of seeing the Saints
taking part.
Another championship game disappointment for Tom Brady and
the Patriots, but that hasn't stopped sportsbooks from giving them a realistic
shot at getting back to the big dance next season.
As long as Brady and Bill Belichick are running the show in
Foxborough, New England should always be in contention.
Another darkhorse run?
As we saw with the New York Giants – who are listed at +2000
to repeat – it's all about playing your best football at the right time. Among
those who are capable of making noise include the Pittsburgh Steelers,
Philadelphia Eagles, Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans, all of whom are +1200
to win the Super Bowl.
Pittsburgh has made it a habit of competing with the best,
while the talent level of the Eagles and Texans makes them solid contenders as
well.
According to sports betting odds makers, the San Diego Chargers (+1500),
San Francisco 49ers (+2000), Detroit Lions (+2000), New York Jets (+2000),
Dallas Cowboys (+2000) and Atlanta Falcons (+2000) are also far from longshots
to surprise in February.
From that list, I like the value we're getting on the Lions.
With a healthy Matthew Stafford under center, they managed more wins in 2011/12
then they did in the prior three seasons combined.
Detroit's defense is chalk full of playmakers too, though
the unit failed to produce on a consistent basis this season. Still, with
Stafford and Calvin Johnson (1681 yards and 16 TDs) bailing you out, who really
needs defense?
My Pick: New Orleans Saints (+600)
The big game's being held in New Orleans and we all know
the crazy things that can happen in the Superdome. More importantly, the Saints
have all the pieces: a top-level head coach, an elite QB, a potent offense and
they could also improve dramatically on the defensive end under Spagnuolo.
Be sure to check out our conference previews as well.
ACF Futures
NFC Futures