After an exciting wildcard playoff round, we’re now left with just 8 teams competing for the Super Bowl. A few surprises in last week’s card have led to some drastic changes in the futures market. Whilst both the Saints and Chiefs remain favourites to make the Super Bowl, impressive wins from the Cowboys and Chargers now have them firmly in contention. Let’s take a look at the top 3 remaining teams in each conference and provide our best Superbowl Futures bets.
New Orleans Saints $3.25
The Saints enter the divisional round fresh off of last week’s bye. Their excellent 13-3 regular season saw them finish with the best record in the NFL. Despite tailing off late in the year, Drew Brees still had a very efficient campaign, throwing for 3900 yards and 32 touchdowns to just 5 picks. Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram formed a spectacular Running Back duo, going over 1500 rushing yards and 20 combined touchdowns. Perhaps the most impressive recent development was the form of the Saints defence. They held their opponents under 20 points for 6 straight weeks and have formed a dominant pass rush up front. With their excellent home field, I can’t see them missing the Super Bowl.
Kansas City Chiefs $4.75
After also enjoying a wildcard round bye, the rested Chiefs will play host to the Colts after their 12-4 record was good for the AFC’s #1 seed. QB Patrick Mahomes led this team all season, throwing for a very impressive 5000 yards and 50 touchdowns. In Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce, he has two of the league’s best weapons to throw to. A slightly concerning development for the Chiefs was the struggles their defence had late on. They were particularly vulnerable against the run, which might be the only weak point of this very solid team. I expect them to end up reaching the Super Bowl and think $4.75 is great value for them to take it out.
Los Angeles Rams $5
The rested Rams play host to Dallas in the divisional round after their 13-3 record was good for the #2 spot in the NFC. RB Todd Gurley led this offence all season, going over 1800 total yards and 20 touchdowns. QB Jared Goff also had an excellent campaign, throwing for 4600 yards and 32 touchdowns. With talent like Aaron Donald, Ndamukong Suh, Marcus Peters, and Aqib Talib on defence, this Rams side definitely has the talent to make a Super Bowl push. Whilst I think they can handle Dallas this week, going to New Orleans won’t be easy.
New England Patriots $7
The Patriots got another slice of luck this season when their 11-5 record was good for the #2 seed in the AFC. Whilst not at his previous highs, QB Tom Brady did enjoy a solid campaign, throwing for 4300 yards and 29 touchdowns. RB James White is looking like the primary playmaker on offence, going for just under 1200 yards and 12 scores on the campaign. With players like Stephon Gilmore, Devin McCourty and Dont’a Hightower, the Pats defence also has more than enough talent for them to remain competitive. In most other years I’d be writing them off, but a weak AFC keeps them well in contention at $7.
Los Angeles Chargers $10
The Chargers head into the Divisional Round after a very solid win over Baltimore last week. This was despite a relatively poor offensive performance, where they totalled less than 250 yards. That said, players like Phillip Rivers, Melvin Gordon, and Keenan Allen have me confident they can turn it around. Where the Chargers really won this game was on defence. They did an excellent job holding Baltimore under 100 rushing yards and 200 passing yards. If they can win a tough game in New England this week, they are well in contention.
Dallas Cowboys $21
The Cowboys head into the divisional round after a solid home win over the Seahawks last week. The trio of Dak Prescott, Zeke Elliott, and Amari Cooper proved too much for the Seattle defence. Dallas’ defence has been excellent all season and limited the Seahawks rushing attack to just 3 yards per carry in this one. Whilst they’ll face a tough test in the Rams, Dallas have shown their ability to match it with the league’s best of late. At $21, I can’t help but think they’re undervalued.
Best Bet: New Orleans Saints $3.25
I think the Saints have been the best team in the NFL all season and would be the rightful winners of the Super Bowl trophy. The fact that each of their remaining games would be in a dome really suits their up-tempo offence. Several weeks off for Drew Brees should also really help him get his arm strength back. At a tasty $3.25, I expect the Super Bowl to come home to New Orleans this year.