The future is always now for oddsmakers. While Super Bowl LIV is being played on Sunday, the odds are out for next year’s game in Tampa, (FL).
200-1: Washington
Washington has to be patient and hope Dwayne Haskins develops into a top-flight NFL quarterback before it has designs on the Super Bowl.
100-1: Cincinnati, Miami, Carolina
The Cincinnati Bengals have the first pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. That does not mean oddsmakers are convinced they will have a turnaround that surpasses the San Francisco 49ers’ work this season. The Dolphins have multiple first-round picks and could be in prime position to make a quick turnaround, just not this quick. The Panthers have a quarterback problem and Matt Rhule is going to find out the NFL is tougher than the Big 12.
80-1: Arizona, New York Giants, Jacksonville, Detroit
Kliff Kingsbury and Kyler Murray endured growing pains in 2019. They had moments of success but also many lessons to learn about how difficult life in the NFL can be. Remember, the Rams, Seahawks and Niners are all in the way of the Cardinals’ turning things around. The Lions need to figure out how much longer they can go with Matthew Stafford without playoff success. Jacksonville has Nick Foles and Gardner Minshew. The Jags need to figure that out before thinking about the Super Bowl. The Giants have another high pick to go with Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley, They aren’t ready to think ring.
60-1: Denver, New York Jets, Tampa Bay
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The Broncos have to be happy with what Drew Lock displayed when he took over at quarterback late in the season. That doesn’t mean they are ready to menace the Chiefs. Tampa Bay has a Jameis Winston situation. Does it make sense for the team to sign free-agent Philip Rivers when it seems a ways away from a Super Bowl run? That’s one of the big questions in the Sunshine State heading into 2020. Sam Darnold is taking shape for Gang Green. People are sold on him as he heads into his third season. Too bad the same can’t be said about Adam Gase.
40-1: LA Chargers, Houston, Indianapolis, Buffalo, Atlanta, Las Vegas
Will Anthony Lynn get his Bolts to rebound off a sorry season without Philip Rivers? Houston seems to have a tremendous upside and has to find its playoff legs. Frank Reich will have to see if Jacoby Brissett can do what he needs a quarterback to do to get the team to make a major playoff run. Buffalo still needs to conquer New England. Atlanta has to prove it can forget and escape the horror of 28-3. Way too soon to bet on Las Vegas.
30-1: Cleveland, Tennessee
Kevin Stefanski has a monster task ahead of him in organizing a disheveled team with a ton of talent and a lot of issues. Tennessee made a sweet run with Ryan Tannehill at QB. The big question is whether this is something that can carry on or whether it was a one-time thing.
25-1: Los Angeles Rams, Chicago, Minnesota
It would not be a stunner if the Rams have a better season than they did in 2019. The Bears could bounce back, too, but much weighs on Mitchell Trubisky growing into a quarterback who can lead a team to a deep playoff run rather than another season South in the NFC North. Kirk Cousins heads into the final season of his contract. Will he be able to get Minnesota to a Super Bowl and finally have the Purple reign?
20-1: Philadelphia, Green Bay, Seattle
Seattle has Russell Wilson and always seems to be in the mix with Pete Carroll in charge. The fuse is running short on Aaron Rodgers’ chances to get another ring. It is getting to now-or-never time. The Eagles have a ring but how much more patience will Philly have with Doug Pederson as the memory of the great victory over New England becomes more distant.
14-1: Pittsburgh, Dallas
The Cowboys tend to always be at shorter odds than they deserve to be because of how devoted their backers are and how quick they are to put their money where their hearts are. Pittsburgh needs to step up its game to be considered a serious threat but should have Ben Roethlisberger back for what it hopes is a full season.
12-1: New England
The odds are longer than in past seasons but the risk is greater. Will Tom Brady be back and the bigger question: Will the Patriots be back in the Super Bowl after missing it this season?
10-1: New Orleans
The Saints always seem to have something unexpected happen that leads to a playoff exit. Will Drew Brees get one more Super Bowl run? New Orleans wins so many games it almost feels like it has to get one more shot at the Vince Lombardi Trophy for the great QB.
8-1: Baltimore, San Francisco
Baltimore had a brilliant season befoe getting clocked by Tennessee. It figures to improve as Lamar Jackson has another year under its belt. Would anyone be surprised if San Francisco bounced off its monster improvement?
7-1: Kansas City
Patrick Mahomes makes the Chiefs the chalk but you still get a nice 7-1.
