As NFL opening day — THURSDAY! — approaches, we’re running through some of the best bets you can make on players and teams this season before Week 1 so you can maximize value.

After our Super Bowl picks and MVP choices, we’re focusing next on the darkhorse NFC teams who could pay off big for you, with odds courtesy of Tipico Sportsbook.

Our list of possible squads who could surprise and reach Super Bowl LVI  includes some teams from the super-crowded NFC West, a couple of NFC East squads and … the Chicago Bears? Sure! That’s why they’re darkhorses.

Here’s our breakdown of our favorite picks: