Post NFL Draft Super Bowl Odds
There really is no such thing as an offseason in the NFL. Not with the Combine, free agency, voluntary workouts, mini camps, and of course, the Draft. Now that the smoke has cleared in Chicago and all 32 teams are introducing their shiny new toys, it’s only fitting to take another peek at the odds to win Super Bowl 50, or L, or the “Golden Super Bowl.” It’s unlikely that any one or two rookies is going to be the mitigating factor in seizing a championship, but they can certainly play a role in improving a team’s overall chances. Here are the latest odds, post NFL Draft.
Titans 200/1 – Even with the addition of number two pick Marcus Mariota, the Titans are a major work in progress. Their skill positions are thin and the defense lacks elite playmakers in the back seven. Rookie signal-callers are either a help or a hindrance. It remains to be seen which Mariota will be.
Jaguars 100/1 – Don’t look now, but the Jags are beginning to build themselves a semi-competent roster. Dante Fowler Jr. has the makings of a superstar pass rusher, the exact type needed in Gus Bradley’s defense. T.J. Yeldon isn’t flashy, but he runs hard and has the nose for the end zone. If Blake Bortles and the young receiving corps matures, Jacksonville could net 7 wins in 2015.
Bucs 100/1 – Jameis Winston has the skills and football acumen to be a star. The question is does he want to be a star. If he can avoid the off field distractions and put in the necessary work, Tampa will turn things around quickly under head coach Lovie Smith. 2015 will be a struggle, but it could be a struggle that’s fun to watch.
Vikings 50/1 – The Adrian Peterson saga is yet to be resolved, but if he does suit up at some point this season, Minnesota will be an intriguing team to monitor. Teddy Bridgewater showed real promise down the stretch of 2014. Couple that with the additions of Trae Waynes and Eric Kendricks on defense and the purple and gold are a solid bet to push for a playoff spot.
Bears 50/1 – Exit Brandon Marshall, enter Kevin White. Chicago has cornered the market on big, rangy wideouts. New head coach John Fox knows how to win and win quickly. If he can somehow sprinkle some of his magic dust on Jay Cutler, the Bears might actually be decent in 2015. Maybe.
Jets 40/1 – Hard not to like what this team has done since kicking Rex Ryan to the curb. They still don’t have a trustworthy quarterback, but trading for Brandon Marshall and Zac Stacy, and drafting Devin Smith should bolster the offensive output. Not to mention adding Leonard Williams to a stalwart defensive line that already has Sheldon Richardson and Muhammad Wilkerson. Oh, and there’s that Revis guy roaming the secondary, too.
Dolphins 40/1 – Overpaid for Ndamukong Suh, dumped Mike Wallace, and didn’t fire Joe Philbin. Meh. Kenny Stills and Jordan Cameron will help Ryan Tannehill, but the Fish just scream an 8-8 finish.
Rams 33/1 – It’s safe to assume a lot of talking heads and pundits will be tabbing St. Louis as their Super Bowl sleeper come August. The defense is a Top 10 unit, but the offense is still a bit of a mess. Is Nick Foles the answer under center? Can any of the wide receivers become a reliable go-to option? Will Todd Gurley be ready Week 1? Lots of unknowns.
Bills 33/1 – Like the Jets, they have no quarterback. As such, temper all expectations for the Bills. LeSean McCoy and Sammy Watkins are sizzle, but Matt Cassel is dried paint chips. The defense is good enough to get them 7 wins. Can the offense do enough to get them to 10?
Falcons 30/1 – On paper, they killed the Draft. Vic Beasley and Jalen Collins are brimming with talent. However, neither is polished. Matt Ryan and Julio Jones are great. The rest of the offense, not so much.
Eagles 28/1 – The 2015 Birds will be a fascinating experiment to study. If Sam Bradford can stay upright, and the overhauled defense is merely average, then Chip Kelly’s Eagles could run roughshod over the NFC East. If neither of those things happen, the Chip Kelly will get a shot at a top-flight QB in the 2016 Draft.
Cardinals 18/1 – All Zona needs to do is stay healthy and they will be in the running to represent the NFC. Easier said than done.
Broncos 14/1- Does anyone really believe this team has a legit shot to get back to the Super Bowl? Didn’t think so.
Cowboys 10/1 – Gotta take risks to win big in the NFL. Ignoring running back and selecting workout warrior Byron Jones in the first round, and moronic pothead Randy Gregory in the second round, makes the Cowboys a boom or bust pick in 2015. And Jerry Jones wouldn’t have it any other way.
Colts 8/1, Patriots 7/1, Packers 15/2, Seahawks 11/2 – It will be surprising if one of these four isn’t crowned champions next February.
