The NFL offseason is always a time of hope, speculation, and tons of excitement as teams prepare for the new season. It’s like a fresh start for all 32 teams.
While some teams already know their playoff contentions are questionable, some teams are also a shoe-in for the playoffs and potentially winning the Super Bowl.
With the 2024 NFL season quickly approaching, fans and analysts such as us are busy predicting which teams have the best chances to win the Super Bowl. Based on the latest (and best) odds, these five teams stand out to us as the top contenders to make a run for the playoffs.
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Best Odds: +600 at Bet365
The Kansas City Chiefs are once again the favorites to win the Super Bowl. There’s no surprise there. As the defending champions, the Chiefs have shown consistency and dominance in recent years as they’ve become a staple in the postseason. Their success is largely attributed to the brilliance of future Hall of Famer quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who continues to redefine the position with his incredible arm talent, mobility, and football IQ. All three are the epitome of a solid QB.
This offseason, the Chiefs made some huge moves to bolster their roster. Just when you thought the offense couldn’t get any better, the addition of wide receiver Xavier Worthy, who set a record with his eye-popping 4.21-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine, adds another explosive weapon to Mahomes' arsenal. Paired with the experience Hollywood Brown brings to the table, Kansas City's receiving corps looks better than it ever has.
On top of that, the Chiefs addressed a few key areas on their team by strengthening both the offensive line and the secondary. Both areas can always use some love. The Chiefs know that they need a well-rounded team if they’re going to hoist the Lombardi Trophy again, and this is how you do it. With a solid roster and the best quarterback in the league, the Chiefs are the team to beat.
Best Odds: +650 at DraftKings
The San Francisco 49ers have been on the cusp of Super Bowl glory for a few years now. However, it always seems to slip away from them. So, it’s no wonder that they are once again among the top contenders, especially with the star power they have and who they added to their roster. The 49ers' strength lies in their balanced and deep roster, featuring one of the league's best defenses and an extremely potent offense.
San Francisco's draft strategy focused on reinforcing their receiving corps. That was a smart move as they’re looking to give Brock Purdy a few more weapons. The addition of Ricky Pearsall, one of the best receivers we’ve seen from Florida, should help alleviate some of the drama surrounding Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel.
Despite the uncertainties with their wide receiver duo, the 49ers have a proven formula for success. Their defense, led by stars like Nick Bosa and Fred Warner, consistently ranks among the league's best and this season will be no different. Coupled with a potent rushing attack and creative play-calling from head coach Kyle Shanahan, the 49ers are well-equipped to make it to the Super Bowl..
Best Odds: +1000 at BetMGM
The Baltimore Ravens have long been known for their strong draft strategies. With that, the 2024 draft was no different. The Ravens addressed both immediate and future needs with a series of value picks that will surely pay off as they make a run for the playoffs. The addition of Roger Rosengarten at right tackle and center Nick Samac adds to the potential starters to their offensive line, which is crucial for keeping Jackson healthy throughout the season.
Defensively, the Ravens continue to build a unit capable of competing in the incredibly tough AFC North. First-round pick Nate Wiggins and fourth-rounder T.J. Tampa bring different styles of cornerback play to the table. This is one of the most important things they had to do to counter their division's top receivers.
The Ravens' success will undoubtedly hinge on quarterback Lamar Jackson's performance. When healthy, Jackson is one of the most dynamic players in the NFL. He’s capable of single-handedly changing the course of a game. With a strong supporting cast and a disciplined approach to team building, the Ravens are all set to make a deep playoff run. Let’s see what the training camps show.
Best Odds: +1300 at DraftKings
The Detroit Lions are one of the most intriguing teams heading into the 2024 season. After years of rebuilding, the Lions finally appear ready to continue to make runs for the playoffs. After coming off a disappointing loss to the 49ers in the NFC Championship last year, their offseason moves and draft strategy reflect a team that believes it can contend for the Super Bowl.
Detroit's focus on addressing their secondary was evident in the draft. They selected top cornerback prospects Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. These additions should significantly improve a defense that struggled at times last season. Addressing this issue was probably the best thing they could’ve done as the offense is fairly potent on it’s own.
Offensively, the Lions are led by quarterback Jared Goff, who, surprisingly, has found new life in Detroit. With playmakers like Amon-Ra St. Brown and Penei Sewell secured through contract extensions, the Lions already have a solid foundation. The team’s aggressive approach in the draft and free agency highlights that they want to win now. Is 2024 the year of the Lion?
Best Odds: +1400 at DraftKings
The Cincinnati Bengals have undergone a massive transformation in recent years. They’ve emerged as a perennial contender in the AFC, and this year, they’re back for more. Their odds of +1400 reflect a team that has the talent and potential to win the Super Bowl but also has a few uncertainties the bookmakers don’t like. We can't say we blame them.
The Bengals' draft approach was bold, even by their standards, focusing on bolstering both lines of scrimmage. Smart move, but they could’ve picked up a skilled player or two. First-round pick Amarius Mims and second-rounder Kris Jenkins bring size and strength to the offensive and defensive lines, respectively. While these selections come with some risk, at least the Bengals believe in their upside.
Quarterback Joe Burrow unquestionably remains the cornerstone of Cincinnati's success. With a healthy Burrow and a talented receiving corps led by Ja'Marr Chase, the Bengals' offense can be explosive. The question will be whether their draft gambles pay off. Can they maintain their upward trajectory in a highly competitive AFC? We’ll see!
Futures bets are always a gamble, but they’re a chance for you to cash in big time. Sure, it ties up your money in season-long bets, but when they pay off, it’s a sweet feeling. As the NFL season approaches, these five teams stand out to us (and the bookmakers) as the top contenders for the Super Bowl. The Kansas City Chiefs, San Francisco 49ers, Baltimore Ravens, Detroit Lions, and Cincinnati Bengals each have unique strengths and strategies that make them some of the toughest opponents, but that’s not to say that another team with lower odds will surprise us.
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