NFL Futures: Which Teams Will Meet in Super Bowl LV?
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Some of the best odds available when betting on the NFL are in futures bets. Currently, one can bet on who will win each conference at a minimum of +280 odds. If you are wagering on who will win the Super Bowl, the betting favorites are the Kansas City Chiefs at +650.
However, if you want to make some serious cash you can take a stab at which teams will meet in the Super Bowl. In many cases, a $100 bet can turn into $10000 or more if you are right.
Can the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers buck all-time trends and each gets back to the big game? History says no. In the 54-year history of the Super Bowl, just once has there ever been a rematch of teams from the prior year (Bills and Cowboys in Super Bowls XXVII and XXVIII).
The trends are even more concerning for the defending NFC champion 49ers. Outside of the Seattle Seahawks making back-to-back Super Bowls in 2013 and 2014, you have to go all the way back to 1996 and 1997 with the Green Bay Packers to find the last back-to-back NFC champion.
While most sportsbooks are offering odds on who will win the Super Bowl, BetMGM is one of the few sportsbooks around that is offering odds on the exact Super Bowl matchup. We will take a look at these odds and offer our best bets on this unique prop.
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Kansas City Chiefs vs. New Orleans Saints (+2500)
While the NFC participant in the Super Bowl has been a revolving door of late, the New England Patriots dominated the AFC for much of the last 20 years. All signs point to the Chiefs being on the verge of a new dominant regime. Had defensive end Dee Ford not lined up offsides in the 2019 AFC Championship game, we would be talking about the Chiefs chances to make a third straight Super Bowl this year.
Kansas City is primed for another Super Bowl run in large part because they bring back 20 of 22 starters from last year. The only starters that left were guard Stefan Wisniewski and linebacker Reggie Ragland. Kansas City drafted LSU running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire with the No. 32 overall pick. It is already fun imagining how head coach Andy Reid will utilize the versatile back in his offense.
The Saints will look to put the disappointment three consecutive years of heartbreaking playoff losses behind them. New Orleans is in full-fledged “win now†mode, as they signed Drew Brees for just two more years. The Saints smartly added outstanding veterans Emmanuel Sanders and Malcolm Jenkins, who will not only help on both sides of the ball on the field but will bring leadership to their locker room.
New Orleans has won three straight NFC South titles. They waltzed to their last two titles, winning by six games each year. This year, I expect them to benefit from more competition that they will get from Tampa Bay and Atlanta. A tougher road to the division title should keep them more focused once the playoffs come around.
I can already see the headlines for a Chiefs-Saints Super Bowl. The young quarterback just entering his prime versus a Hall of Fame-bound quarterback trying to end his career on a high note. Two of the league’s most explosive offenses ready to put on a show. Odds of +2500 are more than fair for this prediction.
Baltimore Ravens vs. Philadelphia Eagles (+4000)
The Baltimore Ravens were the top seed in the AFC last year but failed to reach the AFC Championship after being upset by the sixth-seeded Tennessee Titans. That makes back-to-back years that phenom Lamar Jackson has had subpar playoff performances. Jackson is too explosive in the regular season to not think he will eventually “figure it out†come playoff time. Thus, it is wise to get some action on the Ravens to represent the AFC.
On paper, the Ravens look even better than their 14-2 record from last year. Many experts believe Baltimore had the best draft of any team this year. They filled a void at inside linebacker with arguably the best player in the draft at that position in Patrick Queen. In addition, running back J.K. Dobbins should further strengthen what was the league’s top-ranked rushing attack last year.
Many people will view Philadelphia’s 2019-20 season through a number of different lenses. Pessimists will say they were lucky to win what was historically one of the worst divisions ever last year. Optimists will be impressed that they were able to do so despite being one of the most banged-up football teams all season. 18 players landed on injured reserve at some point. Heading into the playoffs, the Eagles were playing with a laughably inexperienced wide receiver group. Their biggest threat on the outside was Greg Ward Jr. who did not see the field until Week 12.
All things considered, the Eagles put up an admirable fight against the Seattle Seahawks in the Wild Card round. In that game, quarterback Carson Wentz was knocked out with a concussion in the first quarter. In addition, the Eagles played five players on offense who started the year on the practice squad.
There is always a risk in betting the Eagles, as Carson Wentz has failed to finish multiple seasons with injuries. However, when Philadelphia is at full strength they are as good as anyone in the conference. On the other side, the AFC looks like it amounts to the Chiefs and Ravens, and then everyone else. While neither of these teams are the respective favorites in their conferences, this “Battle of the Birds†is a great value bet.
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Mike Spector is a featured writer at BettingPros. For more from Mike, check out his archive and follow him @MikeSpector01.