Despite their upset loss to the Miami Dolphins last week, the New England Patriots remain the favorites on the Super Bowl 52 futures odds.
The loss did hurt the Patriots’ odds a bit, dropping them down to +275 from +240. That’s still at the top of the odds list, but the Pittsburgh Steelers are closing in at +350. It’s possible New England’s reign atop the Super Bowl futures could end this week as they face the Steelers. Expect whoever comes out on top in that game to also be on top of the Super Bowl futures next week.
While New England and Pittsburgh remain firmly entrenched at No. 1 and 2 on the futures, there was a big shakeup under them thanks to a major injury to Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz. The Eagles won last week, posting an impressive win over the Los Angeles Rams, but the loss of Wentz for the season significantly hurts their chances at winning it all. The oddsmakers agree and pushed them down to +1200 from +625 a week ago.
Phliadelphia’s drop also resulted in a number of NFC teams rising up the odds list. The Minnesota Vikings went from +850 to +800 even though they lost to the Carolina Panthers last week. The Vikings will lock up the NFC North title with one more win and that seems like a given this week when they play the Cincinnati Bengals.
Also on the rise this week from the NFC were the Atlanta Falcons, Green Bay Packers and Carolina Panthers.
The Falcons remain in the hunt for the NFC South title after defeating the Saints last week. The oddsmakers gave them a bump on the odds, up to +1400 from +2500. Atlanta faces Tampa Bay on Monday night in what should be an easy win before another important date with the Saints.
The Packers were left for dead after Aaron Rodgers broke his collarbone in October. Somehow Green Bay has won enough games to stay in the wild-card race and their Super Bowl odds are improving, up to +1800 this week. There is a chance Rodgers could return this week, giving him another opportunity to carry the Packers into the postseason.
Carolina, as we already mentioned, took care of Minnesota last week. The Panthers are up to +2200 on the Super Bowl futures after winning five of their last six games. They get Green Bay this week in a game they must win to keep pace with the Saints for top spot in the NFC South.
The biggest loser this week, other than Philadelphia, was the Tennessee Titans. The Titans were shocked by the Arizona Cardinals last week, dealing them a big blow in their battle with Jacksonville for the AFC South crown. It also sent them hurtling down the Super Bowl futures to +6600 from +3300. The Titans have what looks like an easy win this week against the San Francisco 49ers before closing out their season with a tough back-to-back against the Rams and Jaguars.