Super Bowl odds update: Patriots in unconventional spot
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With the NFL playoffs slated to begin this weekend, the title odds essentially reset. It's now down to just a 12-team field.
Here's how the Super Bowl odds stack up just days before Wild Card Weekend.
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Ravens | 2-1 |
| Chiefs | 3-1 |
| 49ers | 4-1 |
| Saints | 5-1 |
| Packers | 7-1 |
| Patriots | 12-1 |
| Vikings | 20-1 |
| Seahawks | 25-1 |
| Eagles | 35-1 |
| Texans | 40-1 |
| Bills | 50-1 |
| Titans | 50-1 |
Notice anything - or anyone - unusual in the middle of the pack? The Patriots' opening odds of 20-1 were the longest of the Tom Brady-Bill Belichick era. Saturday's game against the Titans marks the first time since 2009 the Pats have to play on Wild Card Weekend. Of course, we've seen New England slip up here and there during the regular season only to turn it on in the playoffs, but this year truly feels different. Despite owning the second-best scoring margin in the league during the regular season, the Patriots ranked No. 14 in rush offense DVOA and 16 in pass. However, they're still in decent shape behind a defense that paced the league in points allowed per game.
The Packers have a first-round bye, but it's obvious the market's cooled. Green Bay barely kept its head above water, outscoring opponents by an average of 3.9 points per game. The Packers played just five teams that made the postseason during the regular season and were outscored by 2.2 points per game.
The Saints are peaking at the right time and could be a nice pickup at this price. No team has averaged more points per game since Week 10 than New Orleans, which finished No. 5 in scoring margin in 2019 - not bad considering the club was without its starting quarterback for a good chunk of the season.
If there's any long shot to grab, it's probably the Titans. After being inserted into the rotation, Ryan Tannehill put up an MVP-like performance and helped a lifeless offense average 30.4 points per game over the final 10 contests. Tennessee is No. 9 in average scoring margin (plus-4.4), which beats five current postseason teams. Though the Titans' defense has had some lapses, Tannehill and a revamped offense could be dangerous in the playoffs.
Alex Kolodziej is a betting writer for theScore. He's a graduate of Eastern Illinois who has been involved in the sports betting industry for 12 years. He can quote every line from "Rounders" and appreciates franchises that regularly wear alternate jerseys. Find him on Twitter @AJKolodziej.
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