Ed Welch
Thanksgiving is here, which signals the beginning of the postseason push in the NFL. The Super Bowl LIV futures have been narrowed down to a select few, with elite teams at the top and some possible contenders jockeying for position in the NFL odds as we enter Week 13.
If you’re betting on the sports betting handicapping odds to win Super Bowl LIV, we break the futures board down into three categories and give our best bet for each.
Top favorites
New England Patriots 3/1
Baltimore Ravens 5/1
New Orleans Saints 5/1
San Francisco 49ers 13/2
Best bet: New Orleans Saints 5/1
New Orleans shook off a bad loss to Atlanta two weeks ago to pick up victories over NFC South rivals Tampa Bay and Carolina. The Saints could be the most well-rounded team in the NFL, with a potent ground game, a steady defense, and a savvy Super Bowl-winning quarterback in Drew Brees leading the charge.
Let’s not forget: Brees went down for five games and this team didn’t skip a beat. The defense stepped up and the offense adjusted. That forced New Orleans to be very versatile, with multiple ways to take on opponents. The Saints also have an easier path in the NFC, with San Francisco as the biggest threat to exorcising the demons of postseason past. Remember the "miracle" and missed PI call the last two playoffs? The Big Easy certainly does.
Second-tier contenders
Kansas City Chiefs 10/1
Seattle Seahawks 12/1
Green Bay Packers 15/1
Minnesota Vikings 15/1
Best bet: Minnesota Vikings 15/1
The Vikings get the nod over the Seahawks mainly because this team can win when its quarterback has a bad day. While Seattle is solely dependent on Russell Wilson to keep them competitive, Minnesota has marched forward when Kirk Cousins stumbles.
The Vikes have a dominant rushing attack that sets up the pass, and some very talented receivers when Cousins does drop back. On the other side of the field, the defense is disruptive with 31 sacks and 16 takeaways on the season. Minnesota is fighting for the top spot in the NFC North but will likely earn a wild card spot if it can’t top the division.
Live longshots
Dallas Cowboys 30/1
Houston Texans 35/1
Buffalo Bills 60/1
Philadelphia Eagles 60/1
Los Angeles Rams 65/1
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Best bet: Houston Texans 35/1
With a win over Indianapolis last Thursday, the Texans have the inside track to the AFC South title and the postseason spot that comes with it. Houston has a dynamic quarterback in Deshaun Watson with a championship pedigree, who could really step it up if the team makes the postseason cut.
The Texans have a bevvy of offensive weapons around Watson, but the defense needs to be the difference maker. Houston is giving up almost 23 points and has been torched by opposing passers. The Texans can make a statement with a home in over New England in Week 13 and have three of their final five games at home, including two matchups with the Tennessee Titans.
