Current Super Bowl Odds 2021

Super Bowl LIV set up as a battle between the two legitimately top squads from each conference, a true battle of the Irresistible Force (Chiefs offense) and the Immovable Object (49ers defense). The game essentially lived up to every ounce of its expectations. Ultimately Kansas City’s firepower and an elevated performance from its own defense were enough to get past a suddenly mistake-prone San Francisco squad in the second half.

The tightly contested battle was a fitting cap on an exciting 2019-20 NFL season. The league will now take a step back from the spotlight over the next several months – save for brief interludes such as free agency and the NFL Draft – until training camps kick off in late July.

As was the case throughout the past season, this page will once again serve as a hub of NFL betting-related information each week throughout the 2020 NFL season and postseason. That will include the latest odds from leading regulated sportsbooks for every game, as well as a detailed betting breakdown for each contest.

The Big Game’s final gun doesn’t equate to an absence of betting opportunities, however. The sun never sets in the NFL betting landscape. Accordingly, there are 2021 Super Bowl Champion futures available at all regulated sportsbooks. The just-crowned Chiefs naturally opened as the odds-on favorite (+600) at FanDuel Sportsbook. The runner-up 49ers aren’t second in this instance, however. Another AFC squad, one that many assumed would be the conference’s representative in SB LIV holds that distinction – the Baltimore Ravens checked in just behind Kansas City at +700.

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Super Bowl 2021 betting odds

NFL offseason breakdowns for 2020-21

With free agency now in its secondary phase and the draft complete, here’s a snapshot of where all 32 teams currently stand.

AFC East

New England Patriots

Super Bowl 55 odds: Opened +1400; Currently +1700
Franchise tag: Joe Thuney, OG
Key trade departure: Duron Harmon, S (to DET); Rob Gronkowski (to TAM)
Key re-signings: Devin McCourty, CB (two years, $23 million); Matthew Slater, WR (two years, $5.3 million); Shilique Calhoun, LB (one year, $1.5 million)
Key free agent losses: Tom Brady, QB (to TB); Kyle Van Noy, LB (to MIA); Jamie Collins, LB (to DET); Danny Shelton, DT (to DET); Elandon Roberts, LB (to MIA); Ted Karras, C (to DET); Nate Ebner, S (to NYG); Phillip Dorsett, WR (to SEA)
Key free-agent signings: Cam Newton, QB (from CAR); Damiere Byrd, WR (from ARI); Beau Allen, DT (from TB); Adrian Phillips, S (from LAC); Brandon Copeland, DE (from NYJ); Brian Hoyer, QB (from IND); Marquise Lee, WR (released by JAC); Cam Newton (released by CAR)
Key draft picks: Kyle Dugger, DE (2nd round)

Naturally, the one and only story here is really Tom Brady’s exit from New England after 20 stellar seasons. The Patriots’ futures odds took a dive in April and May, but when they signed former NFL MVP Cam Newton in late June those odds went right back into the neighborhood of +1700. The losses of Van Noy and Collins may also be understandably overlooked due to the Brady departure, but those could well be key to the team’s fortunes next season.

The signing of Phillips, who has 26 career starts, could prove to be the classic case of a veteran coming to New England and outplaying his contract in Belichick’s scheme.

Cam Newton‘s signing on June 28 is a major development, especially because he’s purportedly fully healthy after shoulder and foot injuries derailed significant portions of his last two seasons. However, at least publicly, the Pats are emphasizing Newton will have to earn the starting job while competing with Jarrett Stidham and journeyman Brian Hoyer.

Buffalo Bills

Super Bowl 55 odds: Opened +3500; Currently +2800
Key trade acquisition: Stefon Diggs (from MIN)
Key re-signings: Quinton Spain, OG (three years, $15 million); Dean Marlowe, S (terms undisclosed); Isaiah McKenzie, WR (terms undisclosed)
Key free agent losses: Shaq Lawson, LB (to Dolphins); Jordan Phillips, DT (to Cardinals); Kevin Johnson, CB (to CLE); Senorise Perry, RB (to TEN); Frank Gore, RB (to NYJ)
Key free-agent signings: Mario Addison, LB (from CAR); A.J. Klein (from NO); Tyler Matakevich, LB (from PIT); Josh Norman, CB (from WAS); Vernon Butler, DT (from CAR); Quinton Jefferson, DE (from SEA); Taiwan Jones, RB (from HOU); Daryl Williams, OT (from CAR); Bryan Cox, Jr., DE (from CLE)
Key draft picks: A.J. Epenesa, Edge (2nd round); Zack Moss, RB (3rd round)

Buffalo has taken a nice leap up with the arrival of Diggs — who’ll be an integral part of an excellent top trio of pass catchers for surging QB Josh Allen  — and multiple mid-tier-type early free-agent signings. A case could actually be made for Addison being a notch higher than that, considering he has no less than nine sacks in any of the last four seasons. His arrival, as well as that of Butler, Jefferson and Klein — the latter who’s familiar with coach Sean McDermott from their time together in Carolina — helps offset the losses of Lawson and Phillips. Then, if Norman can return to anywhere the caliber of corner he once was, the defense could take the short leap remaining to elite.

The addition of both Epenesa and Moss through the draft further strengthen two already formidable areas for the Bills, who naturally have designs on Super Bowl contention after a highly encouraging 2019. Their SB LV futures odds didn’t budge from what they were pre-draft, but it also bears noting their first “pick” came back in March when they sent the Vikings their first-round selection for Diggs, a highly proven commodity.

New York Jets

Super Bowl 55 odds: Opened +7000; Currently +7000
Key re-signings: Neville Hewitt, LB (one year, $2 million); Arthur Maulet, CB (one year); Jordan Jenkins, LB (one year, $5 million); James Burgess, LB (one year); Bennett Jackson, CB (terms undisclosed); David Fales, QB (one year)
Key free agent losses: Maurice Canady, CB (to DAL); Tom Compton, G (to SF); Brandon Shell, OT (to SEA); Brandon Copeland, DE (to NE); Brent Qvale, OT (to HOU); Robby Anderson, WR (to CAR); Daryl Roberts, CB (to DET); Ty Montgomery, RB (from NYJ)
Key free-agent signings: George Fant, OT (from SEA); Connor McGovern, C (from DEN); Pierre Desir, CB (from IND); Greg Van Roten, OG (from CAR); Marqui Christian, S (from LAR); Josh Andrews, OG (from IND); Breshad Perriman, NYJ (from TAM); Patrick Onwuasor, LB (from BAL); Frank Gore, RB (from BUF); Joe Flacco, QB (from DEN)
Key draft picks: Mekhi Becton, OT (1st round); Denzel Mims, WR (2nd round); Ashtyn Davis, S (3rd round); Jabari Zuniga, DE (3rd round); La’Mical Perine, RB (4th round)

The Jets’ first two moves go a long way to shoring up an offensive line that helped make RB Le’Veon Bell’s first season in New York a nightmare by failing miserably in opening up running lanes, and that at allowed 52 sacks overall during the 2019 campaign. Gang Green still has plenty of cap room available for more moves as well; however, it bears noting that even with Tom Brady now having departed the division, the aggressive moves by the Bills and Dolphins — and the fact the Patriots are still the Patriots — still leaves New York in an uphill battle for the moment.

Gang Green still likely has a long way to go and will do battle in one of the NFL’s most intriguing divisions next season. While their SB LV futures odds remain long, their draft haul is an impressive one that could easily yield multiple first-year starters.

Miami Dolphins

Super Bowl 55 odds: Opened +10000; Currently +7000 (Pre-draft: +8000)
Key re-signing: Adrian Colbert, S (one year, $1.8 million)
Key trade acquisition: Matt Breida (from SF)
Key trade departure: Charles Harris, DE (to ATL)
Key free agent losses: Evan Brown, C (to CLE); Taco Charlton, DE (to KC); Trevor Davis, WR (to CHI); John Jenkins, DE (to CHI)
Key free-agent signings: Byron Jones, CB (from DAL); Kyle Van Noy, LB (from NE); Emmanuel Ogbah, DE (from KC); Shaq Lawson, DE (from BUF); Ereck Flowers, OG (from WAS); Clayton Fejedelem, S (from CIN); Jordan Howard, RB (from PHI); Kamu Grugier-Hill, LB (from PHI); Elandon Roberts, LB (from NE); Kavon Frazier, S (from DAL)
Key draft picks: Tua Tagolaivoa, QB (1st round); Austin Jackson, OT (1st round)

The Dolphins, flush with cap room, unsurprisingly opened the legal tampering period in a full-on sprint. As the avalanche names above indicates, Miami is sparing no expense and has seemingly given both sides of the ball — and their futures — a notable upgrade already. That’s particularly true on defense, where coach Brian Flores’ squad will boast a pair of shutdown corners in Xavien Howard and Jones. The front seven also sees a big talent infusion with Van Noy, Ogbah, Lawson and Grugier-Hill, while Howard could prove to be the workhorse back offensive coordinator Chan Gailey has often succeeded with in the power ground attack he favors.

The Dolphins made the biggest leap in futures odds over the draft, with their most notable pick earning a sizable chunk of the credit. Ryan Fitzpatrick’s multi-season track record of success with coordinator Chan Gailey’s offense will very likely usher him into the starting role early in the season, but it would surprise exactly no one if Tua took the reins by about midseason. Then, the selection of Jackson was naturally overshadowed some by Tagovailoa’s star power, but the big man represents yet another impressive building block for an offensive line that should be much improved.

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AFC South

Houston Texans

Super Bowl 55 odds: Opened +2800; Currently +5000
Key re-signings: Ka’imi Fairbairn, K (four years, $17.6 million); Darren Fells, TE (two years, $7 million); A.J. McCarron, QB (one year, $4 million); Bradley Roby, CB (three years, $36 million); Roderick Johnson, OT (one year, $1.75 million); Vernon Hargreaves, CB (one year, $1.3 million); Tyrell Adams, LB (one year, $970,000)
Key trade acquisition: RB David Johnson (from ARI); Brandin Cooks (from LAR)
Key trade departure: WR DeAndre Hopkins (to ARI)
Key free agent losses: D.J. Reader, DT (to CIN); Taiwan Jones, RB (to BUF); Barkevious Mingo, LB (to CHI); Johnathan Joseph, CB (to TEN); Carlos Hyde, RB (to SEA)
Key free-agent signings: Randall Cobb, WR (from DAL); Eric Murray, S (from CLE); Jaylen Watkins, CB (from LAC); Brent Qvale, OT (from NYJ); Timmy Jernigan, DT (from PHI); Michael Thomas, S (from NYG)
Key draft picks: Ross Blacklock, DT (2nd round)

The Texans have been busy, but one move, which doesn’t necessarily reflect well on coach/GM Bill O’Brien, overshadows the rest. The Hopkins-Johnson trade, which also includes some draft-pick swaps, has been widely panned with respect to the Houston end of the deal. Whether Johnson proves capable of capitalizing on a fresh start and comes anywhere close to resembling the back he was back in 2016 should have plenty of impact on the team’s 2020 fortunes. The signings of Cobb and Murray are solid, but with plenty of teams projected above them in the AFC alone, the Texans’ futures odds remain steep.

Tennessee Titans

Super Bowl 55 odds: Opened +2200; Currently +3000
Franchise tag: Derrick Henry, RB
Key re-signings: Ryan Tannehill, QB (four years, $118 million); Dennis Kelly, OT (three years, $21 million); MyCole Pruitt, TE (one year, $2.5 million); Chris Milton, CB (one year, $1 million); Kamalei Correa, LB (one year, $3.5 million); Tye Smith, CB (one year, $962,000)
Key free agent losses: Jack Conklin, OT (to CLE); Marcus Mariota, QB (to LV); Dion Lewis, RB (released, subsequently signed by NYG); Tajae Sharpe, WR (to MIN); LeShaun Sims, CB (to CIN); Austin Johnson, DT (to NYG); Darius Jennings, WR (to LAC)
Key free-agent signings: Vic Beasley, DE (from ATL); Ty Sambrailo, OG (from ATL); Nick Dzubnar, LB (from LAC); Jack Crawford, DT(from ATL); Senorise Perry, RB (from BUF); Johnathan Joseph, CB (from HOU); Ibraheim Campbell, S (from GB)
Key draft picks: Isaiah Wilson, OT (1st round); Darrynton Evans, RB (3rd round)

Keeping Tannehill in the fold is the big catch here for the Titans after he proved to be an excellent fit for the team’s offensive system during an improbable second-half/postseason run last season. The loss of Conklin is important, but the Titans somewhat surprisingly prioritized re-signing fellow bookend Kelly, who’s three years older. Beasley could help make an already aggressive defense even better if he can approximate his production from his solid 2019 contract year, at minimum.

Indianapolis Colts

Super Bowl 55 odds: Opened +4000; Currently +2500
Key re-signings: Anthony Castonzo, OT (two years, $33 million); Le’Raven Clark, OT (terms undisclosed)
Key trade acquisition: DeForest Buckner, DT (from 49ers)
Key free agent losses: Joe Haeg, OG (to TB); Eric Ebron, TE (to PIT); Pierre Desir, CB (released, subsequently signed by NYJ); Josh Andrews, OG (to NYJ); Brian Hoyer, QB (to NE); Devin Funchess, WR (to GB); Trevon Coley, DT (to ARI); Margus Hunt, DT (to NO)
Key free-agent signings: Philip Rivers, QB (from LAC); Sheldon Day, DT (from SF); Xavier Rhodes, CB (released by MIN); Travis Carrie, CB (from CLE); Roosevelt Nix, FB (released by PIT); Trey Burton, TE (released by CHI)
Key draft picks: Michael Pittman, Jr. (1st round); Jonathan Taylor, RB (2nd round); Jacob Eason, QB (4th round)

A quarterback also takes center stage here, with Rivers coming in on an all-in one-year, $25 million contract. Whether the 38-year-old can prove last season’s 29-interception nightmare was an outlier likely determines the Colts’ championship chances next season, even though Jacoby Brissett may be the league’s best second-string quarterback and remains under contract for 2020. The trade for Buckner may go somewhat overshadowed by the Rivers acquisition, but the 26-year-old could make an already playoff-caliber defense a Super Bowl-worthy one.

The Colts are in Super-Bowl-or-bust mode this season and their two top two draft picks have a chance to make an immediate impact. Pittman will give Rivers and the offense an excellent complementary weapon alongside T.Y. Hilton, and Taylor, who fell just short of going 3-for-3 in 2,000-yard seasons during his college days at Wisconsin, will form half of what has the potential to be a lethal 1-2 punch with Marlon Mack.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Super Bowl 55 odds: Opened +8000; Currently +15000
Franchise tag: Yannick Ngakoue, DE
Key re-signings: Tyler Shatley, OG (one year, $1.5 million); Terry Godwin, WR (one year, $610,000); Carl Davis, DT (one year, $1.1 million)
Key trade departures: A.J. Bouye, CB (to DEN); Calais Campbell, DE (to BAL); Nick Foles, QB (to CHI)
Key free agent losses: Cedric Ogbuehi, OT (to SEA); Seth Devalve, TE (to CAR); Nick O’Leary, TE (to LVR); Marquise Lee, WR (released, subsequently signed by NE); Jake Ryan, LB (to BAL)
Key free-agent signings: Joe Schobert, LB (from CLE); Rodney Gunter, DE (from ARI); Tyler Eifert, TE (from CIN); Al Woods, DT (from SEA); Rashaan Melvin, CB (from DET); Cassius Marsh, DE (from ARI); Chris Thompson, RB (from WAS); Mike Glennon, QB (from LV); Aaron Lynch, LB (from CHI)
Key draft picks: CJ Henderson, CB (1st round); K’Lavon Chaisson, LB (1st round); Laviska Shenault, Jr., WR (2nd round)

The Jags were in sell mode on defense early, getting rid of a pair of cornerstones in Bouye and Campbell. However, the franchising of Ngakoue and the snagging of the ultra-productive Schobert from the Browns speaks to the fact Jacksonville isn’t tanking outright by any means. Jacksonville has also reportedly turned down multiple trade offers for QB Nick Foles, as it appears the veteran will have a chance to reclaim his starting job outright from Gardner Minshew next summer (UPDATE: The Jags have traded Foles to the Bears). Jacksonville ranks in the bottom half of the league in cap space as free agency officially begins, however, and that, coupled with the strength of the rest of the conference, currently has them saddled with long odds.

AFC North

Baltimore Ravens

Super Bowl 55 odds: Opened +800; Currently +650
Franchise tag: Matt Judon, LB
Key re-signings: Jihad Ward, DT (one year); Jimmy Smith, CB (one year, $6 million); Anthony Levine, S (one year); Chris Moore, WR (terms undisclosed); Pernell McPhee, LB (one year)
Key trade acquisition: Calais Campbell, DE (from JAC)
Key trade departure: Hayden Hurst, TE (to ATL)
Key restricted free agent tender: Matt Skura, C (original first-round tender)
Key free agent losses: Seth Roberts, WR (to CAR); Michael Pierce, DT (to MIN); Patrick Onwuasor, LB (to NYJ); Josh Bynes, LB (to CIN); James Hurst, OT (to NO)
Key free-agent signings: Derek Wolfe, DE (from DEN); Jake Ryan, LB (from JAC); D.J. Fluker, OG (from SEA)
Key draft picks: Patrick Queen, LB (1st round); J.K. Dobbins, RB (2nd round); Devin Duvernay, WR (3rd round)

The Ravens already have pulled off a noteworthy trade by getting Campbell from the Jaguars, while the jettisoning of Hurst to the Falcons helped unclog a logjam at the tight end position and netted Baltimore a valuable second-round pick (as well as a fifth rounder) in this year’s draft. Keeping Judon in the fold via the franchise tag and signing Brockers in free agency helps keep an already formidable defense strong. Without even factoring in any forthcoming additions to an explosive offense, the Ravens are already trending upward in their futures.

Although their SB LV odds remain the same, Baltimore is thought to have made especially prudent selections in the first two rounds. Queen has already been christened “Ray Lewis, Jr.” by Lamar Jackson for what it’s worth, and Dobbins has the talent to put a major dent in Mark Ingram’s carries as the season unfolds.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Super Bowl 55 odds: Opened +2200; Currently +2500
Franchise tag: Bud Dupree, LB
Key re-signing: Jordan Dangerfield, S (one year)
Key free agent losses: Javon Hargrave, DT (to PHI); Tyler Matakevich, LB (to BUF); B.J. Finney, OG (to SEA); Sean Davis, CB (to WAS); Nick Vannett, TE (to DEN); Artie Burns, CB (to CHI); Roosevelt Nix, FB (released, subsequently signed by IND); Anthony Chickillo, LB (to NO)
Key free agent signings: Derek Watt, FB (from LAC); Eric Ebron, TE (from IND); Stefan Wisniewski, C (from KC); Breon Borders, CB (from WAS)
Key draft picks: Chase Claypool, WR (2nd round); Anthony McFarland, Jr., RB (4th round)

The Steelers have been feverishly restructuring contracts to create cap room that will allow them to conduct some offseason business. The retaining of Dupree via the franchise tag was crucial after the 27-year-old put together a career year in 2019, but losing Hargrave, a stalwart of the defensive line, will hurt. For the time being, Pittsburgh’s futures have taken a plummet, even with old nemesis Tom Brady out of the conference; however, continued indications Ben Roethlisberger is ready to return at full strength and other moves via free agency and the draft could move the needle as the months unfold.

The arrival of Ebron on a two-year deal doesn’t budge the Steelers’ futures odds for the moment, but it does fill an area of need for the Steelers. The red-zone-savvy veteran will presumably team with the athletic but oft-injured Vance McDonald to give a presumably healthy Roethlisberger a pair of dangerous targets down the seam.

Cleveland Browns

Super Bowl 55 odds: Opened +3300; Currently +4000
Key restricted free agent tender: Kareem Hunt, RB (second-round tender)
Key re-signing: Rashard Higgins, WR (one year, $910,000)
Key free agent losses: Eric Murray, S (to HOU); Christian Kirksey, LB (to GB); Juston Burris, CB (to CAR); Demetrius Harris, TE (to CHI); Joe Schobert, LB (to JAC); Eric Kush, OG (to LVR); Justin McCray, OG (to ATL); Travis Carrie, CB (to IND); Damarious Randall, CB (to LVR); Ricky Seals-Jones, TE (from CLE); Tashuan Gipson, S (to CHI); Bryan Cox, Jr., DE (to BUF)
Key free-agent signings: Jack Conklin, OT (from TEN); Austin Hooper, TE (from ATL); Case Keenum, QB (from WAS); Andrew Billings, DT (from CIN); B.J. Goodson, LB (from GB); Karl Joseph, S (to LV); Kevin Johnson, CB (from BUF); Andrew Sendejo, S (from MIN); Jojo Natson, WR (from LAR); Donovan Olumba, CB (from DAL); Evan Brown, C (from MIA)
Key draft picks: Jedrick Willis, Jr., OT (1st round); Grant Delpit, S (2nd round)

The Browns clearly liked what they saw from Kareem Hunt in the latter portion of the 2019 season to place the second-round tender on him, while the additions of Conklin and Hooper adds even more talent to an offense already flush with big names. However, the defense has taken some significant personnel hits early in free agency that will have to be atoned for in some form. Additionally, the reportedly shaky status of WR Odell Beckham, Jr. represents a big question mark at this point in the offseason.

Cincinnati Bengals

Super Bowl 55 odds: Opened +10000; Currently +10000
Franchise tag: A.J. Green, WR
Key re-signings: Torry McTyer, CB (one year); Greg Mabin, CB
Key free agent losses: Clayton Fejedelum, S (to MIA); Darqueze Dennard, CB (to JAC); Andrew Billings, DT (to CLE); John Miller, OG (to CAR); Tony McCrae, CB (to DET); Nick Vigil, LB (to LAC); Tyler Eifert, TE (to JAC); LaRoy Reynolds, LB (to ATL); Andy Dalton, QB (released, subsequently signed by DAL); Tony McCrae, CB (to DET)
Key free-agent signings: D.J. Reader, DT (from HOU); Trae Waynes, CB (from MIN); Xavier Su’a-Filo, OG (from DAL); Vonn Bell, S (from NO); Mackensie Alexander, CB (from MIN); Mike Thomas, WR (from LAR); Josh Bynes, LB (from BAL); LeShaun Sims, CB (from TEN)
Key draft picks: Joe Burrow, QB (1st round); Tee Higgins, WR (2nd round)

The Bengals have focused on defense earlier and the additions of Reader and Waynes could certainly be impactful. Cincinnati also has a favorable situation with Green, who has openly expressed a desire to remain with the team for the remainder of the career and therefore does not mind receiving the franchise tag for the time being. If the multi-time Pro Bowler can get his ailing ankle back to full health, he’ll be poised to serve as a lethal weapon for likely No. 1 overall pick Joe Burrow. However, given the multitude of formidable teams ahead of them, Cincy, along with Jacksonville is still bringing up the rear in terms of SB LV futures in the AFC.

Drafting Burrow likely won’t change Cincy’s immediate on-field results to a great degree, but at least the Bengals didn’t flub their chance at taking a potentially franchise-changing quarterback. Then, the addition of Higgins, which was naturally much less of a sure thing going into the draft, could be an immediate boon for Burrow and the offense — the Clemson product could have been a first-round pick in many other years that didn’t have as deep a class at receiver as this one.

AFC West

Kansas City Chiefs

Super Bowl 55 odds: Opened +600; Currently +600
Franchise tag: Chris Jones, DT
Key re-signings: RB Damien Williams (2020 team option of $2.3 million picked up); Anthony Sherman, FB (one year); Mike Pennel, DE (one year); DeMarcus Robinson, WR (one year, $2.3 million); Bashaud Breeland, CB (one year, $4.5 million)
Key free agent losses: Kendall Fuller, CB (to WAS); Emmanuel Ogbah, LB (to MIA); Stefan Wisniewski, C (to PIT); Jordan Lucas, S (to CHI); Blake Bell, TE (to DAL); Reggie Ragland, LB (to DET); Cameron Erving, OT (to DAL)
Key free-agent signings: Mike Remmers, OT (from NYG); Antonio Hamilton, CB (from NYG); Jordan Ta’amu, QB (from XFL); Ricky Seals-Jones, TE (from CLE); DeAndre Washington, RB (from LVR); Taco Charlton, DE (from MIA)
Key draft picks: Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB (1st round)

The Super Bowl champs already clearly have a pretty formidable squad on both sides of the ball and rightfully remain the odds-on favorites as free agency begins. KC took care of two very important pieces of business in terms of maintaining continuity by ensuring both Williams and Jones will be part of the team’s push for a repeat. Fuller and Ogbah are two solid defensive players the team ideally would have kept, but neither was a starter.

KC didn’t have a ton of holes to address in the draft, and they went against the grain a bit by taking Edwards-Helaire over the trio that was widely considered to be top choices at running back – D’Andre Swift, Jonathan Taylor and J.K. Dobbins. Despite some knocks on his size, Edwards-Helaire fits what Andy Reid is looking for in a running back, namely, a nifty runner and accomplished pass catcher that has already drawn comparisons to a back KC’s head coach had great success with in Brian Westbrook.

Las Vegas Raiders

Super Bowl 55 odds: Opened +7000; Currently +6600 (Pre-draft: +5000)
Key re-signings: Rod Smith, RB (one year); Kyle Wilber, LB (terms undisclosed); Jordan Devey, OG (terms undisclosed)
Key free agent losses: Karl Joseph, S (to CLE); Tahir Whitehead, LB (to CAR); Eric Tomlinson, TE (to NYG); Benson Mayowa, DE (to SEA); DeAndre Washington, RB (to KC); Daryl Worley, S (to DAL); Mike Glennon, QB (to JAC)
Key free-agent signings: Cory Littleton, LB (from LAR); Nick Kwiatkoski, LB (from CHI); Marcus Mariota, QB (from TEN); Jason Witten, TE (from DAL); Jeff Heath, S (from DAL); Maliek Collins, DT (from DAL); DE/LB Carl Nassib (from TB); Nick O’Leary, TE (from JAC); Nelson Agholor, WR (from PHI); Eric Kush, OG (from CLE); Daniel Ross, DT (from DAL); Damarious Randall (from CLE); Prince Amukamara, CB (from CHI); Devontae Booker, RB (from DEN)
Key draft picks: Henry Ruggs III, WR (1st round); Damon Arnette, CB (1st round); Lynn Bowden, Jr., WR (3rd round); Bryan Edwards, WR (3rd round)

The Raiders have seen a nice bump in their futures after trailing only the Dolphins in activity over the legal tampering period. Las Vegas raided the Cowboys’ free-agent shelf with some interesting pick-ups and also plucked one of the true up-and-coming  defensive players on the open market in Kwiatkoski, who the Bears surprisingly opted to let loose. The signings of Mariota and Witten are eyebrow-raisers to an extent, but Littleton is a disruptive playmaker just entering his prime at 26 and sporting a resume that includes 259 tackles, 7.5 sacks, five interceptions and 22 defensed passes over the last two seasons alone.

The Raiders’ relentless wave of signings continued Saturday with a pair of acquisitions on the offensive side of the ball. O’Leary is the much lower-profile arrival of the two, as he seemingly joins a cast of thousands at tight end that also includes the legendary Jason Witten and 2019 breakout star Darren Waller. However, O’Leary is an underrated receiver who has a knack for getting open and could contribute as a blocker. Meanwhile, Agholor is a much more prominent piece that could certainly upgrade the Raiders’ air attack — likely out of the slot — if he can enjoy a resurgence during his one-year, prove-it deal.

Las Vegas actually saw its SB LV futures odds actually get longer with a draft that puzzled some experts. Valuing the elite speed of Ruggs over the more complete packages seemingly offered by the likes of Jerry Jeudy and Cee Dee Lamb is a move reminiscent of one the late Al Davis would have made, and Mike Mayock and company then proceeded to address the team’s suspect defense only once in their first four picks.

Denver Broncos

Super Bowl 55 odds: Opened +5000; Currently +5000
Franchise tag: Justin Simmons, S
Key re-signings: Joe Jones, LB (one year); Jeremiah Attaochu, LB (one year, $1.5 million); Joel Heath, DT (terms undisclosed); Shelby Harris, DT (one year, $3.25 million)
Key trade acquisition: A.J. Bouye, CB (from JAC)
Key free agent losses: Connor McGovern, C (to NYJ); Chris Harris, CB (to LAC); Will Parks, CB (to PHI); Derek Wolfe, DE (to BAL); Casey Kreieter, LS (to NYG); Joe Flacco, QB (to NYJ); Devontae Booker, RB (to LVR)
Key free-agent signings: Jeff Driskel, QB (from DET); Graham Glasgow, OG (from DET); Melvin Gordon, RB (from LAC); Nick Vannett, TE (from PIT); Sam Martin, P (from DET); Christian Covington, DT (from DAL)
Key draft picks: Jerry Jeudy, WR (1st round); KJ Hamler, WR (2nd round)

The Broncos have opted to part ways with Pro Bowl cornerback Chris Harris, but they found a younger and comparable replacement in Bouye. Retaining Simmons and and acquiring Glasgow are important, and Denver should still have enough cap space to do some shopping on the open market ahead of the draft. As is, Denver has already seen a bump from its opening odds.

Gordon’s arrival is certainly intriguing, considering Denver already has an effective backfield tandem in Phillip Lindsay and Royce Freeman. Early word is that Gordon and Lindsay will work in a fairly even platoon, one that could well resemble the one the former had with Austin Ekeler over the last pair of seasons with the Chargers.

Denver prioritized adding firepower for second-year quarterback Drew Lock in their draft strategy, and the selections of Jeudy and Hamler should pay immediate dividends.

Los Angeles Chargers

Super Bowl 55 odds: Opened +5000; Currently +4500
Franchise tag: Hunter Henry, TE
Key re-signings: Austin Ekeler, RB (four years, $24.5 million); Ryan Groy, OG (one year, $935,000); Damion Square, DT (terms undisclosed)
Key trade acquisition: Trai Turner, OG (from CAR)
Key trade departure: Russell Okung, OT (to CAR)
Key free agent losses: Philip Rivers, QB (to IND); Thomas Davis, LB (to WAS); Derek Watt, FB (to PIT); Melvin Gordon, RB (to DEN); Adrian Phillips, S (to NE); Jaylen Watkins, CB (to HOU); Jatavis Brown, LB (to PHI); Nick Dzubnar, LB (to TEN); Travis Benjamin, WR (to SF); Geremy Davis, WR (to DET); Michael Schofield, OG (to CAR); Dylan Cantrell, WR (to ARI)
Key free-agent signings: Bryan Bulaga, OT (from GB); Chris Harris, CB (from DEN); Linval Joseph, DT (from MIN); Nick Vigil, LB (from CIN); Darius Jennings, WR (from TEN); Donald Parham, TE (from XFL)
Key draft picks: Justin Herbert, QB (1st round); Kenneth Murray, LB (2nd round); Joshua Kelley, RB (4th round)

The Chargers have done a bit of everything early — using their franchise tag, re-signing a key impending free agent, making a trade and both losing and gaining players via free agency. Retaining Henry and Ekeler is undeniably a plus, and the Bolts are replacing Okung directly with Bulaga but also gain an outstanding Pro Bowl guard in Turner. The Rivers departure was a foregone conclusion as well; however, it does leave the team with a major question mark at quarterback, where journeyman Tyrod Taylor currently projects as the starter.

The signing of Harris gives the Chargers an elite trio of cornerbacks when considering Casey Heyward and Desmond King are already on the roster. However, the futures number remains unchanged after his signing.

After endless speculation that Tua may have been their man in the draft, the Chargers stayed put knowing the Dolphins could well nab Tagovailoa ahead of them and instead grabbed the towering Herbert, a fine “consolation prize.” The Oregon product should be given a legitimate shot to topple veteran Tyrod Taylor for the starting job this summer.

NFC East

Dallas Cowboys

Super Bowl 55 odds: Opened +2000; Currently +1700 (Pre-draft: +2200)
Franchise tag: Dak Prescott, QB
Key re-signings: Amari Cooper, WR (five years, $100 million); Blake Jarwin, TE (three years, $24.25 million); Kai Forbath, K (one year); Anthony Brown, CB (three years, $15.5 million); C.J. Goodwin, CB (one year, $1 million); Joe Thomas, LB (one year); Justin March, LB (one year)
Key free agent losses: Randall Cobb, WR (to HOU); Byron Jones, CB (to MIA); Robert Quinn, DE (to CHI); Jason Witten, TE (to LVR); Jeff Heath, S (to LVR); Maliek Collins, DT (to LVR); Xavier Su’a-Filo, OG (to CIN); Cameron Fleming, OG (to NYG); Donovan Olumba, CB (to CLE); Kerry Hyder, LB (to SF); Daniel Ross, DT (to LVR); Christian Covington, DT (to DEN); Kavon Frazier, S (to MIA)
Key free agent signings: Gerald McCoy, DT (from CAR); Maurice Canady, CB (from NYJ); HaHa Clinton-Dix, S (from CHI); Dontari Poe, DT (from CAR); Blake Bell, TE (from KC); Greg Zuerlein, K (from LAR); Daryl Worley, S (from LVR); Andy Dalton, QB (released by CIN); Aldon Smith, DE (from league suspension); Cameron Erving, OT (from KC)
Key draft picks: CeeDee Lamb, WR (1st round); Trevon Diggs, CB (2nd round)

The Cowboys have been busy bees over the legal tampering period, and although the names they retained are undoubtedly vital, the net effect of their losses will also likely prove significant. Holding on to Cooper was especially a coup, considering it’s been widely reported he turned down significantly more money from the Redskins. Jarwin is also an emerging star who will no longer have Witten standing in his way, but Jones, Quinn, Heath and Collins were all important components of the defense. The departure of Cobb is also interesting considering he was solid in 2019 and also would have had another opportunity play for head coach Mike McCarthy had he stayed.

The addition of multi-time Pro Bowler McCoy could be one of the more prudent moves of the offseason if he’s healthy and ready to contribute.

Jones made sure he didn’t risk having Lamb haunt him for the next decade-plus a la Randy Moss by seizing the opportunity when the Oklahoma product was unexpectedly available at No. 17. New coach Mike McCarthy now has a welcome problem on his hands with Amari Cooper, Michael Gallup and Lamb to feed on offense. Diggs will look to immediately fill the sizable shoes of the departed Byron Jones at one corner spot. The Cowboys saw a nice bump in their SB LV futures as a result of a solid draft overall.

Philadelphia Eagles

Super Bowl 55 odds: Opened +1700; Currently +2000
Key re-signings: Nate Sudfeld, QB (one year, $2 million); Rodney McLeod, S (two years); Corey Clement, RB (one year, $825,000)
Key trade acquisition: Marquise Goodwin, WR (from SF)
Key trade acquisition: Darius Slay, CB (from DET)
Key free agent losses: Halapoulivaati Vaitai, OL (to DET); Kamu Grieger-Hill, LB (to MIA); Jordan Howard, RB (to MIA); Malcolm Jenkins, S (to NO); Nelson Agholor, WR (to LVR); Richard Rodgers, TE (to WAS); Ronald Darby, CB (to WAS); Timmy Jernigan, DT (to HOU)
Key free-agent signings: Javon Hargrave, DT (from PIT); Will Parks, DB (from DEN); Jatavis Brown, LB (from LAC); Nickell Robey-Coleman, CB (from LAR)
Key draft picks: Jalen Reagor, WR (1st round); Jalen Hurts, QB (2nd round)

The Eagles have had a slight dip in futures but have a long way to go this offseason, and the signing of Hargrave represents a very promising start to free agency. Grieger-Hill and Vaitai were solid but not irreplaceable players. Meanwhile, Howard was considered a likely goner as soon as the offseason began. Philadelphia still ranks in the top half of the league in salary cap room. As such, they’ll likely be conducting more business in the coming days and weeks.

The release of Jenkins was a bit unexpected and removes a key figure on both the field and locker room. The Eagles’ futures remained unchanged in the immediate wake of the move.

Slay’s arrival helps reinforce the secondary after Jenkins’ departure, and the veteran corner could potentially be revitalized while playing for a contender after years of frustration in Detroit.

The selection of Hurts immediately became the talk of Day 2 of the draft due to what appeared to be an odd fit initially. However, Eagles brass is already talking of a Taysom Hill-like role for the versatile rookie right from the jump while simultaneously guaranteeing Carson Wentz’s job is safe. Wentz’s recent lucrative extension seems to support the notion, and the possibility of both Wentz and Hurts on the field at the same time in 2020 looks to be a pretty fair bet. Then, Reagor’s ability to make an immediate impact in a receiving corps helmed by two talented but aging, injury-prone pieces in Alshon Jeffery and DeSean Jackson shouldn’t be underestimated.

New York Giants

Super Bowl 55 odds: Opened +6600; Currently +7000
Franchise tag: Leonard Williams, DT
Key re-signing: Corey Coleman, WR (one year, $1.1 million)
Key free agent losses: Mike Remmers, OT (to KC); Antonio Hamilton, CB (to KC); Cody Latimer, WR (to WAS); Michael Thomas, S (to HOU)
Key free-agent signings: James Bradberry, CB (from CAR); Blake Martinez, LB (from GB); Kyle Fackrell, LB (from GB); Levine Toilolo, TE (from SF); Cameron Fleming, OG (from DAL); Nate Ebner, S (from NE); Colt McCoy, QB (from WAS); Dion Lewis, RB (released by TEN); Eric Tomlinson, TE (from LVR); Austin Johnson, DT (from TEN); Casey Kreiter, LS (from DEN)
Key draft picks: Andrew Thomas, OT (1st round); Xavier McKinney, S (2nd round)

After some apparent indecision early in the offseason, the Giants opted to franchise Williams in order to buy some time to work out a long-term contract with the run-stopping tackle. The scoring of Bradberry and Martinez are impressive moves that bring a much-needed talent infusion to a defense that was downright awful at times last season. Given New York still has plenty of cap room to work with even after their initial trio of signings, they’re very likely not done with their offseason shopping. 

Washington Redskins

Super Bowl 55 odds: Opened +10000; Currently +10000
Franchise tag: Brandon Scherff, OG
Key re-signing: Nate Orchard, CB (one year); Caleb Brantley, DE (one year, $750,000); Aaron Colvin, CB (one year)
Key trade acquisition: Kyle Allen, QB (from CAR)
Key free agent losses: Ereck Flowers, OG (to MIA); Case Keenum, QB (to CLE); Josh Norman, CB (to BUF); Colt McCoy, QB (to NYG); Michael Burton, FB (to NO); Chris Thompson, RB (to JAC); Treyvon Hester, DT (to GB)
Key free-agent signings: Kendall Fuller, CB (from KC); Wes Schweitzer, OG (from ATL); Kevin Pierre-Louis, LB (from CHI); Thomas Davis, LB (from LAC); Sean Davis, S (from PIT); J.D. McKissic, RB (from DET); Logan Thomas, TE (from DET); Cornelius Lucas, OT (from CHI); Marcus Baugh, TE (from CAR); Peyton Barber, RB (from TB); Richard Rodgers, TE (from PHI); Cody Latimer, WR (from NYG); Ronald Darby, CB (from PHI); Jeremy Vujnovich, OG (from ARI); Michael Liedtke, OG (from TAM)
Key draft picks: Chase Young, DE (1st round); Antonio Gibson, WR (2nd round)

The Redskins came into the legal tampering period ready to do business and got right to work. They missed out on what would have been the crown jewel of their free-agent haul when Amari Cooper turned down a reportedly more lucrative offer from Washington to return to the Cowboys. The ‘Skins didn’t seem to miss on any other targets, though, and also ensured the retention of Scherff as an important piece to help protect presumed 2020 starter Dwayne Haskins. While the presence of head coach Ron Rivera certainly brightens the Redskins’ outlook over the long term, they’re still cellar dwellers in the NFC in terms of futures odds.

After some speculation Rivera was going to move forward with his own hand-picked potential franchise quarterback by possibly jumping on Tua Tagovailoa in this draft, Washington settled on a game-changing force on the other side of the ball in Young. Considering Rivera’s reputation as a defensive-minded coach and the success he reaped from years of fearsome front fours in Carolina, the selection isn’t surprising. Young’s talent appears worth every bit of the No. 2 selection, too, while Gibson could be a badly needed complement to 2019 rookie sensation Terry McLaurin.

NFC South

New Orleans Saints

Super Bowl 55 odds: Currently +1200
Key re-signings: Drew Brees, QB (two years, $50 million); David Onyemata, DT (three years, $27 million); Andrus Peat, OG (five years, $57.5 million); Justin Hardee, CB (one year); D.J. Swearinger, S (one year, $1.1. million); Noah Spence, DE (one year, $910,000); P.J. Williams, CB (one year, $2 million); Cameron Tom, OG (one year, $887,500); Dwayne Washington, RB (terms undisclosed); Taysom Hill, QB (two years, $21 million); Johnson Bademosi, CB (one year); Austin Carr, WR (one year); Patrick Omaneh, OT (one year, $1.2 million); James Hurst, OT (from BAL)
Key free agent losses: A.J. Klein, LB (to BUF); Teddy Bridgewater, QB (to CAR); Keith Kirkwood, WR (to CAR); Vonn Bell, S (to CIN)
Key free-agent signings: Malcolm Jenkins, S (from PHI); Michael Burton, FB (from WAS); Jameis Winston, QB (from TB); Margus Hunt, DT (from IND); Anthony Chickillo, LB (from PIT); Ty Montgomery, RB (from NYJ)
Key draft picks: Zack Baun, LB (3rd round)

There was never much suspense surrounding Brees’ return, but it’s nevertheless comforting for Saints fans to see him lock in for another two seasons. Onyemata is an unsung piece of the defensive line, and New Orleans opted to let Bridgewater walk as soon as it became evident he’d command a sizable contract on the open market. Retaining the highly versatile Hill instead became the team’s priority, and he could certainly have an expanded role all over the offense as New Orleans makes another championship push in 2020.

Peat’s re-signing is huge for offensive-line continuity and integral to making the latest investment in Brees pay off.

Atlanta Falcons

Super Bowl 55 odds: Currently +4000
Key re-signings: Tyeler Davison, DT (three years, $12 million); Sharrod Neasman, S (one year); Blidi Wreh-Wilson, CB (one year, $1.2 million); John Wetzel, OG (one year, $930,000)
Key trade acquisition: Hayden Hurst, TE (from BAL); Charles Harris, DE (from MIA)
Key free agent losses: Austin Hooper, TE (to CLE); Wes Schweitzer, OG (to WAS); Vic Beasley, DE (to TEN); Desmond Trufant, CB (to DET); De’Vondre Campbell, LB (to ARI); Ty Sambrailo, OG (to TEN); Jack Crawford, DT (to TEN)
Key free-agent signings: Dante Fowler Jr., LB (from LAR); Todd Gurley, RB (released by LAR); Laquon Treadwell, WR (from MIN); Justin McCray, OG (from CLE); LaRoy Reynolds, LB (from CIN)
Key draft picks: A.J. Terrell, CB (1st round); Marlon Davidson, DT (2nd round)

Getting Hurst from the Ravens could cushion the loss of Hooper more than might be evident at first glance. The 26-year-old could be a breakout candidate after posting a solid 30-349-2 line in 2019 despite position mate Mark Andrews enjoying a career season. The loss of Schweitzer and Beasley could come back to bite Atlanta on either side of the ball, however, and the team currently has precious little cap room to make up for the departures.

The signing of Fowler goes a long way toward addressing Beasley’s departure.

The signing of Gurley was one the team likely could have never anticipated when the offseason began. Given Atlanta had already opted to move on from Devonta Freeman, Gurley potentially represents an upgrade if he’s truly at full health. The Falcons should be able to manage Gurley’s workload, considering they have capable complementary options in Ito Smith and Brian Hill, in addition to any other backs they might bring in via the remainder of free agency and the draft.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Super Bowl 55 odds: Currently +1400
Franchise tag: Shaquil Barrett, LB
Key trade acquisition: Rob Gronkowski (from NE)
Key re-signings: Jason Pierre-Paul, LB (two years, $27 million); Rakeem Nunez-Roches, DE (one year, $1.2 million); Bryant Mitchell, WR (one year); Antony Auclair, TE (one year); Kevin Minter, LB (one year); Andrew Adams, CB (one year, $1 million); Ndamukong Suh, DL (one year, $8 million); Ryan Smith, CB (one year); Blaine Gabbert, QB (one year); Josh Wells, OT (terms undisclosed)
Key free agent losses: Carl Nassib, DE/LB (to LVR); Beau Allen, DT (to NE); Peyton Barber, RB (to WAS); Breshad Perriman, WR (to NYJ); Jameis Winston, QB (to NO); Michael Liedtke, OG (to WAS)
Key free-agent signings: Tom Brady, QB (from NE); Joe Haeg, OG (from IND); Elliott Fry, K (claimed off waivers from CAR)
Key draft picks: Tristan Wirfs, OT (1st round); Antoine Winfield, Jr., S (2nd round); Ke’Shawn Vaughn, RB (3rd round)

A story about a man named Brady has unsurprisingly sent the Bucs’ futures odds soaring. The future Hall of Fame quarterback signed with the Buccaneers. It’s difficult to immediately gauge what a quarterback the caliber of Brady will mean to a Tampa Bay offense that already comes preloaded with highly impressive weaponry in Mike Evans, Chris Godwin and O.J. Howard, among other solid supporting players. Coach Bruce Arians’ aggressive playcalling is yet another intangible that could make a Brady-Bucs marriage an ideal fit, even with some questions about the 42-year-old’s arm strength. Keeping both Barrett and Pierre-Paul is also a highly welcome turn of events for a defense that still needs improvement.

The acquisition of Gronkowski on April 21 gives Brady a highly familiar face to work with, one that he’s thrown twice as many touchdown passes to (78) as any other teammate in his 20-year career. Gronkowski’s arrival also very likely spells the end of either O.J. Howard’s or Cameron Brate’s tenure in Tampa, and it’s worth noting the former was already being shopped prior to Gronkowski’s acquisition. The arrival of Gronk quickly impacted the Buccaneers’ Super Bowl 55 odds, immediately pushing them from +1600 to +1200.

Carolina Panthers

Super Bowl 55 odds: Currently +10000 (Pre-draft: +8000)
Key re-signing: Kyle Allen, QB (one-year extension before being traded to Washington); DeAndrew White, WR (one year)
Key free agent losses: James Bradberry, CB (to NYG); Mario Addison, LB (to BUF); Greg Olsen, TE (to SEA); Gerald McCoy, DT (to DAL); Vernon Butler, DT (to BUF); Bruce Irvin, LB (to SEA); Greg Van Roten, OG (to NYJ); Marcus Baugh, TE (to WAS); Dontari Poe, DT (to DAL); Daryl Williams, OT (to BUF); Elliott Fry, K (waived, subsequently claimed by TB); Cam Newton, QB (released, subsequently signed by NE)
Key free-agent signings: Teddy Bridgewater, QB (from NO); Juston Burris, CB (from CLE); Stephen Weatherly, DE (from MIN); Seth Roberts, WR (from BAL); John Miller, OG (from CIN); Keith Kirkwood, WR (from NO); Pharoh Cooper, WR (from ARI); Seth Devalve, TE (from JAC); Tahir Whitehead, LB (from LVR); P.J. Walker, QB (from XFL); Robby Anderson, WR (from NYJ); Zach Kerr, DT (from ARI); Michael Schofield, OG (from LAC); DaVonte Lambert, DE (from XFL)
Key draft picks: Derrick Brown, DT (1st round); Yetur Gross-Matos, DE (2nd round); Jeremy Chinn, S (2nd round); Kenny Robinson, S (5th round)

There are big names on both sides of the free-agency equation for the Panthers, and another who’s about to be added to the list of subtractions — perhaps by outright release if no trade partner is found — in that of quarterback Cam Newton. The arrival of Bridgewater on a $63 million contract guarantees Newton’s time in Carolina is done. Bradberry and Addison were players Carolina would have undoubtedly liked to have kept, and their defense will suffer to some degree for their departures. The addition of Weatherly could prove to be a boon in the long run, but the 26-year-old has never been a starter and therefore is still an unknown quantity to an extent. Retaining Allen was also crucial as a security blanket behind Bridgewater.

Carolina saw a decline in its Super Bowl LV futures despite a strong, defense-focused draft. Gross-Matos offers first-round talent, while Brown goes a long way toward replenishing a defensive line that has endured multiple losses over the last several seasons. Coming off a 2019 season in which their front seven was frequently atrocious, these top two selections could make an immediate difference. Robinson is also especially notable for a fifth-round pick. He was thought to have first-round talent before an academic dismissal at West Virginia, and he then garnered some valuable pro experience by toiling in the XFL this spring.

NFC North

Green Bay Packers

Super Bowl 55 odds: Opened +1800; Currently +2800 (Pre-draft: +2200)
Key re-signing: Marcedes Lewis, TE (one year, $2.25 million)
Key free agent losses: Blake Martinez, LB (to NYG); Jimmy Graham, TE (to CHI); Bryan Bulaga, OT (to LAC); Kyle Fackrell, LB (to NYG); B.J. Goodson, LB (to CLE); Geronimo Allison, WR (to DET); Jason Spriggs, OT (to CHI); Ibraheim Campbell, S (to TEN)
Key free-agent signings: Christian Kirksey, LB (from CLE); Ricky Wagner, OT (from DET); Devin Funchess, WR (from IND); Treyvon Hester, DT (from WAS)
Key draft picks: Jordan Love, QB (1st round); AJ Dillon, RB (2nd round)

The Packers have seen their odds slide a bit with the expectation that Tom Brady will officially be a part of the NFC by the start of the league year Wednesday and the news Drew Brees will be back under center for the Saints in 2020, at minimum. Then, Green Bay has lost several important contributors in Martinez, Bulaga and even Graham. Kirksey, a tackling machine in his own right when healthy, could ultimately prove a capable replacement for Martinez, but the former Browns linebacker is coming off two injury-riddled seasons.

The Pack pulled one of the bigger surprises of the first round by moving up to No. 26 to select Love, a move that was apparently unexpected to not just its fanbase, but Aaron Rodgers as well. Dillon was only slightly less of an eyebrow-raiser, much more so for the fact Aaron Jones is already in the fold rather than Dillon’s talent. The fact Green Bay didn’t bother with needs at receiver, tackle and cornerback in the first two days helped earn them a slight drop in SB LV futures odds.

Minnesota Vikings

Super Bowl 55 odds: Opened +2000; Currently +2500
Franchise tag: Anthony Harris, S
Key restricted free agent tender: Eric Wilson, LB (second-round tender)
Key trade departure: Stefon Diggs, WR (to BUF)
Key re-signings: C.J. Ham, FB (four years, $12.25 million); Dan Bailey, K (three years, $10 million); Rashod Hill, OG (one year, $1 million); Dakota Dozier, LT (one year, $1 million); Brett Jones, C (one year, $910K); Ameer Abdullah, RB (one year, $1 million)
Key free agent losses: Stephen Weatherly, DE (to CAR); Trae Waynes, CB (to CIN); Linval Joseph, DT (to LAC); Jayron Kearse, S (to DET); Andrew Sendejo, S (to CLE); Laquon Treadwell, WR (to ATL); Mackensie Alexander, CB (to CIN); Xavier Rhodes, CB (released, subsequently signed by IND)
Key free-agent signings: Michael Pierce, DT (from BAL); Tajae Sharpe, WR (from TEN); Anthony Zettel, DE (from SF)
Key draft picks: Justin Jefferson, WR (1st round); Jeff Gladney, CB (1st round); Ezra Cleveland, OT (2nd round)

The loss of Diggs is naturally the biggest subtraction here. However, the talented but disgruntled receiver would have very likely been more trouble than he was worth in 2020 and beyond, so this could be a case of addition by subtraction. If Minnesota makes good use of the extra first-round pick they’ll get once the trade with Buffalo becomes official, they could certainly turn the move into an unequivocal win for their purposes. The losses of Weatherly and Waynes are tolerable despite fact both players certainly had their moments during their Vikings careers.

Jefferson saw a late rise in his stock and was thought to be one of the more complete wideouts at the top of the draft. He could be an excellent replacement for Stefon Diggs.

Chicago Bears

Super Bowl 55 odds: Opened +3500; Currently +4000
Key re-signings: Danny Trevathan, LB (three years, $24 million); Deon Bush, S (one year, $1.4 million); DeAndre Houston-Carson, LB (one year, $1 million); Brent Urban, DE (one year, $1 million); Isaiah Irving, LB (terms undisclosed); Tyler Bray, QB (one year, $955,000); Sherrick McManis, CB (one year, $1.2 million)
Key trade acquisition: Nick Foles, QB (from JAC)
Key free agent losses: Nick Kwiatkoski, LB (to LV); Chase Daniel, QB (to DET); Nick Williams, DT (to DET); Kevin Pierre-Louis, LB (to WAS); Leonard Floyd, LB (released, subsequently signed by LAR); Cornelius Lucas, OT (to WAS); HaHa Clinton-Dix, S (to DAL); Trey Burton, TE (released, signed by IND); Aaron Lynch, LB (to JAC); Prince Amukamara, CB (to LVR)
Key free-agent signings: Robert Quinn, DE (from DAL); Jimmy Graham, TE (from GB); Jordan Lucas, S (from KC); Demetrius Harris, TE (from CLE); Artie Burns, CB (from PIT); Barkevious Mingo, LB (from HOU); German Ifedi, RT (from SEA); Jason Spriggs, OT (from GB); Tashuan Gipson, S (from CLE); Trevor Davis, WR (from MIA); John Jenkins, DE (from MIA)
Key draft picks: Cole Kmet, TE (2nd round)

Perhaps the biggest surprise here was the Bears prioritizing Trevathan over the younger and more durable Nick Kwiatkoski. There were more losses of solid players on that side of the ball as well in Williams and Pierre-Louis, but the snagging of Quinn from the Cowboys certainly helps make up for the departures to an extent. It remains to been how much Graham has left in the tank, and naturally, if Mitchell Trubisky can’t show marked improvement in 2020, neither Graham nor the rest of his new offensive teammates will enjoy much success. The fact Chicago reportedly made a strong play for Teddy Bridgewater before he went to Carolina certainly doesn’t speak to the franchise’s faith in Trubisky.

The arrival of Foles really makes things interesting, although how much of an upgrade he is over Trubisky remains to be seen. What is certain is Trubisky will be in a heated battle for the starting job this summer.

Detroit Lions

Super Bowl 55 odds: Opened +6600; Currently +6000 (Pre-draft: +6600)
Key re-signings: Miles Killebrew, S (one year, $2 million); Oday Aboushi, OT (one year)
Key trade departure: Darius Slay, CB (to PHI)
Key free agent losses: Ricky Wagner, OT (to GB); Graham Glasgow, OG (to DEN); Devon Kennard, LB (to ARI); J.D. McKissic, RB (to WAS); Logan Thomas, TE (to WAS); A’Shawn Robinson, DT (to LAR); Rashaan Melvin, CB (to JAC); Sam Martin, P (to DEN)
Key free-agent signings: Nick Williams, DT (from CHI); Chase Daniel, QB (from CHI); Jamie Collins, LB (from NE); Halapoulivaati Vaitai, OG (from PHI); Danny Shelton, DT (from NE); Ted Karras, C (from NE); Desmond Trufant, CB (from ATL); Jayron Kearse, S (from MIN); Reggie Ragland, LB (from KC); Elijah Lee, LB (from SF); Geremy Davis, WR (from LAC); Geronimo Allison, WR (from GB); Daryl Roberts, CB (from NYJ); Tony McCrae, CB (from CIN)
Key draft picks: Jeff Okudah, CB (1st round); D’Andre Swift, RB (2nd round)

The Lions went within the division for Williams and Daniel, the latter who’ll simply operate as veteran insurance behind Matthew Stafford. Outside of last season, Stafford had proven unfailingly durable throughout his career, and he’s expected back at full strength this season. Collins is also a pivotal pick-up, considering he’ll reunite with former defensive coordinator Matt Patricia in Motown.

Shelton is another important addition to the Lions’ front seven and former pupil of Patricia who could play a major role in reinforcing the heart of the defense.

Slay’s departure ends the veteran distinguished tenure with the team, but it’s offset by the signing of Trufant, which immediately preceded it. All told, the moves could end up being a wash, considering the two players are similarly talented.

The additions of Okudah and Swift directly upgrade two key areas for the Lions. Detroit will now trot out two shutdown corners with Trufant already in the fold, while Swift and Kerryon Johnson could make for a dynamic duo immediately. A strong group of picks overall earned the Lions a nice bump in futures odds, even as they likely remain a couple of seasons away from seriously pushing for a Super Bowl.

NFC West

San Francisco 49ers

Super Bowl 55 odds: Opened +1000; Currently +1000
Key trade departure: DeForest Buckner, DT (to IND); Matt Breida, RB (to MIA); Marquise Goodwin, WR (to PHI)
Key re-signings: Arik Armstead, DT (five years, $85 million); Jimmie Ward, S (three years, $28.5 million); Jason Verrett, CB (terms undisclosed); Dontae Johnson, CB (one year, $910,000)
Key free agent losses: Levine Toilolo, TE (to NYG); Anthony Zettel, DE (to MIN); Sheldon Day, DT (to IND); Elijah Lee, LB (to DET)
Key free-agent signings: Tom Compton, G (from NYJ); Joe Walker, LB (from ARI); Kerry Hyder, LB (from DAL); Travis Benjamin, WR (from LAC)
Key draft picks: Javon Kinlaw, DT (1st round); Brandon Aiyuk, WR (1st round)

The NFC champs settled on holding on to Armstead and Ward while sacrificing Buckner, who they obviously didn’t feel they’d be able to sign to a new contract. San Fran currently is pressed up tightly against the cap, so the draft is likely to be their biggest source of new talent this offseason. The Niners do bring back the majority of the team that took the league by surprise in 2019, but they are highly likely to lose mid-season trade acquisition Emmanuel Sanders in free agency.

Seattle Seahawks

Super Bowl 55 odds: Opened +2000; Currently +2200
Key restricted free agent tender: Jacob Hollister, TE (second-round tender)
Key re-signings: Jarran Reed, DT (two years, $23 million); Mike Iupati, G (one year); Neiko Thorpe, CB (terms undisclosed); Geno Smith, QB (one year)
Key free agent losses: George Fant, OT (to NYJ); Quinton Jefferson, DE (to BUF); Al Woods, DT (to JAC); German Ifedi, RT (to CHI); D.J. Fluker, OG (to BAL)
Key free-agent signings: Greg Olsen, TE (from CAR); B.J. Finney, OG (from PIT); Bruce Irvin LB (from CAR); Brandon Shell, OT (from NYJ); Cedric Ogbuehi, OT (from JAC); Phillip Dorsett, WR (from NE); Benson Mayowa, DE (from LVR); Carlos Hyde, RB (from HOU)
Key draft picks: Jordyn Brooks, LB (1st round); Colby Parkinson, TE (4th round)

Keeping Reed was integral to the defense’s ability to both stop the run and get after the quarterback. Saddling Hollister with the second-round tender is another prudent move, as combining the emerging tight end with a healthy Will Dissly and savvy vet Olsen could be a major boon for the Seahawks’ passing game. The loss of Fant will have to be addressed, however, but Seattle does have a solid amount of cap room to work with over the rest of the offseason.

Los Angeles Rams

Super Bowl 55 odds: Opened +2200; Currently +3300
Key re-signings: Andrew Whitworth, OT (three years, $30 million); Michael Brockers, DT (three years, $24 million); Donte Deayon, S (terms undisclosed); Morgan Fox, DE (terms undisclosed)
Key trade departure: Brandin Cooks (to HOU)
Key free agent losses: Cory Littleton, LB (to LV); Michael Brockers, LB (to BAL); Dante Fowler, Jr., LB (to ATL); Jojo Natson, WR (to CLE); Todd Gurley, RB (released, subsequently signed by ATL); Marqui Christian, S (to NYJ); Nickell Robey-Coleman, CB (to PHI); Mike Thomas, WR (to CIN); Greg Zuerlein, K (to DAL)
Key free-agent signings: Leonard Floyd, LB (released by CHI); A’Shawn Robinson, DT (from DET)
Key draft picks: Cam Akers, RB (2nd round); Van Jefferson, WR (2nd round)

The Rams currently fall just below league average in cap room and have already lost a couple of solid defensive players, so the start to free agency hasn’t been ideal. There have also been trade rumors surrounding Todd Gurley and Brandin Cooks, while the team also has some key unsigned players as well in the form of Dante Fowler (UPDATE: Fowler has signed with the Falcons) and Greg Zeuerlein. Salary-cap constraints have already coerced L.A. into forgoing the 2020 option on talented slot corner Nickell Robey-Coleman, so it’s little wonder there’s been a drop in the team’s odds since the start of the offseason.

Akers represents good value in the second round and has the talent to at least match the production of the 2019 version of Gurley. He also provides some insurance in the event last year’s third-round pick Darrell Henderson doesn’t develop. Meanwhile, Jefferson, who has been lauded for his polished routes, could step into the team’s base three-receiver sets immediately and might be an upgrade over the 2019 version of Cooks.

Arizona Cardinals

Super Bowl 55 odds: Opened +6600; Currently +5000
Transition tag: Kenyan Drake, RB
Key re-signings: Larry Fitzgerald, WR (one year, $11 million); Chris Banjo, S (one year, $1.2 million)); Brett Hundley, QB (one year); Jonathan Bullard, DE (one year); D.J. Foster, RB (one year, $825,000); Charles Washington, S (one year, $825,000); Max Garcia, OG (one year, $1.25 million); Marcus Gilbert, OT (one year, $1.1 million); Kevin Peterson, CB (terms undisclosed)
Key trade acquisition: DeAndre Hopkins, WR (from HOU)
Key trade departure: David Johnson, RB (to HOU)
Key free agent losses: Damiere Byrd, WR (to NE); Rodney Gunter, DE (to JAC); Pharoh Cooper, WR (to CAR); Joe Walker, LB (to SF); Cassius Marsh, DE (to JAC); Zach Kerr, DT (to CAR); Jeremy Vujnovich, OG (to WAS)
Key free-agent signings: Jordan Phillips, DT (from BUF); Devon Kennard, LB (from DET); De’Vondre Campbell, LB (from ATL); Trevon Coley, DT (from IND); Dylan Cantrell, WR (from LAC)
Key draft picks: Isaiah Simmons, LB (1st round); Josh Jones, OT (3rd round)

If Arizona hangs onto Drake through the transition tag or a new contract, it will have already laid the groundwork for a significantly improved offense in the second year of the Air Raid attack. The ageless Fitzgerald’s re-signing and Christian Kirk’s presence combined with the arrival of Hopkins — whose ability to get open and make plays in the short-to-medium passing windows seemingly make him a perfect fit for the Air Raid’s ball-out-quick philosophy — have already the Cardinals make a significant climb up the futures ladder. Letting Johnson leave town simplifies the crowded backfield and takes the pressure off coach Kliff Kingsbury to have to get him involved. Getting Phillips should also be a significant boost for the team’s run-stopping efforts. The sum total of all offseason transactions to date has the Cards pointing in the right direction.

Kennard’s arrival further strengthens the front seven and also provides a boost to the pass rush — he has 14 sacks combined the last two seasons.

Campbell’s arrival from Atlanta is another step in the right direction for the defense, considering he’s boosted his tackle total in each of his first four seasons and topped out at 129 last season while also recording two sacks, two interceptions, three forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.

Simmons was arguably the most versatile defensive player in the draft and addresses a major need for the Cardinals defense, which needs plenty of guys with non-stop motors given how many plays the pace of Arizona’s Air Raid attack typically facilitates for the opposition. Jones was considered a first-round talent in some circles and therefore represents excellent value in the third round.

How to bet Super Bowl futures

Futures bets

Futures bets are a great way for diehard sports fans to get themselves a little more involved in the upcoming success of their favorite teams and/or players. They can also be a good way for the maligned hometown fan to shift focus a little bit and worry more about the success (or failure) of rival teams.

Fans can put their prediction skills to the test by placing wagers on things such as the Super Bowl 54 champion, division and conference winners, win totals for each team, and individual player awards such as MVP and Offensive and Defensive Rookies of the Year.

Additionally, many books offer over/under lines on certain yardage or touchdown numbers for specific players or head-to-head options between two stars of a shared position. These are often referred to as “specials.”

Odds on certain futures will often be updated throughout the offseason as players change teams or suffer injuries. Once the season starts, odds can change wildly based on injuries, and fast or slow starts with bettors having to know the difference between pretenders and contenders.

There’s nothing like placing a wager on a longshot early in the offseason and watching the year play out in their, and your, favor. It can be ill-advised to bet on a favorite in the offseason with so much time for things to go against them.

How to bet NFL futures

All online sportsbooks come in slightly different layouts, but futures sections are typically in the same general area.

Simply click the “NFL” or “Pro Football” tab on your book of choice. The default screen is generally the Week 1 schedule with all 16 games listed, but in a dropdown menu or separate menu bar, there should be several other options, including futures and specials.

Peruse these sections at your whim, looking for the teams, players, or odds which matter most to you. A wager such as Super Bowl Champions or MVP will have money options listed, whether it be all 32 teams or 30-50 of the league’s biggest stars. Each option will have odds listed next to it.

Betting the New England Patriots to repeat as Super Bowl champions at +700 means a $100 wager returns $700. A safer bet such as the Patriots to win the AFC East comes with diminished -600 odds for a return of $16.67 on a $100 bet.

Win totals and player specials typically come in the form of over/unders on a number set by the sportsbook. Each side of the bet will have odds for any result coming in above or below the line.

Other ways to bet on the Super Bowl

Point Spread

The point spread will be one of the most popular methods of placing a wager on Super Bowl LIV. The point spread is the projected margin of victory set by oddsmakers for the favored team. If a bettor wagers on the favorite to “cover” the point spread, the favorite must not only emerge victorious, but must do so by more than the point spread for the bet to be a winner. If the favorite wins the game but does so by less than the spread – or if it loses the game altogether – the bettor will have lost his/her money wagered.

Moneyline

A moneyline wager is a bet on which team will win the game outright, regardless of margin. A moneyline wager is essentially the same type of bet that has been placed among family and friends for decades. When placed with a sportsbook, a moneyline wager pays winning bets based on the odds attached to the wager.

For example, a moneyline wager on the favorite may carry odds of “-110”, meaning a bettor wins $100 for every $110 wagered. Conversely, a moneyline wager on the underdog may carry odds of “+112”, meaning a bettor wins $112 for every $100 bet.

Total (over/under)

A totals wager is one that hinges on whether the bettor correctly bet the game’s combined final score would finish over or under the number projected by the sportsbook at the time of the wager. For example, say Super Bowl LIV carries a projected total of 49 points. If one wagers the “under” on that figure and the game finishes with a 30-21 final score, the bet is a losing one, since the combined total of that score is 51 points. However, if the game instead finishes 24-21 – a combined score of 45 – then that bet would be a winner.

Player Prop Bets

Player Prop bets are wagers that are based on whether the individual player that’s the subject of the bet falls short of or exceeds certain statistical benchmarks. Sportsbooks typically offer an extensive array of such bets for an event of the magnitude of the Super Bowl. Player prop bets are based on the statistics usually accrued by players at different positions.

For example, a prop bet for a quarterback would be whether the player throws for less or more than 250 yards in the game. For a running back, an example would be whether the player receivers less or more than 20 carries. For a receiver, an available prop wager could be based on whether the player falls below or exceeds a certain number of receptions during the game.

Even non-skill position players such as kickers or even an entire defensive unit can be the subject of prop bets. A standard prop bet for a kicker could be based on whether the player will successfully hit more or less than a certain number of field goals, or whether they will miss an extra point. For a defense, prop bets could be based on whether that unit will give up a certain amount of points, or whether it will score a touchdown on an interception or fumble return.

Player prop bets are most often graded on full-game statistics, but there are also prop bets that are based on statistics accrued during a specific quarter or specific half of a game.

Exotic Prop Bets

Prop bets for major events such as a Super Bowl can also center on outcomes that aren’t based on traditional in-game statistics. For example, a prop bet can be placed on whether the game-opening coin toss comes up as heads or tails or which team will win the toss; the color of the Gatorade that is dumped on the winning team’s coach; and what the jersey number of one of the players who scores during the game might be.

There are even prop wagers based on the two flagship non-sports events associated with the game – the National Anthem and the halftime show. Bettors can place wagers on contingencies such as the length of time of the National Anthem, whether the performer will omit a word, whether a certain celebrity will make an unexpected appearance during the halftime festivities or how many songs will be performed by the halftime act.

Super Bowl MVP

The most prestigious individual Super Bowl-related award is that of Most Valuable Player. While any player is technically eligible for the distinction, the best odds by and far lie with the quarterback position, which has taken home 29 of the 54 MVP awards in Super Bowl history. That outpaces the next closest positions – wide receiver and running back – by 22. Five quarterbacks have won the MVP award on multiple occasions. The Patriots’ Tom Brady leads the way with four. The 49ers’ Joe Montana follows with three. Meanwhile, the Packers’ Bart Starr, the Steelers’ Terry Bradshaw and the Giants’ Eli Manning each garnered two apiece.

Even when a future Hall of Famer like Brady is on the winning side, it’s important to remember there is no such thing as a surefire bet. In last year’s Patriots’ win over the Rams, receiver Julian Edelman earned MVP honors with a 10-reception, 141-yard tally.

Alternate Lines

Alternate lines are those offered by sportsbooks as secondary options to the official point spread that has been set. These lines feature an extensive array of different point spreads for both the favorite and underdog side of the game. These lines typically begin at points well above the number associated with each team in the official game line and range well into the other side of the bet, i.e. allowing for a heavy favorite to be bet as a heavy underdog and vice versa.

To cite an example from last year’s Patriots-Rams Super Bowl matchup, New England entered the game at 2.5-point favorites at many sportsbooks. Alternate lines offered could have included a wagering opportunity on the Rams as seven-point favorites instead. Moreover, that bet would have included a very favorable “price” – the preset ratio at which the bet would pay out – due to the much lower probability of the Rams not only winning, but winning by more than a touchdown.

Live Betting

Live betting offers bettors the opportunity to place wagers on the point spread, moneyline or projected total of a game as odds on each fluctuate depending on the flow of a game. With a live betting option, a bettor doesn’t have to be locked into just the wagers they placed prior to the start of the game or at halftime. Rather, if, for example, the favored team unexpectedly falls behind by a two-touchdown margin in the first half, the bettor can hedge his original wager by investing in a new line with odds that reflect how the game is unfolding.

Teasers

A teaser bet is based on multiple games and enables the bettor to adjust the official point spread anywhere between four and 10 points, depending on sport. For football, the allowable range if six, 6.5 or seven points. For a teaser bet to pay out, each leg of the wager must be a winner.

An example of a teaser bet involving the two conference championship games would be as follows:

• The Chiefs are teased from 7.5-point favorites over the Titans down to 1.5-favorites (six-point tease)
• The 49ers are also teased from 7.5-point favorites over the Packers to 1.5-point favorites

If both Kansas City and San Francisco win their games by at least two points, respectively, the teaser bet is a winner. The appeal of teaser bets is the ability to manipulate the spread, and in the process, significantly increase the odds of the wager being successful.

Where to bet Super Bowl 2021

Super Bowl 55 details

Super Bowl LIV will officially kick off Sunday, Feb. 7 at 6:30 p.m. ET in Tampa, Florida.

The game will be televised through broadcast television on CBS.

Best Super Bowl betting sites and bonuses

Legal sports betting is progressively expanding across the United States.

Bettors should particularly be aware of these sportsbooks:

DraftKings Sportsbook — Available in NJ, PA, IN, NH and WV
FanDuel Sportsbook — Available in NJ, PA, IN and WV
BetMGM — Available in NJ, WV

All three sportsbooks will have a wide selection of special offers and promotions for Super Bowl LV aimed at both first-time and existing customers.

Super Bowl betting tips and strategies

Line shopping and getting the best number

With any purchase, shopping for the best price is advisable. Sports betting is no different. The “prices” associated with sports betting are the odds attached to each wager that determine the payout if the bet is a winner. Other sportsbook-to-sportsbook variables that are important for a better to also be conscious of include possible differences in the point spread and projected total posted for a particular game.

The original lines set by oddsmakers when a game is first posted can often be the “sharpest”, i.e. most difficult to consistently beat over time. Therefore, the biggest edge can often come from waiting things out and seeing what way the betting public’s wagers move a point spread as a game draws closer. Factors such as faulty “groupthink” can sometimes alter a team’s projected advantage to the extent it creates a tangible edge for a sharp bettor.

One caveat about the Super Bowl is that no one NFL game sees its line affected more by “sharp money.” Therefore, line movement for this particular game is often the byproduct of bets placed based on an effective process more than any other during the season.

Fading the public

The strategy of betting against the most popular side of a bet can pay off on occasion. However, it’s not a strategy that’s necessarily advisable to be utilized with great frequency. But, as discussed in the prior section, there are certain instances when the general public’s infatuation with a certain team’s reputation (or in some cases, even certain superstar players such as Brady) can lead to a notable amount of money being wagered on that team. In turn, the line could move to a point where a team is favored by an increasingly unrealistic amount of points.

By “fading the public” in such an instance, a bettor could exploit the situation and place a winning bet on the underdog to slide in under the spread. The same could hold true for a projected total that gets bet up to a certain level due to the offensive reputations of one or both of the teams.

Using advanced metrics

While many bettors likely put only a modest amount of what could accurately be termed “research” before placing a wager, there’s certainly no shortage of metrics available to be evaluated for those who wish to avail themselves. For team-based wagers such as moneylines, point spreads and projected totals, bettors can review the history of each team’s performance in each category.

However, where advanced metrics can be particularly helpful is when making individual- or team-based prop wagers. Statistical trends can certainly help a bettor make an informed decision on whether a certain receiver is likely to exceed a certain amount of catches versus a certain opponent’s defense, for example. The same could apply to countless other such prop wagers, such as a quarterback reaching the 300-yard threshold and a running back eclipsing the 100-yard mark, to cite just two other examples.

A good example for the Super Bowl LIV matchup between the Chiefs and 49ers would involve San Francisco star tight end George Kittle. Say a sportsbook offers a prop wager on Kittle making over/under five catches. A bettor evaluating this wager may go with the Over when considering Kansas City faced the second-most tight end targets (141) in the league this past season and tied for the third-most catches (96) allowed to the position.

Middling

“Middling” a game is defined as a bettor placing wagers on both sides of the contest. Football is considered the most popular sport to utilize this strategy. Because it involves placing more than one wager on a game, middling can be a strategy that’s rarely used by novice bettors. However, it ironically helps mitigate the risk involved by significantly upping the chances of one of the two bets being a winner.

Middling is typically made possible when there is notable line movement on a game within a week. Using an example from the Super LIV Chiefs-49ers matchup, hypothetically, say Kansas City opened up as a three-point favorite. A bettor initially places a wager on this line, but over the course of the two weeks, the line is bet up even further to a seven-point projected advantage for KC. That same bettor then places a bet on the 49ers +7, i.e. San Francisco to lose by six points or less or win outright.

In this example, the bettor is a winner if either:

• The Chiefs win by four points or more.
• The 49ers lose by six points or less or win outright.

Taking advantage of free bets and promotions

Legal, regulated sportsbooks typically offer a variety of enticing promotions, for both first-time and existing customers. Those offers are even more prominent for an event the magnitude of the Super Bowl. Bettors should therefore be on the lookout for such offers as soon as the participants for Super Bowl LIV are decided in this coming weekend’s conference championship games.

Examples of special offers and promotions include:

• Risk-free bets up to a certain amount. This year, DraftKings Sportsbook offering first-time depositors up to $500 worth of risk-free bets on the game by matching a first bet up to $500. New accounts will also get $25 in free bets just for signing up — no deposit necessary!
• Special odds boosts on certain wagers.
• A variety of potential special offers involving prop bets, parlays, teasers and other bet types.

Where can I bet on the Super Bowl legally?

Those physically located within a total of 13 states will have the option of placing wagers on Super Bowl LIV at a legal, regulated sportsbook. Of those jurisdictions, eight of them offer bettors the option of placing a bet through either a sportsbook’s website/mobile wagering app or its physical retail location. Another five currently only allow wagering at physical sportsbooks.

By Super Bowl LV in February 2021, at least seven additional states – Illinois, Montana, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Tennessee, North Carolina, Michigan and Colorado — should have legal sports betting options available. That number is expected to increase based on a certain amount of sports betting bills across the country gaining passage during 2020.

The following states already offer both online and retail sports betting options:

Indiana
Iowa
New Hampshire
New Jersey
Nevada
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
West Virginia

The following states currently only offer retail sports betting options:

Arkansas
Delaware
Mississippi
New Mexico
New York

How much money is wagered on the Super Bowl?

The Super Bowl is annually the most lucrative single-event sports betting opportunity. The American Gaming Association (AGA) estimated bets on this year’s Chiefs-49ers game (Super Bowl LIII) will reach approximately $6.8 billion worldwide in both legal and illegal wagers.

At many sportsbooks, proposition bets constitute more than half of the wagers and amount placed for the Super Bowl. With the ongoing expansion of legalized, regulated sports wagering across the United States, the total “handle” – the cumulative amount wagered on the game – should continue to edge upward for several years based solely on the increase in legal betting opportunities for sports fans. For this year’s Super Bowl LIV, those physically located within 13 states will have access to either online and/or retail sports betting (a physical sportsbook) for the big game.

Who is favored to win the 2021 Super Bowl?

The Kansas City Chiefs opened as the betting favorites in the 2020-21 season at +700 odds, followed by the San Francisco 49ers and Baltimore Ravens at +800. Click here for a complete look at the early 2021 Super Bowl odds.