Ricky Dimon
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It’s never too early to start thinking about next season’s Super Bowl, so that time is now. On the heels of two memorable Super Bowls, LIII earlier this month left a lot to be desired. A grand total of 16 points were scored as Tom Brady and Bill Belichick won their sixth title with the New England Patriots’ 13-3 victory over the Los Angeles Rams. Will the Patriots and Rams make it back to the promised land and put on a more entertaining show in 2020, or will we get some variety? Let’s take a look at the Super Bowl LIV Early Odds and Predictions.
New England Patriots +650
Brady and Belchick are coming back. What else do you need? Well, a return by tight end Rob Gronkowski would be nice, but it remains to be seen what one of the all-time best at his position will do. Regardless, New England’s offense is set up nicely with Brady, Super Bowl MVP Julian Edelman at receiver, and a young running back in Sony Michel—who scored the only touchdown of the game against the Rams. Perhaps most important is the fact that the Patriots still reside in the otherwise atrocious AFC East, so they are virtual lock to win their division and enjoy yet another home game in the playoffs. No other team in football has that kind of automatic luxury.
Los Angeles Rams +700
It’s not like the Rams are in a completely loaded division, themselves, but at the same time they are by no means a shoe-in in the NFC West. San Francisco and Arizona will most likely still stink, while Seattle could be a factor. As for Los Angeles, it’s why this squad is favored not only in its division but also in the entire NFC. Despite whatever happened to Todd Gurley down the stretch this past season, he is the best running back in the NFL when healthy. Additionally, quarterback Jared Goff was in the MVP discussion midway through the 2018 campaign. Moreover, a dominant defensive front will once again feature Aaron Donald and Ndamukong Suh.
Kansas City Chiefs +700
The Chiefs were an overtime away from representing the AFC in Super Bowl LIII. They wouldn’t have even required overtime if Dee Ford simply hadn’t lined up in the neutral zone. Whatever the case, reigning NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes will be under center for years to come. But Kansas City needs to find some kind of consistency on defense if it wants to become he best team in the league.
New Orleans Saints +750
It would be fair to argue that the Super Bowl should have been Chiefs vs. Saints. Kansas City probably should have been in it and New Orleans definitely should have been in it. As victims of one of the worst no-calls in postseason history, the Saints have now suffered two heartbreaking playoff losses in two years (they previously victimized themselves with their last-play defensive gaffe in Minnesota). With a little bit more luck, Drew Brees may have at least one more run left in him.
Los Angeles Chargers +1200
Philip Rivers is also in the twilight of his career, but—not unlike Brady and Brees—he is still playing awesome football. The Chargers were the best they have ever been in the Rivers era this past season but were simply overmatched by Brady and company in the playoffs. The Chargers may need to get some help from New England and Kansas City, but this is a team that can pounce if those two powerhouses falter.
Best value bet
Of the aforementioned group, Kansas City at +700 may be the best play. If New England finally starts faltering (admittedly, it’s a big “if”), the Chiefs seem like the obvious favorites to assume the torch in the AFC. Rivers doesn’t have many more chances left with the Chargers and the rest of the conference looks unspectacular. As for some dark horses, don’t overlook the Eagles at +1800 and the Falcons at +3300. Philadelphia may be in the mix if Carson Wentz stays healthy, while Atlanta’s talent is undeniable but it was an injury-plagued disaster in 2018.
