As the 2024 NFL season approaches the midway point, the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs have solidified their position as the team to beat in the quest for Super Bowl LIX. Fresh off a convincing victory over the San Francisco 49ers, Patrick Mahomes and company remain the betting favorites to hoist the Lombardi Trophy in New Orleans come February.
Chiefs Lead Super Bowl Contenders
At 6-0, the Chiefs boast the league’s most high-powered offense led by the dynamic duo of Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce. Kansas City’s odds to repeat as champions currently stand at +425, putting them comfortably ahead of their key AFC rivals.
Ravens, Bills Round Out Top AFC Threats
Right on the Chiefs’ heels are the Baltimore Ravens (+700) and Buffalo Bills (10-1). The Ravens have ridden a resurgent season from Lamar Jackson to first place in the rugged AFC North. Meanwhile, Josh Allen has the Bills sitting atop the AFC East as he makes his case for MVP honors.
The Chiefs look like a juggernaut, but I wouldn’t count out the Ravens or Bills just yet. Both those teams are built for January football.
Anonymous NFL scout
Lions Roar Into NFC Contention
The surprise story in the NFC has been the emergence of the Detroit Lions (+700) as legitimate contenders. Led by a ferocious defense and a potent ground game, the Lions have already knocked off the Packers and Eagles to announce their presence in a wide-open conference.
49ers Slip After Week 7 Stumble
One NFC heavweight that saw its odds take a hit was the San Francisco 49ers (+850). A narrow loss to the Chiefs on the road exposed some cracks in Kyle Shanahan’s squad. However, with Christian McCaffrey and a fierce pass rush, the Niners still have all the ingredients for a deep playoff run.
Odds Movement After Week 7
- The New York Jets saw their odds to win it all drop from 40-1 to 50-1 after a tough Sunday night loss to the Steelers
- The Pittsburgh Steelers jumped from 50-1 to 40-1 thanks to impressive debut by rookie QB Russell Wilson
- The San Francisco 49ers fell from +700 to +850 after coming up short against the Chiefs at Arrowhead
As the season unfolds, some intriguing long shots are lurking if you’re looking for value on the futures board:
- Seattle Seahawks (40-1): Geno Smith has this team competing for a wild card spot in a stacked NFC West
- New York Jets (50-1): Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams still have time to figure things out and go on a run
- Jacksonville Jaguars (150-1): Trevor Lawrence is blossoming into a star in Doug Pederson’s QB-friendly system
As the NFL reaches its halfway point, the true contenders are starting to separate themselves from the pretenders. Will the Chiefs’ reign continue or will a new king be crowned in The Big Easy? Bet on the excitement ahead as the road to Super Bowl LIX takes more thrilling turns in the weeks to come.
