NFL 2012 Futures Odds to Win Super Bowl 46 | SB XLVI
We’re more or less a third of the way through the 2011 NFL season. It’s been full of surprises, to say the least, and the futures odds have shifted dramatically. Let’s explore the top Super Bowl contenders, risers and fallers.
TOP CONTENDERS
Green Bay Packers
Super Bowl odds: +250
The Green Bay Packers are the obvious choice for top Super Bowl odds, as they’re still undefeated in 2011. Though their pass defense has been suspect at times, the Pack have more or less made it look frighteningly easy. Aaron Rodgers is having a season for the ages under center. Green Bay broke a sweat against New Orleans and Carolina in Weeks 1 and 2 but hasn’t really since. 
New England Patriots
Super Bowl odds: +400
Like the Pack, the New England Patriots will have to answer questions about their suspect pass defense sooner or later, but they’ll continue to win games as long as Tom Brady takes the field. It seems no one has an answer when Brady throws to Wes Welker, Rob Gronkowski or Aaron Hernandez.
Baltimore Ravens
Super Bowl odds: +700
I would call the Ravens the most under-the-radar of the main Super Bowl contenders. Joe Flacco hasn’t broken through to a new echelon of production but Ray Rice has been a force in the backfield and Baltimore’s defense is dominant as ever. Haloti Ngata has the inside track on Defensive Player of the Year honors.
STOCK RISING
Detroit Lions
Super Bowl odds: +1200
Obviously, the Lions’ odds have improved dramatically since we last took stock this summer. I still expect their defense to take its lumps here and there despite its overall talent but the Lions are in great shape to make the playoffs. Don’t expect Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson to slow down anytime soon. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
San Francisco 49ers
Super Bowl odds: +1500
Shouldn’t the Niners’ odds be better than the Lions’ after they beat them yesterday? Jim Harbaugh is working magic with this group. San Fran’s defense has emerged as a unit no one wants to face.
Buffalo Bills
Super Bowl odds: +2500
The Bills’ narrow loss to the Giants is their second in the last three games. At 4-2, they boast a playoff-caliber offense but a very beatable defense. We should expect many more exciting games out of this team but the postseason is hardly a lock yet.
STOCK FALLING
Philadelphia Eagles
Super Bowl odds: +2000
There’s still hope for Philly at 2-4 but the Eagles have to string multiple wins together to re-enter the Super Bowl contender discussion. Their remaining schedule is a mixed bag of winnable matchups (Cardinals, Seahawks, Dolphins) and tough ones (Giants, Patriots, Cowboys).
New York Jets
Super Bowl odds: +2500
We can’t take the Jets seriously as a Super Bowl contender again until they show they can move the ball on offense. Entering the Monday nighter, they’re 29th in the league, including 31st in rushing offense. The Jets have an uphill climb to the playoffs with games against San Diego, Buffalo (twice), New England, Philly and the Giants looming.
Atlanta Falcons
Super Bowl odds: +3000
The Falcons were talked up as a serious contender entering the 2011 season but have already equalled 2010’s loss total and look generally mediocre all over the field. Matt Ryan needs better protection if he wants to take Atlanta’s offense to new heights.
