The 2017 Super Bowl may not have taken place yet, but as football fans and NFL gaming enthusiasts everywhere already know, it’s never too early to look to the future. Thanks to the fun-filled analysis that you’re about to get on eight Super Bowl 52 betting longshot contenders, you could cash in way bigger next season than you ever imagined.
The Fins (10-6) had a surprisingly solid season in head coach Adam Gase’s first season in South Beach by winning 10 games and reaching the postseason for the first time in a decade. While Miami was bounced out of the postseason by Pittsburgh in the wild card round, the Dolphins have plenty of upside heading into next season and could very well surpass the wild card run they made this season.
Cincinnati Bengals 60/1
After making five straight playoff appearances, the Bengals (6-9) missed the playoffs last season as they battled injuries, complacency and some declining roster talent. Nevertheless, I think Cincinnati is a good pick to rebound in 2017 mostly because they’ve still got talent at quarterback and the skill positions, not to mention a defensive-minded head coach that knows how to win games no matter what you think about his team’s underachieving ways.
Los Angeles Chargers 75/1
Not only will the Chargers (5-11) be moving to Los Angeles for the 2017 season, but the Bolts could also be one of the best longshot title contenders on the board next season after adding former Redskins offensive coordinator Scott McVay to lead them in a new direction next season. The Bolts were downright explosive offensively this season and could surpass expectations if McVay is able to help them improve a defense that was absolutely horrible this season.
Tennessee Titans 50/1
Tennessee (9-7) managed to win an impressive nine games this season and might have reached the playoffs were it not for the late-season injury to gifted starting quarterback Marcus Mariota. The Titans have a powerful rushing attack that will only improve as Derrick Henry continues his indoctrination into the NFL and Mariota looked every part the franchise signal-caller he was expected to be when drafted No. 2 overall two years ago. If the Titans can improve a defense that was mediocre at best, they could surprise in 2017.
The Eagles (7-9) fell apart a bit after a hot start in head coach Doug Pederson’s first season, but still managed to win seven games. More importantly, the Birds have found the answer to every franchise’s biggest question by drafting athletically-gifted quarterback Carson Wentz with the second overall pick in the draft. If the Eagles can improve their receiving corps and address a defense that was underwhelming on its best day, they could surprise next season.
Arizona Cardinals 30/1
The Cardinals (7-8-1) may have missed out on a playoff berth this season, but they’ve still got a great head coach in Bruce Arians and arguably the best offensive player in the game today in dual-threat running back David Johnson. If Arizona can get back to playing dominant defense next season and aging quarterback Carson Palmer can turn back the hands of time once more, I see no reason why Arizona won’t contend for a playoff berth or more.
Detroit Lions 70/1 The Lions (9-7) may be a flawed team, but they still managed to reach the playoffs this season and they could very well do so again next season if they get another stupendous campaign from veteran quarterback Matt Stafford and improve a defense that was basically nonexistent for the vast majority of the season.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 40/1
Like the Tennessee Titans, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7), both, won nine games and more importantly, got it right, by quarterback drafting Jameis Winston with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2015 NFL draft. Now, after winning nine games and coming up just short of reaching the playoffs, the sky’s the limit for Winston and the Bucs. Some improvements are needed on the defensive side of the ball and Winston could use another big-time wide receiver, but again, things are looking up in Tampa Bay.
Here’s A Closer Look At The NFL Futures Odds Analysis And Longshots In Super Bowl 52
AFC Longshots
Miami Dolphins 40/1The Fins (10-6) had a surprisingly solid season in head coach Adam Gase’s first season in South Beach by winning 10 games and reaching the postseason for the first time in a decade. While Miami was bounced out of the postseason by Pittsburgh in the wild card round, the Dolphins have plenty of upside heading into next season and could very well surpass the wild card run they made this season.
Cincinnati Bengals 60/1
After making five straight playoff appearances, the Bengals (6-9) missed the playoffs last season as they battled injuries, complacency and some declining roster talent. Nevertheless, I think Cincinnati is a good pick to rebound in 2017 mostly because they’ve still got talent at quarterback and the skill positions, not to mention a defensive-minded head coach that knows how to win games no matter what you think about his team’s underachieving ways.
Los Angeles Chargers 75/1
Not only will the Chargers (5-11) be moving to Los Angeles for the 2017 season, but the Bolts could also be one of the best longshot title contenders on the board next season after adding former Redskins offensive coordinator Scott McVay to lead them in a new direction next season. The Bolts were downright explosive offensively this season and could surpass expectations if McVay is able to help them improve a defense that was absolutely horrible this season.
Tennessee Titans 50/1
Tennessee (9-7) managed to win an impressive nine games this season and might have reached the playoffs were it not for the late-season injury to gifted starting quarterback Marcus Mariota. The Titans have a powerful rushing attack that will only improve as Derrick Henry continues his indoctrination into the NFL and Mariota looked every part the franchise signal-caller he was expected to be when drafted No. 2 overall two years ago. If the Titans can improve a defense that was mediocre at best, they could surprise in 2017.
NFC Longshots
Philadelphia Eagles 45/1The Eagles (7-9) fell apart a bit after a hot start in head coach Doug Pederson’s first season, but still managed to win seven games. More importantly, the Birds have found the answer to every franchise’s biggest question by drafting athletically-gifted quarterback Carson Wentz with the second overall pick in the draft. If the Eagles can improve their receiving corps and address a defense that was underwhelming on its best day, they could surprise next season.
Arizona Cardinals 30/1
The Cardinals (7-8-1) may have missed out on a playoff berth this season, but they’ve still got a great head coach in Bruce Arians and arguably the best offensive player in the game today in dual-threat running back David Johnson. If Arizona can get back to playing dominant defense next season and aging quarterback Carson Palmer can turn back the hands of time once more, I see no reason why Arizona won’t contend for a playoff berth or more.
Detroit Lions 70/1 The Lions (9-7) may be a flawed team, but they still managed to reach the playoffs this season and they could very well do so again next season if they get another stupendous campaign from veteran quarterback Matt Stafford and improve a defense that was basically nonexistent for the vast majority of the season.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 40/1
Like the Tennessee Titans, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7), both, won nine games and more importantly, got it right, by quarterback drafting Jameis Winston with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2015 NFL draft. Now, after winning nine games and coming up just short of reaching the playoffs, the sky’s the limit for Winston and the Bucs. Some improvements are needed on the defensive side of the ball and Winston could use another big-time wide receiver, but again, things are looking up in Tampa Bay.
