From Holly Holm’s stunning UFC win over Rhonda Rousey to Roberta Vinci’s equally-shocking victory over Serena Williams at the 2015 U.S. Open, if you like longshots and the value-packed NFL betting odds that they always offer, then you’re in for a treat as I highlight the top six longshot contenders to upset the entire apple cart and win Super Bowl 50.
With that said, let’s rock and roll!
What once looked like a seriously promising season went right down the drain with Andy Dalton’s late-season thumb injury. Now, the Bengals (12-4) are trying to win in the postseason with a quarterback that has not been able to put more than 17 points on the board in three straight starts to close out the regular season. Sorry Charlie, it’s not gonna’ happen for the Bengals – again!
Kansas City Chiefs 25-1
With a defense that ranked nth in points allowed (17.9 ppg) and an underrated offense that ranked ninth in scoring (25.3 ppg), I believe the Kansas City Chiefs (11-5) are the No. 1 pick to cash in against their longshot Super Bowl 50 odds! The fact of the matter is that I wouldn’t put anything past the Chiefs this season and you shouldn’t either!
Green Bay Packers 30-1
The injury-ravaged Green Bay Packers are a mess right now, NFL gridiron gamers! Aaron Rodgers and company lost their last two regular season games and come into the postseason having dropped six of their final nine games overall. Maybe it’s me, but that doesn’t sound like a Super Bowl champion waiting to happen.
Green Bay has been plagued with injuries this season.
Minnesota Vikings 30-1
The Minnesota Vikings had a very good season to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2012 and they’re very good defensively where they ranked fifth in points allowed (18.9 ppg). Unfortunately, the Vikings are just mediocre on offense and that will be their downfall. Minnesota ranked a modest 16th in scoring during the regular season (22.8 ppg) but that’s because of the incomparable Adrian Peterson. The Vikes finished 31st in passing under enigmatic quarterback Teddy Bridgewater’s guidance.
Washington Redskins 40-1
Okay… after ripping him virtually all season long, I have to admit that Washington’s Kirk Cousins has been pretty damned good this season. The former backup to RG3 has helped the Skins finish 10th in scoring (24.2 ppg), though I suspect Washington’s mediocre 17th-ranked scoring defense (23.7 ppg) will be its downfall.
Houston Texans 60-1
The Texans are very good defensively where they ranked eighth in points allowed (19.6 ppg) but they’re as offensively-challenged as any team in the playoffs this season. Houston averaged 21.2 points per game this season, mostly under veteran quarterback Brian Hoyer and that just doesn’t strike fear into anyone’s heart. I’m thinking the Texans are good for a one-and-done postseason ride!
