Updated Super Bowl 51 Odds: Favorite, Smart Pick and Longshot
Posted by Eric Williams on Thursday,November 10, 2016 7:04, EDT in
With the 2016 NFL regular season steamrolling toward its annual stretch run and gridiron gaming enthusiasts everywhere looking to increase the annual betting bankroll, this expert look at the most recent updated Super Bowl 51 odds is sure to please.
Here is a look at the favorite, my smart pick and top longshot to win Super Bowl 51.
Here’s A Closer Look At The Updated Super Bowl 51 Odds: Favorite, Smart Pick and Longshot
The Favorite To Win Super Bowl 51
New England Patriots (2/1)
Whether you love the Patriots or loathe them with every fiber in your being, the fact of the matter is that the Pats are a perennial powerhouse – and this year is no different – even when future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady gets suspended for four games. The New England Patriots are currently a near-perfect 7-1 and ranked sixth in scoring (27.1 ppg) and an even more impressive second in points allowed (16.5 ppg).
Brady is completing blistering 63.7 percent of his passes with a dozen touchdown and zero interceptions in four starts. The Pats will win the AFC East once again and likely earn a bye in the AFC playoffs, where they’ll likely be a home favorite over their first opponent. However, I believe there’s still a bit of hope for the Patriots’ conference counterparts. While a shot in the AFC title game is starting to look like a virtual lock to me, New England’s downfall could be a defense that ranks in the middle third across the board – except points allowed.
The Smart Pick To Win Super Bowl 51
Seattle Seahawks (9/1)
The Seahawks (5-2-1 SU, 3-4-1 ATS) got off to a slow start that had fans and bettors everywhere wondering whether or not they were going to be real contenders this season, but Russell Wilson and company are starting to look very dangerous as a possible Super Bowl 51 contender. The Seahawks are third in points allowed (16.7 ppg) and Richard Sherman and company are looking almost as stingy as ever despite ranking 19th in total defense, 10th against the pass and 12th against the run.
Like the Patriots however, Seattle isn’t completely without any blemishes. The Seahawks are ranked an uninspiring 26th in total offense and 30th in rushing in their first season without former star Marshawn Lynch. The good news is that Seattle throws the ball more now with the offense centered on the talents of the gifted Russell Wilson and that’s been a solid move with Seattle’s passing attack ranking 13th overall.
The Longshot To Win Super Bowl 51
Kansas City Chiefs (15/1)
At 15/1 the Kansas City Chiefs fit the bill as a longshot, since no one is really expecting them to challenge for much other than a playoff appearance. I know the Chiefs aren’t very glamorous and that a lot of folks would probably prefer their AFC rivals, the Oakland Raiders as their longshot pick to win it all, but I like the Chiefs for several reasons.
Kansas City has a steady veteran quarterback in Alex Smith that will not hurt his team with costly turnovers and just enough talent at the skill positions to hurt their opponents, though they are by no means, an explosive offensive team. While the Chiefs average a respectable 23.1 points per game to rank 15th in scoring, Kansas City is also well above average defensively. Led by perennial Pro Bowlers, Tamba Hali, Justin Houston and Marcus Peters, the Chiefs limit the opposition to just 18.8 points per game to rank eighth in points allowed.
Kansas City has been a perennial playoff participant under veteran head coach in Andy Reid and could well exceed expectations, even if they don’t get the national ‘love’ of some other longshot title contenders.
