With the 2014 NFL season kicking off in just 72 hours, now’s a good time to take a look at BETDAQ’s Super Bowl “win” market and see if there’s some value to be found.
Below are a few of my recommendations, and if you’d prefer to hear it straight from the mouth of a classy, well-spoken, clean-shaven, witty, reasoned, prescient, devilishly handsome gentleman– you’ll have to check out some other site. Here we have an obnoxious schlub who whistles through the graveyard while blithely attempting to predict the future: Me. Video is below.
*Note- all recommendations are to Back, though there are some interesting Lay options as well (ahem, San Francisco)
Best Bets
New England Patriots (8/1)
The Patriots have established themselves as the NFL’s most consistent winner, but it’s been nine years since they last hoisted the Lombardi Trophy and Tom Brady certainly isn’t getting any younger. That being said, I think they have an excellent opportunity to get the job done this season and I’m not scared off by the short odds (for what it’s worth, our ‘short odds’ selection last year was Seattle. You knew I had to mention that, right?). The defense was upgraded in the offseason and should be reminiscent of the Belichick defenses of yesteryear, while the ever-reliable Brady will ensure that the offense is one of the league’s best once again. Throw in a manageable schedule and a weak division and you have a team that’s worthy of investment.
New Orleans Saints (11/1)
With an elite offense, a defense that surprised everybody last season, and a home-field advantage that’s unmatched leaguewide (with apologies to Seattle, it’s true), the Saints have all the necessary pieces for a Super Bowl run. Not many people realize that New Orleans was the only team in the NFL to rank in the top-4 in both total offense and total defense in 2013, a feat that’s all the more remarkable when you consider just how bad the defense was in 2012 (pre-Rob Ryan). The addition of Pro Bowl safety Jarius Byrd should make the secondary even stronger, and nobody has figured out how to stop the offense since Sean Payton and Drew Brees teamed up back in 2006. This team is a bargain at 11/1.
Longshots
Pittsburgh Steelers (33/1)
Most observers seem to think the Steelers will take a step back this season, but don’t be surprised if Mike Tomlin’s crew wins the AFC North and plays deep into January. They should have the best offense of the Ben Roethlisberger era, and it’s tough for me to be too concerned about a Dick LeBeau-coached defense that features players like Cameron Heyward, Lawrence Timmons, and Jason Worilds. There are questions in the secondary, but the odds are long enough to make the Steelers a worthwhile bet.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (80/1)
If you’re feeling adventurous and looking for a team with odds greater than 50/1, you might want to consider Tampa Bay. Now, do I expect the Bucs to win the Super Bowl? Of course not. However, they will be much better than they were last season, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. First-year coach Lovie Smith churned out quality defenses every year at his previous stops in Chicago and St. Louis, and he has some elite young talent in Tampa. If journeyman quarterback Josh McCown can capitalize on his long-awaited chance to be “the man” and perform at a high level, the Bucs have a chance to really surprise some people. I wouldn’t bet the farm on it, but at 80/1 it may be worth emptying the coin jar.
Did you know that as well as checking the realtime prices on BETDAQ below – you can also log into your account and place your bets directly into BETDAQ from BETDAQ TIPS.
