After repairing their offensive line the Kansas City Chiefs are the favorites to win Super Bowl LVI at +575, closely followed by defending champions Tampa Bay at +600.
S&HR had identified the following 5 teams as potential champions on Sunday, February 13, 2022 with prices starting at +1600 and going as high as +5000:
Cleveland Browns +1600
A ridiculous targeting non-call quite possibly cost the Browns a surprise victory at Kansas City earlier this year in the divisional round. Newcomers John Johnson and Greg Newsome II should shore up a shaky secondary, while Jadaveon Clowney joins all-world talent Myles Garrett up front to hopefully improve a defense ranked 21st in the league last season. With the Browns finally winning a playoff game and coming so close in KC, is this finally their year to go all the way?
Indianapolis Colts +2500
Carson Wentz is reunited with Frank Reich in Indianapolis,and they also added LT Erich Fisher to protect his blindside. Most of this will come down to how well Wentz (S&HR’s pick for comeback player of the year) recovers from a depressing effort in 2020 - an effort so bad the Eagles simply traded him away for a 3rd and 2nd (possible 1st) rounder. Wentz is working on his lower body mechanics in the offseason so it will be interesting to see how he rebounds.
Tennessee Titans +2500
Julio Jones and Josh Reynolds arrive to help on the offensive side, while the defense gains Denico Autry, Bud Dupree, Janoris Jenkins, and Caleb Farley. A disappointing early exit at home vs Baltimore last year could be wiped out with a big playoff run this season. Kicker is a position of concern after finishing last in 2019 in FG success rate and second to last in 2020. Steve Gostkowski remains unsigned but has stated he is not retiring so the competition is between Tucker McCann and Blake Haubeil - neither of whom have any NFL experience whatsoever.
Los Angeles Chargers +3300
Losing so many close games in 2020 cost coach Anthony Lynn his job after 4 years at the helm. New coach Brandon Staley takes over after 1 year as the Rams defensive coordinator - a year in which he helped the Rams defense lead the league in points and total yards allowed. Anyone who watched Justin Herbert last season knows he is a special talent. Probably too soon for this team but the 33-1 odds make this an attractive choice.
Las Vegas Raiders +5000
The Raiders beefed up their defensive line and receiver corps in free agency which means HC Gruden may not have to appear so constipated this year. Derek Carr was the 11th rated QB by total QBR in 2020, largely silencing the critics. This is a longshot but teams that have moved to new cities for some reason often seem to reach/win a Super Bowl not too long after moving. Worth a few dollars wagered at 50-1.
JHK
