NFL Teams to Bet On Heading Into Training Camp
The ball is still in Tom Brady’s court heading into 2018. The Patriots enter training camp as the league favorites to repeat.
It’s that time of year again. Training camp has officially begun for a number of NFL teams. Which means the regular season is only seven weeks away. Which means we’ve got some things to discuss — namely, which teams are worth your money this coming year? Earlier this week, we discussed four NFL defenses worth your bet. Tonight we’re going to talk about playoff and Super Bowl contenders. So without any further ado here are five teams you’ll want to keep your eye on in 2018:
Top NFL teams heading into training camp
Kansas City Chiefs
After going 12-4 and faltering in the divisional round against the Steelers last year, the Chiefs have made some pivotal decisions in the offseason — namely, the release of Jeremy Maclin and the departure of John Dorsey. They also parted with Dontari Poe, a huge force in the middle defensively, and veteran running back Jamaal Charles. On top of that, they drafted Alex Smith’s eventual replacement and signed Eric Berry to a monstrous contract. With most of their defense still firmly intact and a do-enough offense, they should fare as well in 2018.
Odds to win the Super Bowl: 25 – 1
Oakland Raiders
The Raiders suffered a huge blow at season’s end in 2017 with the loss of Derek Carr. To that point, he had led the black and silver to their best season in a long time. The moment he went down was the moment their season came to a crashing, disappointing halt. This offseason they lost their star running back Latavius Murray — and picked up veteran bruiser Marshawn Lynch. How much gas he has left in the tank remains to be seen. But with the addition of TE Jared Cook and the huge contract extension for Carr, the Raiders have a legitimate shot at winning the AFC West this year.
Odds to win the Super Bowl: 12 – 1
Green Bay Packers
The Packers went 10-6 last year with a late season surge that got them all the way to the NFC Championship. This offseason, they lost some serious talent, including Jared Cook, James Starks, and Eddie Lacy. They did however pick up solid TE Martellus Bennett as a replacement. Unfortunately they still have some big holes throughout the lineup. But they’ve also got Aaron Rodgers. And he might be all the Packers need to make a long playoff run in 2018.
Odds to win the Super Bowl: 10 – 1
Dallas Cowboys
Last year’s Cinderella team might be this year’s Lombardi winners if they get their way. They went 13-3 in 2017 with arguably the most magical campaign we’ve seen in years. Due in no small part to Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott, the Cowboys are positioned for another dominant season in 2018. Their biggest offseason loss was CB Brandon Carr. I wouldn’t call the loss of Tony Romo major in any way. If anything it’ll take some unnecessary pressure off Prescott. Look for the Boys to repeat their successes this year.
Odds to win the Super Bowl: 8 – 1
New England Patriots
The defending NFL Champs are still number 1 on everyone’s list in 2018. Which should come as no surprise. Tom Brady seems to be getting strangely better with age. He’s like a good whiskey. But there’s a limit to his love. The end might be near for the 39 year-old. In the mean time, they’re still the favorite to win it all again this year. They may have lost LaGarrette Blount but they picked up Mike Gillislee from the Bills — he’s a promising young back for a team that loves hard nosed running. With the addition of deep threat receiver Brandin Cooks and TE Dwayne Allen, they’ve had themselves a nice offseason. There’s even talk of a perfect season in 2018.
Odds to win the Super Bowl: 3 – 1
