It has been an unprecedented offseason but it looks like the 2020 National Football League season will go ahead as scheduled.
This is great news for American football fans who have been missing their weekly NFL fix on a Sunday. As we enter the 2020 NFL season, the ultimate objective for all 32 teams is to win the Super Bowl.
The odds are against some of last year’s strugglers but there are plenty of dark horses who could be worth chancing in NFL tips ahead of the opening weekend.
Super Bowl - Dark Horses
The Cleveland Browns were the hype team going into the 2019 NFL campaign. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are that team this time around. Can Tom Brady lead the Bucs to a first Super Bowl since the 2002 season? Only time will tell…
Without further ado, let’s take a closer look at our five longshots for Super Bowl glory.
With around two months to go until the 2020 NFL season gets underway, these teams are primed to outperform their odds in the coming months.
Buffalo Bills
The Bills had gone 17 years without a postseason appearance prior to 2017 but Buffalo have now reached the playoffs in two of the last three seasons.
One of the main reasons for their resurgence is quarterback Josh Allen – he is maturing into an elite talent at the position.
However, there is little doubt that Buffalo’s platform for Super Bowl glory is built on a strong defensive unit.
The Bills ranked second for points allowed per game and third for total yards allowed last season and Buffalo fans will be hoping to build on that success.
With the New England Patriots moving on from Tom Brady, Buffalo can take the AFC East by the scruff of the neck and the Bills are a NFL betting pick this season.
Super Bowl odds: 28/1
Indianapolis Colts
Frank Reich is building something special at Lucas Oil Stadium and Colts fans are excited at what the future holds.
The AFC South is there for the taking this year and, with a bit of luck on the injury front, Indianapolis could be the team to beat.
Andrew Luck’s shock retirement rocked the Colts just two weeks before the 2019 campaign but Indy moved swiftly to acquire veteran Philip Rivers in free agency.
That in itself is a move that suggests the Colts are in ‘win now’ mode and must be taken seriously.
Their schedule could be easier but Indy have a talented group of youngsters and it wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see the Colts in action at Raymond James Stadium next February.
Best Super Bowl odds: 28/1
Dallas Cowboys
The Jason Garrett era is finally over. In new head coach Mike McCarthy, the Cowboys have a Super Bowl winner at the helm and Dallas are worthy contenders.
The Dallas offense is built on success in the running game but that makes total sense when you have a player like Ezekiel Elliott on your roster.
With an improving defensive unit and a positive NFL Draft, the Cowboys are primed to go close in their pursuit of a second NFC East title in three years.
Dak Prescott’s contract negotiations have hit a bump in the road but that shouldn’t impact Dallas too much – if anything it may spur him on.
Based on the 2019 campaign, Dallas have the third easiest schedule this year and America’s Team will be a popular pick in sports betting odds.
Super Bowl odds: 18/1
Green Bay Packers
The Packers finished the 2019 regular season with a 13-3 record and Matt LaFleur will be demanding more of the same from his players.
Green Bay are one of the most successful teams in NFL history but the Packers have won just one Super Bowl title since 1997.
Statistically, Aaron Rodgers had an off year in 2019 and it will be interesting to see if the offence reverts back to a pass-happy approach.
The running game thrived last season though, with Aaron Jones notching 16 rushing touchdowns. However, this should take some pressure off Rodgers and that should benefit the Packers.
The 2020 season could come too soon for the Packers but if their NFL Draft picks step up to the plate, Green Bay could spring a major Super Bowl shock.
Super Bowl odds: 28/1
Seattle Seahawks
The NFC West is now one of the most competitive divisions in football, with both the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle recording 11 or more wins last season.
Pete Carroll has a wealth of NFL experience and the Seahawks head coach can make the difference this year – especially with a few astute moves in free agency.
Seattle ranked third for most rushing attempts per game in 2019 and it is no coincidence that the top three teams in that category all reached the playoffs.
Super Bowl betting odds for Seattle will be boosted by Carlos Hyde’s arrival and Seahawks fans will be hoping their 2020 NFL Draft picks thrive over the course of the season.
When you have Russell Wilson on your roster, anything is possible. The Legion of Boom era is well and truly over but Seattle are by no means out of the Super Bowl conversation.
Super Bowl odds: 22/1
*Credit for the main photo belongs to Christian Smith / AP Photo*
FIRST PUBLISHED: 22nd July 2020
