2015 NFL Odds: Packers Are New Super Bowl Favorites
It’s July, so we’re getting closer to NFL training camps, closer to preseason action and *gasp* closer to actual NFL games. That means if you haven’t placed your bets on who is going to win it all, time is running out. Either way, you’ll want to keep your finger on the pulse of the league, and as far as NFL betting goes, the league’s heart just skipped a beat.
The 2015 Super Bowl odds saw a shift this past week, as the Green Bay Packers inexplicably leap-frogged the Seattle Seahawks as the top Super Bowl favorites (6/1 odds). Seattle still remains right up there with them with the second best odds (13/2), but it’s an interesting development. The oddsmakers are suddenly loving the green and gold, yet there hasn’t been any crazy shift when it comes to player injuries, trades or signings.
So, what gives?
Well, the Packers are seeing more money via bets this summer and after leading the ‘Hawks for the majority of last year’s NFC title game, people are tending to side with the team that arguably should have represented the NFC in the Super Bowl a year ago. That’s debatable at the very least, but Green Bay is returning all of their same play-makers on offense and made some positive cuts on defense. If their defensive changes end up working out, they’ll be much better on that side of the ball in 2015, while their offense could be as good as ever, as well. If the defensive moves don’t work, they’ll just be where they were last year, with Aaron Rodgers and co. carrying the heavy load.
Russell Wilson not getting paid yet and defensive end Michael Bennett hating the Seahawks for not getting paid yet may also factor in, but it looks like the NFL betting world just likes the Packers a little more, just cuz.
Seattle isn’t the only team to get disrespected when it comes to Super Bowl odds being changed, as the defending champion New England Patriots are no longer the pick to represent the AFC next year. Instead, it’s the Indianapolis Colts (8/1 odds) who move up to third place (just behind Seattle). They got crushed by the Pats in the AFC title game, but natural progression has them as a sexy pick, while Tom Brady looking at a four-game ban to start the year may also have something to do with the change of heart.
The Colts aren’t nearly the safe pick the Packers are, though, as their defense is just as shaky and their running game has been suspect for some time. The addition of veterans Frank Gore and Andre Johnson could put them over the top, though.
Overall, the tide has changed in the Super Bowl odds department and it’s highly possible it could again before the season officially begins in September. If you’re not on the Indy and Green Bay bandwagons, now might be the time to take the Seahawks and Pats with their odds down a bit. In other news, the Tennessee Titans are the worst Super Bowl bet ever (200/1 odds), yet somehow also the best? Happy betting this summer, folks.
Leave a Reply