Seattle Seahawks leading contenders for Super Bowl success
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With just two weeks of the regular season remaining there is still plenty to be decided in the NFL with sub-plots developing across both conferences.
However, there are plenty of clues based on current form to suggest who has the ability to go all the way and lift the Vince Lombardi trophy in New York and here we run the rule over the likely contenders.
Marc Trestman’s side have had a topsy-turvy year due to injuries to and the inconsistency of QB Jay Cutler. However with two games to go the Bears find themselves 8-6 at the top of the NFC North and with their fate in their own hands.
The recent re-instatement of Cutler has proven a decent decision from Trestman after an impressive win over Cleveland last time out.
Chicago could still miss out on a postseason berth, hence the huge price, but should the Bears finish top of the table expect the odds to come tumbling down.
Baltimore’s attempt at becoming the first defending champions since the 2005 Patriots was laughed off after a 4-6 start to the campaign.
However, just as they did last year the Ravens are hitting form at just the right time, going into the final two weeks on a four-game winning streak.
Two more wins will see odds of 33/1 quickly shorten and nobody will relish the prospect of a New Year match up against the reigning Super Bowl kings if they are on a six-game charge.
Arguably the best value pick on this list Kansas City have been largely overlooked as Super Bowl contenders despite an impressive 11-3 record to date.
A three-game losing streak is responsible for the long odds but huge wins over Washington and Oakland have shown what Andy Reid’s side are capable of.
Any team would love to have running back Jamaal Charles in its line-up – with the Chiefs’ man showing his match-winning ability with a five-touchdown performance against the Raiders – and his form alone make Kansas a credible pick.
The NFC South is providing much of the drama as the regular season reaches its conclusion, with Carolina and New Orleans locked on 10-4 after the former turned in a 10-point win over the jets to go 9-1 from their last 10.
Much depends on this weekend’s game against the Saints, where a win for the hosts could mean a bye in the first round of the playoffs.
A well–rested Panthers side is sure to be priced at shorter than 12/1 so get on Carolina now before it’s too late.
A loss against San Diego last time out exposed Denver’s frailties but at 11/4 the Broncos still look the side to beat from the AFC with a record of 11-3 thus far.
And with two comfortable ties – against Houston and Oakland – to come, QB Peyton Manning has a great chance to ensure home advantage for his side and to hit top form in time for the postseason.
NFL fans keep waiting for Seattle to slip up but the Seahawks continue to frustrate and are now the clear favourites to emerge victorious in the Super Bowl.
With a league-best 12-2 record and arguably the strongest roster in the NFL it is hard to oppose Pete Carroll’s side.
Baring a disaster the Seahawks will be granted home-advantage in the NFC playoffs, and with QB Russell Wilson having never lost at CenturyLink Field, Seattle look good value even as the short-odds favourites.
All odds and markets accurate as of publication’s time and date
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