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January 16, 2014 Travis Reason

NFL News

NFL Betting: Examining the Super Bowl Futures of the Final Four

Although most bettors are examining the AFC and NFC Championship Game lines this weekend, there’s a bigger picture to look at: the futures. That’s right, this is the last time this season that you’ll be able to bet these as there’s only one more game remaining after this.

Take a good look at the Super Bowl futures on the final four teams as there could be some value before the big dance. Here’s our breakdown of the four teams left standing with a look at their odds to hoist the Lombardi Trophy.

Seattle Seahawks

Super Bowl Futures: +190

The Seahawks are the favorite according to the NFL football betting odds. They’ve been the most consistent team this season and they have home-field advantage in the NFC Championship Game. It doesn’t hurt that Russell Wilson is 16-1 at home as a starter either.

However, Wilson has struggled of late, averaging just 157.6 passing yards over his last five games while completing just 56.7%. Those using Seattle for their NFL betting picks are hoping for more from him and the Seahawks offense.

Denver Broncos

Super Bowl Futures: +200

If this was the end of September, most NFL betting tips would be suggesting you take the Broncos. Through eight weeks of the season, the Broncos were 7-1 and had been tearing through everything in their paths. However, losses to New England and San Diego down the stretch, as well as injuries to key defensive contributors like linebacker Von Miller and defensive back Chris Harris has those betting on the NFL wondering whether that defense can hold up for a couple more games.

If you’re betting the Broncos, you’re betting that Manning can cap off his record-setting season with his second Super Bowl ring.

San Francisco 49ers

Super Bowl Futures: +300

San Francisco looks like a team on a mission as they fell short in the NFC Championship Game and the Super Bowl in each of the last two years. And while the 49ers sit third on the NFL online betting lines, they might just be the best value of the bunch. When you start to look at which teams are the hottest right now, the 49ers lead the way. They’ve won eight straight, including three in a row on the road, and those who bet on the NFL would qualify them as “the team that’s playing the best right now”.

New England Patriots

Super Bowl Futures: +450

The Patriots are the longest shot on the NFL betting odds as injuries seem to be the reason why there is pessimism. There’s no Vince Wilfork, there’s no Jerod Mayo, there’s no Rob Gronkowski… and that’s on top of the offseason losses of Wes Welker and Aaron Hernandez. The concern is that eventually this will catch up with the Patriots – especially now that we’re down to the final four.

The thing is, of the four remaining teams, what coach-quarterback tandem would you trust more than Bill Belichick and Tom Brady?