Upcoming Match-ups

Three Longshot Picks to Win Super Bowl 55 You Have to Consider

Daniel Coyle

by Daniel Coyle in NFL Football

Updated Mar 9, 2021 · 3:54 PM PST

Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill throwing a pass
Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill passes against the Detroit Lions during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Nashville, N.C. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
  • A trio of AFC squads lead the way as the top longshots to consider in the Super Bowl 55 odds
  • Will a Super Bowl contender emerge from the expected fierce battle for top spot in the AFC South?
  • We’ve got you covered with the best value Super Bowl longshots to consider as the start of the 2020 NFL season approaches

The top of the Super Bowl 55 odds has remained largely unchanged throughout the offseason, with the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens entrenched as favorites. But with the 2020 campaign set to kickoff Thursday (Sept. 10, 8:20 pm EST), some intriguing value bets remain.

Here’s a look at three longshot picks in the odds to win the Super Bowl that are worthy of your consideration.

3. Indianapolis Colts

  • Super Bowl 55 odds: +2300 (FanDuel)

The Indianapolis Colts didn’t take the unexpected retirement of Andrew Luck well. With Jacoby Brissett thrust into the role of starting quarterback, the Colts stumbled to a disappointing 7-9 finish, and out of playoff contention. However, there was little hand wringing in Indianapolis during the offseason as the Colts braintrust embarked on a major overhaul of this roster. The squad hope to have addressed their concerns under center by inking veteran Philip Rivers to a one-year deal, and substantially strengthened their defensive line by dealing for DT DeForest Buckner. The team also enjoyed a solid NFL Draft, landing rusher Jonathan Taylor and receiver Michael Pittman Jr.

But question marks surround some of their AFC South divisional rivals that could potentially give the Colts a leg up heading into the playoffs. The Houston Texans raised eyebrows with their some of their offseason moves, most notably their decision to deal receiver DeAndre Hopkins to Arizona, and are poised to take a step back in 2020. Jacksonville’s recent housecleaning also provides Indy with ample opportunity to pad their win total by ending their current 3-6 run against the Jaguars.

Of course, the huge stumbling block in the path of the Colts’ return to the top of the AFC South is the Tennessee Titans.

2. Tennessee Titans

  • Super Bowl 55 odds: +3000 (FanDuel)

The Titans are aiming to build on their steady growth throughout the 2019 campaign, which they closed out with a Cinderella run through the playoffs that featured upset victories over the New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens. While Tennessee closed out the season with the NFL’s 12th-ranked offense, they racked up over 30 points per game during their final 10 outings.

Tennessee remained largely quiet in the offseason, before making a splash with the recent signing of free agent edge Jadeveon Clowney. That move bolsters a shaky pass defense that allowed an average of 255.0 yards per game last season. Pegged as a high-value +3000 bet in the Super Bowl odds, the Titans will be battle hardened by the second toughest schedule in the NFL this season, and if they can stay healthy, and outlast the Colts in the race for the top of the AFC South, another spectacular playoff run is well within reach.

 

1. Buffalo Bills

  • Super Bowl 55 odds: +2800 (FanDuel)

The Buffalo Bills leveraged a stingy defense last season on their way to their first 10-win campaign in 20 years. And after making a number key acquisitions during the offseason, this team is poised to continue their long march back to respectability this season, which they are set to open as an attractive +2800 bet in the Super Bowl 55 odds.

Ranked second behind New England while surrendering just 16.2 points per game in 2019, the Bills bolstered their defense during the offseason with the additions of veteran cornerback Josh Norman, defensive end Mario Addison, and tackles Vernon Butler and Quinton Jefferson. However, doubts over the Bills’ ability to improve on offense, as well as a long history of playoff futility, have precluded major gains at the sportsbooks. Complicating matters further is the continued romance between sports bettors and the New England Patriots.

The Bills have given quarterback Josh Allen a big assist by acquiring wide receiver Stefon Diggs from the Minnesota Vikings. Buffalo also sports an intriguing mix of youth and experience in the backfield that features Devin Singletary, reigning Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year Zach Moss, and veteran TJ Yeldon.

Sports bettors remain in “show me” mode when it comes to the Bills, and with good reason. It has been 25 years since this team last finished atop the AFC East and won a playoff game. But timing is clearly on their side this time around. The Patriots remain vastly overpriced in the NFL futures despite the clear signs of regression they showed last season, and Tom Brady’s subsequent departure. New England’s lightweight first-half schedule aside, it was a pair of narrow wins over Buffalo that made the difference in the divisional standings last season. However, with their youthful core another year older, and reinforcements arriving on both sides of the ball, the Bills offer the most value among the Super Bowl longshots, as a +2800 bet.

Author Image