Reviewing the Latest Super Bowl Odds, Post-OTAs Edition
Every year, the ultimate goal for each NFL franchise is to reach—and win—the Super Bowl.
Coaches and players are quick to remind us of this fact, especially during the offseason when optimism reigns supreme.
The harsh reality, however, is that optimism won't make up for a lack of talent, a brutal schedule or devastating injuries. This is why some NFL teams face far longer Super Bowl odds than others.
The last time we took an extended look at Super Bowl odds around the league was after free agency and the draft, when each team boasted a collection of shiny new roster pieces. Though there haven't been a ton of significant changes since the conclusion of the draft, we have received a first look of how these new pieces fit during minicamps and OTAs.
Unfortunately, early offseason work has also resulted in key injuries for a handful of teams.
With OTAs now in the books, it's time to take a look at the Las Vegas odds for each team, as provided by OddsShark.com.
We will rank each team from long shot to favorite according to the Vegas odds and provide detailed analysis. In cases where teams share the same Super Bowl odds, we will pay extra consideration to strength of schedule, past performances and head-to-head matchups (if applicable).
Do you agree or disagree with your team's odds or ranking? Be sure to let us know in the comments section.
Jacksonville Jaguars
1 of 32
2014 Record: 3-13
The Jacksonville Jaguars managed to win just three games a season ago, as then-rookie quarterback Blake Bortles struggled to adapt to life in the NFL.
He completed just 58.9 percent of his passes for 2,908 yards with 11 touchdowns and 17 interceptions. Though he is a year farther along in his development than the rookie quarterbacks of this draft class, his performance doesn't inspire thoughts of a fast sophomore turnaround.
The Jaguars also had the misfortune this offseason of losing first-round draft pick Dante Fowler Jr. to a torn ACL in his first minicamp practice. This put a damper on an offseason that did see some solid talent come to town—even if the Jaguars had to overpay to bring it.
New veterans on the roster include star tight end Julius Thomas, defensive end Jared Odrick and cornerback Davon House.
The problem is that the Jaguars were sorely lacking in overall talent heading into the offseason. Jacksonville ranked dead-last in overall offense last season and third-worst in defense, according to Pro Football Focus.
The Jaguars sit tied with the Tennessee Titans in terms of Super Bowl odds. However, we're going to put the Titans ahead here because Jacksonville faces a slightly tougher strength of schedule (.463) this coming season.
The two AFC South teams split their two-game series a year ago.
Super Bowl Odds: 200-1
Tennessee Titans
2 of 32
2014 Record: 2-14
The Tennessee Titans might have been the NFL's most obscure team a season ago. Not only did Tennessee send zero players to the 2015 Pro Bowl, but it fielded a roster devoid of high-profile players.
The Titans also weren't good in 2014, tying the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the worst record in the league. By "earning" the No. 2 overall selection in this year's draft, Tennessee managed to land former Oregon quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota.
Though Mariota may be the biggest name to join the Titans roster, he might not be the biggest name to join the franchise this offseason. Longtime Pittsburgh Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau will now oversee the defense in Tennessee.
Titans general manager Ruston Webster actually had an underrated offseason, acquiring several new pieces to fit LeBeau's system. New guys on that side of the ball include linebacker Brian Orakpo, safety Da'Norris Searcy and cornerback Perrish Cox.
If Mariota can make a quick transition to the NFL game, the Titans may be a lot more competitive than anticipated.
"One thing I can say about Marcus, though, is that he's very intelligent," new Titans wide receiver Harry Douglas recently said, per Amber Harding of TitansOnline.com. "He's smart, he's athletic and he can play the game.
The Titans have a relatively easy strength of schedule (.435) ahead, and it's hard to believe they have the longest odds in the league. It's also hard to see them getting past the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC South.
Super Bowl Odds: 200-1
Washington Redskins
3 of 32
2014 Record: 4-12
The Washington Redskins were a total disappointment in 2014. The fact that three different quarterbacks started games throughout the season might have had a little to do with the team's poor play.
Former Baylor star Robert Griffin III is supposed to be the franchise quarterback in Washington. If he and head coach Jay Gruden cannot find a way to make things work this season, one of the two will likely be on his way out.
Perhaps rookie guard Brandon Scherff (first round) and running back Matt Jones (third round) will help take some of the pressure off the quarterback this season.
Unfortunately, the Redskins were also dead-last in the league defensively, according to Pro Football Focus. This is why the team brought in guys like defensive tackle Terrance Knighton, cornerback Chris Culliver and defensive tackle Ricky Jean-Francois during free agency.
Washington shouldn't be as bad as it was a season ago, especially if the team can get some consistency from the quarterback position. The team's strength of schedule (.478) is manageable, but any sort of a meaningful run seems highly unlikely at this point.
Super Bowl Odds: 125-1
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers
4 of 32
2014 Record: 2-14
No team was worse than the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last season. For their efforts, the Buccaneers were "awarded" the first overall pick in this year's draft. Tampa used the pick on former Heisman Trophy winner and Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston.
If Winston can quickly adjust to the pro game, then the Buccaneers should avoid producing the league's worst record again. There is talent on this team, and Winston will have a number of capable targets like Vincent Jackson, 2014 draft pick Mike Evans and tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins.
Tampa also plays in the NFC South, which wasn't overly competitive last season. The Carolina Panthers won the division with a 7-8-1 record, and the Buccaneers have to feel like a similar record is within their reach.
They have the league's fourth-easiest strength of schedule (.425) this season but may still be hard-pressed to take advantage of it.
Pro Football Focus ranked them 26th in overall offense and 28th in overall defense last season.
The Buccaneers didn't add a lot in free agency outside of linebacker Bruce Carter and defensive tackle Henry Melton. Their alternative at quarterback is Mike Glennon.
The Super Bowl still feels like a long way off for this team, even though we should see some improvements.
Super Bowl Odds: 100-1
Cleveland Browns
5 of 32
2014 Record: 7-9
The Cleveland Browns started off last season with a 6-4 record but couldn't find a way to maintain their success throughout the year.
A big part of Cleveland's troubles was its ongoing inability to find a reliable quarterback. An unsteady running game was also a problem. Cleveland ranked dead-last in rushing offense, according to Pro Football Focus.
Losing Pro Bowl center Alex Mack to a broken leg didn't help, of course.
He should be healthy by the start of the regular season, and the Browns added offensive lineman Cameron Erving and running back Duke Johnson via the draft. This should help to improve the running game.
The problem for Cleveland is that it still doesn't have a quarterback. Then-rookie Johnny Manziel was a disaster (passer rating of 42.0) in limited action last season, and the veteran alternative is Josh McCown (1-10 as a starter last season), who wasn't much better.
The Browns finished last season ranked ninth in scoring defense (21.1 points per game allowed). The team brought in veterans Tramon Williams and Randy Starks to that side of the football while adding two defenders in the first two rounds of the draft.
Cleveland's defense should be good enough to keep it competitive, but until the team finds an answer at quarterback, the Super Bowl is going to be a dream.
Super Bowl Odds: 75-1
Oakland Raiders
6 of 32
2014 Record: 3-13
The Oakland Raiders won just three games a season ago, and it appears that general manager Reggie McKenzie is intent on playing the slow game with his roster.
Oakland has solid young pieces in place like quarterback Derek Carr, linebacker Khalil Mack and rookie wide receiver Amari Cooper. The Raiders haven't gone overboard in free agency in order to supplement these pieces.
Instead, they brought in capable but underrated veterans like running back Roy Helu, defensive tackle Dan Williams and center Rodney Hudson.
This is a great strategy to get the Raiders into contention in a couple of years and for the long term, but it probably isn't going to change the team's fortunes overnight. Still, the Raiders have seen their Super Bowl odds improve since the end of the draft (they were previously listed at 75-1). This may be because of positive reports coming in from offseason workouts.
Bill Williamson of ESPN.com recently noted that the Raiders are especially deep at linebacker, where Mack will likely play alongside veterans Sio Moore and Curtis Lofton.
Unfortunately, Oakland won't have an easy path to the postseason. It is tied with the Kansas City Chiefs for the seventh-toughest strength of schedule (.545) heading into the 2015 season.
Super Bowl Odds: 66-1
New York Jets
7 of 32
2014 Record: 4-12
Todd Bowles has replaced Rex Ryan as head coach of the New York Jets, so we shouldn't be seeing any Super Bowl guarantees from the organization this season.
What we should see from the Jets is the type of game-controlling defense upon which Ryan and Bowles have both built reputations.
General manager Mike Maccagnan brought back standout cornerbacks Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie in free agency and added slot corner Buster Skrine as well. Those three should drastically improve the back end of the defense, while first-round draft pick Leonard Williams will make the front even more dangerous.
As much as New York struggled last season, Pro Football Focus still rated the defense fifth overall. With the offseason additions, now the defense could be truly elite.
The challenge will be for the Jets to find some productivity on offense. They added wide receiver Brandon Marshall from the Chicago Bears via trade and drafted former Ohio State star Devin Smith in Round 2.
If either Geno Smith or offseason acquisition Ryan Fitzpatrick can claim the quarterback job and play successfully, the Jets could easily be a playoff sleeper. Baylor's Bryce Petty is waiting in the wings but shouldn't be expected to start as a rookie.
Because of concerns at quarterback and New York's position in the tough AFC East, we're putting the Jets behind teams like the San Diego Chargers, Houston Texans and Chicago Bears, even though they all have the same Vegas odds.
Super Bowl Odds: 50-1
Chicago Bears
8 of 32
2014 Record: 5-11
The Chicago Bears are going through another rebuild, just two years after the franchise brought in offensive guru Marc Trestman to revamp the team.
Trestman is out, and former Denver Broncos and Carolina Panthers head coach John Fox is in. Joining him are offensive coordinator Adam Gase and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. Gase was the offensive coordinator in Denver last season, while Fangio ran the defense in San Francisco.
All three new coaches have been to a conference championship within the last two years.
Whether or not this postseason experience translates into confidence and success among the players remains to be seen; however, the Bears have made some solid moves to improve the roster on both sides of the ball.
Free-agent additions include linebacker Pernell McPhee, safety Antrel Rolle and center Will Montgomery. The team also drafted highly touted West Virginia wideout Kevin White in the first round. He will presumably replace Brandon Marshall, who was traded to the Jets this offseason.
The challenge for Chicago will be coming out of the NFC North. Both the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions made the postseason last year, and the Vikings appear to be a team on the rise. Overall, the Bears' strength of schedule ranks 13th-toughest overall at .531.
Super Bowl Odds: 50-1
Houston Texans
9 of 32
2014 Record: 9-7
If you watch the Houston Texans play football, they look like a playoff team most of the time. Their one big problem is the lack of a reliable quarterback.
Even without a steady signal-caller, the Texans managed to win nine games a season ago. This came in large part because of a defense that ranked 11th overall, according to Pro Football Focus.
If Houston can find a quarterback, it would be a dangerous team. The competition at the position is between journeymen Ryan Mallett and Brian Hoyer. If one can emerge and play well in 2015, the Texans could be a complete sleeper.
Houston did part ways with receiver Andre Johnson during the offseason, but it still has pieces like running back Arian Foster (1,246 rushing yards in 2014), wideout DeAndre Hopkins (1,210 receiving yards) and J.J. Watt (20.5 sacks, three touchdown receptions) in place.
Whichever quarterback emerges from the competition is going to have weapons around him.
The Texans also face the third-weakest strength of schedule (.417) in the league. This, along with the team being enough to produce a winning season last year, is why we have the Texans just above the Jets and Bears, even though they share 50-1 odds.
Super Bowl Odds: 50-1
San Diego Chargers
10 of 32
2014 Record: 9-7
The San Diego Chargers remained in the playoff hunt for most of the 2014 season. The team also has a top-level quarterback in Philip Rivers and had a strong offseason.
In free agency, general manager Tom Telesco brought in savvy veterans like receiver Jacoby Jones, safety Jimmy Wilson and guard Orlando Franklin. The Chargers then drafted former Wisconsin star Melvin Gordon to be their franchise running back.
These are all reasons why it is surprising to see the Chargers with longer odds than the New Orleans Saints and San Francisco 49ers.
Defense was a problem for the Chargers last season, of course. Pro Football Focus ranked the unit 25th in overall defense. Still, adding Gordon to the 17th overall scoring offense (21.8 points per game) should make the other side of the ball playoff-caliber.
The challenge for San Diego will be to overcome a tough schedule (.518) and surpassing the Kansas City Chiefs and Denver Broncos as the top dog of the AFC West.
Super Bowl Odds: 50-1
San Francisco 49ers
11 of 32
2014 Record: 8-8
After three straight appearances in the NFC title game, the San Francisco 49ers crashed to produce a .500 season in 2014.
This offseason has been equally disappointing for the 49ers. Head coach Jim Harbaugh was replaced by defensive line coach Jim Tomsula. Key players like Patrick Willis, defensive end Justin Smith, linebacker Chris Borland and offensive lineman Anthony Davis retired.
The team also lost cornerback Chris Culliver, cornerback Perrish Cox and longtime running back Frank Gore in free agency.
To say that Tomsula has a challenge in front of him would be an understatement. San Francisco managed to rank 10th in scoring defense (21.2 points per game allowed) a season ago, but many pieces of that defense are now gone.
Starting quarterback Colin Kaepernick (passer rating of 86.4) was unsteady last season, and the team now faces the league's third-toughest strength of schedule (.561). Overall, it is a little surprising to see San Francisco with more favorable odds than teams like Houston and San Diego.
Super Bowl Odds: 40-1
New Orleans Saints
12 of 32
2014 Record: 7-9
The New Orleans Saints were in the hunt for the NFC South crown up until Week 16 in 2014, so one wouldn't think that a drastic overhaul would have been called for this offseason.
However, a drastic overhaul is exactly what New Orleans got, as the team seems to be putting more focus on the ground game and defense.
General manager Mickey Loomis traded away tight end Jimmy Graham and wide receiver Kenny Stills and brought in guys like center Max Unger, cornerback Brandon Browner and linebacker Dannell Ellerbe. The Graham trade also landed the Saints an extra first-round pick.
Loomis' philosophy in the draft also seemed to follow this new focus, as the team's first three selections were an offensive tackle and two linebackers.
In theory, this should make New Orleans a much more competitive team next season. Quarterback Drew Brees is one of the best in the business (he was ranked behind only Aaron Rodgers by Pro Football Focus last season), but he cannot do all of the heavy lifting on his own.
Expect a more calculated and controlled Saints team in 2015, and expect it to be right back in the playoff hunt. Whether or not they have improved enough to compete with the Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks in the conference is another story.
Super Bowl Odds: 40-1
Detroit Lions
13 of 32
2014 Record: 11-5
The Detroit Lions pushed through and earned a playoff spot in 2014, but they ultimately fell short against the Dallas Cowboys in the Wild Card Round.
If the Lions are going to see their first playoff victory since the 1991-92 season, they'll have to find a way to overcome the loss of star defensive tackles Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley—both of whom left in free agency.
Suh was ranked third overall among defensive tackles last season by Pro Football Focus. Fairley was ranked 18th. Trading for Haloti Ngata was a smart move, but it would be silly to expect him to negate the losses along the defensive line.
The good news is that quarterback Matthew Stafford and receivers Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate are back for another run. They should be joined by an improved running game after the team spent its first two draft picks on guard Laken Tomlinson and running back Ameer Abdullah.
Detroit was ranked third overall defensively by Pro Football Focus last season. If the new-look unit doesn't take a step back, the Lions should have another shot at a playoff ticket. This is why we'll put them ahead of the Saints, even though New Orleans has a much easier strength of schedule (.429 vs. .527 for Detroit).
Super Bowl Odds: 40-1
Carolina Panthers
14 of 32
2014 Record: 7-9-1
Despite producing a losing record in the regular season, the Carolina Panthers managed to win the NFC South and make an appearance in the playoffs. They even won a game once they got there.
It was the second playoff appearance of quarterback Cam Newton's career and his first victory. However, he will need to play better for the Panthers to take the next step toward title contention.
Newton completed just 58.5 percent of his passes last season. He also committed 17 turnovers and rushed for a career-low 539 yards. His 3,127 yards passing were a career low.
Second-round receiver Devin Funchess and free-agent receiver/returner Ted Ginn may help some, but it is going to be up to Newton to produce like an elite quarterback if the Panthers are going to have a realistic shot at a Super Bowl appearance.
The defense flashed some promise last season, but opponents still averaged of 23.4 points per game (21st in the league). On the other side, Newton and Co. averaged just 21.2 points per game on offense.
The good news for Carolina is that the strength of schedule (.434) is not intimidating and it plays in the weak NFC South. Another playoff appearance is possible, though a Super Bowl opportunity seems unlikely.
Super Bowl Odds: 40-1
Atlanta Falcons
15 of 32
2014 Record: 6-10
Back in 2012, the Atlanta Falcons were one of the best teams in the NFC. They earned a 13-3 regular-season record and an appearance in the NFC Championship Game.
However, the Falcons have won just 10 games in the two years since and are in the midst of a rebuilding effort.
Former Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn is the new head coach, and it seems Atlanta is intent on building up its defense in 2015. This makes sense, considering the Falcons ranked just 26th defensively in 2014, according to Pro Football Focus.
Free-agent linebacker Brooks Reed and rookies Vic Beasley and Jalen Collins should help Quinn and defensive coordinator Richard Smith with their revamping.
Offensively, the Falcons should be in decent shape. Matt Ryan and Co. ranked eighth overall in passing offense last season, according to Pro Football Focus. If running backs Devonta Freeman and rookie Tevin Coleman can get things going, the offense could return to the form it showed in 2012.
If the defense can make significant improvements and the offense can find some balance, Atlanta could well end up right back in the hunt for an NFC South title.
Super Bowl Odds: 40-1
St. Louis Rams
16 of 32
2014 Record: 6-10
The St. Louis Rams did not have a successful season in 2014, though the loss of starting quarterback Sam Bradford didn't help.
The Rams did show some promise on the defensive side of the football, however, finishing the season ranked 17th in scoring (22.1 points per game allowed). That ranking doesn't seem all too impressive, but considering the struggles of the offense (ranked 28th with 314.7 yards per game), the defensive unit faced a ton of pressure.
The defense also added some pieces this offseason, like free-agent tackle Nick Fairley and free-agent linebacker Akeem Ayers. An offseason trade with the Philadelphia Eagles replaced Bradford with Nick Foles on the other side of the ball.
Much of this season is going to depend on how Foles performs with his new team. Pro Football Focus ranked him just 25th overall among quarterbacks last season.
The season could also hinge on when first-round running back Todd Gurley will be healthy. The former Georgia running back has game-breaking talent but is coming off a torn ACL.
If Foles can play solid football and Gurley can come back to contribute for most of the season, this could be a playoff team.
Of course, these are sizable question marks, and the Rams are looking at the league's sixth-toughest schedule (.553). This is why we're putting St. Louis behind the rest of the teams with 33-1 odds.
Super Bowl Odds: 33-1
Cincinnati Bengals
17 of 32
2014 Record: 10-5-1
The Cincinnati Bengals have reached the postseason in each of the past four seasons. Each appearance has resulted in a first-round playoff loss.
Last year, Cincinnati's main problems were on defense. The team was ranked just 29th in overall defense by Pro Football Focus. The pass rush was last in the league, generating just 20 sacks on the season.
Injuries on the other side of the football didn't help, either. Star receiver A.J. Green missed three contests, and tight end Tyler Eifert missed all but one. Receiver Marvin Jones missed the entire season.
Green, Jones and Eifert should enter the season healthy, and the Bengals brought back pass-rusher Michael Johnson (15 sacks between 2012 and 2013) in free agency after a one-year absence. On paper, the Bengals once again look like a playoff team.
Standing in Cincinnati's way, however, is the tough AFC North. The division sent three teams to the postseason in 2014, and the one team that didn't go (Cleveland) still managed to split its series with the Bengals. Overall, the Bengals face the second-toughest strength of schedule (.563) in the league.
Even if Cincinnati gets back to the postseason, it is hard to view this team as a Super Bowl contender until it manages to win a playoff game.
Super Bowl Odds: 33-1
Minnesota Vikings
18 of 32
2014 Record: 7-9
The 7-9 season produced by the Minnesota Vikings in 2014 looks a lot more encouraging thanks to the steady play of rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (completion percentage of 64.4, passer rating of 85.2) and the absence of star running back Adrian Peterson.
Bridgewater is now in Year 2, and Peterson has been reinstated as an active NFL player, which are two major reasons to believe in a Vikings breakout this coming season.
A trade to acquire speedy receiver Mike Wallace and the first-round selection of cornerback Trae Waynes should help bolster a roster that lost few pieces over the offseason.
The problem for Minnesota is that it resides in the tough NFC North and will have to contend with two divisional teams that reached the playoffs last season. A tough strength of schedule (.539) isn't going to help matters, either.
Of all the teams with 33-1 Super Bowl odds, we have the Vikings above only the Bengals and Rams. This is a team that is probably a year away from contention.
If Bridgewater can play well for the entire season and Peterson can avoid injury, however, the Vikings could sneak into the playoffs.
Super Bowl Odds: 33-1
Miami Dolphins
19 of 32
2014 Record: 8-8
After back-to-back 8-8 seasons, the Miami Dolphins could be in store for a major leap forward thanks to an aggressive offseason.
Miami brought in star defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, wide receiver Kenny Stills, wideout Greg Jennings and former Pro Bowl tight end Jordan Cameron through free agency or trades. The team also selected standout Louisville receiver DeVante Parker in the first round of this year's draft.
With new weapons in the passing game, quarterback Ryan Tannehill should have no excuse for failure this coming season. The team signed him to a new four-year, $77 million deal this offseason and needs him to produce more than a .500 record.
Miami's defense was good but not elite last season, coming in 12th overall, according Pro Football Focus. However, Pro Football Focus ranked Miami second overall in pass rush, which should indicate how much pressure the defense can generate on opposing quarterbacks.
Adding a dominant defensive tackle like Suh to the mix should allow the Dolphins to crack the top 10 defensively.
Standing in Miami's way of an AFC East title, of course, will be the defending Super Bowl champion New England Patriots, an improved New York Jets team and the Buffalo Bills, who went 9-7 a season ago.
Super Bowl Odds: 33-1
Kansas City Chiefs
20 of 32
2014 Record: 9-7
The Kansas City Chiefs were one of several teams to produce a winning regular-season record in 2014 but still fail to make the playoffs.
Had one or two things bounced Kansas City's way, a playoff run might have been within reach. The Chiefs got little help from their wide receiver corps (zero receiving touchdowns), and a banged-up Jamaal Charles (1,033 yards rushing) was less effective than usual.
"I was frustrated more last season as I’ve ever been because of all of those injuries." Charles recently said, per Adam Teicher of ESPN.com. "I was frustrated because I didn’t feel my body was right the whole season."
Charles should be in better shape physically when the season starts. He should get some blocking help from guard Ben Grubbs, who was acquired from the New Orleans Saints via trade. Free-agent receiver Jeremy Maclin and rookie wideout Chris Conley should help the receiving game improve as well.
Kansas City ranked second overall in scoring defense (17.6 points per game allowed) last season and should once again be a playoff-caliber unit.
Though the Chiefs face a tough strength of schedule (.545), it is a little easier than that of the Bengals. The Dolphins and Vikings also seem to have farther to go before reaching contention than the Chiefs do, which is why we're putting Kansas City above them here.
Super Bowl Odds: 33-1
Buffalo Bills
21 of 32
2014 Record: 9-7
The Buffalo Bills have had one of the most active offseasons in the entire league. Not only did the team bring in a new coaching staff headed by Rex Ryan, but it added a number of players to help transform the offensive side of the football.
Newly acquired veterans include tight end Charles Clay, wide receiver Percy Harvin, running back LeSean McCoy and guard Richie Incognito. The Bills also brought in journeyman quarterback Matt Cassel to compete with fellow free agent Tyrod Taylor and EJ Manuel.
The team also recently claimed Matt Simms off waivers from the New York Jets.
The reason for the offensive makeover is straightforward. Buffalo nearly reached the playoffs a year ago thanks primarily to a defense that was ranked eighth overall by Pro Football Focus.
The offense, however, averaged just 318.5 yards per game (26th in the NFL) and saw quarterback Kyle Orton retire following the season.
If the offense can improve to be a top-15 unit and a reliable quarterback can emerge from the group, the Bills could well be a Super Bowl sleeper. Quarterback, of course, is likely the big question.
Ryan recently said the following, per Jay Skurski of the Buffalo News:
"I don’t think we’ll see anything during minicamp that will say, ‘hey, this guy is our starter.’ That’s not going to happen. We’re going to keep that competition going and at least give guys opportunities when it’s time for football. But as far as being here, I feel good. I feel great about this team. I think there is going to be some competition at that position, and I think we have confident players at that position.
"
Buffalo plays in the improving AFC East, but it's surprising to see it ranked below teams like the New York Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers in terms of Super Bowl odds.
Super Bowl Odds: 33-1
New York Giants
22 of 32
2014 Record: 6-10
The New York Giants had a disappointing 2014 season, winning just six games and only two in the NFC East.
Yet, general manager Jerry Reese didn't see the need to go for a splash in the offseason. Instead, he opted for sensible, safe additions like free-agent running back Shane Vereen and first-round guard/tackle prospect Erick Flowers.
Vegas seems to feel that these moves are enough to bring the Giants back to contention, giving the team better odds than the Bengals, Bills and Chiefs. All three of these teams had winning records in 2014.
New York has a manageable schedule this year (.478 strength of schedule), but expecting the Giants to go on a postseason run seems like a stretch.
Both the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles were better than the Giants last season, and New York has some serious issues on defense. In 2014, the team surrendered an average of 375.8 yards per game, worst in the NFL.
Offensively, the team should be playoff-caliber. Quarterback Eli Manning tossed 30 touchdowns to 14 interceptions a season ago and should have a more experienced Odell Beckham Jr. and a healthy Victor Cruz to throw to.
The team will have to overcome the loss of starting left tackle Will Beatty, who will miss significant time with a torn pectoral muscle.
Super Bowl Odds: 28-1
Pittsburgh Steelers
23 of 32
2014 Record: 11-5
The Pittsburgh Steelers are the defending AFC North champions, though many may forget this fact because the Baltimore Ravens thumped them 30-17 in the Wild Card Round of the playoffs.
Still, there is no reason to believe Pittsburgh won't be right back in the playoff hunt in 2015. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was given a new four-year, $87.4 million deal, and the majority of the pieces from last year's offense are also returning.
That offense was ranked third overall by Pro Football Focus last season.
If there are major issues for this team, they could uncharacteristically come on the defensive side of the football. The team surrendered an average of 23 points per game last season (18th in the NFL) and lost both cornerback Ike Taylor and safety Troy Polamalu to retirement this offseason.
The Steelers also face the league's toughest strength of schedule (.596), which could make the regular season difficult.
This is a team, however, that has proved in the past that it can be dangerous once it gets into the playoffs.
Super Bowl Odds: 25-1
Baltimore Ravens
24 of 32
2014 Record: 10-6
It might be difficult to consider the Baltimore Ravens as one of this year's favorites to win the AFC title, but they are difficult to count out.
Since John Harbaugh and Joe Flacco came to Baltimore in 2008, the Ravens have missed the postseason only once. They have also been to the conference championship three times in that span and won the Super Bowl following the 2012 season.
The Ravens have traditionally found success through their defense, and last season was no different. Baltimore was rated second overall defensively by Pro Football Focus in 2014.
This year could see a more balanced Baltimore team, with the offense being just as dangerous as the defense. Not only did the team retain running back Justin Forsett (1,266 rushing yards last season), but it also added wide receiver Breshad Perriman and tight end Maxx Williams in this year's draft.
This means that departed receiver Torrey Smith and tight end Owen Daniels have been replaced by younger, fresher players with a little more upside.
Where Baltimore might have trouble is with its schedule. The Ravens will have to come out of the brutal AFC North and face a tough schedule (.539). We'll put the Ravens ahead of the Steelers since Baltimore went 2-1 against their division rivals last season (including playoffs).
Super Bowl Odds: 25-1
Arizona Cardinals
25 of 32
2014 Record: 11-5
Perhaps the biggest development for the Arizona Cardinals this offseason has been the return of quarterback Carson Palmer to the practice field.
The Cardinals managed to win 11 games last season despite only having Palmer for six of them. However, it is difficult to argue that Arizona is not a better team with him under center. The longtime veteran passed for 1,626 yards with 11 touchdowns and just three picks in his six games.
The Cardinals won all of them.
“The training wheels are off,” head coach Bruce Arians recently said of Palmer, per the team's official website.
It appears Palmer will be on the field in Week 1 and along with him will be free-agent guard Mike Iupati and first-round tackle D.J. Humphries. These new additions should help keep the quarterback upright throughout the season.
Their additions, along with the drafting of running back David Johnson, should help the ground game as well.
The defense (ranked fifth, allowing 18.7 points per game in 2014) should still be a playoff-caliber unit, despite the departure of coordinator Todd Bowles and cornerback Antonio Cromartie to the Jets.
The Cardinals face a tough road (.557 strength of schedule), but they should still be one of the better teams in the NFC.
Super Bowl Odds: 25-1
Philadelphia Eagles
26 of 32
2014 Record: 10-6
The Philadelphia Eagles finished with a 10-6 record for the second year in a row last season but failed to make the postseason.
This gives head coach Chip Kelly a 20-13 record in Philadelphia (including playoffs) but zero postseason wins. He has continued to put his own stamp on the Eagles since arriving and took even more bold steps this offseason.
Kelly traded away quarterback Nick Foles to acquire Sam Bradford and dealt running back LeSean McCoy before signing DeMarco Murray in free agency. He made wide receiver Nelson Agholor a first-round pick after Jeremy Maclin was allowed to walk in free agency.
It will be interesting to see if these risky moves pay off enough for to get Kelly his first playoff victory.
Presumably, the Eagles will focus more on the ground game this season. Murray led the NFL with 1,845 yards rushing and was rated fifth overall by Pro Football Focus.
The Eagles also brought in cornerback Byron Maxwell and drafted cornerback Eric Rowe in the second round. This should hopefully improve Philadelphia's 31st-ranked (264.9 yards per game allowed) pass defense.
Overall, this has been a risky offseason for the Kelly and the Eagles, but if the team can make a few slight improvements or the Murray-less Dallas Cowboys take a step back, an NFC East title could be in the cards.
Super Bowl Odds: 20-1
Denver Broncos
27 of 32
2014 Record: 12-4
The Denver Broncos looked like the best team in the entire AFC for much of 2014 but just couldn't match up with the Indianapolis Colts in the postseason.
The Colts challenged aging quarterback Peyton Manning to beat them vertically, which never happened.
In comes new head coach Gary Kubiak, who will bring a more run-oriented offense. Perhaps adding balance to this side of the football will help cover any deficiencies Manning may have in his game late in the season.
If the Broncos can find balance on offense and Manning can stay healthy, there is every reason to believe that this is a playoff team. Denver ranked seventh overall in passing offense last season, according to Pro Football Focus. The trick will be getting top-level production out of C.J. Anderson and Montee Ball.
One issue the Broncos will face is the fact that they are one of the teams to suffer injury losses in early offseason workouts. Left tackle Ryan Clady and third-round rookie tight end Jeff Heuerman are both out for the season with torn ACLs.
Denver did bring in tackle Ryan Harris and tight end Owen Daniels this offseason, which should at least help offset the injury losses. Whether or not Daniels can make up for the loss of tight end Julius Thomas remains to be seen.
Defensively, this team should be just fine in 2015. The Broncos were ranked first in overall defense by Pro Football Focus last year.
Super Bowl Odds: 12-1
Dallas Cowboys
28 of 32
2014 Record: 12-4
The Dallas Cowboys came within a few plays of reaching the NFC Championship Game last season, thanks to efficient play from quarterback Tony Romo and hard running from star running back DeMarco Murray.
The problem this year is that Murray is now a member of the Eagles, and most of the pressure is going to be on Romo and the passing game.
The Cowboys did sign Raiders castoff Darren McFadden but passed on drafting a young player to add to the backfield.
For a playoff team, the Cowboys weren't exceptionally balanced a year ago. The offense averaged a whopping 29.2 points per game, but the defense was rated just 18th overall by Pro Football Focus. Without a back like Murray to control the feel and pace of the game, a so-so defense could spell trouble.
This isn't to say the defense can't make improvements. Dallas drafted cornerback Byron Jones and pass-rusher Randy Gregory in the first and second rounds, respectively. Both should be early contributors on that side of the football.
Dallas should again battle Philadelphia for the NFC East title in 2015, but getting past teams like the Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks in the postseason is likely to be a real challenge. Because of the loss of Murray alone, 10-1 odds feels a little generous.
Super Bowl Odds: 10-1
New England Patriots
29 of 32
2014 Record: 12-4
The New England Patriots put together one of the most memorable seasons in recent memory in 2014—and not just because of Deflategate.
The Patriots overcame a lackluster 2-2 start to the regular season, a 14-point deficit in the divisional round of the playoffs against the Ravens and a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit in the Super Bowl en route to winning the Lombardi Trophy.
Overcoming such challenges this season will be more difficult, as the Patriots seem to be a weaker team on paper.
They managed to keep safety Devin McCourty but lost starting cornerbacks Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner in free agency. In addition to that, star quarterback Tom Brady faces a four-game suspension for reportedly knowing about a scheme to utilize illegally deflated footballs for a competitive advantage.
Though he is appealing the suspension, there is a strong chance that New England will be forced to start the season without him. Before his suspension was announced, Vegas odds had the Patriots' Super Bowl odds listed at 15-2.
Super Bowl Odds: 17-2
Indianapolis Colts
30 of 32
2014 Record: 11-5
Last season, the Indianapolis Colts made it all the way to the AFC title game before falling 45-7 to the eventual Super Bowl champion New England Patriots.
Though the Colts had an active foray into free agency, they didn't focus too much on improving the defense that failed them in the AFC Championship Game.
Instead, general manager Ryan Grigson appears intent on building an offense that other teams simply cannot keep up with.
Incoming free agents include longtime Texans standout Andre Johnson and former 49ers star running back Frank Gore. The Colts also used their first-round draft pick (No. 29 overall) on former Miami receiver Phillip Dorsett.
The presence of Gore specifically should help bring more balance to the Indianapolis offense. Last season the team ranked first in passing (305.9 yards per game) but just 22nd in rushing (100.8 yards per game).
Indianapolis has the league's second-easiest schedule this season (.417) and should have no trouble getting back to the postseason so long as star quarterback Andrew Luck remains upright and under center.
Still, seeing the Colts ranked ahead of the defending Super Bowl champions is a little surprising. Indianapolis is 0-4 against New England since drafting Luck in 2012. Perhaps that trend changes this season.
Super Bowl Odds: 8-1
Green Bay Packers
31 of 32
2014 Record: 12-4
The Green Bay Packers came within an onside kick and a touchdown from reaching the Super Bowl and rightfully deserve a spot at the top end of the Vegas odds.
General manager Ted Thompson managed to re-sign key players like wideout Randall Cobb, defensive tackle B.J. Raji and offensive tackle Bryan Bulaga during the offseason, though the team did lose cornerbacks Tramon Williams and Davon House.
Instead of overspending to keep or add free agents, the Packers reloaded their secondary with rookie safety Damarious Randall (first round) and cornerback Quinten Rollins (second round).
A sense of continuity has kept the Packers successful over the past several seasons and should play a role in 2015 as well.
They ranked second in overall offense last season, according to Pro Football Focus. Aaron Rodgers and Co. should be just fine in 2015. If the defense can make a few minor improvements, Green Bay should be back in the NFC title hunt.
Super Bowl Odds: 7-1
Seattle Seahawks
32 of 32
2014 Record: 12-4
No big surprises here, as the Seattle Seahawks are considered to be the favorites by Vegas. Seattle has made it to the Big Game in each of the past two years and was a goal-line interception away from winning back-to-back championships.
There hasn't been much change in Seattle. The biggest offseason development was the trade to acquire star tight end Jimmy Graham from the New Orleans Saints. Seattle had to give up Pro Bowl center Max Unger and a 2015 first-round pick, but the team now has an elite receiving weapon.
Losing Unger may hurt, as could the free-agent departure of cornerback Byron Maxwell. Seattle, though, brought in cornerbacks Will Blackmon and Cary Williams to help offset Maxwell's exit.
The core of this team is still intact, thanks in part to running back Marshawn Lynch's new two-year, $24 million extension.
The Seahawks should be right there at the end of the postseason once again. Missing the playoffs almost seems like impossible at this point.
Seattle's Super Bowl chances after this season, however, may hinge on its ability to finalize a new deal with quarterback Russell Wilson.
Super Bowl Odds: 6-1
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