Every NFL Team's Odds of Winning the Super Bowl Next Year

Super Bowl XLVI is in the bag, and the New York Giants are the kings of the NFL. But it's never too early to get started looking at next season. Who has the best chance to hoist the Lombardi Trophy after Super Bowl XLVII?

Will the New England Patriots and New York Giants claim a spot as the favorites after making appearances in the 2012 Big Game, or will a regular-season stud like the Green Bay Packers make a bid for the top spot?

How will rookie Andrew Luck alter the odds for next season's Super Bowl favorite, and where can first-year stars Cam Newton and Andy Dalton lead their teams?

Indianapolis Colts

Biggest Offseason Need: Andrew Luck

The Indianapolis Colts are unlikely to make a worst-to-first change during the 2012 offseason, even if they pick up the best draft prospect in recent history. 

The Stanford signal-caller is good, but no one player can change a team so dramatically in just one season. A complete roster overhaul is needed in Indianapolis, and barring a perfect offseason of draft picks and free-agent signings, the Colts will be on the outside looking in again in 2012.

Super Bowl Odds: 400-1

Jacksonville Jaguars

Biggest Offseason Need: Wide Receivers

Blaine Gabbert's rookie season at quarterback was embarrassingly bad, but it's not time to give up on the former first-rounder. Instead it's time to build around him—starting with talent at wide receiver.

The Jaguars have a good defense in place and a solid enough offensive line to win more ballgames than they did in 2011. Add Maurice Jones-Drew to the picture and all that's missing is a sound passing game and some luck in the injury department.

That's likely an oversimplification, but the Jaguars aren't far from being a contender; it just won't be in 2012.

Super Bowl Odds: 350-1

Minnesota Vikings

Biggest Offseason Need: Offensive Line

The Minnesota Vikings were expected to make a playoff run in 2011 with Donovan McNabb at quarterback and Adrian Peterson carrying the way behind a big offensive line. That didn't happen, though. 

McNabb was replaced by rookie Christian Ponder, the offensive line proved to be a weakness, the loss of Sidney Rice killed the passing game and even the ever-dependable Adrian Peterson went down with a serious knee injury that may threaten his 2012 start time.

A full offseason will go far in improving upon their 2011 results, but the sad truth is that the Vikings aren't close to contending and won't be until they make wholesale improvements to the offensive line and add more dependable targets at wide receiver.

Super Bowl Odds: 300-1

Washington Redskins

Biggest Offseason Need: Quarterback

A full season from Trent Williams and Fred Davis will help the Redskins' chances in 2012, as will improved play from outside linebackers Brian Orakpo and Ryan Kerrigan in their second year together. Neither of those will make a difference if the team doesn't find real play at quarterback.

Washington is considered a likely destination for rookie Robert Griffin III or free-agent quarterback Matt Flynn—you can also add Peyton Manning as a long shot if he's released by the Indianapolis Colts as expected. Adding either of the three would propel Washington from unlikely contender to possible division threat. 

Until the Redskins have a clear picture at quarterback, they cannot be taken seriously in 2012.

Super Bowl Odds: 250-1

Cleveland Browns

Biggest Offseason Need: Skill Players

The Cleveland Browns are closer than many think, even if closer is still very far away.

The major need for the team is a full offseason of work together to learn the offensive system implemented by Pat Shurmur and new offensive coordinator Brad Childress. Giving third-year quarterback Colt McCoy consistency in the play-calling and a full summer to learn will be key for the 2012 season.

Outside of time, the team needs to add playmakers in the skill positions. This is a young team, especially on defense, with room to grow but there is a lack of talent at wide receiver and even at running back—especially if Peyton Hillis leaves through free agency.

With two picks in the first round, the Browns are in great shape to add two instant starters to a roster begging for an infusion of talent.

Super Bowl Odds: 250-1

St. Louis Rams

Biggest Offseason Need: Health and Wide Receivers

The St. Louis Rams were a trendy pick to make the 2012 playoffs after a strong first year by quarterback Sam Bradford. It never happened, partially due to injuries but largely due to the fact that former coach Steve Spagnuolo forgot to add targets at wide receiver.

Jeff Fisher won't make the same mistake. With the No. 2 overall pick in the 2012 NFL draft, the Rams are in great position to make a splash and either draft a wide receiver or trade back and acquire multiple selections to reload the roster.

No matter where they make their first pick in the draft, the smart money is on that pick being a wide receiver.

Super Bowl Odds: 200-1

Miami Dolphins

Biggest Offseason Need: Quarterback

Whether it's signing Matt Flynn or Peyton Manning or moving up in the draft to select Robert Griffin III, now is the time for the Dolphins to add a true franchise quarterback.

The team thought it had one in Chad Henne, but he regressed after a strong 2010 campaign and missed most of 2011 with injury. He won't be back in 2012 as his contract has expired.

The best bet would be signing Manning, if healthy, and keeping Matt Moore around as insurance against injury. If Manning doesn't check out, Flynn would be a great fit to follow former coach Joe Philbin to South Beach.

Super Bowl Odds: 175-1

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Biggest Offseason Need: Discipline

Before the 2011 season it was almost a foregone conclusion that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers would take their 10-win 2010 season and turn it into a playoff run. That was before the wheels fell off, resulting in an unprecedented 10-game losing streak. A new head coach is in town to instill the discipline and structure that previous head coach Raheem Morris didn't.

The talent is there in Tampa, but the players need a leader they can buy in to and a full offseason program to continue developing. It made perfect sense that a young roster would fall apart after the lockout, when teams were not allowed to work out together. Given a full program this summer, expect to see growth in Tampa.

Super Bowl Odds: 150-1

Arizona Cardinals

Biggest Offseason Need: Offensive Line

The Arizona Cardinals have been floated as a possible landing spot for Peyton Manning if and when he is released from the Indianapolis Colts. While Manning would be an upgrade, the quarterback position isn't the biggest need in Arizona.

The Cardinals will be pressured to draft a franchise-caliber left tackle in the first round, which should go a long way in improving the offensive line, but it's worth noting their guard play is drastically overrated. A clean overhaul could be seen on the offensive line.

With the NFC West improving, it seems unlikely the Cardinals have the firepower on offense or defense to make a run at the division title. 

Super Bowl Odds: 150-1

Buffalo Bills

Biggest Offseason Need: Defense

The Buffalo Bills found a hot start in 2011 but faded down the stretch due to injuries and poor play from quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. To turn that hot start into a complete season, Buffalo must add improvements on defense.

It's expected that the team will transition to more of a full-time 4-3 defense in 2012, which means they will need to invest in defensive ends who can rush the passer from the edge. If the Bills can stay healthy and find a pass rush, they will be well on their way to contending for a wild-card berth.

Super Bowl Odds: 120-1

Oakland Raiders

Biggest Offseason Need: Consistency

There is enough talent in Oakland for the Raiders to win the AFC West in 2012, but to do so they'll need to overcome a coaching change and find the consistency that has been missing from their roster since Rich Gannon retired.

The Raiders have no draft picks in the first three rounds and are unlikely to be aggressive in free agency under Reggie McKenzie as general manager. With that in mind, this is a roster that will be largely unchanged when the 2012 season kicks off. If the Raiders hope to overtake the Chargers, Broncos and Chiefs in the AFC West they will have to do so with the players they have on the roster today.

A division championship wouldn't be out of the question, but the Raiders won't be favored to see the playoffs in 2012. 

Super Bowl Odds: 110-1

Denver Broncos

Biggest Offseason Need: Interior Offensive-Defensive Line

With Tim Tebow at quarterback, it seems the Denver Broncos can do almost anything. After switching to Tebow over Kyle Orton this season, they went on an unexplainable run through the second half of the season, eventually winning the division and a home playoff game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

In 2012, things will be different if the Broncos don't work to power the run better and learn to stop the run more efficiently. The way to do both things is to bulk up their interior offensive and defensive lines through free agency and the draft.

Denver is well positioned to make another run at the division crown, but the AFC West is getting stronger. The path to the playoffs will be more difficult in 2012.

Super Bowl Odds: 100-1

Carolina Panthers

Biggest Offseason Need: Wide Receiver

Cam Newton rightfully took home the Offensive Rookie of the Year award on Saturday night. With his rookie season over, it's time for Newton to start focusing on taking the Carolina Panthers from surprise upstart to the playoffs in 2012.

For Newton to lead his team to the postseason, Carolina must add targets at wide receiver for him. Steve Smith remains a viable threat, but the options of David Gettis, Brandon LaFell and Legedu Naanee won't inspire much fear in opposing defenses. All are nice receivers, but none is ready to be a true threat opposite Smith.

Instead, look for Carolina to use an early draft choice on finding a big receiver who can stretch defenses and take the focus off Smith. If they do this, and with the return of a healthy Jon Beason on defense, the Panthers will be in very good shape to challenge the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons in the NFC South.

Super Bowl Odds: 90-1

Seattle Seahawks

Biggest Offseason Need: Quarterback

It's incredible to think the Seattle Seahawks nearly made the playoffs with Tarvaris Jackson at quarterback. That goes to show the type of team Pete Carroll has built—strong on defense with a powerful running game to back it up.

Step one this spring will be finding a quarterback. That may come through the draft, although it's unlikely, and it could come in free agency if they can lure Matt Flynn with a big contract. Flynn would be a perfect fit for the offensive stylings in Seattle, and combined with a young offensive line on the upswing, Seattle would be in great shape with Flynn leading the corps in 2012. 

Super Bowl Odds: 75-1

Tennessee Titans

Biggest Offseason Need: Interior Offensive Line

Whether it is Matt Hasselbeck or Jake Locker leading the Tennessee Titans in 2012, the team is in very good shape to rise up and challenge the Houston Texans for the AFC South crown. At worst, a wild-card berth is a realistic expectation.

With Kenny Britt healthy and hopefully a fixed Chris Johnson, Tennessee has the offensive firepower to win big games. The key to that is finding a better guard-center-guard combination in the middle of the offensive line. The Titans' line is strong on the edges, but the interior needs to be completely reworked under former offensive lineman and now head coach Mike Munchak.

Beating the Texans won't be easy, but the Titans are much closer to competing for the division than many would think.

Super Bowl Odds: 60-1

Kansas City Chiefs

Biggest Offseason Need: Health

When the Kansas City Chiefs lost Jamaal Charles, Eric Berry and Tony Moeaki for the season, it was obvious they would have to beat the odds to see even a winning record. Then they lost Matt Cassel, and it was all over.

But then they rallied, winning late under then-interim head coach Romeo Crennel, who has taken on the job full-time. With a healthy return by Charles, Berry and Moeaki, the Chiefs are in a great position to make another run at the playoffs and try to win their second AFC West championship in three seasons.

Don't sleep on Kansas City. A healthy roster makes them a favorite to win the division. Give them another strong draft class and minimal losses in free agency (only Dwayne Bowe is worth re-signing) and they have the talent to be the best in the West. 

Super Bowl Odds: 50-1

San Diego Chargers

Biggest Offseason Need: Wide Receivers

It may seem foolish to think the San Diego Chargers need wide receiver help, but take a look at their list of free agents this spring and you'll quickly see that pass-catchers are desperately needed in San Diego.

Vincent Jackson is a free agent after what seems like years of being unhappy with his contract. Patrick Crayton, who was a solid complementary target, is also a free agent. If the Chargers lose either player, and it's very likely they will, finding a new No. 1 wide receiver becomes a major need.

Malcom Floyd has been solid, but he alone won't be enough to overcome the existing issues at offensive tackle, along the defensive line and at inside linebacker. 

Super Bowl Odds: 50-1

Chicago Bears

Biggest Offseason Need: Wide Receivers

What Jay Cutler has been able to do without a real No. 1 wide receiver is nothing short of amazing. Given a legitimate target or two, and finally free of Mike Martz as offensive coordinator, we will see Cutler truly shine as a starting quarterback in the NFL.

The goal for the Bears this offseason will be to re-sign Matt Forte at running back and then to find true targets at wide receiver who can complement Cutler's arm. Earl Bennett would be a great option in the slot, and Devin Hester should be relegated to return duties only. If the Bears could go out and get a Vincent Jackson or Dwayne Bowe, they would be heavy favorites to make a wild-card run in 2012.

Super Bowl Odds: 45-1

New York Jets

Biggest Offseason Need: Pass Rush

The New York Jets have serious problems at many key positions, but no group needs a bigger influx of talent than the pass-rushing units. Until the Jets can attack the Tom Bradys of the world, nothing else matters.

New York should focus its early draft picks, and any free-agency dollars it can scrounge together, on finding pass-rushers who can attack off the edge and close in on the quarterback. It became painfully obvious this season that the lack of a pass rush was keeping the Jets defense out of games.

If the defense improves, and with new offensive coordinator Tony Sparano set on running the ball, Mark Sanchez should be able to settle down into a role of game manager—something he did well in 2009 and 2010 before imploding in 2011. 

Super Bowl Odds: 40-1

Cincinnati Bengals

Biggest Offseason Need: Consistency

The foundation has been laid for the Cincinnati Bengals to build a dynasty in the AFC North, but first they have to keep the unit they have together for the long haul.

Andy Dalton and A.J. Green are exceptional at quarterback and wide receiver. The run game was good enough with Cedric Benson and should be better if the team spends an early draft pick on a runner. The offensive line is big, strong and young enough to improve this season. The defense, under Mike Zimmer, was nasty.

Add a running back and cornerback through the draft, and maybe an offensive guard in Round 2, and the Cincinnati Bengals have a roster that can sustain their 2011 success. 

Super Bowl Odds: 35-1

Pittsburgh Steelers

Biggest Offseason Need: Youth and Speed

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been among the most consistent winners in the NFL over the last decade. The wheels are starting to not come off entirely, but rust and fall apart. An infusion of youth and speed is needed. Immediately.

Pittsburgh will see a change in offense after Bruce Arians "retired" and then signed to coach with the Indianapolis Colts. The offense is in good shape with Ben Roethlisberger, Rashard Mendenhall and a deep group of wide receivers. The defense, though, looked slow and old during the 2011 season.

For the Steelers to take back the AFC North, and to hold off hard-charging teams like the Bengals and Browns, they need to get younger and faster on defense. 

Super Bowl Odds: 30-1

Dallas Cowboys

Biggest Offseason Need: Secondary

The Dallas Cowboys are always a favorite to make a Super Bowl run. It's time they live up to expectations.

Jerry Jones isn't known for his patience, and everyone in the Big D should be on notice that it's time to win now—at any cost. The first step will be finding defensive backs who can run Rob Ryan's schemes. Currently Mike Jenkins and Terence Newman aren't capable at cornerback, and while Newman could be moved to free safety, Jenkins is a candidate to be traded or released.

Dallas has an early enough draft pick (No. 14 overall) to target a cornerback who can help transform the secondary from a weakness to a strength. 

Super Bowl Odds: 25-1

Detroit Lions

Biggest Offseason Need: Offensive Line

The Detroit Lions have a good thing going with Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson. To see the best possible results from the passing game, Detroit has to protect Stafford better in 2012.

Stafford was sacked 36 times in 2011, too many for a quarterback who missed most of the previous two seasons with injuries. Stafford proved his toughness in 2011, but the fact remains that he must be protected better. That starts through the draft, with Detroit finding upgrades at left tackle and center early in the process.

If the offensive line can improve, and if the team can re-sign Cliff Avril on defense, there is enough talent to make a second straight playoff run in 2012. 

Super Bowl Odds: 22-1

Atlanta Falcons

Biggest Offseason Need: Better Play-Calling

How many games did the Atlanta Falcons lose in 2011 because the play-calling, on both sides of the ball, was horrible?

Two new coordinators will come to town with a mindset to amp up the defense and make the offense cruise again under Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Roddy White and Julio Jones. The talent is there, on both sides of the ball, but the play-calling must be more imaginative and more aggressive than it was in 2011.

If the Falcons come out aggressive and play with fire, something they rarely did in 2011, they have a very good chance to compete with the New Orleans Saints for the top of the division. 

Super Bowl Odds: 22-1

Philadelphia Eagles

Biggest Offseason Need: Consistency

The "Dream Team" collapsed in 2011 under the pressure of big signings and high hopes. The 2012 season will be the Philadelphia Eagles' chance to prove they are worth the preseason hype and accolades.

The talent is there; that much was evident during the second half of the season. Michael Vick, when healthy, can be unstoppable. The wide receivers are talented (if DeSean Jackson is re-signed), and LeSean McCoy is among the best running backs in the NFL. The only thing missing is consistency.

The Eagles offense has to get into a rhythm and stay hot. Too often in 2011 we saw them become stagnant and not attack. This happened on both sides of the ball. Andy Reid knows he has to field an attacking football team to have a chance to win the NFC East in 2012. 

Super Bowl Odds: 20-1

Baltimore Ravens

Biggest Offseason Need: Offensive Spark

There is more than enough talent on the Baltimore Ravens' roster to not only make the Super Bowl, but to win the whole thing. Considered favorites by some before the 2011 season, the pressure will be on even thicker in 2012.

Baltimore has the keys to success, but it lacked a spark and fire on offense this season after its Week 1 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. That game seemed to take the life from the Ravens, who expected to be good after defeating their rivals in impressive fashion. Cam Cameron was retained as offensive coordinator, and the onus will be on him to find the creativity to breathe life into the offense.

The offseason will begin with the hopeful re-signing of Ray Rice at running back. Without him, write off Baltimore's chances in 2012. 

Super Bowl Odds: 15-1

Houston Texans

Biggest Offseason Need: Health

Had the Houston Texans stayed healthy all season, there's a damn good chance they would have been playing tonight instead of the New England Patriots. That said, expectations will be at an all-time high in 2012 with a healthy roster in Houston.

The team lost Matt Schaub, Andre Johnson and Mario Williams for large parts of the season—seriously limiting what they could do on offense and putting rookies in pressure situations on defense. And yet they rose to the challenge with a rookie quarterback, no-name wide receivers and a defense playing out of this world under first-year coordinator Wade Phillips.

The 2012 season should be a great one in Houston. With another good draft class, the team will be an early favorite to win the AFC. 

Super Bowl Odds: 12-1

New York Giants

Biggest Offseason Need: Offensive Line

The New York Giants made their way to the 2012 Super Bowl with a strong pass rush, great play from Eli Manning and some luck. If history is any indication, they won't repeat in 2013.

There is considerable talent in New York as the Giants face few free-agency decisions that will impact the larger focus of the team. General manager Jerry Reese does a great job drafting for the future and has loaded this roster, especially on defense, with players ready to step into the limelight.

The one area the team has to improve upon is along the offensive line. The Giants' playoff run was marred with sacks, hits and pressures on Manning. If they hope to beat a strong field again in 2013, improvements along the line will be needed. 

Super Bowl Odds: 12-1

New Orleans Saints

Biggest Offseason Need: Re-Sign Free Agents

The list of free agents on the New Orleans Saints' roster is enough to scare even the most faithful of fans in the Big Easy.

Drew Brees, Marques Colston, Robert Meachem, Carl Nicks, Aubrayo Franklin, Shaun Rogers and Tracy Porter highlight the list of players the Saints will try to re-sign with the estimated (by my math) $26 million they have under the projected $120 million 2012 salary cap. With Drew Brees able to command at least $15 million himself, that doesn't leave much room for the other players who need to be kept under contract.

If the Saints can get creative and ask for hometown discounts, they will be able to keep Nicks and maybe Colston, the two most important players in the group outside of Brees.

It would be fair to wonder if the Saints' window for winning a Super Bowl is starting to close, as they haven't drafted well and are now facing a year where key free agents could begin departing.

Super Bowl Odds: 12-1

San Francisco 49ers

Biggest Offseason Need: Wide Receivers

The San Francisco 49ers were thisclose to playing for their sixth Super Bowl championship this season. To overcome the odds and make it to their first Super Bowl since 1994, the 49ers will focus on improving the talent on offense while continuing to focus on a strong defense and an unbeatable run game.

Alex Smith has solid targets with Michael Crabtree at receiver, along with Delanie Walker and Vernon Davis at tight end. Other than that, the team lacks true talent at the receiver position. With the No. 30 pick in the first round of the 2012 NFL draft, the 49ers can be expected to draft a wide receiver if a player of good value is available.

It's not impossible to rule out a free-agent signing either. The 49ers play in a great city, have a great coach who just took home the NFL Coach of the Year award and are now a desirable location for players hoping to find a Super Bowl ring.

If subtle changes can be made and consistency is established through re-signing Carlos Rogers, the 49ers will be back in the running during the 2012 season.

Super Bowl Odds: 8-1

New England Patriots

Biggest Offseason Need: Pass Rush

The New England Patriots know how to make the Super Bowl, as they just played in their fifth under Bill Belichick at head coach. Getting there again in 2013 shouldn't be a problem if they can stay healthy. Winning it will be the hard part.

The AFC is becoming more competitive as the power shifts from Indianapolis and Pittsburgh to Houston and Baltimore. The one constant has been the play of the Patriots. They can improve their chances, though, by using their four selections in the first two rounds of the 2012 NFL draft and focusing on improving their pass rush and secondary.

The Patriots may not hold on to all four picks, but Belichick will use them to get the most possible value from the selections. With a full offseason and no lockout, it's easy to see how the Patriots could actually be better in 2012. 

Super Bowl Odds: 6-1

Green Bay Packers

Biggest Offseason Need: Consistency

The Green Bay Packers were an early favorite to win Super Bowl XLVI after taking home the trophy in 2011. With a 15-1 regular season and record-breaking performances by Aaron Rodgers, it was a shock to see their season end with a playoff loss to the New York Giants.

But maybe that's what they needed to wake them up. The Packers face an offseason where their only key free agent is tight end Jermichael Finley, who is a good player but replaceable in the offense. Dom Capers will return as defensive coordinator, and the rest of the team will be healthy after a rocky end to the 2011 season.

And Aaron Rodgers will still be the quarterback, and much like the New England Patriots' chances, all that matters is the health of the quarterback. The team around him will rise and fall with the play of No. 12.

Super Bowl Odds: 5-1