2013 Super Bowl Odds: Which Bottom-Favored Teams Have Most Realistic Shot?

Earlier this week, Bovada.com released its 2013 Super Bowl odds. It was no surprise to see teams like the Green Bay Packers, New Orleans Saints, New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles all put inside the top 10.

That being said, what about the bottom 50 percent of the league? A few teams have some legitimate promise in 2012, so here's the franchises with the low odds but a realistic shot at Super Bowl XLVII.

Carolina Panthers (35/1)

Despite finishing 6-10, the Carolina Panthers closed out their 2011 campaign with a 4-2 record. Quarterback Cam Newton was not only the Offensive Rookie of the Year, but also a Pro Bowl selection.

The man threw for over 4,000 yards, combined for 35 total touchdowns and threw just 17 interceptions. The offense with Newton under center has talent all around him, especially with Steve Smith, Brandon LaFell and Greg Olsen as his receiving targets.

Defensively, the Panthers were weak because linebacker Jon Beasom was gone for the year. Well, provided that he can remain healthy for all of 2012 and defensive end Charles Johnson keeps rolling, Carolina should be significantly improved against the run.

Include a top 10 draft pick this spring, as well as some appealing free agents in the offseason, and the Panthers have an outside shot to contend with New Orleans. No offensive player had a bigger impact on their team than Newton and few defensive units missed a player more than the Panthers did Beasom.

Kansas City Chiefs (50/1)

Mauled by injuries early on and into the middle of the season, the Kansas City Chiefs still managed to finish 7-9. Not to mention their head coach was out before the year was over.

So, having to play without safety Eric Berry, running back Jamaal Charles and roughly the last two months without quarterback Matt Cassel, Kansas City fought hard and fared well.

For starters the Chiefs also went 3-3 in the AFC West, so it's not like they were abysmal versus their rivals. All K.C. needs to do before 2012 is get healthy. With Brandon Carr and Brandon Flowers at corner, the defense will shutdown once again as Berry patrols at safety.

As for the offense, the running game will continue to pound as Jackie Battle makes for a reliable No. 2 back behind Charles.

Cassel is a proven NFL quarterback with three full solid seasons as a starter, so all they need is a dominant No. 2 receiver to complement Dwayne Bowe and Steve Breaston.

Seattle Seahawks (60/1)

Last season the Seattle Seahawks began 2-6 but finished 5-3 and were in the playoff hunt until Week 16.

Running back Marshawn Lynch continued his beast-mode antics after a slow start, and Pete Carroll's receiving corps of Doug Baldwin, Golden Tate, Sidney Rice and Ben Obomanu developed quite well together.

Offensively, the Seahawks just need a guy who can manage games to a T. Whether it's via the draft, trade or free agency, getting an effective passer under center backed by the ground game will quickly pay dividends.

Defensively, Seattle finished with the No. 9 overall defense, allowing just 332.2 total yards per game. as well as No. 7 in allowing an average of only 19.7 points per game. Chris Clemons is a monstrous pass-rusher and corner Brandon Browner led the league with 23 passes defended.

Include their top 15 overall draft pick and believe it or not, the Seattle Seahawks are on the cusp of becoming a complete football team.

John Rozum on Twitter.