Updated Super Bowl Odds for Every NFL Team After Roster Cuts

The NFL preseason is mercifully over, though we are left with replacement referees for the foreseeable future.

Roster cuts have been made, and 53-man rosters are just about set. Team records are set at 0-0, and the promise of a new season fills the hopes of every team's fans.

How does each team look after another preseason of development, attrition and revelation? Here are updated Super Bowl odds, told in an unconventional fashion.

Arizona Cardinals

The John Skelton era begins in Arizona. The problem is that it is one stink bomb away from ending.

Arizona handed the keys to the Kia over to the third-year quarterback after he won an underwhelming quarterback competition this preseason.

It was a rough go for the Cardinals during a 1-3 preseason, one that exposed their offensive line as problematic. Losing Levi Brown for the year was a terrible blow to an already-porous line.

Defensively, the Cardinals must get back to their late-season form from a year ago. It was the defense that keyed a 7-2 run to end the year, and they are going to need a repeat if they are to be competitive in the NFC West.

Super Bowl Odds: Same as a hurricane hitting Phoenix.

Atlanta Falcons

The time is now. The Falcons can fly, but can they soar?

Matt Ryan sure looks ready to make good on his promise. Four years and three playoff appearances have been nice for the Boston College product, but the big number for the Atlanta faithful is "zero." That is zero playoff victories despite getting to the postseason in 75 percent of his career.

A 1-3 preseason record belies the true nature of this team. Ryan and Co. looked fantastic on offense during their time in the exhibition games.

Julio Jones has looked every bit the receiver the Falcons expected when they bet the farm on him in the 2011 draft, Roddy White is as dependable as ever, Tony Gonzalez looks like he could play another 10 years and the backfield is multifaceted and dangerous with Michael Turner and Jacquizz Rodgers.

Unfortunately, the Falcons must fight off a host of strong NFC contenders to get to the top.

Super Bowl Odds: Same as Matt Ryan throwing for 5,000 yards.

Baltimore Ravens

Last year's playoff goat has been exorcised, and the Ravens look to make another deep playoff run. 

Poor Billy Cundiff was overtaken by rookie Justin Tucker and exiled as a result after missing a game-tying field goal in the AFC Championship game. The biggest loss for the Ravens came when Terrell Suggs injured his Achilles, however.

Baltimore's division looks tougher than it really is. The Bengals and Steelers will be good, but the Steelers are reeling from injuries, and the Bengals are not ready to challenge for the division crown yet.

The question is whether the Ravens have enough to get past other AFC rivals who have improved, including nemesis New England.

Super Bowl Odds: Same as the Baltimore Orioles winning the World Series.

Buffalo Bills

The Bills did not look terribly good this preseason considering all the noise they made in the offseason.

An improvement on defense is expected with the addition of Mario Williams, Mark Anderson and Stephon Gilmore, but it has not shown thus far.

Ryan Fitzpatrick has also looked shaky at times throughout the preseason, a foreboding issue should he take a step back as the starter. Fortunately, the Bills have Fred Jackson back to pair with C.J. Spiller to take the pressure off.

If their rookies and free-agent additions can contribute immediately, the Bills will be competitive in a tough division. Otherwise, they might be in for another long season. Either way, they still have some catching up to do.

Super Bowl Odds: Same as a summer snowstorm in Buffalo.

Carolina Panthers

The Panthers have the reigning Rookie of the Year back for more, but is their defense up to the task? That is the real question heading into 2012 for the Panthers, who look to continue their rise in the NFC South.

Carolina gets Jon Beason back to pair with rookie Luke Kuechly, who looks like the tackling machine he was in college.

The Panthers also have defensive tackle Ron Edwards back and hope to get Thomas Davis healthy after three ACL tears in his right knee. If all hold up, that defensive front could be the most improved in the NFL.

The offense has no such question marks provided everyone can stay healthy. Newton will be great even if he cannot replicate his rookie season, the backfield is stacked with talent and Steve Smith leads an underrated receiving corps. Smith should be back from a nasty foot infection to start the season. 

Super Bowl Odds: Same as Cam Newton rushing for 15 touchdowns.

Chicago Bears

The Bears play in the shark-infested waters of the NFC North. They sharpened their claws this offseason.

Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery are in town to give Jay Cutler some actual weapons aside from Matt Forte out of the backfield. Forte returns with a big contract in hand as well, backed up by bruiser Michael Bush.

The defense must improve upon its middle-of-the-road ranking if they are going to make real noise this season, but they add another powerful offense—at least on paper—to the NFC North.

Super Bowl Odds: Same as Jay Cutler winning the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award.

Cincinnati Bengals

Can the Bengals make another playoff run? The last time the Bengals made the playoffs, they wound up with four wins the following season.

Led by second-year men Andy Dalton and A.J. Green, the offense looks to avoid that kind of step back, but it will not be easy. The Bengals must get through the ever-dangerous AFC North, even if divisional rivals Baltimore and Pittsburgh are not at their peak.

BenJarvus Green-Ellis has been injured this preseason, but the Bengals hope he can provide better production than Cedric Benson, who had been serviceable for years.

The future is bright in Cincinnati after a draftnik's dream draft this past April. Contending for a Super Bowl this year might be expecting too much, but the Bengals are no strangers to surprising the NFL.

Super Bowl Odds: Same as BenJarvus Green-Ellis leading the league in rushing.

Cleveland Browns

The Browns made some polarizing draft picks in the 2012 draft, and their immediate future hinges on them.

Cleveland moved up one spot to assure themselves Trent Richardson, then took 28-year-old Brandon Weeden with its second first-round pick. Both will start this season.

Predicting their season is really a gamble considering how many young players they have at key positions, but one thing rings true: The Browns play in the AFC North. 

Super Bowl Odds: Same as LeBron James getting traded to the Cavs.

Dallas Cowboys

Much like the Panthers, the defense—or lack thereof—short-circuited the Cowboys' season.

They hope that is fixed with an offseason that saw them add Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne at cornerback. 

The Cowboys have not lacked for offense in recent years, but they might finally have the balanced attack they have craved with DeMarco Murray as their starter.

Of course, the Cowboys must run the NFC East gauntlet—a task they were not up for last season. The Giants, Eagles and Redskins are all improved. It will be tough sledding for Tony Romo and the Cowboys.

Super Bowl Odds: Same as Jerry Jones putting out a rap single.

Denver Broncos

Peyton Manning is back.

Questions about his health and arm strength persist, but if his third preseason game is any indicator, he should be just fine.

Knowshon Moreno is also back after narrowly making the team—perhaps Mario Fannin's season-ending injury had something to do with that.

Willis McGahee, Lance Ball and Ronnie Hillman lie ahead of him on the depth chart. They will not be running the option offense anymore, but McGahee will have the bulk of the early down work.

The Broncos made the playoffs with a 47 percent passer last season. It is safe to say even Caleb Hanie will be better than that, though he may not be able to run the option offense.

Super Bowl Odds: Same as Peyton Manning winning another MVP award.

Detroit Lions

Another preseason, another host of injured running backs.

Jahvid Best is still out with lingering concussion symptoms, Mikel Leshoure is suspended to start the year and Kevin Smith is still made of glass. But the Lions might not need them very much.

Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson spearhead a powerful air attack for the Lions. They need it to keep up with the likes of the Packers and now Bears. 

The Lions had a rather eventful offseason, but the regular season is here, and they can focus on football. If the defense can improve and the offense can continue to shine, they will repeat their playoff run.

Super Bowl Odds: Same as the Lions avoiding arrests for the next year.

Green Bay Packers

Speaking of unneeded running backs, the Packers nearly went into the season with an ineffective James Starks and unproven Alex Green as their tandem. Cedric Benson arrived in the nick of time to save the day.

With Aaron Rodgers at the helm, it may not matter. 

The reigning MVP is in his prime and has an offense stocked with toys. From Greg Jennings to Jarrett Boykin, the Packers boast a set of receivers that would make most quarterbacks blush.

The biggest area of concern for the Packers heading into this season was a defense that ranked dead last in 2011. If the preseason is any indication, they made great strides in improving that defense with a fantastic draft.

Nick Perry, Casey Hayward, Jerron McMillan and Terrell Manning have all made impacts on that defense thus far. If that unit gets back to its 2010 ways, the Packers will be tough to beat all the way through the Super Bowl.

Super Bowl Odds: Same as Aaron Rodgers leading the league in passing.

Houston Texans

Matt Schaub had a fantastic preseason. Now can he stay healthy?

The Texans quarterback has only had a couple of healthy years as a starter, and his 2011 season was cut short by plantar fasciitis. He is healthy now and looks to lead the Texans back to the playoffs alongside Andre Johnson, who has also been riddled with injuries.

Houston's defense took some hits on paper this offseason, but it is a young unit that could be just as strong without Mario Williams and DeMeco Ryans.

Super Bowl Odds: Same as Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson staying healthy for 16 games.

Indianapolis Colts

Is the Indianapolis rebuilding plan ahead of schedule?

The Colts looked like they could make some noise this year during the preseason, largely thanks to Andrew Luck. The rookie looked like a NFL veteran.

Of course, Luck is only one (big) piece of the puzzle. He has some weapons to throw to as well, but his offensive line is suspect. 

The bigger issue is a defense that went largely unaddressed this offseason. The Colts recently traded for Vontae Davis, but that hardly shores up the unit as a whole. 

Luck will be playing catch up often this year.

Super Bowl Odds: Same as Jim Irsay trading for Peyton Manning.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Rashad Jennings is going to be just as good as Maurice Jones-Drew, right?

MJD is back in camp, so Jennings may not be as important.

Jacksonville has an underrated defense to go with an improving offense. The defense kept them in plenty of games in 2011; if the offense can take steps forward, the Jaguars could surprise this season. 

Super Bowl Odds: Same as Bryan Anger winning Rookie of the Year.

Kansas City Chiefs

Kansas City was a playoff team two years ago. They entered last year with lofty expectations that were short-circuited by injuries and poor coaching.

Both of those things have been corrected, in theory, as big names Jamaal Charles and Eric Berry return, and Romeo Crennel retains the helm as the head coach.

Charles in particular has served notice that he is all the way back from his season-ending knee injury. He has run the ball with confidence, cutting on that knee without sign of any issues. The Chiefs can afford to ease him into action, though, as Peyton Hillis joins Charles in the backfield.

Defense is Crennel's specialty, and the Chiefs look to continue the momentum from their final three games.

Super Bowl Odds: Same as Matt Cassel having a Tom Brady-like season.

Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins had a rather tumultuous offseason and preseason.

From getting stiff-armed by Jeff Fisher and Peyton Manning to opening themselves up to criticism on Hard Knocks, the team seems to be heading in the wrong direction despite installing a promising rookie at quarterback. A perceived rift in the locker room seems to be exacerbating the problem.

Is the turmoil overblown or will it undermine Joe Philbin in his first season as head coach?

One thing is for certain: Ryan Tannehill will have his work cut out for him with a receiving corps that rivals Jacksonville's circa 2011. He gets Brian Hartline back from injury soon, but the de facto No. 1 receiver has dealt with injury issues his entire career.

The Dolphins are transitioning to a 4-3 defense after a strong season that saw them finish sixth in scoring defense. Kevin Coyle has some big shoes to fill after Mike Nolan's departure, though, and Miami's defense was awful in the preseason.

Super Bowl Odds: Same as Ray Finkle kidnapping Dan Marino and getting away with it.

Minnesota Vikings

Minnesota lost nine games by a touchdown or less last season. Is that indicative of hidden quality or just a mirage?

The fact remains that the Vikings play six games against powerful divisional foes in the division of death. Barring injuries to their rivals, the Vikings would be lucky to go 2-4 within their division. They also get strong opponents in Houston, Seattle, San Francisco and Tennessee.

Adrian Peterson is making his way back from a devastating knee injury, but the real obstacle lies in overcoming a porous defense that ranked 21st and 31st in total and scoring defense last year, respectively.

The Vikings added some players in free agency and the draft to help, and they get some key players back from injury. But will it be enough? This quote from Jared Allen says it all (via David Campbell of the Associated Press):

"

There’s no stress. There’s no pressure. The young guys aren’t coming on to a team where they’re expected to win the Super Bowl. No, you’re expected to perform at a high level right away, because we want to win games. That’s good pressure to have, versus the negative.

"

There you have it.

Super Bowl Odds: Same as Donovan McNabb making a successful comeback.

New England Patriots

The roster in New England has some fresh faces, but it is the same old powerhouse.

The Patriots simply reload every year, which is why they are perennial Super Bowl favorites. As long as Tom Brady and Bill Belichick are together—something that could be the case for a while—the Patriots will remain competitive.

Super Bowl Odds: Same as Bill Belichick entering and winning a PGA Pro-Am.

New Orleans Saints

One of the more tumultuous offseasons in NFL history is finally over, and the Saints can focus on what they do best: win games.

Drew Brees is locked up to a long-term contract and looks like he is in midseason form heading into the opener. The defense looks to bounce back from a poor season with the specter of Bountygate looming, but this offense can carry the team like few others.

Of course, there is the little matter of Green Bay, San Francisco, New York and other NFC powers standing in the way.

Super Bowl Odds: Same as Jonathan Vilma playing half the season.

New York Giants

The title defense begins, and the Giants get younger and faster in their attempt to keep up with the NFC East improvements.

David Wilson has made waves this preseason, perhaps a sign of revival for a running game that ranked dead last in the league last season. Of course, the Giants did just fine without it, though they barely made the playoffs in the first place.

Perhaps a bigger concern is the offensive line, which has been without Will Beatty. This could force David Diehl, one of the league's worst offensive lineman last season, according to Pro Football Focus, to Eli Manning's blind side.

The Giants have a penchant for overcoming injuries, but can they overcome their peers? Repeating is a typically tall task in the NFL, but the NFC East could be particularly brutal to get through for New York.

Super Bowl Odds: Same as Wilson winning rookie of the year.

New York Jets

If there is one thing the Jets have, it's bravado—Rex Ryan thinks he has a good team on his hands. Perhaps he is simply trying to instill confidence in his team after a horrific preseason.

The Jets do have a good defense, as usual, but that is not the problem. The offense is led by a quarterback that has been all but neutered by his horribly inaccurate backup. They lack reliable playmakers at every skill position, and the right side of the offensive line is a mess. 

To put it simply, Mark Sanchez and Tim Tebow combined for exactly zero touchdown drives in an 0-4 exhibition campaign.

If the defense can rise up and play at an elite level, the Jets will be in most games this year. Even if that happens, getting to the postseason and beyond will not be a walk in Central Park.

Super Bowl Odds: Same as Rex Ryan getting his own GQ spread.

Oakland Raiders

The Raiders were 8-8 last season, one game out of a playoff spot. Then they blew it up, at least in the front office.

Can they remain competitive under new head coach Dennis Allen, or is this a slow burn of a rebuilding project for general manager Reggie McKenzie?

This team's success rides on Darren McFadden's health and Carson Palmer's resurgence. If either falter, this could be a long season for the Raiders, who play in an increasingly competitive AFC West.

Super Bowl Odds: Same as Reggie McKenzie running a 4.3 40-yard dash.

Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles, too, wound up just one game out of a playoff spot at 8-8 last season. Also similar to the Raiders, their season rides on the health of one player: Michael Vick.

LeSean McCoy is quite important as well, but he has been healthy for the most part while Vick suffers an injury every other series, it seems. When healthy and running on all cylinders, this offense could rival the best in the NFL.

Perhaps more importantly, the defense has improved on paper this offseason. The Eagles added DeMeco Ryans and Mychal Kendricks—a rookie who has impressed this preseason—to their linebacking corps, as well as Fletcher Cox to a deep defensive line. Their secondary looks to bounce back from a subpar showing as well.

Super Bowl Odds: Same as Andy Reid getting fired at the end of the season.

Pittsburgh Steelers

What started out as a good offseason has gone downhill for the Steelers.

Pittsburgh's first-round draft pick David DeCastro is out for a while, along with third-round pick Sean Spence, both with nasty knee injuries.

Mike Adams has not proven to be a good left tackle, a worrisome problem for Ben Roethlisberger, who has been sacked quite a bit over the past six years.

Whether Big Ben's decision to take over the offense is a sign of trouble between him and Todd Haley remains to be seen, but the Steelers are in a precarious position heading into 2012.

Super Bowl Odds: Same as Rashard Mendenhall rushing for 1,000 yards.

San Diego Chargers

The Chargers lost Vincent Jackson and Mike Tolbert in the offeseason, then they lost Vincent Brown to injury for at least half the season. Ryan Mathews broke his clavicle on the first play of the preseason, and Antonio Gates' foot could be an issue at any point.

The biggest obstacle in getting back to the playoffs for the Chargers may not be injuries or free-agent departures. Norv Turner took over for Marty Schottenheimer after the latter was fired following a 14-2 season, and he promptly put his stamp of mediocrity on the team.  

Super Bowl Odds: Same as Norv Turner winning Survivor.

San Francisco 49ers

Was last season a fluke or a sign of things to come for San Francisco?

Jim Harbaugh and the 49ers may or may not have flirted with Peyton Manning in the offseason—depending on who you ask—but Alex Smith was retained in the end. His arsenal was given an upgrade or two as well.

The 49ers looked like they hadn't missed a beat this preseason, allowing single-digit scores in three of the four games, all of which they won. They avoided serious injuries for the most part, which is the biggest win of the offseason.

It has become a bit trendy to pick against the 49ers to win the NFC West this year with the Seahawks looking strong, but the dominant defense returns with what should be an improved offense.

Of course, the NFC has become a gauntlet; they may have another fantastic season, but getting out of the NFC will be a challenge for any contender.

Super Bowl Odds: Same as the chances that the new Bay Bridge will be completed on time.

Seattle Seahawks

Russellmania has hit the Pacific Northwest, and expectations are climbing as a result.

Despite consecutive 7-9 seasons, the Seahawks are being touted as playoff dark horses who could take down the 49ers, who finished six games ahead of Seattle last season. That might seem far-fetched, but anything can happen in today's NFL.

If it does, it will start with a good, young defense.

Super Bowl Odds: Same as the grunge scene being revived in Seattle.

St. Louis Rams

Jeff Fisher is in town, and the stink from the Steve Spagnuolo era is slowly being Febrezed away by thousands of Fisher mustaches.

The Rams had a good draft. They signed Cortland Finnegan. Sam Bradford is back on the path of development. 

Is it enough? Not for 2012, but they are taking steps forward.

Super Bowl Odds: Same as a winter without snow in St. Louis.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Bucs made some waves this offseason in free agency and the draft, signing coveted free agents Vincent Jackson and Carl Nicks and taking talented safety Mark Barron and running back Doug Martin in the first round of the draft.

It might be a work in progress, but the Bucs should see a big improvement with their improved personnel alone. If Greg Schiano can get his players to buy into his style of coaching, Tampa Bay will be on the rebound. 

How high they bounce back is a good question.

Super Bowl Odds: Same as going through 2012 without a blackout in Tampa Bay.

Tennessee Titans

A tiebreaker kept the Titans out of the playoffs at 9-7 last season.

Kenny Britt was spared a lengthy suspension—good news for Jake Locker and that offense.

Locker has some serious weaponry at his disposal if Britt can stay healthy. Rookie Kendall Wright and Nate Washington join Britt, and Chris Johnson appears to be back to his old tricks out of the backfield.

Tennessee was buoyed by a top-10 scoring defense despite a noticeable lack of pass-rushers. They hope to have that remedied by free-agent acquisition Kamerion Wimbley.

The Titans play in a relatively soft division, giving them a better shot by virtue of competition than, say, the Minnesota Vikings.

Super Bowl Odds: Same as Jake Locker completing 65 percent of his passes.

Washington Redskins

Did you know: The Redskins improved from 31st to 13th in total defense from 2010 to 2011.

Rex Grossman and John Beck combined to throw for over 4,000 yards. Mike Shanahan is going to mess with fantasy owners forever.

The Redskins are pinning their future hopes on rookie Robert Griffin III, but the defense will be key in their success this year. 

Super Bowl Odds: Same as Robert Griffin rushing for 14 touchdowns.