Super Bowl 2015 Predictions and Odds, Post-Regular Season

The NFL playoffs are here, and it's officially the most wonderful time of the year!

This year's postseason slate is as compelling as ever, featuring a few heavyweight contenders and a bunch of teams fighting to make a run at the Lombardi Trophy. Every game this weekend will be compelling, headlined by the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday night.

There are several juicy potential matchups in the offering—whether it's the Denver Broncos and New England Patriots renewing acquaintances in the AFC Championship Game or the Dallas Cowboys playing at both Green Bay and Seattle in the same postseason. It's going to be fascinating to behold.

Even though the teams with first-round byes have the best odds, it's important to note that three of the last four Super Bowl champions have come out of the Wild Card Round, lending added importance to the opening weekend.

Here are the predictions and odds, courtesy of OddsShark, for every playoff team to win Super Bowl 2015.

Arizona Cardinals

Tony Avelar/Associated Press

ODDS: 66/1

After racing out to a 9-1 start, it appeared that the Arizona Cardinals were on a collision course with home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs.

But alas, it was not meant to be, as their starting quarterback, Carson Palmer, tore his ACL in the club's victory over the St. Louis Rams on November 9. And to make matters worse, backup passer Drew Stanton suffered a knee sprain on December 11—also against the Rams—and hasn't played since.

Enter third-stringer Ryan Lindley, who was forced to start the final two games of the season (Seattle, at San Francisco). If you're at all familiar with Lindley's catalog of work, you won't be surprised to read that Arizona lost both those contests.

So instead of holding the NFC's No. 1 seed, Arizona finished 11-5 and claimed the fifth spot, putting it on the road at red-hot Carolina on Wild Card Weekend. As of this writing—with Lindley all but certain to start Saturday against the Panthers—it doesn't appear as if many people are giving the Cardinals a shot to pull the upset on the road.

But it's worth noting that Lindley didn't play poorly in Week 17, passing for 316 yards and tossing the first two touchdown passes of his career. His play against the San Francisco 49ers enthused coach Bruce Arians and lends some hope that Arizona won't turn in a one-and-done playoff performance.

If there's one thing Cardinals fans can hang their hats on, it's the superb job the coaching staff has done throughout the season—specifically Arians and defensive coordinator Todd Bowles. The latter should absolutely get a head-coaching job this offseason.

While the Cardinals might be the longest shot to raise the Lombardi Trophy out of any playoff team, don't count them out. Super Bowl XLIX will be played at their home stadium, and they've proven to be a tough and resilient bunch. If Lindley can steer them into the divisional round, it's within the realm of possibility that Stanton could return and give the offense a boost.

Don't be shocked if the Cardinals pull the upset Saturday in Carolina. But if they do, that will probably be the end of the road, as a road victory at either Green Bay or Seattle doesn't appear likely.

Next Game: at Carolina Panthers (Saturday, 4:20 p.m. ET)

Cincinnati Bengals

Don Wright/Associated Press

ODDS: 40/1

For the Cincinnati Bengals, this is it. It's time to prove they can get the job done. No more excuses. Win the damn game and advance to the divisional round.

This is the fourth consecutive year that the Bengals have advanced to the AFC playoffs, and in the first three, they crashed and burned in spectacular fashion and failed to make it out of Wild Card Weekend. Marvin Lewis' team must win Sunday's game at Indianapolis to prove it can perform to the best of its ability when the game matters the most.

For Dalton, the regular-season statistics and playoff berths are nice, but his career has boiled down to not being able to get it done in January. He's been nothing short of brutal in the postseason, tossing only one touchdown pass against six interceptions in three losses. Dalton needs to prove he's capable of elevating his level of play in a big moment.

Bengals head coach Hue Jackson told Coley Harvey of ESPN.com:

"

Andy Dalton is a good quarterback and has a tremendous future. I know the guy gets a lot of the blame, and I know he gets a lot of the heat when things don't go as well. And deservedly so. He plays quarterback. He understands that, I understand that. We understand the position has to play good in order for us to win these kind of games. He will. 

"

The Bengals have a real opportunity to win their first playoff game since 1991 when they visit the Colts Sunday. On paper, Cincinnati is the better team with the better overall roster. But the great equalizer is at quarterback, with Dalton opposed by the great Andrew Luck. If the Bengals are to win, they'll need to emphasize a power run game with rookie running back Jeremy Hill and try and keep the ball out of Luck's hands.

It's not hyperbole to state that Sunday's game is a must-win for Dalton, Lewis and the Bengals. And if they're able to pull off the road upset, the sky could be the limit for one of the most talented teams in the NFL—even with a road date at either Denver or New England looming.

Next Game: at Indianapolis Colts (Sunday, 1:05 p.m. ET)

Detroit Lions

Matt Ludtke/Associated Press

ODDS: 40/1

The Detroit Lions might be entering the postseason with an excellent 11-5 record, but their final regular-season game likely left a bad taste in the organization's mouth. 

With a chance to win the NFC North title and earn a first-round bye in the postseason, the Lions spit the bit at Lambeau Field, falling 30-20 to Green Bay in a game that wasn't even as close as the score indicated. It was a disappointing effort for a Detroit team that's trying to prove to the NFL that it's for real.

But the good news is the Lions get another opportunity to showcase their wares for the nation, and they could have no better opponent on Wild Card Weekend to do it against: the Dallas Cowboys.

Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford only tossed 22 touchdown passes on the 2014 campaign, as the team won more with a punishing defense than an explosive offense. Detroit finished with the NFL's No. 1 rush defense, which will serve it well against the Cowboys' high-powered rushing attack. 

The Lions received a major break Tuesday when defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh won his appeal of the one-game suspension he received for stepping on the leg of Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers this past Sunday, meaning he'll be in the lineup against Dallas. The importance of Suh in the middle of Detroit's defensive line cannot be overstated, as he'll be critical to stopping the Cowboys offense.

The 2014 Lions are displaying the resiliency they lacked in prior years. They've won games they normally would have lost (Week 7 against the New Orleans Saints and Week 8 against the Atlanta Falcons come to mind) and have saved their best for the big moments.

The question: Can Stafford, coach Jim Caldwell and company carry over that finishing ability to the postseason? 

If the Lions can get past the Cowboys—and Vegas has them installed as seven-point underdogs—a divisional-round date in Seattle against the Seahawks awaits. 

With that fact in mind, perhaps Detroit's odds are a tad too high.

Next Game: at Dallas Cowboys (Sunday, 4:40 p.m. ET)

Carolina Panthers

Brynn Anderson/Associated Press

ODDS: 40/1

What a difference a month makes.

Just four weeks ago, the Carolina Panthers were dead in the water at 3-8-1 with a moribund offense and lifeless defense. But the team pulled it together and closed the regular campaign on a four-game winning streak, finishing 7-8-1, which was good enough to win the dreadful and awful NFC South.

So here the Panthers are, hosting a home playoff game in what once looked like a lost season. You gotta love sports!

Carolina got back to the postseason using the same formula that won it the NFC South in 2013: a punishing ground game and swarming defense. The Panthers rushed for at least 175 yards in three of their final four wins, and the defense accrued 14 sacks over that same time frame. Coach Ron Rivera deserves a ton of credit for coaxing that kind of play out of his team late in the season.

With quarterback Cam Newton playing excellent football, the Panthers are a dangerous club. Running back Jonathan Stewart, stud rookie receiver Kelvin Benjamin and tight end Greg Olsen are all formidable weapons at the skill positions, and Newton's swagger is undeniable. 

The fact that the Panthers drew the Ryan Lindley-quarterbacked Cardinals in the first round was a massive stroke of luck, as they're actually favored over 11-5 Arizona. Carolina has an excellent opportunity to advance to the divisional round, which seemed impossible just four weeks ago.

A run to the Super Bowl seems unlikely, but if Newton is playing to his potential, nothing is out of reach for the Panthers.

Next Game: vs. Arizona Cardinals (Saturday, 4:20 p.m. ET)

Baltimore Ravens

Nick Wass/Associated Press

ODDS: 40/1

For the sixth time in seven years of the John Harbaugh and Joe Flacco era, the Baltimore Ravens are headed to the postseason.

And in each of the first five trips, the Ravens won at least one game after qualifying for the playoffs, culminating in a Super Bowl championship following the 2012 season. These Ravens have proven they know how to win and undoubtedly possess a championship pedigree.

It took until the season's final day for Baltimore to lock up a playoff berth, but the Ravens are in. And a date with hated rival Pittsburgh in the Wild Card Round awaits on Saturday night.

For the Ravens, the formula is simple: Play hard-nosed, tough defense and let Flacco win the game on offense. Baltimore's offensive line got the job done against Cleveland and will be counted on to keep Flacco upright and open up lanes for running back Justin Forsett. Look for Flacco to try and connect early and often with receivers Steve Smith Sr. and Torrey Smith.

The injury-riddled secondary is a definite concern, but the pass rush is solid, and defensive tackle Haloti Ngata is set to return after a four-game suspension for violating the league's PED policy. Ngata should provide a fairly sizable lift to the defense.

While the Ravens hold the sixth seed in the AFC and will be underdogs Saturday night in Pittsburgh, they absolutely cannot be counted out. They have proven they're capable of making championship runs, so until they're actually eliminated, they are a threat to upend the apple cart and soar toward yet another Lombardi Trophy.

Next Game: at Pittsburgh Steelers (Saturday, 8:15 p.m. ET)

Indianapolis Colts

Sanford Myers/Associated Press

ODDS: 28/1

Since the Indianapolis Colts selected quarterback Andrew Luck with the first overall pick of the 2012 draft, the franchise has made the playoffs for three consecutive seasons. Will this be the year they get over the hump and advance to Championship Sunday?

The Colts are ultimately a flawed football team. The run game is invisible far too often, and the defense simply isn't at a championship level. But Luck is highly skilled, and as long as he's on the field, the Colts are capable of winning any game they play.

For the season, Luck threw 40 touchdown passes against only 16 interceptions. He showed in last year's postseason that he's capable of single-handedly winning games. His brilliance cannot be overstated.

The AFC South champions will open the postseason Sunday when they host the Cincinnati Bengals. On paper, the Bengals are the better team, but the Colts have Luck, and that evens things out quite a bit. In Week 7, the Colts destroyed the Bengals, beating them 27-0, lending confidence to fans that the team will advance to the divisional round for the second straight year.

If the Colts do win on Sunday, they'll play at either New England or Denver next weekend. And while Luck gives them a chance in any game, it's worth noting that the Colts fell to both the Patriots and Broncos in the regular season and never truly threatened to win either contest.

The Colts have a shot at the Super Bowl, but that is entirely predicated on Luck being the best player on the field in every game they play. And that's not entirely outside the realm of possibility.

Next Game: vs. Cincinnati Bengals (Sunday, 1:05 p.m. ET)

Pittsburgh Steelers

Tom E. Puskar/Associated Press

ODDS: 14/1

The Pittsburgh Steelers closed out the regular season on a four-game win streak to finish 11-5 and capture the AFC North title, earning their first trip to the postseason since 2012.

And now that they're there, the rest of the league should take notice. As long as quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (two Super Bowl titles and three appearances) and coach Mike Tomlin (one Super Bowl title and two appearances) are employed, the Steelers are a threat to win it all.

But making matters difficult will be the health of Le'Veon Bell. The star running back, who totaled over 2,000 yards of offense in a monster season, was injured in last Sunday's division-clinching win over the Bengals. His hyper-extended knee could keep him out of Saturday's Wild Card tilt against rival Baltimore, and the fact that the Steelers signed free-agent back Ben Tate on Tuesday lends credence to the idea that Bell won't play.

With Bell, the Steelers are a legitimate Super Bowl contender. Along with receiver Antonio Brown, he provides dynamic play from the skill positions and is a threat to score every time he touches the ball.

But without Bell, it's tough to imagine the Steelers making a run. They might (key word: might) be able to squeak past Baltimore without him, but on the road at either Denver or New England? Not a chance.

Steelers fans need to hope for two things this weekend: a victory over the Ravens and a clean bill of health for Bell. If both of those come, the Steelers will be in the mix for a Super Bowl title.

Next Game: vs. Baltimore Ravens (Saturday, 8:15 p.m. ET)

Dallas Cowboys

Mark J. Terrill/Associated Press

ODDS: 17/2

If you had told most NFL analysts before the season that the Dallas Cowboys would finish 12-4 and win the NFC East, they likely would have tried to have you committed to an insane asylum.

Yet here the Cowboys are, set to host a playoff game on Wild Card Weekend against the Detroit Lions. A victory would earn them a trip to Lambeau Field against the Packers in the divisional round.

So just how did the Cowboys manage to wildly exceed expectations and finish 12-4? They did it behind an overachieving defense and an explosive offense keyed by the trio of quarterback Tony Romo, running back DeMarco Murray and receiver Dez Bryant.

Given the great running backs in Cowboys history (Tony Dorsett and Emmitt Smith immediately come to mind), the fact that Murray set the team's single-season rushing record (1,845 yards to go along with 13 touchdowns) is noteworthy. Murray was unstoppable all season rushing behind Dallas' revamped and outstanding offensive line.

Romo and Bryant were also phenomenal, with the former earning legitimate MVP consideration. It can be argued that at age 34, Romo is coming off the best regular season of his career and seems poised to take the next step and lead the Cowboys deep into the postseason.

Plus, coach Jason Garrett has evolved into an excellent coach. He no longer makes grotesque errors in clock and game management, which might be the biggest upset of all.

If the Cowboys can beat the Lions, a run to the Super Bowl is possible. And if the Cowboys do end up playing the Seahawks in Seattle, they could take solace in the fact that they won in the Pacific Northwest back in Week 6.

Next Game: vs. Detroit Lions (Sunday, 4:40 p.m. ET) 

Denver Broncos

Jack Dempsey/Associated Press

ODDS: 6/1

The Denver Broncos breezed through the regular season, finishing with a 12-4 record and only missing out on home-field advantage in the AFC playoffs because of a loss to the top-seeded Patriots.

But these Broncos are a different outfit than the club that lost in last year's Super Bowl. That iteration was a finesse bunch that was built almost entirely on success in the passing game with future Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning. This Broncos team is different—and by different, we mean tougher and more physical.

Over the final month of the season, we watched as the Broncos evolved into more of a run-first team, pounding the rock with running back C.J. Anderson. Plus, the defense is much-improved, and the pass-rushing combination of linebackers Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware drives fear into the hearts of any opposing quarterback and coach.

But even with the success of the run game and defense, it's fair to say that Denver's Super Bowl hopes rest on Manning's right arm. He has myriad weapons in the passing game, such as receivers Demaryius Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders and tight end Julius Thomas. 

Manning did struggle to close out the season, as he threw only three touchdown passes against six interceptions in the team's final four games. But when the chips are down, are you really going to bet against Manning showing up and playing well in a big spot?

It seems as if the Broncos are on yet another collision course with Tom Brady and the Patriots in the AFC Championship Game. And this time, if they're to beat New England and advance to the Super Bowl, they'll have to do so in Foxborough, which obviously won't be easy.

Next Game: Sunday, January 11, 4:40 p.m. ET

Green Bay Packers

Morry Gash/Associated Press

ODDS: 6/1

With a win this past Sunday over the Lions, the Green Bay Packers captured their fourth consecutive NFC North title and earned a first-round bye in the NFC postseason.

And that's bad news for the rest of the conference.

The Packers completed a perfect 8-0 home mark in the regular season and looked unbeatable in the friendly confines of Lambeau Field. And they'll get at least one home playoff game, making it extremely likely that Green Bay will be in the NFC Championship Game.

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers—who, in the humble opinion of this author, should be voted league MVP—put together a season for the ages, lobbing 38 touchdown passes against only five interceptions. As great as he's been throughout his career, Rodgers was at his best in 2014, throwing darts to star receivers Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb while willing his team to victory. 

The emergence of second-year running back Eddie Lacy—particularly his evolution in the passing game—helped as well, as did an underrated offensive line. Plus, the defense finally seems ready to take the next step, and by that, we mean not get shredded by 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick in January (it helps that the 49ers didn't make the playoffs).

The Packers will either host the Cowboys or the winner of Cardinals/Panthers next weekend, and regardless of the opponent, they'll be favored to win. It would be an upset if Green Bay didn't play in the NFC Championship Game.

Next Game: Sunday, January 11, 1:05 p.m. ET

New England Patriots

Elise Amendola/Associated Press

ODDS: 3/1

Another year, another season with double-digit victories for coach Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots. Another year, another season with a first-round bye in the AFC playoffs for quarterback Tom Brady and the New England Patriots.

While cruising through the regular season (12-4) has become the norm for the Patriots, winning an elusive fourth Super Bowl championship has been tough for the franchise over the past decade. Yes, it's been a decade since New England's last Super Bowl title, and there's no question that Belichick, Brady and company are chomping at the bit to bring home another title.

And 2014 arguably represents their best chance to do so since their undefeated season in 2007. This Patriots team is absolutely loaded.

Tight end Rob Gronkowski is a matchup nightmare, and the Patriots have a veritable fleet of running backs to unleash on opposing defenses. Plus, Belichick's defense allowed fewer than 20 points per game, making New England very difficult to beat.

Thanks to earning home-field advantage, the Patriots won't have to leave Massachusetts before a potential trip to the Super Bowl. That makes them the most likely team to represent the AFC in the big game.

If the Ravens win Saturday night, they'll be New England's opponent next weekend. Otherwise, it'll be the winner of Bengals/Colts.

In other words, the Patriots will see you in the AFC Championship Game.

Next Game: Saturday, January 10, 4:35 p.m. ET

Seattle Seahawks

John Froschauer/Associated Press

ODDS: 12/5

They're baaaaaack.

The defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks are atop a now-familiar perch: possessing home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs. Given that fact and taking into consideration that the NFC is the superior conference, the Seahawks must be considered the favorite to raise the Lombardi Trophy.

Quarterback Russell Wilson has raised his game once again, and he's even better than he was a year ago when he led the Seahawks to their first Super Bowl championship. He's getting the job done with both his arm and legs, making him very difficult to stop. Of course, it helps to have a bruising running back like Marshawn Lynch setting a physical tone on offense.

And of course, there's the heralded defense, led by the famed "Legion of Boom" secondary and an unrelenting pass rush that comes at opposing quarterbacks in waves. With cornerback Richard Sherman and safety Earl Thomas running the show, the unit is probably the best in the NFL—especially at home.

The Seahawks will host either the Lions or the winner of Cardinals/Panthers in the divisional round, which almost assuredly means they'll be hosting the NFC Championship Game.

And no matter who Seattle hosts in that game—whether it be the Packers, Cowboys or another team—they will be the odds-on favorite to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl.

And no matter who Seattle plays if it advances to the Super Bowl—whether it be the Patriots, Broncos or another team—the Seahawks will be the odds-on favorite to win their second consecutive league title. 

Next Game: Saturday, January 10, 8:15 p.m. ET