Overhyped or Underrated? Offseason Buzz Meter for NFL Playoff Contenders in 2025

As the intensity ramps up at NFL training camps, so does the hype machine for playoff contenders. Some of the buzz makes sense, but in other cases, the perception of a team doesn't match its substance.

Of course, most fanbases are optimistic, but you can identify overvalued and undervalued teams through betting odds.

Using DraftKings Sportsbook, we highlighted the top 10 teams based on Super Bowl odds and assessed whether those clubs are overhyped or underrated on a buzz meter that ranges from one to 10.

DraftKings odds are presented in plus-minus format. For example, +150 means betting $100 to win $150, while -150 means betting $150 to win $100.

In addition to Super Bowl odds, we factored in a team's odds to win its division and over-under win-loss total to explain why that club is overvalued or undervalued.

Overhyped teams have higher numbers on the buzz meter, while underrated teams have lower numbers. If a club is neither overhyped nor underrated, it gets a five.

Baltimore Ravens

AP Photo/Nick Wass

Ravens QB Lamar Jackson

Super Bowl odds: +650

The Baltimore Ravens are favored to win the AFC North (-150) with an 11.5 win total (-115), which is justified given their nucleus remains intact and they have made notable offseason acquisitions.

Two-time league MVP Lamar Jackson will play in Todd Monken's system for a third consecutive season. It's an offense that has accentuated his passing ability and allowed him to throw for career highs in passing yards (4,172) and touchdowns (41) last year.

With DeAndre Hopkins in the fold, Jackson adds an established playmaker who could thrive in the red zone.

In 2024, Derrick Henry rushed for 1,921 yards and tied Jahmyr Gibbs and James Cook for a league-leading 16 rushing touchdowns. At 31, he hasn't shown signs of decline.

The Ravens retained most of their defense, which ranked ninth and 10th in scoring and total yards, respectively, last season, and bolstered key positions.

They added two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Jaire Alexander and rookie first-round safety Malaki Starks. Rookie second-rounder Mike Green can provide a boost in the pass rush. With those additions, Baltimore's pass defense could improve from 31st in total yards to a top-five unit.

Although the roster warrants high expectations for its balance, the Ravens are slightly overrated in terms of Super Bowl odds.

Since Jackson took over the starting job in 2018, they have advanced to the AFC Championship Game only once, having lost that contest to the Kansas City Chiefs, who have represented the conference in five of the previous six years.

The Ravens face stiff competition in the AFC, having been beaten by the Chiefs and Buffalo Bills in the playoffs over the last two years. They should be favored to win the AFC North with 11-13 wins, but this team shouldn't be in a tie for best Super Bowl odds, given its disappointing playoff exits in recent years.

Buzz meter: 6 (overrated)

Buffalo Bills

AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes

Bills QB Josh Allen

Super Bowl odds: +650

Since 2020, the Buffalo Bills have dominated the AFC East, winning five consecutive division titles with at least 11 wins in each season.

Buffalo is a deserved heavy favorite to win the AFC East (-280), with New England a distant second (+475). You can count on the Bills to take home another division title, but their biggest test is a playoff matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs.

If not for losses to the Chiefs in two AFC Championship Games, the Bills would have two Super Bowl appearances in the last five years. Ironically, Buffalo has beaten Kansas City in four consecutive regular-season meetings.

The Bills have a Super Bowl-ready roster, but they may have to conquer their conference nemesis in Kansas City at some point in the playoffs to compete in Super Bowl LX.

Buffalo isn't overrated or underrated. It's a top-three team behind the Philadelphia Eagles and the Chiefs.

Buzz meter: 5 (neither overrated nor underrated)

Philadelphia Eagles

AP Photo/Derik Hamilton

Eagles RB Saquon Barkley

Super Bowl odds: +650

Oddsmakers have given the reigning champions their respect. The Philadelphia Eagles are tied with the Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills for the best odds to win Super Bowl LX and are favored to win the NFC East title (-130).

Remember, the Eagles' odds to win the division run counter to two decades of history. Philadelphia was the last team to win back-to-back NFC East titles, between 2003 and 2004.

That said, the Eagles have the best roster in their division and arguably in the NFC. So, they should win at least 11 games in a fourth consecutive year.

Despite the departure of offensive coordinator Kellen Moore to become New Orleans Saints head coach, Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith will continue to rack up points while Vic Fangio's defense remains stout in most areas.

The Eagles have a good chance to defend their title and repeat as champions.

Buzz meter: 5 (neither overrated nor underrated)

Kansas City Chiefs

AP Photo/Charlie Riedel

Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes

Super Bowl odds: +800

The Kansas City Chiefs can take on an underdog mentality for the upcoming season. The Philadelphia Eagles dismantled them in Super Bowl LIX, and the oddsmakers have underestimated them.

Despite a string of four regular-season losses to the Buffalo Bills, the Chiefs have come out on top in recent playoff matchups between the clubs. Kansas City has a 5-1 record against Lamar Jackson's Baltimore Ravens.

Yet the Chiefs have the third-best odds to win the AFC (+400) behind the Bills (+350) and Ravens (+350). Reminder, Kansas City has won the conference for three consecutive years. The Bills have proved they can beat the Chiefs, but the Ravens haven't done so outside of one mid-September victory in 2021.

Based on the Chiefs' recent run as AFC champions, their conference odds should be more favorable.

According to The Washington Post's Mark Maske, the league may suspend Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice for multiple games for violating the personal conduct policy. Still, Rice's absence isn't likely to be a factor late in the campaign.

The Chiefs finished 15th in scoring for the previous two seasons and still advanced to the Super Bowl.

As long as head coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes are together in Kansas City, the Chiefs should be top three in odds to win the Super Bowl and top two to win the AFC.

Buzz meter: 3 (underrated)

Detroit Lions

AP Photo/Paul Sancya

Lions HC Dan Campbell

Super Bowl odds: +1000

Last season, the Detroit Lions won a franchise-record 15 games and claimed the NFC's No. 1 seed, but they didn't win a playoff game. Though they can use early postseason departures as motivation for the upcoming term, they're due for regression.

In the offseason, the Lions lost offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, who became head coaches. Detroit brought back John Morton, who was a senior offensive assistant for the team in 2022, and promoted linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard to defensive coordinator.

The Lions have the roster talent to stay in playoff contention, but they must reinvent themselves with two new play-callers in the NFC's toughest division.

The Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers made the playoffs last season. Now the lead skipper of the Chicago Bears, Johnson is familiar with the Lions' strengths and weaknesses.

By the way, outside of the NFC North, the Lions have matchups against seven teams that made the playoffs last season: the Baltimore Ravens, Kansas City Chiefs, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Washington Commanders, Philadelphia Eagles, Los Angeles Rams and Pittsburgh Steelers. Five of those games are on the road.

The Lions have the best odds to win the NFC North (+150) and the second-best odds to win the NFC (+475), which seems like overhype considering their potential schematic changes on both sides of the ball and a brutally tough schedule.

Buzz meter: 8 (overrated)

Washington Commanders

AP Photo/Derik Hamilton

Commanders WR Terry McLaurin

Super Bowl odds: +1800

The Washington Commanders will look to build on a surprising run to the NFC Championship Game that ended in a loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. They made a few notable moves to strengthen weak areas across the roster.

Washington pulled off a couple of splashy trades for five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil and wide receiver Deebo Samuel. The club also signed edge-rusher Von Miller and defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw.

Of course, the Commanders should sign Terry McLaurin to an extension. The receiver is "frustrated" with the lack of progression in contract negotiations. He's such a big part of the offense that it's hard to believe Washington would trade him.

Assuming the Commanders work out a deal with the two-time Pro Bowler, the offense should be more efficient and productive with Tunsil protecting Jayden Daniels' blind side and Samuel's dynamic playmaking ability.

However, Washington's defense may be mediocre again after ranking 18th in scoring and 13th in total yards last year.

Miller is 36, and he played less than 34 percent of the defensive snaps with the Buffalo Bills in 2023 and 2024. Kinlaw put together a decent 2024 season, recording 40 tackles, five for loss, 4.5 sacks and 12 pressures, but those numbers are still underwhelming for a 2020 first-rounder.

Oddsmakers priced the Commanders fairly, with a win-loss total of 9.5 (-125). Washington may be improved offensively, but playing a second-place schedule, it could take a slight step back in the win column yet still make the playoffs.

Buzz meter: 5 (neither overrated nor underrated)

Cincinnati Bengals

AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster

Bengals QB Joe Burrow

Super Bowl odds: +2000

The Cincinnati Bengals offense, which features Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Chase Brown, can outscore any team in the league. However, their questionable defense could experience another disastrous season.

In 2024, the Bengals fielded a top-nine offense in scoring and total yards and still missed the playoffs. They have finished with a 9-8 record in back-to-back campaigns with backup quarterback Jake Browning filling in for seven outings in 2023 and with Burrow healthy for a full term last year.

Following appearances in the Super Bowl and the AFC Championship Game between the 2021 and 2022 campaigns, the Bengals have been a mediocre squad with a below-average defense.

Cincinnati's defense ranked 21st or worse in scoring and total yards for the last two terms. Unless the club works out disputes with two of its pass-rushers, expect more of the same in 2025.

Entering training camp, the Bengals have unresolved contractual issues with All-Pro defensive end Trey Hendrickson and rookie edge-rusher Shemar Stewart.

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Cincinnati has resumed talks with Hendrickson, but the two sides remain at odds.

Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko says Stewart will not be returning to the program. Yet, Mark Maske and Nicki Jhabvala of the Washington Post reported the rookie is "believed to be keeping all options open."

If the Bengals' contract disputes don't result in one or both Hendrickson and Stewart joining the team, the defense will offer little support to the offense.

Cincinnati shouldn't have top-eight odds to win Super Bowl LX. Also, with the recent moves the Pittsburgh Steelers have made, acquiring DK Metcalf, Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith in addition to signing Aaron Rodgers and Darius Slay, they're shaping up to be the second-best team in the AFC North behind the Baltimore Ravens.

Buzz meter: 9 (overrated)

Green Bay Packers

AP Photo/Mike Roemer

Packers QB Jordan Love

Super Bowl odds: +2000

Entering the 2025 season, quarterback Jordan Love must prove he has more room for growth after a slight regression between 2023 and 2024. He saw a minimal drop in completion rate from 64.2 to 63.1 percent, and his interception rate rose from 1.9 to 2.6 percent.

In fairness to the 26-year-old, he suffered a knee injury in the 2024 season opener that cost him two games. Still, the Packers leaned heavily on the ground game rather than the passing attack in the second half of the term.

This offseason, they added rookie first-round wide receiver Matthew Golden to spark the aerial attack and left guard Aaron Banks to shore up the offensive line.

If Love stays healthy, he should be at least solid in a balanced offense with Josh Jacobs leading a robust rushing attack. The quarterback doesn't need to win scoring shootouts, either.

Green Bay fielded a top-six defense in scoring and total yards last season. The unit won't miss oft-injured cornerback Jaire Alexander much with Nate Hobbs coming over from Las Vegas.

Among NFC North teams, the Packers have the most continuity at key positions. The Detroit Lions have lost their offensive and defensive coordinators. The Minnesota Vikings will have a new starting quarterback. The Chicago Bears have a new coaching staff.

Despite an underwhelming year for Love, Green Bay went 11-6 in a division that racked up the most wins last season. The Packers have an over-under win total of 9.5 (-120). They're slightly underrated and undervalued on the betting market.

Buzz meter: 4 (underrated)

San Francisco 49ers

AP Foto/Jed Jacobsohn

49ers RB Christian McCaffrey

Super Bowl odds: +2000

The San Francisco 49ers have won at least 10 games in three of the previous four seasons. Midway through the 2022 term, they acquired running back Christian McCaffrey, who instantly elevated the offense that season and subsequently won the 2023 Offensive Player of the Year award.

San Francisco couldn't overcome bad breaks last season, but the club could bounce back with better luck on the injury front.

McCaffrey missed 13 games due to injuries. Three-time All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams missed the last seven games because of injury. The Niners also had a misstep in replacing former defensive coordinator Steve Wilks. Under first-time play-caller Nick Sorensen, they gave up the fourth-most points.

For now, McCaffrey and Williams are healthy. Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh's return to San Francisco has flown under the radar. He established himself as a quality play-caller, particularly in his last two years with the 49ers before taking the New York Jets' head coaching job.

With a moderate improvement on the defensive side of the ball under Saleh and a mostly healthy offensive cast, the 49ers should be back in Super Bowl contention.

San Francisco may have to preserve McCaffrey and Williams during the regular season and wideout Brandon Aiyuk is recovering from a torn ACL and MCL, so its over-under 10.5 win total makes sense.

That said, even with the Jauan Jennings contract drama, the 49ers should be top five in Super Bowl odds. It's noteworthy that oddsmakers have them favored to win the NFC West (+150).

Buzz meter: 2 (underrated)

Los Angeles Rams

AP Photo/Kyusung Gong

Rams WR Puka Nacua

Super Bowl odds: +2200

Based on Super Bowl odds, the Los Angeles Rams barely made the top-10 contenders list. Yet they have the second-best odds (+195) to win the NFC West and their over-under win total is set at 9.5 (-145).

They have reworked quarterback Matthew Stafford's contract and signed wide receiver Davante Adams to replace Cooper Kupp, who was released in March.

While fans will miss a homegrown talent like Kupp, Adams is far more reliable in terms of availability and continues to perform at a high level, racking up over 1,000 receiving yards in five consecutive seasons.

Over the last three years, Stafford has seen a drop-off in passing yards and touchdowns, but he could see a spike in both categories with Puka Nacua and Adams leading the passing attack.

If not, Pro Bowl running back Kyren Williams can handle a heavy workload on the ground. He finished within the top seven in rushing yards and touchdowns in 2023 and 2024.

The Rams have question marks in their pass defense, specifically in the secondary, after ranking 20th in passing yards allowed and 26th in passing touchdowns allowed last season.

However, Los Angeles has a promising core of young defenders in the front seven.

Edge-rusher Jared Verse won the 2024 Defensive Rookie of the Year award, and defensive tackle Braden Fiske finished third in votes. Over the last two seasons, edge-rusher Byron Young has registered 20 tackles for loss, 15.5 sacks and 53 pressures, while defensive tackle Kobie Turner has recorded 18 tackles for loss, 17 sacks and 42 pressures.

During the previous campaign, the Rams' young defensive front seemed to jell and become a formidable unit. In four of its last six games, including the playoffs, L.A. held opponents to single-digit points.

The Rams' veteran-led offense and budding defense could be a recipe for another double-digit win campaign and consecutive NFC West titles. They will face tough competition from a healthy San Francisco 49ers squad for the division crown, but their Super Bowl odds are way too low.

Buzz meter: 1

Maurice Moton covers the NFL for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter @MoeMoton.