2010 NFL Odds: Six Sleepers That Could Appear in the Super Bowl

Last year, the New Orleans Saints made an incredible run on their way to winning the Super Bowl.

This was a surprise to some NFL fans because the year before that the Saints posted a mediocre record of 8-8. This was not the first time that a team with a second-rate record has gone to the Superbowl.

In fact, in 2009, the Arizona Cardinals made it to the big game after finishing with a regular season record of 8-8, just one year earlier. This actually happens more than you might imagine.

The Giants finished at 8-8 in the 2006 regular season and still punched the ticket to Superbowl XLII.

In the 2004 regular season, the Seattle Seahawks finished at 9-7, and the next year would play on the big stage in the Superbowl.

In 2002, the Patriots (9-7) and the Panthers (7-9) had woeful records, but both would end up in the Super Bowl a year later.

Tampa Bay finished at 9-7 in 2001, but still suited up for the big game the next year.

Then, in Superbowl XXXVI, the New England Patriots won the championship after posting just five wins the season prior. The list goes on and on.

Armed with this knowledge there is no reason to believe that it cannot happen again this year.

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Here are six teams that finished near, at, or below .500, and may surprise some teams and win Superbowl XLV.

 

San Francisco 49ers (2009 record: 8-8)

Odds to win the NFC: 15 to 1

Odds to win the Superbowl: 30 to 1

Mike Singletary has fostered a winning atmosphere in San Francisco. It helps that they play in one of the weakest divisions in football.

Alex Smith must showcase his talents. He has plenty of weapons around him including Michael Crabtree, Vernon Davis, and Frank Gore.

The defense may not have many big names, but they play well as a unit. On a team that returns 20 of 22 players from a year ago, the Niners have a shot of going to the big game.

 

NY Jets (2009 record: 9-7)

Odds to win the AFC: 6.5 to 1

Odds to win the Superbowl: 14 to 1

Rex Ryan made a point of putting the New York Jets on the map and now many believe that they are Superbowl contenders.

They managed to go all the way to the AFC Championship game a year ago and revamped the team in the offseason, so they could compete again in 2010.

I may not buy into the hype, but if Mark Sanchez can prove he can lead this team to a win if the run gets shut down, they could be Superbowl bound.

 

NY Giants (2009 record: 8-8)

Odds to win the NFC: 10 to 1

Odds to win the Superbowl: 25 to 1

The Giants have some stiff competition in the NFC East.

How great would be if they play the big game in Dallas while their NFC East rivals, the Cowboys, sit and watch. That should be motivation enough for the Giants.

Eli Manning can lead an offensive unit that should be vastly improved if they stay healthy.

Perry Fewell takes over as defensive coordinator, and if he can get this defense to play well, the Giants have an outside shot.

Houston Texans (2009 record: 9-7)

Odds to win the AFC: 14 to 1

Odds to win the Superbowl: 32 to 1

There is another team in Texas that would like to play a Super Bowl with a home field advantage.

Houston’s biggest problem is that they cannot seem to beat the Colts. If they can shake that monkey off their back, they have the personnel to make a run at the Superbowl.

Matt Schaub is coming off one of his best years, and Andre Johnson is arguably the best wide receiver in football.

If the defense steps up, Houston is a solid sleeper for the Super Bowl. The toughest schedule in the league will either make or break this team.

 

Chicago Bears (2009 record: 7-9)

Odds to win the NFC: 14 to 1

Odds to win the Superbowl: 32 to 1

The Bears were a favorite to play in the Super Bowl last year but had an awful season.

Jay Cutler looked more confused than confident and was an interception machine.

Enter Mike Martz as new offensive coordinator. Martz brings in a pass-happy offense and can restore Cutler back to where he should be.

The Bears were busy in the off season signing solid players, including defensive pass rusher Julius Peppers.

 

Miami Dolphins (2009 record: 7-9)

Odds to win the AFC: 19 to 1

Odds to win the Superbowl: 40 to 1

Everyone knows that Miami can run. Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown form one of the best backfields in football.

The Dolphins realized they had to support a passing threat to take it to the next level and signed Brandon Marshall.

Chad Henne has all the skills to become a great quarterback in the NFL and now he has the weapons.

Bill Parcells used the draft and the free agent period to bring in defensive keys that could change the season for the Dolphins.

History shows that a sleeper team has a very good chance of going to the Super Bowl.

This year what sleeper team will it be?

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