Super Bowl 2012: Setting the Odds for Every Team Making It to Super Bowl XLVI
Can the Green Bay Packers do what most teams can't and repeat as Super Bowl champs? It won't be easy, but a team that did not have valuable offensive players this past season sure has a very strong chance.
As of right now, we don't know if there will even be any football in the fall. We certainly hope a deal can get worked out and for the sake of this article, we're going to pretend that there will be.
Is there a team right now that could ruin Green Bay's dreams of a repeat? There is a lot that will happen between now and the fall, but that doesn't stop us from giving you the way too early predictions of which team can win it all.
Here's my opinion on which team has the best chance at winning Super Bowl XLVI.
32. Carolina Panthers
1 of 32
Odds: 200/1
There's a reason the Panthers have the No. 1 overall pick. They're not a very good team. The likelihood of this team winning it all next year is very slim.
Their biggest issue is the leader of this team. Who is it? Jimmy Clausen certainly isn't the answer at quarterback. Do the Panthers select a QB at No. 1? Cam Newton has been getting a lot of buzz and it will definitely be interesting to see who Carolina picks.
31. Buffalo Bills
2 of 32
Odds: 180/1
The Bills must figure out if Ryan Fitzpatrick is their long term quarterback. He put up solid numbers in 2010, but he couldn't find ways to win. This was mainly because his defense never helped him out, which leads me to believe they will go defense with the No. 3 overall pick.
There's a chance they could take a quarterback, but I think it would be smarter to pick one later on in the draft and let him develop. This team is a long ways away from winning it all.
30. Arizona Cardinals
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Odds: 175/1
The Cardinals need help everywhere. They ranked near the bottom in passing, rushing and in defense. Arizona will benefit the most from a new collective bargaining agreement because they will be getting a new quarterback.
The new QB will either come via free agency or a trade. However, if we don't have one worked out by the draft, they could use the No. 5 overall pick to select one of the top rated quarterbacks. I think it would be wiser to pick a defensive player to help the team now as opposed to selecting a questionable QB.
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29. Cleveland Browns
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Odds: 170/1
Cleveland never wins at anything. The chances of them it all next year are very poor. Will Mike Holmgren stick with Colt McCoy or let one of the veterans have the starting role? With a new head coach, they'll be changing schemes, which is going to set them back.
The emergence of Peyton Hillis was truly spectacular last year. But is he a one hit wonder? He took a lot of hits in 2010, and has never played that much. We will see if it took a toll on him. Either way, Cleveland is not winning the Super Bowl in 2012.
28. Tennessee Titans
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Odds: 160/1
The Titans must figure out who will be their quarterback. If they re-sign Kerry Collins, do they really expect him to be the answer? Or will they draft a quarterback with the No. 8 overall pick?
Tennessee also needs help on defense. This isn't a team that will be playing postseason football. With a new coach and possibly a new quarterback, Tennessee has a lot to work on.
27. Miami Dolphins
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Odds: 150/1
Miami will be a completely different team this coming season if they don't re-sign Ronnie Brown or Ricky Williams. There are also rumors about the Dolphins getting a new quarterback. Let's face it, Chad Henne isn't taking this team anywhere.
Henne may have had his first career 3,000 yard season in 2010, but he can't win games. Don't expect this team to go very far if all they have is rookie Mark Ingram in the backfield. Everyone believes that is who they are drafting with the No. 15 pick, and I can't say I disagree.
26. Minnesota Vikings
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Odds: 140/1
The Vikings are loaded with offensive weapons, and they have a pretty solid defense. However, this team does not have a quarterback. Brett Favre is done and does anyone believe Joe Webb is the answer? They drafted him to be a receiver, for crying out loud.
Tarvaris Jackson is a free agent and I don't see Minnesota bringing him back. Brad Childress was the one who really liked Jackson, but new head coach Leslie Frazier may not see Jackson as a future NFL star. Will they pick a quarterback in the draft, sign a veteran free agent or trade for one? There are so many questions surrounding this team about who will run the offense, and that is why they will not win the Super Bowl.
25. Seattle Seahawks
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Odds: 130/1
The Seahawks may have won their division last season with a losing record, but that will not be happening in 2011. Seattle needs help on both sides of the ball and because they made a run in the playoffs, they're stuck with a late first-round pick. A very rare pick for a 7-9 team.
It's doubtful that they will make a major trade up to draft a player. What is likely for them is to draft a quarterback in the later rounds that they believe they can eventually develop into a full time starter. Some believe they'll take Jake Locker in the first round, but with so many immediate needs at other positions, it would be better if they thought otherwise.
24. Denver Broncos
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Odds: 125/1
New head coach John Fox stated that Kyle Orton will be the starter. There's a lot of time between now and the first game, so things could change. However, quarterback is not this team's only concern.
Defense is an area that needs improving, as well as the run game. Health is also a concern for Denver. The Broncos had too many injuries last year, and hopefully they can stay healthy all season. The big question in the offseason for this team is what to do with the No. 2 overall draft pick? Do they go with a defensive lineman, defensive back or perhaps the nation's best receiver? Either way, it's going to be awhile before this team finds itself back in the Super Bowl.
23. San Francisco 49ers
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Odds: 120/1
New head coach Jim Harbaugh has his work cut out for him. There's hope for a good season, but a lockout would crush everything.
What do they do with their draft pick? Will Harbaugh choose to draft a quarterback or can he improve Alex Smith's game? Either way, the 49ers have several ways to go before they can make a title run.
22. Cincinnati Bengals
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Odds: 110/1
These odds will get tremendously worse if Carson Palmer is no longer a Bengal. Cincinnati would be really dumb to get rid of him. Does anyone really think he will actually retire?
The Bengals need help all over, but mainly at the skill positions. Terrell Owens is most likely gone, and Chad Ochocinco could be out as well. They also must re-sign Cedric Benson. If both wideouts are gone, this team will suffer greatly.
21. Jacksonville Jaguars
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Odds: 100/1
The Jaguars are a decent team that had a little luck last year. Like most teams, they have questions this offseason that need to be answered. Will they bring back free agents or sign any other big names? Jacksonville is suffering money-wise, as nobody attends their games.
Being decent will only take you so far. Plus, the Jaguars have to face Peyton Manning and Matt Schaub twice in the year, making it very difficult for them to go anywhere.
20. Oakland Raiders
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Odds: 100/1
Oakland may have swept the AFC West in 2010, but they won't be repeating that impressive feat. The Raiders are without a first-round pick, which hurts them greatly. They need help on defensive front and could possibly lose top corner Nnamdi Asomugaha to free agency.
Can Jason Campbell lead this team against its division foes or will Darren McFadden be their whole offense once again?
19. Washington Redskins
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Odds: 90/1
The Redskins had some issues with a few of their players in 2010 and it doesn't appear that they will go away. Will Albert Haynesworth and Donovan McNabb still be a part of this team when the season starts?
Mike Shanahan is a great coach, but his team is a far from the Super Bowl. He has the No. 10 overall pick, and it would be smart to improve his defense.
18. St. Louis Rams
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Odds: 80/1
Sam Bradford had a great rookie year. The future is bright for St. Louis and they're in good position to win their division next year. However, they're not quite a Super Bowl contender yet.
This team needs to begin building a Super Bowl quality team around Bradford. They can either pick up some free agent skill players or draft one with the No. 15 overall pick. The number one goal this offseason has to be to get Bradford some offensive fire power.
17. Detroit Lions
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Odds: 75/1
Somehow, this team has to keep Matthew Stafford healthy all season long. If they can manage that, then they will surprise some people. The talent is there, they just need to group together and win.
Of course, it's easier said than done. The addition of Ndamukong Suh has greatly improved this team's defense, but they still need help in the secondary, as well as the offensive line. The Lions are headed in the right direction, but they still have a ways to go.
16. Kansas City Chiefs
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Odds: 75/1
The Chiefs impressed a lot of people in 2010, but how much will the departure of offensive coordinator Charlie Weis hurt them?
Kansas City has great young talent with which to work with, but as we saw in their first round playoff game, they still need a lot of work.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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Odds: 70/1
Tampa Bay is going to surprise some folks this upcoming season. Josh Freeman is getting better each year, and the emergence of LaGarrette Blount as a strong back makes the Bucs a team to not sleep on in 2011.
They still need help on defense, but will find that through the draft. Unfortunately for them, they play in the NFC South, and they have to deal with Drew Brees and Matt Ryan.
14. Houston Texans
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Odds: 50/1
The Texans may have to face Peyton Manning twice a year, but they have an offensive unit that can hang with any team out there. Matt Schaub, Andre Johnson and Arian Foster are very good at what they do.
It's no doubt this team needs help on defense. They were the worst secondary in all of football in 2010. They'll improve in that area in the offseason, but by how much? Luckily for them, their offense is really solid.
13. New York Giants
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Odds: 50/1
Eli Manning cannot get any worse than he was in 2010. That isn't the Giants' main issue this offseason. New York has to figure out what to do with their two running backs.
Brandon Jacobs is still under contract and getting paid around $4 million a year. Ahmad Bradshaw is a free agent and is going to want a similar deal. The Giants can't afford both. Whichever one they choose will determine how well their season is going to turn out. They may draft a running back in the middle of the draft, but it won't increase the likelihood of them making the Super Bowl.
12. Chicago Bears
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Odds: 40/1
The Bears were very close to the Super Bowl last season, but I don't see them getting that far again. They did benefit from an easy schedule in the playoffs.
The toughness of Jay Cutler is under the microscope, and he's going to have to prove he is strong enough to lead his team to victory. The defense can only carry this team so far.
11. Dallas Cowboys
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Odds: 35/1
The Cowboys had a terrible 2010 because Tony Romo was sitting on the bench. Now that he will be healthy for hopefully all of 2011, the Cowboys have a strong chance of making a deep run in the playoffs.
The positive side of Romo's injury is that the Cowboys have the No. 9 overall pick. If they're smart, they'll use it to help their defense and not take Cam Newton. Dallas will be a good team next year, but they'll have to get through their tough division first before they can get to the Super Bowl.
10. New Orleans Saints
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Odds: 25/1
The Saints hit the injury bug towards the end of the season last year, which really hurt them. A full, healthy squad in 2011 gives them a great chance of winning it all once again. However, they need to get better on defense, which they're hoping a solid draft will do.
Drew Brees loses a reliable target in Jeremy Shockey because the Saints needed to save money. They're hoping Jimmy Graham can give them the same type of play. All he has to do is get open and Brees will find him, it's just what he does.
9. Atlanta Falcons
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Odds: 25/1
The Falcons had the best record in the NFC last season, but they failed to make any strides in the playoffs. This is a team with a lot of talent that is very capable of winning it all.
However, they must improve their defense and get some additional help for Roddy White. The secondary for Atlanta is not strong enough to shut down the league's best. White is one of the best in the league, but no other receiver on the team really contributes as much as they should.
Atlanta will continue to get better as the years go on and if Matt Ryan can feed of the anger he felt after his disappointing performance in the playoffs, then watch out.
8. Philadelphia Eagles
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Odds: 20/1
Andy Reid better keep Kevin Kolb around just in case anything happens to Michael Vick. If he doesn't, then the Eagles put themselves in a vulnerable position. The style of play for Vick makes him subject to a lot of hits, which could lead to injury.
If Vick stays healthy all season long, then the Eagles are going to be very dangerous once again. Vick is just getting back into the swing of things and with the experience he gained last year, it's going to make him that much better in 2011. Adding some depth on the offensive line is key in the offseason because protecting Vick is Philadelphia's number one goal.
7. Baltimore Ravens
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Odds: 20/1
The Ravens are headed in the right direction, they just need some better play from Ray Rice in 2011. They had high hopes for him, but he failed to meet expectations in several games.
Another thing the Ravens need is for Joe Flacco to find a clutch gene. He fails too many times when given the chance to win late in the ball game. The defense will carry this team to the playoffs, but it's up to Joe Flacco to get them to the Super Bowl.
6. San Diego Chargers
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Odds: 15/1
What the Chargers need in 2011 is for Vincent Jackson to stay and play the whole season, Ryan Matthews to stay healthy and to re-sign Mike Tolbert.
If they meet all three of these tasks and their defense plays as well as they did in 2010, then it's going to very difficult to beat the Chargers.
5. Pittsburgh Steelers
28 of 32
Odds: 15/1
Having Ben Roethlisberger all season will surely be nice, even though it didn't faze the Steelers too much in 2010. The main thing for the Steelers to accomplish in 2011 is to defy history.
The last 10 runner ups in the Super Bowl have failed to make it back the following season. There's no denying the Steelers are a very good team and that they will make the playoffs, barring injury. But they will need a little luck when they get to the postseason.
4. Indianapolis Colts
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Odds: 10/1
A healthy Colts team will be very dangerous in 2011. If they can manage to avoid injuries this upcoming season, then they're going to be very hard to beat.
However, they must add more depth on the offensive line to protect Peyton Manning and improve the secondary. When the game is one the line, you want Manning to have time to throw the ball, but if he's on the bench like he was against the Jets, you need some guys that can at least stop Mark Sanchez. If you can't do that, then you don't belong anywhere near the Super Bowl.
3. New York Jets
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Odds: 10/1
Rex Ryan guaranteed the Jets would win the Super Bowl. My one and only question for you, Rex, how will locking arms help you on the football field? If anything, it's going to hurt you, man. Eleven guys with locked arms will not be moving the ball down the field.
The Jets players tend to buy into whatever comes out of Rex Ryan's mouth. They've been to the AFC championship game two years in a row now. Is it finally their time to win it all? The last time a member of the Jets guaranteed a Super Bowl win, it actually came true.
2. New England Patriots
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Odds: 8/1
When Tom Brady is your quarterback and Bill Belichick is your coach, you're going to be mentioned in the running for the Super Bowl year after year. The Patriots had the best record in the NFL last season and can probably do the same thing in 2011.
With three draft picks in the first 33 picks, the Patriots have a great chance at improving a young defense, as well as adding another receiver Brady can turn into a star. Don't be surprised if they take Randall Cobb with the first pick in the second round. It's also a possibility the Patriots trade away some of those picks for more picks, it's what they're good at.
The defense will be another year wiser, which makes the Patriots a serious threat to get to and win Super Bowl XLVI.
1. Green Bay Packers
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Odds: 6/1
As of right now, you have to say the Green Bay Packers are in great position to repeat as Super Bowl champs. They won it all without their best running back and top tight end. Ryan Grant and Jermichael Finley will be back in 2011, looking to help the team make it two in a row.
Aaron Rodgers made his claim as the best quarterback in the league by putting the Packers on his back and leading them to the Super Bowl. Rodgers won't be slowing down anytime soon, therefore the Packers will be very difficult to beat in 2011.
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