NFL Playoff Picture: Examining Title Odds for Every Current Division Leader

After today, there are only four more weeks left in the regular season. The current division leaders are sitting in pretty good positions, as they only a few wins away from clinching playoff berths. However, the ultimate goal is to win a Super Bowl.

As proof from last season, any team is capable of catching fire and making a run to the Super Bowl. However, some teams seem to have a more realistic shot than others.

 The thought is that the division winners have the best odds at winning the Super Bowl, but we have seen plenty of wildcard teams pull off the upset.

Oakland Raiders, AFC West

The Oakland Raiders are riding a three-game winning streak and seem to have a good handle on their division. At this point, only the Denver Broncos seem to have a realistic shot at catching the Raiders. Nothing is certain, but the Raiders have to feel really good about their playoff chances.

As far as a Super Bowl run is concerned, Oakland actually has a legitimate shot. They play an offensive style that can be effective at home or on the road. Their running attack is very tough to stop, and each week Carson Palmer becomes more comfortable with the offense.

Defensively, Oakland does enough to keep the game close. They have also done a good job creating turnovers.

The Raiders also figure to get Darren McFadden back just in time for a late season hot streak.

Super Bowl winning odds: 3 out of 5

Houston Texans, AFC South

Rewind several weeks and the Houston Texans would have been considered one of the Super Bowl favorites. They featured a strong running game, good defense and a top-notch quarterback. However, injuries to Matt Schaub and Matt Leinart have lowered expectations.

The Texans Super Bowl hopes now lay in the hands of rookie T.J. Yates. Yates was a 5th round selection, and considered a developmental quarterback. Houston never expected Yates to see the field this season. However, they now need him to lead their playoff run.

Houston's defense is more than capable of winning a Super Bowl, but the offense is going to struggle to keep up.

Super Bowl winning odds: 1 out of 5

Baltimore Ravens, AFC North

Aside from three duds against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans and Seattle Seahawks the Baltimore Ravens have been the AFC's top team. They have big wins over the Pittsburgh Steelers, Houston Texans and San Francisco 49ers.

The Ravens' offense has started to catchup to their Super Bowl level defense. Joe Flacco has done a good job using rookie Torrey Smith to stretch the field. Offensive coordinator Cam Cameron makes a point of taking several shots down the field per game. This helps open things up for the running game.

Baltimore can play and defeat any one of the AFC's division winners.

Super Bowl winning odds: 4 out of 5

New England Patriots, AFC East

The presence of Tom Brady and Bill Belichick will always give the Patriots a chance of winning the Super Bowl. Experience always plays a role in the outcome of a football game. Both Brady and Belichick have ton of experience in the big games.

New England's offense is capable of putting up a lot of points on any of the NFL defenses. They do a good job of developing weekly game plans to attack. Brady and the passing game maybe the focal point. However, the running game is more than capable of carrying this offense.

The Patriots' biggest weakness is on the defensive side of the ball. This unit has received its share of criticism, but has been playing better of late. Still, if the Patriots fail to win a Super Bowl title it will be because of their defensive struggles.

Super Bowl winning odds: 4 of 5

Dallas Cowboys, NFC East

The Dallas Cowboys are going for their fifth-straight victory today versus the Arizona Cardinals. They are one of the NFL's hottest teams, playing all-around good football. Tony Romo has overcome his early season struggles to right the ship. He is avoiding the mistakes that cost the Cowboys games versus the New York Jets and Detroit Lions.

Romo is benefiting from the emergence of DeMarco Murray, who is providing consistency to the running game. Murray allows the Cowboys to attack the defense with a few different game plans. A quarterback's best friend is often a strong running attack.

The Cowboys defense is also playing good football. DeMarcus Ware is creating a ton of pressure, which helps the Cowboys questionable secondary.

Ultimately, the Cowboys Super Bowl hopes will depend on the play of Tony Romo.

Super Bowl winning odds: 3 out of 5

New Orleans Saints, NFC South

The New Orleans Saints are primed for another strong run at a Super Bowl title. They will always be dangerous with Drew Brees at quarterback and Sean Payton calling the plays. This offense is capable of moving the ball against even the leagues top defenses.

Brees also has a developing running game, featuring rookie back Mark Ingram. The running game will be a key if the Saints need to travel to a cold-weather city. Ingram could be a difference-maker in a road playoff game in Lambeau Field.

The Saints defense continues to play aggressive football, but they also allow a lot of yardage. I don't have much confidence in the Saints ability to consistently stop opposing offenses. The one thing that can slow down Drew Brees is keeping him off the field.

Super Bowl winning odds: 2 out of 5

San Francisco 49ers, NFC West

The San Francisco 49ers are winning football games because of their ability to control the line of scrimmage. They are able to effectively run the football, while also shutting down the opponents rushing attack. Their style of play is immune to road games and weather conditions.

Alex Smith is the key to the 49ers' Super Bowl hopes. He needs to be able to make plays in key situations, something he hasn't done with a lot of consistency. This has been a career year for Smith, he is finally living up to expectations.

San Francisco's defense is one of the tops in the NFL. They do a great job shutting down the run and getting after the quarterback. This unit is more than capable of carrying this team to a Super Bowl title.

Super Bowl winning odds: 4 out of 5

Green Bay Packers, NFC North

Nobody is playing better football than the Green Bay Packers and Aaron Rodgers. This team has the experience, offensive production and defensive aggressiveness to repeat as Super Bowl champions. There is no substitute for the experience this team collected in last season's Super Bowl run.

Rodgers is playing MVP-type football, and at times appears unstoppable. The Packers feel comfortable giving the ball to Rodgers in any situation. He is a true difference-maker capable of pulling off the win in tight situations.

The Packers defense has yet to find their stride. They are allowing teams to score a lot of points, but creating enough turnovers to win. This unit needs to patch the holes if they hope to repeat as Super Bowl champions.

Super Bowl winning odds: 4 out of 5