Chiefs favored in opening Super Bowl LVI odds

The matchup for Super Bowl LV has yet to be determined, but oddsmakers have already produced lines for next year’s big game. Not surprisingly, the Kansas City Chiefs hold early favoritism at +550.

The three other finalists for Super Bowl LV – the Green Bay Packers (+750), Buffalo Bills (+800) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+900) – are the only other teams lower than double-digits in the Super Bowl LVI market. Let’s break down the chances of all four teams below and see which one looks like the best bet of the bunch.

Chiefs seem like solid contenders

As long as Patrick Mahomes is there under center, it’s hard to envision Kansas City not competing for a Super Bowl crown.

None of his primary weapons, like wide-out Tyreek Hill and tight end Travis Kelce, are going anywhere this offseason. Running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire should have an outstanding sophomore season. Even offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy appears to be staying put, unless the Houston Texans come calling.

Packers may lose Aaron Jones

The Packers will start the offseason at $10 million over the salary cap, and premier running back Aaron Jones will be an unrestricted free agent. After earning a bargain basement salary in his first four years in the league, Jones will be looking to cash in.

Running backs are far more expendable than quarterbacks in the NFL, and Aaron Rodgers isn’t leaving Green Bay before next season. But losing Jones would still sting for the Packers.

Bills are legit, but up against the cap in 2021

The Bills are projected to start the 2021 offseason with less than 4% of their salary cap available. That could make fortifying a team that appears to be gelling into a perennial contender difficult.

Fortunately for Buffalo, there are no “make or break” players leaving their 2020 roster. Expect Josh Allen and company to make another title run next year.  

Tampa could have trouble retaining defense, perimeter talent

The Buccaneers will have plenty of cap space to work with this offseason, but several key contributors are coming off the books after this year.

Linebackers Shaquil Barrett and Lavonte David will be unrestricted free agents, and it’s hard to imagine the Bucs being able to hang onto both. That’s because defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, tight end Rob Gronkowski, and wide-outs Antonio Brown and Chris Godwin all need to be re-signed, and none will come cheap.

Tom Brady could have his work cut out for him in year two in Tampa.

The verdict

Though their odds are the lowest, the Chiefs look like the best bet among this year's "final four" to win Super Bowl LVI.