Patriots have NFL's second-best Super Bowl odds

For the second time this season, the Patriots (12-3) eked out a one-score victory over the Bills. The Week 16 win secured New England its 11th consecutive division title and dropped its Super Bowl odds from +485 to +460. Let's examine if the Patriots are worth a wager.

Odds to win the Super Bowl

New England's defense rose to the occasion in Week 16

Week 16’s win was once again led by the defense, as the Patriots stoppers held Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen to 13-of-26 passing for 208 yards. New England’s elite unit remains first in the NFL in points allowed per game (13.2) and yards allowed per play (4.6). This is not to take away from the emergence of the Pats running game, which has averaged 131.6 yards per game over its last five contests (143 yards against the Bills). Lead tailback Sony Michel has gone for 185 yards over his last two efforts, including 96 yards against Buffalo.

Brady's numbers are down dramatically

The improved run game has gone a long way to take the pressure off 42-year-old quarterback Tom Brady, who is having his worst statistical season in years (61.1% completion rate, 6.6 yards per attempt, 22-7 touchdown-interception ratio, 88 passer rating). Prior to his impressive effort against Buffalo (26-for-33, 271 yards, one touchdown), Brady had completed less than 60% of his throws in five straight contests (3-2 record). It’s tough to envision him hoisting the Lombardi Trophy one more time, especially with the road he’ll face to Super Bowl LIV.

Baltimore is still the team to beat

The Ravens, who haven’t lost since Week 4, clinched home-field advantage in the AFC on Sunday with a convincing victory over the Browns. That means, if the Patriots want to avenge their 37-20 defeat from Week 9 to Baltimore, they’ll have to do so at the inhospitable M&T Bank Stadium. MVP frontrunner Lamar Jackson went 17-for-23 through the air for 163 yards and a touchdown in the victory and added 61 yards and a pair of scores on the ground. Not even Bill Belichick, one of the great tacticians in NFL history, might be able to concoct a way to stop Jackson in January.

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If betting to win the Super Bowl is a little too tough, you can also check out AFC and NFC futures at BetAmerica!