Super Bowl LVI odds update: Chiefs favored despite loss to Buccaneers

The Kansas City Chiefs were handed a stunning and decisive 31-9 loss by Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Super Bowl LV, but that has not dissuaded bettors from making Patrick Mahomes and company the favorites for next year’s big game.

The Chiefs are the +550 public choice – down slightly from +575 on Feb. 1 – to win Super Bowl LVI. The Bucs, meanwhile, dropped from +1100 to +900 following their big win, and now share co-second choice status with the Green Bay Packers. We’ll dive into the chances of the Chiefs and Bucs reaching the Super Bowl once again below.

The “three-peat” is hard, but not unprecedented

For the first time in his NFL career, Mahomes was overwhelmed by an opposing pass rush. He picked a terrible time to have his worst game ever – he’d never lost by double-digits or failed to score at least 10 points before Sunday!

But that just goes to show what an incredible talent Mahomes is. The good news for Chiefs fans is that wide-out Tyreek Hill, tight end Travis Kelce, and running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire are all under contract for next season. Even offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy will be back to call the plays.

The 2017-2019 New England Patriots recently accomplished three straight Super Bowl appearances – winning Super Bowls LI and LIII while dropping Super Bowl LII to a determined Philadelphia Eagles squad – so it can be done.

Potential turnover in Tampa could hurt

Some of the Bucs defenders that shone the brightest in Super Bowl LV, linebackers Shaquil Barrett and Lavonte David, and defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, will be unrestricted free agents this offseason. On offense, wide-outs Antonio Brown and Chris Godwin, and tight end Rob Gronkowski all need to be re-signed too.

Tampa has some cap space available, but it’s hard to envision them bringing every player back into the fold. The road to Super Bowl LVI could be a bumpy one for Brady and company.

Can the Bills build on impressive 2020?

The Buffalo Bills (+1200) were a popular pick to win the AFC East this season, but not many outside of upstate New York had them in the AFC Championship Game. Now it appears they have a legitimate case to win Super Bowl LVI with slight improvement.

Quarterback Josh Allen was a revelation in 2020 – even earning dark-horse MVP consideration – as he completed 69.2% of his passes for 7.9 yards per attempt with 37 touchdowns, all career-highs. Though they’re up against the cap going into this offseason, the Bills won’t lose any significant talent on either side of the ball.

Buffalo seems like they’re one defensive difference-maker away from being a true Super Bowl contender – perhaps they can get creative and land an impact edge rusher before September.