The days are getting shorter, the temperature is getting colder, and as the end of the year approaches, this can mean only one thing—NFL playoffs are almost here. With the Wild-Card round commencing on Jan. 11, 2025, we have little over a month before some of the most exciting (and coincidentally, most “bet-table”) football is played. Last year, we watched as the Kansas City Chiefs made their fourth Super Bowl appearance in the last five years and took home their 3rd championship in that timespan. Will we see them again on Super Bowl Sunday? Or will we see new teams vying for the coveted title of NFL Champion?
After 13 of the 18 NFL game weeks, there is no obvious favorite for who may win the Super Bowl. In this Sportsbook, we will cover a few teams we think have good odds of hoisting the Lombardi Trophy come Superbowl Sunday.
Detroit Lions (+270): The Lions are the current favorites according to the many sportsbooks, and it is clear to see why. Boasting a record of 11-1, and with the League’s highest points per game average (31.9 ppg), it’s hard to imagine they won’t make a run in the playoffs. Their dual-threat backfield of Jahmyrr Gibbs and David Montgomery causes headaches for every defensive coordinator who has the displeasure of playing against them. At the same time, their passing game is nothing to be scoffed at either. Amon-Ra St. Brown is at the top of the charts in several receiving categories (2nd in touchdowns, 3rd in receptions, 6th in receiving yards, 1st in first downs), while Sam LaPorta, Jameson Williams, Tim Patrick, and the remaining offense complete a very well rounded, and very dangerous receiving core. However, they currently have a concerning amount of injuries on the roster, and coupled with some less-than-convincing games this season, some wonder if they’ll be able to stay consistent when the pressure is highest.
Kansas City Chiefs (+550): The Chiefs have the second-best odds, and for good reason. If you are the two-time defending Super Bowl champion, have an 11-1 record, and the individual talent on the roster to back it up, it’s hard to justify not making you one of the favorites to win it all. While this is all true for the Kansas City Chiefs, there are significantly more doubts about this team compared to years past. Their record may be impressive on paper, but wins by three points or less against the Bengals, Broncos, Panthers, and most recently, the Raiders do not instill confidence in prospective Kansas City Super Bowl bettors. All but two of their wins have been by one score, with many feeling unconvincing.
Whether it is atrocious clock management by their opponents, blocked field goals, or questionable referee decisions, the Chiefs find themselves lucky to be in the position they are in. However, you can never count out a Kansas City Chiefs team with Quarterback Patrick Mahomes coached by Andy Reid, so keep an eye out for the Chiefs to continue their unconventional winning ways in January.
The Ravens (+600), Eagles (+650), and Bills (+650) all have superstars surrounded by pro-bowl-level talent, making them well-qualified candidates for the title of Super Bowl Champion. While they aren’t outright favorites, all of these teams have put up dominating performances this season that make one hard-pressed to count them out. Yet, don’t just stop here—though with much longer odds, other teams across the League may be able to pull ahead and close out the season with a win.
Minnesota Vikings (+2100): The Vikings are in a tier below the odds-on favorites. While nobody is expecting a Vikings Super Bowl victory this year, it is most certainly not out of the question. Coming into the season, many analysts counted them out. A general lack of faith in quarterback Sam Darnold, who had yet to establish himself in the NFL, along with a roster that contained less obvious talent than their competitors, gave rise to significant doubt about the Vikings. However, they have silently moved to a strong record of 10-2, tying the Eagles for the second-best record in the NFC. They definitely aren’t the favorites, but if Sam Darnold can continue his connection with star wide receiver and former Offensive Player of the Year Justin Jefferson, anything can happen.
Other teams like the Steelers (+3000), Chargers (+3200), and Texans (+3000) also fall into the category of potential dark horse candidates to make a run in the playoffs. All have shown flashes of being able to compete but haven’t yet proven the consistency to be considered a front-runner.
While it is important to keep in mind bets for the future, Gameweek 14 is on the horizon, and there are a couple of games in particular to watch out for. The Lions will clash against their bitter NFC North rivals, the Green Bay Packers, in a Thursday night contest that is sure to have playoff ramifications. We think the Lions will use their home-field advantage to complete the double over the Packers this season. The Chargers will take on AFC Leaders Kansas City Chiefs in another fierce division battle. The AFC West has been one of the strongest divisions in football this year, with three teams currently in the playoff picture, so both of these teams will be looking to win and carry momentum into the playoffs. Playing at Arrowhead Stadium against a league-leading Kansas City team may prove to be too much for Jim Harbaugh’s Raiders, but if Los Angeles can take an early lead, then they may be able to carry that to an upset.
With the playoffs on the horizon, the race to the Lombardi Trophy is wide open, making this one of the most exciting NFL seasons in recent memory. Whether you’re rooting for favorites like the Lions and Chiefs, rallying behind underdogs like the Vikings, or betting on dark horses to surprise the league, there’s never been a better time to dive into the action. So grab your popcorn, place your bets (responsibly), and get ready for the high-stakes drama that only the NFL playoffs can deliver. February will crown a champion—but until then, every week is a story waiting to unfold.
Andrew Christie ’26 (andrewchristie@college.harvard.edu) just wants two things for Christmas: the Chargers not to be embarrassed in the playoffs again, and to see his playoff predictions come true.