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This year's favorite team across NFL analyst predictions and sportsbooks seems to be unanimous: the Kansas City Chiefs will take the Super Bowl championship title once again. Though futures odds change as the season progresses, six weeks of play haven’t shifted the Chiefs' chances.
For the Chiefs, the Super Bowl win was long-coming. Last year’s Lombardi Trophy was the first that the franchise brought home in half a century. Not only did this give the team a strong underdog quality throughout the playoffs, but it also made the team’s fourth-quarter comeback against the San Francisco 49ers one of the NFL’s most unforgettable moments.
Given quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ stellar performance last year, he’s likely to attract quite a few prop wagers should the Kansas City squad make it to Super Bowl LV. Since the US has expanded its sports betting options, those who have joined in on NFL wagers throughout the season are likely to bet big for the championship game—whether or not they’re backing Mahomes and the Chiefs.
Still, as the season continues, more and more football pundits have a microscope on the Chiefs' stats. As one of the strongest teams in a post-Patriots NFL, the team is in a prime position to either slip or continue their legacy. Given their nearly half-billion-dollar deal with Mahomes, Chiefs execs may be looking closer than anyone else.
Le’Veon Bell & Clyde Edwards-Helaire Boost the Chiefs’ Odds
The Chiefs spent their off-season acquiring top players and working to extend the contracts for those who delivered in the last series of games. While Mahomes made headlines with his ten-year signing, other stars like Travis Kelce and Chris Jones also landed multi-year contracts.
The Midwest squad also scored one of this year’s top rookie talents at the NFL Draft: running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire from LSU. In his debut against the Houston Texans in the first game of the season, Edwards-Helaire rushed for a touchdown.
This came as no surprise for those who had followed the RB’s journey at LSU where he carried 215 times for a total of 1,414 yards and 16 touchdowns. Aside from strong stats as a rusher, he also posted a strong catching record.
Considering the Chiefs were blindsided by the decision for starting RB Damien Williams to opt-out of the 2020 season, Edwards-Helaire could haven’t come at a more opportune time. Not only has he provided a strong replacement for Williams, but he’s likely carving out his place on the starting line as we speak.
In mid-October, the Chiefs odds for another Super Bowl title were bolstered by the acquisition of Le’Veon Bell from the New York Jets. Bell is another RB with promise who can provide opportunities for Mahomes.
As a two-time All-Pro, Bell’s time with the Jets seemed marred by a bad relationship with head coach Adam Gase. The RB’s departure from the Jets broke a four-year contract worth over $52 million.
As Bell finds his place behind Edwards-Helaire, pundits will have to wait to see if Williams can make a return to the starting squad next year. As one of the key players who brought home the Super Bowl LIV championship title, Williams is likely to have a spot ready for him.
However, if Edwards-Helaire and Bell keep up their strong work and manage to take home a second Lombardi Trophy for the franchise, it may not matter for Williams.
Chiefs Battle in the AFC
The Chiefs have the raw talent, momentum, and camaraderie to pull together another Super Bowl win. However, that doesn’t protect them from other top competition. The Raiders surprised the Chiefs with a 40-32 win in Week 5, while a faceoff against the Saints looms for late December.
Still, the Chiefs' primary enemy this year will be the Baltimore Ravens. No matter how the AFC Playoffs are seeded, there will only be one team advancing to the Super Bowl. That means this year’s top competition will be culled before the championship match is played.
Champion of the AFC is likely to face off against the Seattle Seahawks or Green Bay Packers, both of whom have the shortest odds in the NFC.
