Wow, what a world. Just moments after the Pittsburgh Steelers and Green Bay Packers finished playing in Super Bowl XLV, oddsmakers in Las Vegas were ready to take action on who would hoist the Lombardi Trophy in February of 2012. Let's take a look at the future odds.
| Team | Odds |
| Green Bay Packers | 7/1 |
| New England Patriots | 7/1 |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | 11/1 |
| San Diego Chargers | 12/1 |
|
Indianapolis Colts |
14/1 |
| New York Jets | 14/1 |
| New Orleans Saints | 14/1 |
| Atlanta Falcons | 16/1 |
| Dallas Cowboys | 16/1 |
| Philadelphia Eagles | 16/1 |
| Baltimore Ravens | 16/1 |
| New York Giants | 18/1 |
| Chicago Bears | 25/1 |
| Houston Texans | 35/1 |
| Kansas City Chiefs | 35/1 |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 35/1 |
|
Detroit Lions |
35/1 |
| St. Louis Rams | 40/1 |
| San Francisco 49ers | 40/1 |
|
Minnesota Vikings |
40/1 |
|
Oakland Raiders |
40/1 |
| Miami Dolphins | 50/1 |
|
Tennessee Titans |
50/1 |
|
Washington Redskins |
50/1 |
| Denver Broncos | 60/1 |
| Cincinnati Bengals | 60/1 |
| Cleveland Browns | 65/1 |
| Jacksonville Jaguars | 65/1 |
| Arizona Cardinals | 75/1 |
|
Seattle Seahawks |
80/1 |
| Buffalo Bills | 100/1 |
| Carolina Panthers | 125/1 |
A couple quick thoughts:
- Surprise, surprise, the Dallas Cowboys continue to get more respect than they come close to deserving. But that's just Vegas being smart, knowing that the betting public loves them some Cowboys.
- The Packers may very well get back to the Super Bowl, but I'm sure they won't have their fair share of bumps along the way. Their odds will decrease at some point.
- Is there a future bet on a Steelers/Packers rematch?
- It might take Jim Harbaugh a year or two to get things going in San Francisco, but after hearing the new 49ers coach speak, I'm pretty convinced that he'll turn the once-proud franchise back into winners. The 49ers could be a good long shot value pick at 40/1.
- The Steelers play two of the three favorites in the AFC: the New England Patriots and the Indianapolis Colts. Should be interesting matchups, with potential rematches in store come playoff time.
- The Pats will always be a tough out so long as Tom Brady is playing, but I think they're still missing key ingredients to be considered that type of favorite. Pittsburgh, Baltimore and even San Diego should field more complete teams in the AFC next season.