Reviewing the Latest Super Bowl Odds, Post-OTAs EditionBy Kristopher KnoxJune 17, 2015
EditionElaine Thompson/Associated PressEvery year, the ultimate goal for each NFL franchise is to reach—and win—the Super Bowl.Coaches and players are quick to remind us of this fact, especially during the offseason when optimism reigns supreme.The harsh reality, however, is that optimism won't make up for a lack of talent, a brutal schedule or devastating injuries. This is why some NFL teams face far longer Super Bowl odds than others. The last time we took an extended look at Super Bowl odds around the league was after free agency and the draft, when each team boasted a collection of shiny new roster pieces. Though there haven't been a ton of significant changes since the conclusion of the draft, we have received a first look of how these new pieces fit during minicamps and OTAs.Unfortunately, early offseason work has also resulted in key injuries for a handful of teams.With OTAs now in the books, it's time to take a look at the Las Vegas odds for each team, as provided by OddsShark.com. We will rank each team from long shot to favorite according to the Vegas odds and provide detailed analysis. In cases where teams share the same Super Bowl odds, we will pay extra consideration to strength of schedule, past performances and head-to-head matchups (if applicable).From worst to first.Jacksonville Jaguars
John Raoux/Associated Press2014 Record: 3-13The Jacksonville Jaguars managed to win just three games a season ago, as then-rookie quarterback Blake Bortles struggled to adapt to life in the NFL.He completed just 58.9 percent of his passes for 2,908 yards with 11 touchdowns and 17 interceptions. Though he is a year farther along in his development than the rookie quarterbacks of this draft class, his performance doesn't inspire thoughts of a fast sophomore turnaround.The Jaguars also had the misfortune this offseason of losing first-round draft pick Dante Fowler Jr. to a torn ACL in his first minicamp practice. This put a damper on an offseason that did see some solid talent come to town—even if the Jaguars had to overpay to bring it.New veterans on the roster include star tight end Julius Thomas, defensive end Jared Odrick and cornerback Davon House.The problem is that the Jaguars were sorely lacking in overall talent heading into the offseason. Jacksonville ranked dead-last in overall offense last season and third-worst in defense, according to Pro Football Focus.The Jaguars sit tied with the Tennessee Titans in terms of Super Bowl odds. However, we're going to put the Titans ahead here because Jacksonville faces a slightly tougher strength of schedule (.463) this coming season.The two AFC South teams split their two-game series a year ago. Super Bowl Odds: 200-1Tennessee Titans
Mark Humphrey/Associated Press2014 Record: 2-14The Tennessee Titans might have been the NFL's most obscure team a season ago. Not only did Tennessee send zero players to the 2015 Pro Bowl, but it fielded a roster devoid of high-profile players.The Titans also weren't good in 2014, tying the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the worst record in the league. By "earning" the No. 2 overall selection in this year's draft, Tennessee managed to land former Oregon quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota. Though Mariota may be the biggest name to join the Titans roster, he might not be the biggest name to join the franchise this offseason. Longtime Pittsburgh Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau will now oversee the defense in Tennessee.Titans general manager Ruston Webster actually had an underrated offseason, acquiring several new pieces to fit LeBeau's system. New guys on that side of the ball include linebacker Brian Orakpo, safety Da'Norris Searcy and cornerback Perrish Cox.If Mariota can make a quick transition to the NFL game, the Titans may be a lot more competitive than anticipated."One thing I can say about Marcus, though, is that he's very intelligent," new Titans wide receiver Harry Douglas recently said, per Amber Harding of TitansOnline.com. "He's smart, he's athletic and he can play the game. The Titans have a relatively easy strength of schedule (.435) ahead, and it's hard to believe they have the longest odds in the league. It's also hard to see them getting past the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC South. Super Bowl Odds: 200-1Washington Redskins
Pablo Martinez Monsivais/Associated Press2014 Record: 4-12The Washington Redskins were a total disappointment in 2014. The fact that three different quarterbacks started games throughout the season might have had a little to do with the team's poor play.Former Baylor star Robert Griffin III is supposed to be the franchise quarterback in Washington. If he and head coach Jay Gruden cannot find a way to make things work this season, one of the two will likely be on his way out.Perhaps rookie guard Brandon Scherff (first round) and running back Matt Jones (third round) will help take some of the pressure off the quarterback this season.Unfortunately, the Redskins were also dead-last in the league defensively, according to Pro Football Focus. This is why the team brought in guys like defensive tackle Terrance Knighton, cornerback Chris Culliver and defensive tackle Ricky Jean-Francois during free agency. Washington shouldn't be as bad as it was a season ago, especially if the team can get some consistency from the quarterback position. The team's strength of schedule (.478) is manageable, but any sort of a meaningful run seems highly unlikely at this point. Super Bowl Odds: 125-1Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Chris O'Meara/Associated Press2014 Record: 2-14No team was worse than the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last season. For their efforts, the Buccaneers were "awarded" the first overall pick in this year's draft. Tampa used the pick on former Heisman Trophy winner and Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston.If Winston can quickly adjust to the pro game, then the Buccaneers should avoid producing the league's worst record again. There is talent on this team, and Winston will have a number of capable targets like Vincent Jackson, 2014 draft pick Mike Evans and tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins.Tampa also plays in the NFC South, which wasn't overly competitive last season. The Carolina Panthers won the division with a 7-8-1 record, and the Buccaneers have to feel like a similar record is within their reach.They have the league's fourth-easiest strength of schedule (.425) this season but may still be hard-pressed to take advantage of it.Pro Football Focus ranked them 26th in overall offense and 28th in overall defense last season. The Buccaneers didn't add a lot in free agency outside of linebacker Bruce Carter and defensive tackle Henry Melton. Their alternative at quarterback is Mike Glennon.The Super Bowl still feels like a long way off for this team, even though we should see some improvements. Super Bowl Odds: 100-1The FavoriteSeattle Seahawks
Elaine Thompson/Associated Press2014 Record: 12-4No big surprises here, as the Seattle Seahawks are considered to be the favorites by Vegas. Seattle has made it to the Big Game in each of the past two years and was a goal-line interception away from winning back-to-back championships. There hasn't been much change in Seattle. The biggest offseason development was the trade to acquire star tight end Jimmy Graham from the New Orleans Saints. Seattle had to give up Pro Bowl center Max Unger and a 2015 first-round pick, but the team now has an elite receiving weapon.Losing Unger may hurt, as could the free-agent departure of cornerback Byron Maxwell. Seattle, though, brought in cornerbacks Will Blackmon and Cary Williams to help offset Maxwell's exit.The core of this team is still intact, thanks in part to running back Marshawn Lynch's new two-year, $24 million extension. The Seahawks should be right there at the end of the postseason once again. Missing the playoffs almost seems like impossible at this point. Seattle's Super Bowl chances after this season, however, may hinge on its ability to finalize a new deal with quarterback Russell Wilson.Super Bowl Odds: 6-1To view every team...link
