NFL Futures: Top 6 Contenders for Super Bowl LIX

Philadelphia Eagles (+1700)

People have rightly forgotten about the Philadelphia Eagles, given how they collapsed, but I’m not ready to write them off. The Eagles were in the Super Bowl last season and nearly took down the Chiefs. Plus, what people don’t talk about enough, Jalen Hurts outplayed Patrick Mahomes in that game on the biggest stage. Heading into next season, a lot needs to go right for the Eagles, starting with their two new coordinators flourishing, but they need to add a ton of talent on the defensive side of the ball. Haason Reddick’s contract situation has taken a turn for the worse as he’s exploring a trade. However, if Howie Roseman can still assemble even a league-average defense, there is enough offensive talent to reach the Super Bowl. At +1700, in terms of value, no team has a higher ceiling.

San Francisco 49ers (+450)

If we learned anything this season, it’s that the San Francisco 49ers are easily the most complete team in the NFC. Brock Purdy has cemented himself as the team’s franchise QB, Christian McCaffrey is the best non-QB offensive player in the league, and their defense is loaded. They’ll enter next season as the title favorites as they will return most of their roster, but to be frank, I don’t know how I can back them at +450 when I can get the Chiefs at +750. The 49ers competition in the NFC may be lighter, but there are still plenty of talented NFC teams that we can’t justify enough to back the 49ers over the Chiefs at a significantly better price.

Baltimore Ravens (+900)

The Baltimore Ravens took the NFL by storm until the AFC Championship, where, in my eyes, they were the best team in football until that point. Still, this team will be ready to go next season. On the offensive side of the ball, hopefully, Lamar Jackson can carry over his regular season MVP-caliber production into the postseason, Zay Flowers continues to develop into a star receiver, and they find some stability at the running back position. Defensively, I’m a bit concerned about the loss of Mike MacDonald as the defensive coordinator, but there is enough talent on this defense that they’ll still be one of the league’s top units next season. I can’t justify backing the Ravens at +900 compared to the Chiefs at just +750, but the Ravens will be a legit contender again next season.

Detroit Lions (+1200)

The Detroit Lions aren’t going anywhere. They’ll return the majority of the roster next season on both sides of the ball, both of their coordinators, and will be playing motivated. This team should have played in the Super Bowl this year, but going into next season, I’m excited to see how the Lions choose to keep building. It’s hard to see where they can upgrade on the offensive side of the ball, but if they can add another defensive playmaker, this team will be on another level next season. I’m finding it difficult to convince myself that this team is in for a regression this fall, so I have complete confidence in their continued development. At +1200, this is excellent value.

Cincinnati Bengals (+1500)

Over the last five seasons, Joe Burrow is the only quarterback to have beaten Patrick Mahomes in an AFC Championship game. The only one. He’ll come back hungry next season after a disappointing 2023, a slow start, and a frustrating injury, so it’s hard for anyone to count out this Bengals team. At +1500, Burrow can go toe to toe with the best of them, so how can’t I find value with their Super Bowl odds? Enough said.

Philadelphia Eagles (+1700)

People have rightly forgotten about the Philadelphia Eagles, given how they collapsed, but I’m not ready to write them off. The Eagles were in the Super Bowl last season and nearly took down the Chiefs. Plus, what people don’t talk about enough, Jalen Hurts outplayed Patrick Mahomes in that game on the biggest stage. Heading into next season, a lot needs to go right for the Eagles, starting with their two new coordinators flourishing, but they need to add a ton of talent on the defensive side of the ball. Haason Reddick’s contract situation has taken a turn for the worse as he’s exploring a trade. However, if Howie Roseman can still assemble even a league-average defense, there is enough offensive talent to reach the Super Bowl. At +1700, in terms of value, no team has a higher ceiling.