Bet the Super Bowl LVII

Bookmakers, CashBet included, favor The Kansas City Chiefs to win Super Bowl LVII, tentatively scheduled to be played on February 12, 2023, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The Chiefs’ hope is that repeating players can repeat the championship. Kansas is currently returning their 11 defensive players with the most snaps played last season. Including cornerback Bashaud Breeland and defensive tackle Chris Jones. Similarly, the only offensive player in the 12 most snaps not returning is guard Cameron Erving, whose option was not exercised.

Baltimore is the second favorite to win the Super Bowl. According to their official website, the “Ravens’ goal is to build an ‘undefendable’ offense”. Judging by their 2019 season, that’s not too much of a stretch. The Black Birds ranked 1st in points per game (33.2) and rushing yards per game (206.0), and 2nd in total offense (407.6 ypg) in the regular season. And 1st in total offense (530.0 ypg) and passing yards per game (345.0), and 2nd in rushing yards per game (185.0) in the postseason. Most of the players that made that happen, led by dual-threat QB Lamar Jackson, are returning. Thus, Baltimore has focused on defense this offseason. The Ravens have retained linebacker Matthew Judon, safety, Chuck Clark, and cornerback Jimmy Smith. And signed defensive ends Calais Campbell and Derek Wolfe.

Of this second bunch of teams, the Browns and the Colts are noteworthy. Cleveland has a considerable salary cap space and they seem poised to roll it over into 2021. That would give them among the most in the NFL betting to operate, and put them in a privileged position toward the Super Bowl. The Browns have officially signed every free agent with whom they had agreements in place. They may be interested in some free agents, but the Browns could still have somewhere around $35 to $40 million to roll over into 2021. If they did so, the Browns would have $70 to $80 million in cap space from the get-go. Plus, the $15.5 million from Olivier Vernon’s expiring contract. This being Cleveland, however, the chances that they use that money wisely are slim and none.

Meanwhile, the Colts signed former Chargers QB Philip Rivers to a 1 year deal with $25 million in a new contract on March 17, 2020. That takes care of the quarterback position, but what about the receiving corps? Indy’s pass-catchers had 106 receptions, 1,252 yards, and 11 touchdowns last season. The Saints Michael Thomas alone had 43 more catches and 473 more yards. Moreover, TY Hilton missed six games, Parris Campbell nine, and Devin Funchess 15. All because of injuries. Most experts project the Colts to snatch a few receivers during the draft to justify the River’s investment.

The Bucs’ odds received a much-needed shot in the arm with the addition of Tom Brady. Unlike Rivers, Brady finds a built-in receiving unit, including Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, and tight end Cameron Brate and OJ Howard. However, rumor has it that head coach Bruce Arians has trading plans for Howard. “It’s hard to say [what’s wrong]. He’s a talented, talented guy, but it’s not showing up on Sundays,” Arians said of the TE back in November. Then again, Brady’s arrival could be exactly what Howard needs. After all, the GOAT has had plenty of success with tight ends in the past (Gronk, anyone?).