The 2025 NFL season kicks off on September 4, and fans are already scanning the odds boards. With rosters locked in and preseason play in the rearview, the time for speculation is over. Now, the focus shifts to Super Bowl LX in February, and the betting markets are wide open.
This article breaks down three of the strongest Super Bowl bets based on current odds, team structure, and performance trends. Each pick is grounded in recent NFL betting news, with a focus on realistic paths to the championship.
Baltimore Ravens (+700): Built for Now
The Ravens are currently the favourite to win Super Bowl LX. While that tag can sometimes be a red flag, the 2025 version of Baltimore has real weight behind it. The team fell short in the 2023 AFC Championship and missed the Super Bowl window last season.
The roster is deeper now, though. Key additions include DeAndre Hopkins, Jaire Alexander, and rookie safety Malaki Starks. Hopkins strengthens the receiving corps, which lacked depth in 2024. Starks is expected to improve a secondary that gave up the sixth-most passing yards per game last year.
On the defensive front, Nnamdi Madubuike continues to anchor the interior, while Kyle Hamilton remains a force in coverage. With Jaire Alexander (health permitting) added to the mix, the pass defense is clearly a priority.
The offence still runs through Lamar Jackson. The two-time MVP is paired with Derrick Henry in the backfield, forming one of the league’s most dangerous rushing attacks. If Jackson stays healthy, Baltimore will be in every game.
Betting on a favourite may not be exciting, but when that team is as complete as Baltimore, the value is still there. They check every box on both sides of the ball.
Kansas City Chiefs (+850): The Dynasty Is Not Over
After five Super Bowl appearances and three rings in six years, Kansas City is still in the hunt. Patrick Mahomes leads a squad that continues to evolve, and the current odds reflect slight skepticism from the market.
Offensive line issues were a problem last season, with four different left tackles starting games. The Chiefs addressed this by drafting Josh Simmons, who impressed in camp and looks ready for Week 1. If Simmons holds up, the Mahomes-to-Marquez Brown connection could thrive early.
There are still questions surrounding the receiver room. Rashee Rice is facing a likely suspension, but the team will count on Xavier Worthy and a healthy Brown to step up. Isiah Pacheco also returns after battling injuries throughout 2024.
Kansas City finished 12th in points per game last season; not bad, but not elite. If the offensive line stabilises and the receiving unit avoids further setbacks, there is every reason to expect improvement.
The defence remains strong, especially with Chris Jones continuing to dominate up front. As long as Mahomes and Andy Reid are in charge, the Chiefs will be a threat. The price at +800 offers slightly better value than usual, considering their track record.
Cincinnati Bengals (+2000): High Ceiling, High Volatility
Among the longer shots on the board, the Bengals are one of the most intriguing. Joe Burrow had a monster 2024 season by nearly every metric. He led the league in passing efficiency and earned top marks from multiple data providers.
His connection with Ja’Marr Chase is arguably the best in the league. Chase finished with a career-best 1,708 yards last season. If Tee Higgins stays healthy and Chase Brown can handle a full workload in the backfield, Cincinnati’s offence could match anyone.
Defence is where the risk lies. The Bengals gave up the eighth-most points and yards per game last year, which ultimately ended their playoff run. The front office addressed this by drafting Shemar Stewart in the first round. Early reports are promising, but expecting a rookie to fix a full unit is risky.
The Trey Hendrickson situation is another variable. If the edge rusher plays, the defence becomes much more dangerous. If not, the pressure falls on young players to develop quickly. Still, Burrow is capable of carrying the team deep into the postseason. With odds this high, the potential reward outweighs the risk.
Understanding Where the Market Stands
Futures odds reflect more than public popularity. They account for injury history, roster upgrades, coaching changes, and underlying team metrics.
For bettors looking to make informed decisions, reviewing multiple NFL betting predictions is helpful. Comparing projections from model-based platforms with sportsbooks’ posted odds can reveal where value still exists. This is especially important early in the season, when lines are still adjusting.
For example, FanDuel odds currently show the Ravens slightly ahead of the Chiefs and 49ers, but projections from analytics sites place those three teams much closer. The difference in odds may be influenced by betting volume more than actual strength.
Monitoring how these odds shift between now and Week 4 can offer deeper NFL betting insights. Injuries, early-season performance, and line movement will all play a role in reshaping the market.
How These Teams Stack Up in the Playoffs
To win the Super Bowl, a team needs depth, health, and postseason experience. Baltimore has elite players at every level and a run-heavy scheme that travels well. Kansas City pairs veteran leadership with creative coaching and has proven it can win in any environment. Cincinnati’s offence can go toe-to-toe with anyone, but the defence needs to step up to avoid another early exit.
The AFC remains crowded. Teams like Buffalo, Miami, and Jacksonville will also make noise, but based on current rosters and track records, these three teams may have the clearest path to making a run.
Every season brings surprises, and long odds can quickly become short with one or two statement wins. The best approach is to stay updated with NFL betting news and watch for changes in key positions.
Do These Picks Hold Up?
All three picks present different levels of risk and reward. Baltimore offers stability and depth, but the odds are shorter. Kansas City comes with postseason pedigree and an improved roster, but it needs health and consistency from its receivers. Cincinnati is the wildcard, explosive on offence, with questions on defence, but it is priced as such.
Tracking line movement and matchup trends throughout the season will be essential. Even the most well-built teams face challenges over 17 games. Markets will move, and so will expectations. The key is identifying value before the rest of the betting public catches on.
Content reflects information available as of 09/03/25; subject to change.
