The NFL’s final four teams are set, but the betting lines have surprised many following the recent playoff games. The New England Patriots have moved from 4.5-point favorites to 5.5 points over the Denver Broncos in the AFC championship. Meanwhile, the Seattle Seahawks started at 1.5-point favorites against the Los Angeles Rams and are now at 2.5 points.
One significant factor affecting the Broncos’ odds was the injury of their quarterback, Bo Nix. He will be out for the rest of the postseason due to a broken ankle. Bookmakers estimate that Nix’s absence impacts point spreads by five to seven points, which explains the shift in Denver’s odds.
As Joey Feazel, head of football at Caesars Sportsbooks, noted, the matchup between two defensive teams should pique interest. He also pointed out the importance of analyzing Nix’s influence on the team throughout the season.
Denver’s Super Bowl futures have taken a hit since the injury. They started off at +700 odds but dropped to +1100. This is the longest Super Bowl odds since the New York Giants were listed at +1500 back in 2008. Interestingly, the Giants went on to win that year.
On the other hand, the Seahawks lead the Super Bowl betting board with +145 odds, followed by the Rams at +225 and the Patriots at +255. Earlier this season, Denver and Los Angeles were considered long shots at +2200, while New England and Seattle were at +6000. If any team wins this year, it could mark a historic upset in NFL betting terms.
With favorites like the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills out of the running, sportsbooks have few remaining concerns. BetMGM indicated that a Seahawks Super Bowl win would be its worst outcome, while DraftKings identifies the Patriots as their biggest risk.
This volatile betting landscape highlights how unpredictable the NFL can be. Each game significantly alters the futures of teams, showcasing just how dynamic the league is. As teams prepare for the conference championships, fans and bettors alike will be watching closely to see how the odds continue to shift.
For an in-depth look at current betting trends and expert insights, check out ESPN.
