Who are the favorites to play in the 2024 Super Bowl?
We are down to the final eight! Last week, the NFL postseason started with fourteen teams participating, out of which six were eliminated during the wild-card round. With the divisional round bracket already determined, the most recent odds for the champion of Super Bowl 58 have been released, following a first round that was replete with unexpected outcomes.
Predictably, the San Francisco 49ers and Baltimore Ravens, both holding the top seed in their respective leagues, are leading the pack. Nevertheless, the remaining six teams exhibit minor differences in their performance compared to their initial rankings.
While six teams will aim to secure a second playoff victory, the two highest-ranked teams will make their debut, striving to fulfil their roles as favourites for the conference championship.
Does achieving the No. 1 seed place them above all others? Sort of…
NFLDraftNews has reassessed the rankings of the remaining playoff teams, considering both the teams currently not playing and those actively competing. To conclude the article, we will examine which teams are favourites to compete at Super Bowl 58 based on their post and regular-season performances.
Super Bowl 58 Power Rankings & Odds
San Francisco 49ers
Record: 12-5
The 49ers were considered the favourites because of their strong offence (ranked 2nd in total yards and 3rd in scoring) and defence (ranked 8th in total yards and 3rd in scoring). This combination equipped them to make a successful playoff run with consistent performances. Kyle Shanahan envisions his ideal squad as the one that would ultimately secure a championship unless hindered by a significant injury. The presence of Brock Purdy, Christian McCaffrey, and Trent Williams is seen as indispensable in this pursuit.
Odds to win the Super Bowl 2024: 7/4
Baltimore Ravens
Record: 13-4
Despite their previous victory over the Texans at home to start the regular season, the Ravens cannot underestimate the formidable Texans in the divisional round in Baltimore. Lamar Jackson should maintain confidence in his passing abilities while embracing the potential of explosive running, similar to Allen. The pass rush, featuring former Texans player Jadeveon Clowney, must perform well to establish itself as the definitive defensive asset.
Odds to win the Super Bowl 2024: 5/2
Buffalo Bills
Record: 11-6
The Bills effectively safeguarded Josh Allen and the football by allowing him to utilise his running abilities and heavily relying on a robust rushing strategy. The trickle-down effect enabled the defence to position themselves effectively to prevent the Steelers from scoring strategically. To surpass the Chiefs, Allen must provide another flawless performance to either equal or surpass Mahomes in the latter's inaugural away playoff appearance.
Odds to win the Super Bowl 2024: 6/1
Kansas City Chiefs
Record: 11-6
The Chiefs' defence established a strong foundation for a potentially dominant performance with its well-equipped and adaptable pass rush, supported by a deep coverage unit that operated effectively under the pressure of Steve Spagnuolo. Patrick Mahomes is now optimising the passing game by focusing on two individuals he believes in. He knows that maintaining a strong running game will also be crucial in his team's quest to reach the Super Bowl again.
Odds to win the Super Bowl 2024: 7/1
Detroit Lions
Record: 12-5
The Lions acquired Jared Goff to exhibit self-assured and proficient performance in their home games while preventing significant errors. In addition, they have shown exceptional effort and skill during crucial moments in a challenging situation against the Rams. The youthful defence's ability to generate a pass rush and excel in the red zone will again be essential. Goff's fortunate circumstance is that he will play at his residence against the Buccaneers, whom the Lions previously defeated with a score of 20-6 in Tampa during the regular season.
Odds to win the Super Bowl 2024: 9/1
Green Bay Packers
Record: 9-8
The Packers systematically dismantled the Cowboys by combining their rushing game with precise short-to-intermediate throwing. This strategy stabilised Jordan Love's performance and enabled him to complete many crucial plays towards the end of the game. On the other hand, the criticised defence was the focal point, actively seeking crucial early turnovers. They will not have the same advantages against the 49ers on offence or defence.
Odds to win the Super Bowl 2024: 28/1
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Record: 9-8
The Buccaneers' offence dominated the Eagles in a night game. Baker Mayfield delivered his most impressive downfield throwing performance of the season, showcasing his exceptional skills in his debut year with the team. The defence demonstrated versatility by effectively stopping the opponent's running game and conceding only one touchdown throw to Jalen Hurts. This increases the likelihood of winning the Lions rematch away from home.
Odds to win the Super Bowl 2024: 30/1
Houston Texans
Record: 10-7
The Texans have experienced a remarkable transformation this season, thanks to the exceptional performances of rookie leaders C.J. Stroud and DeMeco Ryans. They have effectively implemented a well-structured offence and defence, reminiscent of the successful strategies employed by the 49ers. Their task is challenging as they confront the Ravens' extensive familiarity with Jackson and John Harbaugh despite being away from the enthusiastic Houston fans. The Texans are the unequivocal intruders in the round, but it will prove exceedingly challenging for them to disrupt the Ravens and, subsequently, the victor of the Chiefs-Bills matchup, both of which will take place away from home.
Odds to win the Super Bowl 2024: 33/1
Most Likely Team to Reach the Super Bowl: The Ravens
Despite online sports betting in New Zealand placing the 49ers as the most probable team to win the Super Bowl, it’s difficult to ignore John Harbaugh and company, which are something else.
The Ravens are the most superior team in the NFL. This confirmation came in the form of a 13-4 record throughout the regular season. John Harbaugh's club had the best record among all teams. In addition, Baltimore achieved decisive victories against the San Francisco 49ers, Detroit Lions, and Miami Dolphins. They effortlessly dismissed all competitors.
The Ravens possess a formidable defence, a great quarterback, a Hall of Fame kicker, and a head coach who has previously won a Super Bowl. These factors make them well-equipped for success. Furthermore, they are rejuvenated after receiving a bye into the second round and will benefit from playing on their turf. The Ravens are widely seen as the frontrunners to emerge as the ultimate victors.
Super Bowl 58: Baltimore Ravens vs. San Francisco 49ers
We predict the San Francisco 49ers will emerge victorious over the Detroit Lions in the NFC Championship Game. At the same time, the Baltimore Ravens are expected to prevail over the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship Game.
This will provide the conditions for a captivating Super Bowl LVIII featuring two teams with rich and significant pasts. The San Francisco 49ers have emerged victorious in five Super Bowls out of their seven appearances, but the Baltimore Ravens have won both Super Bowls they’ve appeared in.
There is no indication that this will change in February when John Harbaugh and Lamar Jackson demonstrate the capabilities of the NFL's Most Valuable Player. Before doing that, however, they must reach their destination, a task that was not accomplished in 2022.