If the playoffs started today, two things would be very clear. The Indianapolis Colts and the San Diego Chargers would be the two teams to beat in the AFC.

That’s if the playoffs started today. There’s a still a lot to get through and some very good games this week that could determine which teams will have success both straight up and wagering wise in this season’s playoffs. Right now all we can do is speculate as BetUS will be releasing Super Bowl Football odds in the very near future.
Let’s take a look at the AFC playoff picture and think about at which odds the teams might be worth a bet to win this season’s Super Bowl.
Worth a Super Bowl Bet?
1. Indianapolis Colts
Strengths: The Colts appear to be getting stronger. They dominated a Denver Broncos team 28 to 16 at home last Sunday and have nobody in their path to a 16 and 0 season. They play Jacksonville on the road, the New York Jets and Buffalo on the road. Will they be stopped? Highly doubtful. 16 and 0 is well within reach. Their biggest strength, of course, is Peyton Manning.
Weaknesses: Peyton Manning. Oh, wait, did I just write that? The greatest quarterback to ever live, yes, I really believe that, has thrown 10 interceptions in the last 6 games. That’s 10 out of the 14 picks he’s tossed this season. Peyton appears to be slowing down. That’s not good. Also, as terrific as they looked against Denver, they still allowed wide receiver Brandon Marshall to grab 21 catches for 200 yards and 2 TDs. That’s Kyle Orton and Brandon Marshall who lit them up, not Phillip Rivers and Antonio Gates.
Worth a wager? Definitely not. No football sportsbook in their right mind is going to give you higher than +250 or +300 on these guys to win the Super Bowl. They look great but pull back the layers and there are serious concerns regarding this team.
2. San Diego Chargers
Strength: Everything. This team is loaded. The Chargers have won 8 games in a row, QB Phillip Rivers is playing his eye-balls out, RB LaDanian Tomlinson is getting healthier and the defense is rock solid. During their 8 game winning streak, they’ve beaten Dallas, Denver and the New York Giants on the road and beat Philadelphia at home. They’re a solid team.
Weaknesses: None. Sure, a case can be made that Coach Norv Turner is a liability but his team has won 8 games in a row in the NFL and beaten some good teams on the way. The Chargers are also 6 and 2 ATS during that 8 game winning streak which means that they are taking care of business.
Worth a Super Bowl bet? Yes! Yes! Yes! They’re just as good as Indianapolis, if not better, and have the complete package. There are no weaknesses on this team right now. None. Take the odds on the Charges as soon as humanely possible.
3. Cincinnati Bengals
Strengths: The Bengals’ D is very solid although it didn’t look that way last Sunday when it gave up 30 points to Minnesota. Still, the Bengals’ defense should keep them in games. They also have a terrific running game with Cedric Benson and Carson Palmer, Ochocinco and the rest of the wide receivers are good enough to get the job done when called upon even though the Bengals would prefer to simply run the ball.
Weaknesses: They’re a good team, but not a great team. Do they have a real weakness? Nope, but they aren’t exceptional in any area. They remind me of the 2006 Seattle Seahawks or 2007 Chicago Bears, two teams that made the Super Bowl but just were okay and lost. That’s Cincinnati. They’re good but not great.
Worth a Super Bowl bet? At odds of +800 to win the AFC Championship that might be the better bet. The Bengals could upset San Diego or Indianapolis, but they’re not going to win it all. Unless there’s a monumental upset in the NFC, the Bengals don’t have a shot to win the Super Bowl.
4. New England Patriots
Strengths: Tom Brady and Wes Welker can beat any defense in the NFL. I’m tempted to put Randy Moss with them, but Moss needs to start producing again before I can do that. With Brady and Welker on offense, the Patriots can dominate.
Weaknesses: Bad coaching from Bill Belichick, a shoddy defense, no real running game to speak of, an inability to win on the road, lack of heart…you name it and the Patriots probably have it. This team just isn’t that great. They play in the AFC East, though, which is why they probably will make the playoffs.
Worth a Super Bowl bet? No. Did you hear me? No. They’re not good enough. Flat out. The NFL pre-season favorite to win the Super Bowl just isn’t good enough to even get there.
Best Long Shot
Denver Broncos - - Yes, they just got kicked in the mouth against the Indianapolis Colts but they caused Peyton to throw 3 interceptions and held the Colts to 220 yards passing and 92 yards rushing. The Broncos got down 14 to 0 in that game and had to start passing much earlier than they probably would have preferred.
If they had been able to get their running backs going, then the score might have been closer. Also, Coach Josh McDaniels has shown the ability to adjust when needed. That will be the key to their success in the playoffs…if they make it. Denver is +2000 in the sportsbook to win the AFC Championship. I think they’re worth a bet.







