Super Bowl is more or less the most exciting sports franchise in the United States. It’s one thing that brings different people together to achieve a common goal. As millions watch the games, millions of more place bets for the prospect of winning big. Since the beginning of 2020, only 12 teams have failed to lift the Vince Lombardi Trophy. The Philadelphia Eagles were the last team to lift the trophy. They did it for the first time in the history of the NFL franchise. They won the Super Bowl LII against the New England Patriots.
So, if you are going to bet, there are a few questions you should answer. First of all, which NFL team seems like the safest bet to lift the Vince Lombardi trophy for the first time in the history of the franchise during the 2020’s? Which teams should you avoid for the foreseeable future when placing bets?
The piece below highlights the top 12 teams that are yet to win the Super Bowl. We have provided their pros, and cons, as well as their chances of finishing at the top of the NFL.
Safest Bet for NFL In Super Bowl 2020
1. The Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals have a lower chance of winning the trophy, although they have a legit franchise quarterback. Their quarterback, Joe Burrow, probably has the pace to break every quarterback record standing. The Cincinnati Bengals have built a strong team with good offensive and defensive capabilities. While they aren’t the best yet and are forced to compete in a tough league, they seem like a safe bet for the Lombardi Trophy from 2022 at least.
2. The Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons probably shouldn’t be on the list because they bottled up a 28-3 lead in the Super Bowl LI to the New England Patriots. In 2020 the Atlanta Falcons have fired their coach already and placed Raheem Morris at the helm (currently the team’s interim coach), which is a situation to monitor closely. If the Atlanta Falcons can keep Morris, they’ll likely keep their team of talented players. In any case, this can only happen if they become highly competitive and win silverware. If not, they may look to rebuild. It is best to avoid placing bets on them until 2023 at least.
3. The Buffalo Bills
For nearly two decades, the Buffalo Bills went without a playoff appearance. However, as they approached the end of the last decade (the 2010s), they managed to obliterate that first hurdle. In the 2020s, they are enjoying what can be described as their best season since their former quarterback Jim Kelly became field general. The Buffalo Bills have a talented team. They have a franchise quarterback, a decent running back committee, a star receiver, and a world-class defense. Most importantly they are still a young team. They are a safe bet if they show that they can finish ahead of their rivals.
4. The Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers contracted the services of Matt Rhule, one of the best program-building architects. While they remain a ragtag unit, they will become a safe bet as the coming decade passes. It is only if they lose faith in Rhule that the Carolina Panthers will return to the doldrums which remains unlikely, considering the longevity of past coaches Ron Rivera and John Fox. Both men led the Carolina Panthers to two Super Bowls. Just like the Cincinnati Bengals, the Carolina Panthers will become a safe bet from 2022.
5. The Minnesota Vikings
The last time the Minnesota Vikings represented the NFC (National Football Conference) was in 1976. In their 44-seasons without winning the trophy, they have had some great teams. They have made many appearances in the NFC Championship games but haven’t won any one of them. Recently, the Vikings extended the contracts of general manager Rick Spielman and head coach Mike Zimmer. They can be considered a safe bet if they sort out their quarterback issues by bringing in a legit franchise quarterback. They may also be in contention as a safe bet if their defensive play improves drastically.
6. The Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans are a team with a few stars on their roster. While the remainder of their team consists of cast-off players from other teams (or mainly players who have spent their career playing as backups). This is the approach coach Mike Vrabel has deployed in Nashville. Vrabel and his players will likely continue to build through drafts, free agents, and practice squads. They’ll likely go for players who fit their system and culture. They should be avoided until 2023.
7. The Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers are blessed with the best young quarterback Justin Herbert. Herbert has been proving that the Chargers were right to draft him and let Philip Rivers a 14-year starter walk. The problem here is that their defense cannot hold opponents whenever they hold a three-possession lead. The Chargers will likely build a strong defense and begin to thrive from 2021. The Los Angeles Chargers will be formidable soon enough.
8. The Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals are probably the safest bet here due to their dynamic coach and quarterback combination. They have an amazing combo of quarterback Kyler Murray and Kliff Kingsbury, a college coach who wrapped up his time at Texas Tech early. Even though coaches like Kingsbury fail in the NFL, the Kyler/Kliff combination has paid off so far. The team is in line for a playoff position and they are young. They are one of the most explosive teams when it comes to offenses. They’ll be a safe bet if they can win more one-possession games.
9. The Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions are currently mediocre. They have been like this since 1957, having enjoyed only one playoff win during the last 63 seasons. They are once more at the bottom of the table and will likely start the 2021 season with a new coach, and general manager. They may also start the new campaign with a new system. Considering the above suggestions, they are nowhere near the safest bets.
10. The Houston Texans
The Houston Texans are another team looking to rebuild, after firing head coach Bill O’Brien. They’ll try again in 2021. Maybe the only real chance they have going forward is quarterback Deshaun Watson. He can only be effective if the new management wants Watson. In any case, even with Watson, they can’t win games. They are a team to mark as less safe bets.
11. The Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns are beginning to play like a team with life as the new decade begins. However, be careful about them considering their recent history. The Cleveland Browns are known for firing their head coaches swiftly and changing regimes after every season and a half. Until they can employ longevity, they’ll continue to be a risky bet. They need to prove that they can beat their rivals the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens. Until then, they’ll need to fight for a playoff berth.
12. The Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars, are yet again carrying out a rebuild. They are lacking quality in the talent department. The Jaguars are trying to know how to remain in games. The bulk of their offensive play has been in garbage time, and they have done little to ensure that we can have faith in them as a safe bet except for the 2017 season which was a surprise, to say the least.
13. Our Pick on the Safest Bet
The Arizona Cardinals have one of the best offenses in the league. They also have one of the league’s best coaches and quarterbacks. They have proven time and again that they can compete with the best football teams in the NFL after successfully defeating two rivals. Another safe bet is The Los Angeles Chargers considering the massive talent they’ve got as a quarterback and their offensive and defensive output. Even though they may still need to chore up their defense, they are likely going to be potential contenders for the Super Bowl.
Final Words
Before going with any option above, remember that there’s the element of surprise to contend with. A team that might seem like a safe bet doesn’t necessarily mean they are safe to bet on. You can’t predict the future. However, The Lions, Browns, Jaguars, and Texans, can be excellent options easily as early as 2021. They are in safer categories. On paper, the Chargers and Cardinals may seem light years ahead of others. Meanwhile, the Carolina Panthers and Buffalo Bills are getting closer and closer to winning the NFC and AFC Championships.
