AFC Super Bowl Rankings: Chiefs, Bills Bounce Back
The AFC’s top contenders got back on track in Week 2. However, several teams’ Super Bowl odds continue to slide. For example, the Jacksonville Jaguars have dropped to +2500 and the New York Jets are nearly out of the conversation at +6500. The AFC has only one team among the sportsbook’s top four favorites to win Super Bowl 58.
Who are the top Super Bowl 58 contenders in the AFC ahead of Week 3? Check out our top five paired with NFL lines.
1. Kansas City Chiefs (+700) Back in Win Column
NFL odds tabbed the Kansas City Chiefs as three-point favorites against the Jacksonville Jaguars. With defensive tackle Chris Jones and tight end Travis Kelce returning, the Chiefs took care of business with a 17-9 win.
The defense has played well, even without Jones in Week 1. The Jags were held to under 300 yards and quarterback Trevor Lawrence was limited to a mediocre day. However, Kansas City’s offense has kinks to work through. The offensive tackle play has been underwhelming. Right tackle Jawaan Taylor was even benched at one point due to his poor play.
The Chiefs are tied for the shortest odds to win Super Bowl 58. However, Kansas City is far from its dominant form.
2. Buffalo Bills (+1000) Boost Bid to Win Super Bowl 58
Following the season-opening loss against the New York Jets, the Buffalo Bills erupted with a 38-10 win against the Las Vegas Raiders. The defense dominated, forcing three turnovers. The run game was rolling as running back James Cook totaled 123 yards on 7.2 yards per carry.
What a day for James Cook.
– 17 carries
– 123 yds (first career 100 yard game)
– 7.2 avg.
– 4 catches for 36 ydsGood week to be a former Georgia RB.
pic.twitter.com/I6y9HLeTF8— J.C. Shelton (@JCShelton_) September 17, 2023
Most importantly, quarterback Josh Allen turned in a clean performance. Following four turnovers in Week 1, Allen did not turn the ball over. His efficiency was unreal, completing 31 of 37 passing attempts with a 124.5 passer rating. Allen has the third-shortest odds to win the MVP Award (+900) in NFL betting. The Bills are the clear second choice in the AFC to win Super Bowl 58.
3. Miami Dolphins (+1400) Climbing Super Bowl 58 Rankings
The Miami Dolphins continue to be the biggest riser in Super Bowl rankings. They made another statement in Week 2. It was on primetime TV and Miami defeated the New England Patriots 24-17.
The Fins were in control for the entire game after taking an early 10-0 lead. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who is the front-runner for MVP (+700), did not post eye-popping numbers. However, the run game stepped up with 145 yards on 4.8 yards per carry.
The offense proved it can be balanced. The defense held the Pats to three points through three quarters. Miami is the slight favorite to win the AFC East (+110).
4. Baltimore Ravens (+1200) Take Down Divisional Rival
The Baltimore Ravens are rising after a 27-24 win against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Ravens are 2-0 and are priced at even money to win the AFC North, per Las Vegas NFL odds. Baltimore’s Super Bowl odds could continue to drop in the upcoming weeks.
The offense showed off its improved passing game in Week 2. Quarterback Lamar Jackson was sharp with a 112.8 passer rating. The Ravens hit several explosive plays through the air, including Zay Flowers’ 52-yard catch. This is the improved offense that drew hype in the offense. The Ravens look like a potential contender in the AFC, even with several injuries.
The Lamar-Zay connection is just beginning 😈@Lj_era8 @ZayFlowers pic.twitter.com/CQK54UEGAI
— NFL (@NFL) September 18, 2023
5. Cincinnati Bengals (+1800) in Trouble?
The Cincinnati Bengals entered the season as one of the Super Bowl 58 favorites. However, the first two weeks of the 2023 season have been a nightmare. Cincinnati is 0-2 after losing 24-3 against the Cleveland Browns and 27-24 against the Ravens.
The Bengals’ offense has been underwhelming so far, especially through the air. It was nearly non-existent in the season opener and showed up too late against Baltimore. Cincinnati’s Super Bowl odds continue to rise.
Also, Joe Burrow is dealing with a calf injury and his availability for Week 3 is in question.
