AFC Super Bowl Rankings: Ravens, Bengals Biggest Risers

Meanwhile, the Baltimore Ravens took care of business at home on Sunday and defeated a tough Seattle Seahawks squad. The Miami Dolphins were on the opposite end of the loss to the Chiefs, but they showed they can hang with the favorites. The Cincinnati Bengals owned the other impressive win in the AFC in Week 9, taking down Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills on Sunday Night Football.

I’m back with a breakdown of the latest 2024 Super Bowl odds and taking a closer look at which AFC teams might push Kansas City for the top spot in the AFC Super Bowl rankings. I’ll also provide a breakdown of the latest NFL betting lines for Super Bowl 58.

The AFC continues to be a tight race. We knew that would be the case before the season began, and that’s holding true as we are at the halfway point of the season. Every week, it seems there’s a top-five AFC team getting upset or having an impressive dominating performance that makes us believe there’s no one in the league that can beat them.

How do the top AFC contender’s NFL Super Bowl odds look heading into Week 10? Let’s look at the latest AFC Super Bowl contenders ahead of Week 10 and some Las Vegas NFL predictions.

1. Kansas City Chiefs (+500) Lead Super Bowl 58 Odds After Massive Win

(Last Week 1, +500)

Patrick Mahomes, and the Chiefs remain on top of the AFC Super rankings heading into Week 10. They improved to 7-2 on the season after their 21-14 win over the Miami Dolphins. One week after the Denver Broncos bullied them, the Chiefs were faced with the difficult task of traveling to Frankfurt, Germany, and taking on a very good Dolphins squad. The Chiefs were up for the challenge, but it was a close battle.

Reigning MVP, Mahomes completed 20 of 30 passes for just 185 yards and two touchdowns. Mahomes sits firmly in the driver’s seat for MVP with odds of +240, ahead of Jalen Hurts and Lamar Jackson. Travis Kelce struggled with just three catches for 14 yards despite the great matchup.

The Chiefs keep winning, but Kansas City was carried by its defense again. The Chiefs scored a defensive touchdown on a fumble recovery for 59 yards by safety Bryan Cook and that proved to be the difference in the first-ever NFL game in Frankfurt. The Chiefs stalled the Dolphins’ No. 1-ranked offense, holding Miami scoreless in the first half. They kept Tyreek Hill in check, holding him to eight catches for just 62 yards. It was the first game that Miami was held scoreless in the first half since Week 2 of the 2021 season.

The Chiefs have their defense to thank for its current standing at the top of our AFC Super Bowl rankings. The unit, led by defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, continues to impress. Compared to recent seasons, the Chiefs’ defense has been one of the best units in the entire NFL. They rank second in points allowed at just 15.9 points per game.

“That @Chiefs defense went up against the #1 rushing offense in the league and they silenced them for 2 quarters then put them to bed in the 2nd half… The story of the Chiefs season so far has been that the defense has led them and the offense has followed…” @PSchrags pic.twitter.com/IWjFsVaUgw

— Good Morning Football (@gmfb) November 6, 2023

The Chiefs have not lost back-to-back games since early in the 2021 season. The AFC Championship Game has been played at Arrowhead for a record five straight seasons, and this win over the Dolphins has me believing it will be six straight.

The Chiefs will have some bye-week blues in Week 10, but they will get some much-needed rest and time to prepare for their next opponent. The Chiefs return to the field in Week 11 and will host the Philadelphia Eagles in a Super Bowl rematch on Monday Night Football!

2. Baltimore Ravens (+850) Quietly Creeping Up to Win Super Bowl 58

(Last Week 3, +1100)

Don’t look now! The Baltimore Ravens are flat-out cooking as we hit the halfway point. They are winners of four straight, and two of those four wins were arguably the most impressive by any AFC team yet this season. The Ravens demolished the Detroit Lions, sandwiched a win on the road over the Arizona Cardinals, and crushed the Seattle Seahawks. Baltimore is leapfrogging up the Super Bowl 58 odds. Last week, they jumped by the Bills in the AFC Super Bowl rankings, and this week, they overtook the Dolphins.

A week after the Ravens’ offense surprisingly struggled against the Cardinals; they were given a jolt of lightning from their undrafted rookie running back from East Carolina. Keaton Mitchell who exploded for 138 yards and a touchdown. Lamar Jackson finished with 187 passing yards and 60 rushing yards.

Jackson has now completed at least 70% of his passes in seven of nine games this season and improved his personal record against NFC opponents to 18-1. Jackson is in the middle of the MVP conversation, trailing only Mahomes and Hurts with +500 odds.

The Ravens continue to be one of the best defensive units in the NFL. The defense has allowed just 10 touchdowns, the lowest in the NFL, and is allowing an NFL-low 13.8 points per game. Their 37-3 win in Week 9 over the Seahawks marked the fourth time this season they have held their opponent to nine or fewer points.

If the offense can match the production of their defense on a weekly basis, they will be trouble for any team they face in the playoffs. The Ravens are tied with the Chiefs with the best record in the AFC at 7-2. Baltimore is rightfully in the second spot in our AFC Super Bowl ranks as they have built a compelling case to be named the best team in the NFL right now.

Up next for the Ravens are tough back-to-back matchups. They will host their AFC North rivals, the Cleveland Browns, on Sunday, followed by the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 11 on Thursday night.

“It’s the best division, it’s proven.” pic.twitter.com/acpojQSG2z

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) November 6, 2023

Take A Look At These Other 2 Super Bowl Special Articles

• NFC Super Bowl Rankings: Eagles Solidify Standing at Top Spot for Bettors
• NFC Super Bowl Rankings: Eagles Fly To Top Spot

3. Cincinnati Bengals (+1100) Boost Odds for Super Bowl 58

(Last Week 5th, +1600)

The Bengals have been on fire over the last month. Cincinnati had the most impressive win of any team in Week 8 when they crushed the NFC favorite 49ers 31-17 and followed it up in Week 9, defeating the Bills 28-14.

Joe Burrow and the Bengals offense are clicking on all cylinders. Burrow completed 31 of 44 passes for a season-high 348 yards and two touchdowns against Buffalo. Burrow’s ability to maneuver in and out of the pocket was obvious on Sunday night. After suffering a calf strain in August, the quarterback’s mobility was hampered early on in the season, but he certainly passed the eye test in back-to-back weeks versus tough defenses. Tee Higgins was a culprit of the slow start, but after battling a rib injury over the last month, he looked healthy in Week 9, reeling in eight catches for a season-best 110 yards.

Tee Higgins: 8 receptions for 110 yards 🔥

Next up: #HOUvsCIN 11/12 on CBS pic.twitter.com/fCRvpUUtct

— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) November 6, 2023

The Bengals had a sluggish start to the season, going 1-3 through the first month. Their four straight wins have them right back in the thick of the AFC playoff picture and climbing up our AFC Super Bowl ranks. This was another statement win and rightfully earned the Bengals the bump up to the third spot in the rankings. The Bengals are 5-3 heading into Week 10, tied with the Browns and Steelers in the AFC North. The entire division is chasing the Ravens.

A few weeks ago, I said the matchups with the 49ers and Bills would likely define their season. It appears the Bengals are once again true AFC contenders. Up next for Cincinnati is a clash at home with the surprising 4-4 Houston Texans, followed by a battle in Baltimore against the Ravens on Thursday Night Football in Week 11.

4. Miami Dolphins (+1200) Dip Slightly to win Super Bowl 58

(Last Week 2, +1100)

The Miami Dolphins continue to stumble when they face tough opponents. Miami struggled against the defending NFC Champion Philadelphia Eagles in Week 7, and the Dolphins couldn’t get the job done in Week 9 against the defending AFC Champion Chiefs. The Dolphins’ odds for Super Bowl 58 have been hovering around +1000 ever since their incredible 70-point eruption against the Broncos all the way back in Week 3, but they have fallen behind the Ravens in our AFC Super Bowl rankings.

The Dolphins fell to 6-3 on the season after their offense couldn’t get anything going this past Sunday in Frankfurt. Tua Tagovailoa had a chance to lead a game-tying drive late in the fourth quarter but ultimately fumbled a snap on fourth down with 1:03 left on the clock. Tagovailoa finished 21 of 34 for a season-low 193 yards and one touchdown.

A wild snap on 4th down and the @Chiefs seal the game in Germany ‼️

📺: #MIAvsKC on NFL Network
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/d4RDZpceuE pic.twitter.com/XB5XpCxEck

— NFL (@NFL) November 5, 2023

Tagovailoa leads the NFL with 2,609 passing yards at the halfway point. He entered the week as a co-favorite with Mahomes in NFL MVP odds at +350, but following the loss, he has fallen to fourth in MVP odds.

Despite the poor performance, the Dolphins own the best offense in the NFL. Tyreek Hill is on a historic pace to have over 2,000 receiving yards in a season. Miami’s defense has been a concern, but All-Pro corner Jalen Ramsey is back in the lineup, and its pass rush is elite. The Dolphins will have more time to jell in the second half of the season, and if the defense plays consistently well, they will be able to make a deep run in the AFC playoffs.

The Dolphins have lost all three games they have played against winning teams this season. Their six wins have come against teams with a combined record of 12-30. Miami had an enormous opportunity to make a statement and plant their flag on top of the AFC rankings, but it came up short.

I’m beginning to believe this might be the story every time the Dolphins play a contender this season. The good news is that their next five games are against teams with a .500 record or worse. Up next for the Dolphins is some bye-week blues to lick their wounds, and they will host the 4-5 Las Vegas Raiders when they return to action in Week 11.

5. Buffalo Bills (+1600): Super Bowl 58 Odds Continue to Tumble

(Last Week 4, +1200)

The Buffalo Bills fell to 5-4 following their tough loss to the Bengals. At the halfway point, it’s difficult to pinpoint a team that’s been more inconsistent than Buffalo. The Bills have dominated some weeks and have been incredibly poor in others. After the loss to the Bengals, Buffalo head coach Sean McDermott said, “Too inconsistent overall. I thought we got off to a really good start in our rhythm. After that, it was tough sledding.”

McDermott was describing Sunday’s loss, but that quote has defined the Bills’ first half of the 2023 season.

A week after the Bills defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 24-18, they failed to string together back-to-back wins in over a month.

Josh Allen played well, completing 26 of 38 throws for 258 yards and one touchdown. His core of playmakers were slowed down by the Bengals defense, and they ultimately didn’t have enough successful drives in the game.

Josh Allen takes it in the end zone.

Opening drive TDs for both offenses!

📺: #BUFvsCIN on NBC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/T6GLEfxpQv pic.twitter.com/Ji3OIvjm6x

— NFL (@NFL) November 6, 2023

Allen was the early front-runner for NFL MVP, but he is now sixth in odds at +1400. The Bills have suffered multiple injuries to key defensive players that are proving costly. Matt Milano is known as one of the best linebackers in pass coverage. His absence was certainly felt on the defense as Bengals tight ends combined for 10 receptions, 101 yards, and 2two touchdowns. Buffalo brought in veteran corner Rasual Douglas at the trade deadline and will need that acquisition to succeed. Otherwise, the Bills will struggle the rest of the season, slowing down the NFL’s better offensive units.

Up next for the Bills: They return home and will host the Denver Broncos for Monday Night Football, followed by a significant AFC East rematch with the New York Jets in Week 11.

6. Jacksonville Jaguars (+1800)

(Last Week Tied 6, +2000)

Despite not playing in Week 9, the Jaguars saw their Super Bowl odds rise. I typically highlight the top five teams, but the Jaguars are lurking in the AFC South with a 6-2 record. The Jaguars are running away with that division and, before their bye, had another impressive win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on the road. Their Super Bowl odds improved slightly after the road victory, and they have quietly been one of the hottest teams in the NFL, winning five straight games.

The Jaguars have passed two difficult road tests in back-to-back weeks before their bye. They defeated the New Orleans Saints on the road in Week 7 in a 31-24 win and followed that up with a 20-10 win at Pittsburgh. Running back Travis Etienne continues to be one of the NFL’s breakout stars in 2023. He rushed for 79 yards and caught three passes for 70 yards and a touchdown through the raindrops. The defense leads the NFL in takeaways with 18 at the halfway point.

The Jaguars are 13-4 over their last 17 regular-season games. Jacksonville will be rested and eager to make a run in the AFC coming out of their bye week. They get a tough challenge right off the bat in Week 10 when they host a hungry San Francisco 49ers squad. Predicting the winner of that matchup will be one of the most difficult NFL picks this week, but if the Jaguars take down the 49ers, they will fly up the Super Bowl rankings.

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