NFC Super Bowl Rankings: Statement Wins by 49ers, Cowboys
The NFC enjoyed an excellent Week 1 full of statement wins. The San Francisco 49ers and Dallas Cowboys turned in the most dominant performances of the season-opening weekend. The Detroit Lions made a statement on the national stage against the Kansas City Chiefs.
The conference now has three of the sportsbook’s top five favorites to win Super Bowl 58. The NFC also boasts two teams with the shortest odds to hoist the Lombardi Trophy. After an offseason full of AFC hype, could the NFC produce the best contenders? Check out our NFC Super Bowl rankings ahead of NFL Week 2.
1. Eagles: +700 To Win Super Bowl 58
The Philadelphia Eagles did not have an overwhelming performance this week. After taking an early 16-0 lead, the Eagles scored only nine points in the final three quarters. Philadelphia escaped Foxborough with a 25-20 win.
The offense was underwhelming with only 251 yards. However, the defense still looks dominant. New pieces on the defensive line fit right in, like rookie defensive tackle Jalen Carter. The Eagles did not make a statement, but a win is a win. Philly remains the top dog of the conference.
2. 49ers: +700 To Win Super Bowl 58
The Eagles and 49ers have been listed as the top NFC contenders for most of the offseason. Following a 30-7 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers, San Francisco is looking to become the clear top team in the NFC.
The 49ers have already become the NFL odds’ co-favorite to win it all. The defense was as good as we remembered, allowing only 239 yards paired with two takeaways. The pass rush was a force with five sacks and nine QB hits. Edge rusher Drake Jackson was a menace with three sacks. With added support around Nick Bosa, San Francisco is poised for another great season.
3. Cowboys: +1000 To Win Super Bowl 58
The Cowboys attempted to one-up the 49ers’ defense on Sunday Night Football. Dallas may have done it. The 40-0 rout was the largest shutout win in franchise history.
The defensive line terrorized New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones all night. The Cowboys finished with seven sacks and 12 QB hits. The unit also forced three turnovers and had two touchdowns.
Micah Parsons pic.twitter.com/KxXMEoxm96
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) September 11, 2023
Dallas made its case for being the top defense in the league. Coach Mike McCarthy said he wanted the offense to game plan around the defense. I can understand that thought after watching this ridiculous performance. According to Las Vegas NFL odds, the Cowboys are tied with the Buffalo Bills with the fourth-shortest odds to win the Super Bowl.
4. Lions Justify +1600 Odds To Win Super Bowl 58
The Kansas City Chiefs were missing two key players on Thursday Night Football against the Detroit Lions. Many have put an asterisk next to the Lions’ 21-20 win. However, this victory should put the NFC on notice.
Beating Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid in Kansas City is no easy task. Detroit was still the underdog. Give the Lions their respect. The defense’s improvements were as clear as day. Edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson was a one-man wrecking crew and the secondary played well. The offense lacked efficiency, causing some concern. Following the statement win, Detroit will remain a popular pick in NFL betting.
5. Packers (+6000) a Value Longshot To Win Super Bowl 58
A team with +6000 odds to win the Super Bowl? How are the Green Bay Packers in the top five? Look, I know it’s bold. However, think about the other top-five candidates. This includes the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons. The Saints barely beat the Tennessee Titans (16-15), and the Falcons still lacked a passing game.
The Packers went into the Chicago Bears’ house and embarrassed them with a 38-20 win. After all of the Chicago offseason hype, Green Bay gave everyone a reality check. Most importantly, quarterback Jordan Love was exceptional with 245 passing yards and a 123.2 passer rating.
Salt in the wound: Here’s Jordan Love recognizing the #Bears Cover 3 drop, then looking Tremaine Edmunds off (and into Eddie Jackson’s zone) before picking up an easy 3rd down.
Giving a QB 3 seconds of pocket time’ll hurt any defense. Love makes 3s feel like forever too. pic.twitter.com/trLZgOpOeM
— Robert Schmitz (@robertkschmitz) September 12, 2023
According to NFL lines, Green Bay is now the second choice to win the NFC North (+250). The Packers are also +1800 to win the NFC, not far behind the Saints at +1400.
