The last month has been an exciting one in the world of the NFL. Even though the 2024 kickoff game is still over three months away, the gridiron has captured the headlines already and anticipation over the new campaign is reaching a fever pitch. The first reason for that was the recent draft, in which former USC standout Caleb Williams was drafted first overall by the Chicago Bears and a record-tying six quarterbacks were drafted in the top ten.
The second reason for the recent wave of excitement was the release of the 2024 schedule. The reigning champions the Chiefs will raise the curtain against the Baltimore Ravens at Arrowhead on September 5th in a repeat of last year’s AFC Championship game. Patrick Mahomes and Co. managed to win that particular contest, on enemy territory no less, and now Lamar Jackson will head to Missouri with revenge on his mind.
But with the new campaign rapidly approaching, who are the front runners for the Lombardi? Let’s find out.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs are heading into the new campaign as the reigning back-to-back champions and they are gunning to become the first team in history to complete the elusive three-peat. It’s safe to say that the bookies certainly fancy their chances.
Oddschecker compares all the best odds and bonuses from top bookmakers, such as a bet $5 get $150 promotion with FanDuel, and they have made the reigning champs the +650 joint favorites for the title. if you are unfamiliar with how bonus bets work, you can learn how to use a promo code on Oddschecker, but basically, that aforementioned $150 at odds of +650 could return a whopping $975 – not including the stake – should the Chiefs live up to the billing.
When discussing them, it’s impossible not to start with their explosive offense, orchestrated by none other than the mercurial Mahomes. Their main man under center has been nothing short of sensational since taking over as the starter five years ago, leading the team to four Super Bowls and winning three of them, including the last two on the spin. His ability to make plays both inside and outside the pocket, combined with his uncanny vision and arm strength, makes the Chiefs’ offense a nightmare for any defense.
Head Coach Andy Reid remains one of the sharpest minds in football. His innovative play-calling and ability to adapt to various game situations has kept the Chiefs at the top of the NFL hierarchy. If he can complete the three-peat, he may well go down as the greatest head coach of all time.
San Francisco 49ers
The team that the Chiefs beat for their most recent championship was of course the San Francisco 49ers. They headed to Allegiant Stadium for Super Bowl LVIII as the favorites for glory but were ultimately pipped to the crown by Mahomes deep into overtime. This year, the 49ers will be on the hunt for redemption and they too are considered a +650 joint favorite. But to gain this redemption, they will need to do something that no other team without a certain Tom Brady has ever done. Reach a second straight Super Bowl after losing the last.
The NorCal side boasts one of the most formidable defenses in the league. Anchored by defensive end Nick Bosa, the pass rush is relentless, putting constant pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The linebacker corps, led by Fred Warner, adds versatility and speed, making it difficult for offenses to exploit weaknesses.
Offensively, the Levi’s stadium outfit’s strength lies in their versatility. Under the guidance of Head Coach Kyle Shanahan, San Francisco utilizes a diverse array of formations and plays to keep defenses guessing. Quarterback Brock Purdy has matured into a dependable leader, capable of executing Shanahan’s complex schemes efficiently, while running back Christian McCaffrey is arguably the finest in the entire league. Will they manage to put last year’s heartache behind them to go all the way? Or will the pressure be too much to handle?
