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After another wild weekend of NFL playoff action, only four teams remain in the race for the Super Bowl.
With the conference championship games coming up this weekend, we decided to give you an updated look at the remaining playoff teams and their chances of winning the Super Bowl.
Super Bowl 2018 Early Odds And Projections
New England Patriots (Even)
As defending champions, the New England Patriots were favored to win the Super Bowl going into the season, and with their current odds, remain the favorites to win it all this year.
The Patriots kicked off their title defense with an impressive win over the Tennessee Titans, who couldn’t pull off another comeback after doing so against the Kansas City Chiefs the previous week.
Tom Brady proved once again why he is considered the greatest quarterback in the NFL, completing 35 of 53 attempts for 337 yards and three touchdowns.
The Patriots defense also came up big and shut down the Titans offense for most of the game. With the Patriots playing so well on both sides of the ball, it will be hard to bet against them not going to the Super Bowl.
Assuming New England is one of the two teams that play in the big game, they’ll have an edge over whichever team comes out of the NFC Championship game.
Eagles or Vikings, the Patriots will be prepared for either, Bill Belichick will make sure of it.
But, let's not get ahead of next weekend's task of winning the conference title.
Wait, New England also happens to know something about that as well.
It’s not easy to have the experience of going up against two other opponents, with arguably similar characteristics than the Jaguars, and still come out with a championship title. The Patriots did it in 2015 against the Seahawks and the, of course, last year versus the Falcons.
Jacksonville Jaguars (+650)
Not too many people predicted the Jaguars would still be playing this late into the season, but here they are.
The Jaguars made it this far thanks to their dominating defense, which is led by Jalen Ramsey and A.J. Bouye.
Their running game has also been very good this year, which has led to less pressure on quarterback Blake Bortles to try and do everything himself.
Rookie running back Leonard Fournette has given the Jacksonville Jaguars an incredible wedge to open the way for wins through a relentless ground game.
After watching the Jaguars defeat the Pittsburgh Steelers at home for the second time this season, the Jaguars might be the best betting option because they are capable of defeating the Patriots if they can keep the pressure on Tom Brady.
If the adage that “defense wins championships” holds true, then the Jaguars have a shot at winning the game. That is if they stay true to what the defense has accomplished this season.
But, get ready this week to witness a good battle that could turn into a classic; can the Jaguars topple the mighty Patriots? We’re going to find out soon.
If the Jaguars defeat the Patriots this weekend, it will be difficult to bet against them winning the Super Bowl regardless of which team comes out of the NFC.
If it’s the Vikings, they’ll face a team playing the first Super Bowl in history at home but details, details.
If it’s the Eagles, they’ll face another team that’s not getting much credit from the oddsmakers, so it's anybody's ballgame.
Which would be a better matchup for the Jaguars? Take a pick, I just think the Jaguars will be heading home after this weekend.
Minnesota Vikings (+220)
The Vikings are very fortunate to still be playing after a missed tackle by Marcus Williams cost the Saints a chance to advance to the NFC Championship Game.
Regardless of how they got there, the Vikings are in the championship game but will have to travel to Philadelphia to advance to the Super Bowl.
Like the Jaguars, the Vikings defense is one of the best in the NFL, and they will need to be at their best to defeat the Eagles at home on Sunday.
Despite their win over New Orleans, the Vikings offense was inconsistent during the game, making it hard to see them advancing to the Super Bowl.
Case Keenum played well, in fact, completing 62 percent of his passes, picking up 318 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. But the running game stalled and only picked up 95 yards on 29 carries.
Looking ahead to the NFC Conference Title game, it’ll be crucial for the Vikings to establish a consistent running game. It will allow Keenum to stay in the pocket and keep the chains moving with a balanced attack.
Most people are expecting the Vikings to pass through, in fact, being the favorites to win the game by 3 points at sportsbooks everywhere. If they pass through, it would be the first time in history that a team will play a Super Bowl in their home stadium.
You can’t really help getting excited about this happening, now can you.
Philadelphia Eagles (+650)
Like the Jaguars, the Eagles aren’t getting a lot of respect from the oddsmakers and will go into the NFC Championship game as underdogs in their own stadium.
Even though the Eagles will still be without quarterback Carson Wentz, Nick Foles proved he is capable of leading the offense and will need to do it again to get his team into the Super Bowl.
The Eagles defense didn’t get as much love as Jacksonville and Minnesota’s defense did during the season, but they were still the third best in terms of points allowed, which makes them very dangerous, and also a great value pick to win the Super Bowl.
Before Philadelphia even looks ahead to the Super Bowl, however, they have to defeat the Vikings in the NFC title game. The Eagles will have to play one heck of a game against a tough team.
Nick Foles will once more be tested by one of the two best defenses left and he’ll need to execute against a group of fearsome linebackers and defenders.
If the Eagles can’t get anything going on offense, they’re going to have to rely on the defense surging once more.
What are your thoughts on these Super Bowl 2018 early odds?
