New England Patriots: Super Bowl XLV Odds Preseason And Now

January 5th, 2010- By Bryan Cross

The New England Patriots tabbed the best record in the NFL this season behind MVP candidate Tom Brady and one of the most potent offensive units in the game.  The method of the Patriots continues to work, despite losing wide receiver Randy Moss earlier this year the passing game and offense continued to thrive, not missing a beat.

The Patriots (14-2) won the AFC East this season by three games over the second place New York Jets. New England enters the NFL playoffs as the No.1 seed in the AFC, earning home-field advantage throughout.

Home field for the Patriots is a factor that could be a big advantage, as they did not drop a single game at home all season long.  In fact, New England enters the post-season on an eight-game win-streak, including outscoring their final two opponents by a total of 72-10.

Brady put together another Pro Bowl season, throwing for 3,900 yards and 36 touchdowns in leading the Patriots to the top seed.  He got help from his role players, some newcomers and some familiar faces joining to bring past the successes of the past.

Running back Danny Woodhead stormed onto the scene to rush for 547 yards and five touchdowns this season, while BenJarvous Green-Ellis led in the run-game with 1,008 yards and 13 touchdowns.  Former Patriot and Super Bowl MVP Deion Branch rejoined the team after Moss departed, catching 48 passes for 706 yards and five touchdowns, as he averaged nearly 15 yards per reception.

The Achilles heel for the Patriots throughout the season was the defense, who ranks 30th in the NFL against the pass.  Over the final two weeks however New England gave up only 10 points total, giving the unit confidence as they head into the post-season, earning a Bye through the Wildcard round.

Prior to the start of the season, the Patriots were among the contenders on NFL betting lines to win Super Bowl XLV.  Preseason Super Bowl XLV odds set New England at 12/1 to win it all.  Contrast that with their current odds on Bodog Sportsbook at 9/5 and the preseason bet looks like a smart wager.

The odds for the Patriots to claim the AFC and make it to Super Bowl XLV are 4/5, meaning oddsmakers have installed the team as a heavy favorite to do so.

New England will play the lowest remaining seed following the playing of the Wildcard round this upcoming weekend.

Super Bowl XLV Odds

Atlanta Falcons 6/1
Baltimore Ravens 14/1
Chicago Bears 12/1
Green Bay Packers 12/1
Indianapolis Colts 16/1
Kansas City Chiefs 40/1
New England Patriots 9/5
New Orleans Saints 10/1
New York Jets 20/1
Philadelphia Eagles 11/1
Pittsburgh Steelers 11/2
Seattle Seahawks 100/1