Back in preseason for the NFL 2025, the talk was all about the Ravens, the Eagles and the Lions. One animal pack that didn’t get much of a mention was the Seattle Seahawks, who delivered a franchise-busting campaign. Seattle secured a second Vincent Lombardi Trophy. Now, Super September is about to deliver a new story on the road to the SoFi in February 2027.
As the NFL advances technologically on the field of play with that brilliant stadium in California, there are also big changes in recent times for bettors. Constant in-game changes can affect sportsbooks, where fans can find NFL betting lines. But the odds are moving in one direction right now.
Super Bowl Rematch First Up
As fate would have it, there’s a Super Bowl rematch to start the season with the champions locking horns with the Patriots once again. It’s a chance for instant revenge for Mike Vrabel’s side, but the bigger picture is more interesting as fans scour the regular season fixture list.
Seattle won the hard way last season by defeating the 49ers, Rams and Patriots in the postseason. As holders, it’s not getting any easier as they face a difficult slate which consists of 10 games against former playoff contenders. The pressure ramps up in Week 4 when they start a stretch of four out of five games against 2025 playoff teams.
The NFC West was very competitive last season, with the Hawks, the 49ers, and the Rams totally dominant. It could be another Week 18 cliffhanger.
LA Rams Red Hot in Markets
The Rams are shaping up best in the markets, but the hard yards on the fixture list come at the back end after the Week 11 bye. The not-so-magnificent stretch of seven game-ending matches includes two against Seattle, a road trip to the 49ers and a clash with the Chiefs.
On the other hand, the vibe is good for Sean McVay’s troops as they top the preseason power list. GM Les Snead may have outdone himself with this particular roster. Now that two-time Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett has joined the ranks of one of the strongest flying NFL fortresses, the excitement is bubbling. Matthew Stafford is coming back to the table after an MVP-winning season.
The Rams won their last Super Bowl on their own patch, and the chance to do a double in five years in their own backyard is pure motivation.
Kansas Hanging on Reputation
The bubble burst in 2025 for a tired-looking Kansas City Chiefs team. Patrick Mahomes’ magic was not enough to get anywhere near the playoffs as the wheels came off in a big way. There’s an opening in 2026 for Kansas to get back on the money with four winnable starters against Denver, Indianapolis, Miami, and Las Vegas. Then things get tough. Will the dynasty come toppling down or is there a bounceback that can revive Travis Kelce and company? At least Kansas sit among the big six favorites in theory.
Baltimore Ravens Must Get Over Line
Baltimore is always there or thereabouts, with much talk about the Lamar Jackson roadshow at crucial moments. Ravens snatched defeat from the jaws of victory last season, but they have a chance to speed out of the traps before a tough mid-campaign test of their resilience. They will spend a lot of the time on the road upfront, but surely there isn’t going to be a repeat of the 1-5 nightmare start. Jesse Minter’s return to the staff might kickstart the Ravens’ bid to draw closer to that elusive title.
Indy Colts A Good Vibe Choice
Wildcards are always fun to choose, and the Indianapolis Colts came flying out of the AFC South blocks last season in the first two months to exceed expectations. Then Daniel Jones got injured, and the balloon deflated. If Indy can protect their star quarterback at all costs, then they could have a run at the playoffs, especially after Jonathan Taylor’s big contract extension.
The Cincinnati Bengals are a serious team when Joe Burrow is on a playing payday. An electric Ja’Marr Chase could be the double dose of dynamism that raises more eyebrows and stakes. This could be a make-or-break campaign for coach Zak Taylor. The time has arrived to go supersized and win the division.
Player performance, field position, and reading the signs from rosters and preseason are vital cogs in betting circles. Lose a quarterback like Burrow and the team bombs. Team chemistry is not to be underestimated. Look at Seattle. It’s one thing to say the side is together, but when they prove it, that is more powerful than a random scoreboard. Let the season wind up and go.