NFL Futures: Just eight out of the past 47 Super Bowl champions have repeated for another title the following season with none repeating in the past decade and there is good reason in this current era why it is so difficult with free agency and the constant roster turnover of NFL teams. The Seattle Seahawks will now have the opportunity to step out and become one of those rare teams that win back-to-back titles. In a NFC West Division with the dangerous and hated arch rival San Francisco 49ers and in a NFC that includes the New Orleans Saints and Green Bay Packers, a repeat will be difficult, though not impossible. Seattle opened at BetDSI as a +525 choice to win the Super Bowl and at +320 to win the NFC championship. Seattle opened with an over under win total of 11 -114 over and -106 under.
More Upside
The Seahawks had the second youngest Super Bowl roster in history and have an elite defense that makes them a bona fide threat for a repeat run. Russell Wilson has emerged as a top-shelf quarterback that has in some ways revolutionized the position and expectations after taking over as a rookie starter in 2012. The “Legion of Boom” defensive secondary is among the most dominant in recent memory. RB Marshawn Lynch ran for over 1,200 yards last year and will be counted on through the transition of the offensive line being retooled. PK Steven Hauschka nailed 33 out of 35 field goals last year in an incredible performance at that position. Top draft pick Paul Richardson, a receiver from Colorado, will be given every opportunity to step into a regular role.
Handicapper’s Notebook
Seattle lost just two out of their last 17 games as a dog with five out of their last seven games as a pup going over the total. The Seahawks have paid out in 12 out of their last 18 games as a favorite with just six out of their last 19 games as a chalk going over the total.
Our Prognosis
Betting value often comes down to what happened in the past and the Seahawks status as defending Super Bowl champions and as a team that got the money in 11 out of 16 games in 2013 makes them a potential overlay for 2014.
