If you believe the betting odds and predictions in the media, the domination of the Kansas City Chiefs – and the San Francisco 49ers, to a lesser extent – will continue at Super Bowl LIX in February.
The Chiefs have won three of the last five NFL Championship games, while losing in 2021 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The 49ers, meanwhile, lost the big game in 2020 and 2024, and will be desperate to go one better at Super Bowl LIX.
So they are the most obvious plays to prevail at football’s showpiece occasion, but what about the dark horses and sleeper picks who could outperform expectations considerably in 2024-25?
Here’s a trio of contenders for that position…
Miami Dolphins
When considering ‘dark horse’ options, one playbook is to look for an elite roster that has, until now, generally underperformed – hoping this will be the year that they pop.
The Miami Dolphins fit the bill perfectly: Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Tua Tagovailoa, Raheem Mostert… the core of their roster is outstanding.
Their playoff performances have left a little to be desired in recent years; edged by the Bills in 2023, the Dolphins were handsomely defeated by the Chiefs in 2024. But head coach Mike McDaniel has appeared at two Super Bowls in other coaching positions, so he has experienced what it takes to make it to the big game.
Available at odds of +2500 with sportsbooks in North America, the Dolphins have that appeal as a dark horse with the potential to go all the way. Many Canadian operators offer a sports betting bonus of 100% or more on bettors’ first deposit, so backing the Dolphins – and earning a stash of bet credits to use during the NFL season – is a strategy with legs.
AFC East is tough, but the Dolphins have a fine regular season record in seasons past. Getting over the hump in the postseason is the next item on the agenda, but there’s no doubt that they have the talent to power their way to Super Bowl LIX.
Season approaching as fast as @cheetah 🐆🔟 pic.twitter.com/5aCFHTJ3Yt
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) August 29, 2024
Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta didn’t even make it to the playoffs in 2023, but they’ve done what all franchises aim to do in the offseason: bolster their weakest department.
So in come Matthew Judon and Justin Simmons, two tried-and-tested defensive stalwarts that will simply make the Falcons so much more difficult to beat.
That’s welcome, because there are few question marks about the offensive personnel at Raheem Morris’ disposal. Of course, much will depend on the form and fitness of Kirk Cousins – the quarterback recruit is coming back from an achilles injury that wrecked his 2023 campaign.
But if Cousins connects with Bijan Robinson, Kyle Pitts and co, the Falcons can match stellar offensive play with a much stouter defense in 2024.
Cleveland Browns
The Browns’ 2023 campaign ended in humiliation when they were thrashed by the Texans in their AFC Wild Card game.
But such experiences can be character forming, and besides Cleveland did well to even reach the playoffs, given the freakish injury hex that saw them use five different quarterbacks during the regular season.
a dot in the end zone 😤@deshaunwatson x @JeromeFord pic.twitter.com/Z6czkuQOxC
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) August 15, 2024
Assuming Deshaun Watson enjoys a better time of things in 2024, the Browns will have a premium quarterback throwing to a high-class offensive unit, while Myles Garrett is an exceptional leader of the defensive ranks.
It’s a leap of faith, as most dark horse picks are, but the Browns have the basic ingredients for a tasty run to the Super Bowl this term.
