Sports · American Football · 2 hrs ago
Jaguars, Bengals and others emerge as Super Bowl sleeper contenders
Seven NFL teams outside the top six betting favorites are being considered Super Bowl sleepers after the first five weeks of the 2026 season.
The list includes the Jaguars, Bengals, Lions, Bears and Broncos, alongside two other teams.
The article sets aside the Rams, 49ers, Ravens, Bills, Chiefs and Seahawks, which it identifies as the leading favorites.
Detroit has a strong offense but a struggling defense, allowing 404.4 yards per game, the most in the league.
Chicago has shown offensive potential, but quarterback Caleb Williams has been injured and the defense has given up big performances.
Denver has produced both dramatic wins and weak offensive showings, making its prospects difficult to judge.
These teams need to show they can sustain strong play to establish themselves as serious challengers; the discussion is based on their early-season results and betting odds.
The Jacksonville Jaguars, Cincinnati Bengals and other teams are presented as possible Super Bowl 61 sleepers outside the top tier of favorites.
The analysis focuses on seven teams with DraftKings Sportsbook odds of at least +1200.
The Detroit Lions are listed at +2600, while the Chicago Bears and Denver Broncos are each listed at +2000.
The article says Detroit’s defense has allowed 404.4 total yards per game, raising doubts about the team’s ability to contend.
It says Chicago’s offense can be difficult to stop when healthy, but raises concerns about the Bears’ defense.
- Who
- The Jacksonville Jaguars, Cincinnati Bengals and other teams outside the top tier of favorites.
- What
- An analysis identifies possible Super Bowl 61 sleeper contenders and examines seven teams’ odds.
- When
- The article was published on October 13, 2026, after the first five weeks of the NFL season.
- Where
- The United States. The article discusses NFL teams and DraftKings Sportsbook odds.
- Why
- To identify teams outside the leading favorites that could make the playoffs and contend for the Super Bowl.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Denver defeated Jacksonville, according to the article.
Denver fell behind the Rams 16-0 at halftime, then scored 30 points in the second half to win.
CBS Sports published its analysis of possible Super Bowl 61 sleepers.
- Teams assessed
- Seven
- Detroit Lions odds
- +2600
- Chicago Bears odds
- +2000
- Denver Broncos odds
- +2000
- Detroit sacks
- 20, leading the NFL
- Detroit total yards allowed
- 404.4 per game
Sources
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