Detroit Lions are 30 to 1 Odds to Win Superbowl Next Year

The Lions finished the season with 11 wins, would likely have won the first round playoff game if not for the refs screwing them over, and somehow have the same odds of winning the Superbowl as they had at the beginning of last season. Now that's hard to imagine.

What this shows me is, the Las Vegas bookies are human. One year they are coming off of a 7 win season, have new coaches, new schemes, and new playbooks to learn. And they had the same odds of winning the Superbowl as they do coming off of 11 wins, a playoff birth, and a year under their belts with the new coaches, schemes, and playbooks. I guess those bookies bought into the "Win Now" hype tossed at us last year huh?

Some believe it is a lack of respect that they did not climb in the odds. I for one am glad of it. Because when the fellas at work go to Vegas next time, and I have them place $20 on the Lions, it could turn into $600 a year from now. I know, I know, it is crazy to think the Lions will win the Superbowl next year right? But in the grand scheme of things, how much will I miss the $20 anyway, but if that miracle should come through? I sure can use the $600 extra. In fact, every year I try to bet $10 or $20 on the Lions, just in case that Cinderella season happens. But in all honesty, this could end up being the year.

Let's play pretend for a moment here.  Let us pretend that Ndamukong Suh stays in Detroit without them using the Franchise tag on the best DT in the NFL. They sign Suh to a multi-year deal and bring back Mathis for another year. Virtually, they will be keeping all of their important starting players. If that happens, they will be going forward with little chance of getting worse and every bit of talent they add will only improve them. If the offensive line can stay healthy next year, they will already be a much improved team on that side of the ball. Add one or two free agents and a decent draft? This team has become much better than they were last season.  And let's face a simple fact. If they have the same defense, and the offense even becomes decent? This team can make some noise.

There is a very high probability that you will be extremely hard pressed to find another team with 30 to 1 odds or worse odds that has a better chance of winning. But the first step is signing Suh. If they sign him, they go into Free Agency looking to get better. If they lose him, they go into free agency looking to get back to where they were. Personally, I want to get better.

Within the next couple weeks, we should know what is happening with Ndamukong Suh. From there, we can take closer looks at what their next steps should be. But until then, I like the odds giving me a higher payout.