Super Bowl LXI long shots: teams that could be the next Seattle Seahawks

Long odds at the start of a season aren’t permanent. Teams that open as afterthoughts can climb into relevance quickly when health, personnel moves, and a few timely plays fall their way. After last year’s surprise runs and midseason turnarounds, bettors and fans alike are scanning the board for the next bargain Super Bowl ticket.

Below are three teams whose preseason Super Bowl odds at +6000 make them attractive long-shot candidates. Each profile lays out the catalysts that could lift them into contention and the warning signs that could keep them on the outside looking in.

Pittsburgh Steelers — A veteran defense, a fragile offense (+6000 Super Bowl odds)

The Steelers remain a defensive identity club built on toughness and discipline, even as parts of that unit show signs of wear. Coaching stability has long been a hallmark in Pittsburgh, but there’s an open question about whether the offense can consistently sustain drives and avoid the quick three-and-outs that put pressure on the defense.

What would change the narrative?

• Quarterback clarity: Finding a reliable starter in free agency or via draft/trade would be the single biggest upgrade. Consistent play under center converts defensive stops into wins.
• Health across the offensive line and skill positions — protection and playmaking matter more than any single schematic tweak.
• Turnover margin: a defense that creates turnovers while the offense protects the football can mask declining pass rush numbers.

Risks that keep them long shots

• Aging personnel on defense could lead to late-season drop-offs against younger, faster offenses.
• Prolonged quarterback instability — if problems persist at the position, the team’s ceiling collapses quickly.

Bottom line: Pittsburgh is one of those teams that can look like a contender if the offense improves quickly. For those shopping long-shot Super Bowl odds, they represent a classical “defense-first” bet that needs offensive upgrades to be realistic.

Washington Commanders — Can Jayden Daniels and health align for a deep run? (+6000)

Washington came within a step of the NFL’s final game last season before injuries and roster fatigue became decisive. The club still carries a veteran footprint, which brings both stability and the risk of attrition as the calendar advances.

Why the upside is real

• Jayden Daniels’ potential: A sophomore surge from the quarterback would flip Washington from a fringe team to a front-running offense. Daniels showed why he was highly touted as a rookie.
• Improved schedule: A softer slate can amplify early-season wins and generate momentum into the playoffs.
• Draft additions like Caleb Downs could shore up defensive holes and reduce the need to rely on veteran legs late in games.

What could derail them

• Injury recurrence. The roster’s age makes depth a concern if key pieces miss time.
• Dependence on a healthy connection between Daniels and his top targets — without that chemistry, offensive production falters.

Worth watching: If Daniels and Terry McLaurin stay on the field for a full season and the defense holds up, Washington could be a value play for bettors seeking upside without astronomical cost.

Indianapolis Colts — Early-season promise, but QB health is everything (+6000)

Last season the Colts flashed elite form in stretches, only to have the campaign overturned by a major quarterback injury. The team’s identity under its coaching staff showed flashes of coherence, giving reason to believe the strong start wasn’t a mirage.

Triggers that could turn optimism into reality

• Daniel Jones returning fully healthy and regaining pre-injury form would be an immediate boost to offensive efficiency.
• Shane Steichen’s system continuity — coaching consistency matters when young pieces need time to click.
• Anthony Richardson getting another extended opportunity could unlock the team’s highest upside if he stays on the field and cuts down on mistakes.

Why caution is warranted

• Quarterback availability and performance remain the largest single-point risk.
• Reliance on an inconsistent running game or turnover-prone passing attack can neutralize an otherwise solid defense.

Quick take: The Colts are the most conditional of the three: a healthy, effective QB leads to a possible run; continued uncertainty keeps them firmly priced as a long shot.

How to approach long-shot Super Bowl bets: practical angles for bettors and fans

• Monitor market movement early in training camp — injuries and surprise roster changes shift value quickly.
• Prioritize depth at quarterback and offensive line when evaluating long-shot teams; those are levers that rapidly change a season’s trajectory.
• Use in-season hedging strategies: a midseason surge is often the time to take partial profits or pivot to futures with better odds.
• Study schedule and travel demands: teams that avoid brutal back-to-back travel windows and have late-season home stretches often sustain playoff pushes more easily.

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John Davis

John Davis is a sports journalist focused on the NBA, NFL, and major global championships. With seven years of live coverage, he breaks down performances and key strategies. His expertise gives you a clear view of every game and its impact.